Simon And Mary Vanderkooy Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, primarily focusing on food assistance, homeless services, and community development. It provides funding to organizations that offer essential services to vulnerable populations, including food banks and shelters. The foundation's mission reflects a commitment to enhancing the well-being of individuals and families in need, with a significant emphasis on faith-based initiatives. While its funding is concentrated in Michigan, it also supports organizations in South Dakota and New York.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-medium local nonprofits in Michigan providing human services, homeless or food assistance, or faith-based community services that align with recurring operating-support grants.
Good Fit
- • Located in Grand Rapids or elsewhere in Michigan where the foundation concentrates support.
- • Provides operating support to vulnerable populations (food banks, shelters, basic human services).
- • Has an existing relationship or introduction via a local intermediary or previous grantee.
- • Seeks modest grants in the $10K–$30K range, often for operating needs.
Geography
Giving is heavily concentrated in Michigan (about 82% of dollars) even though a few out-of-state grants appear; the observed footprint is effectively local to the foundation's state.
Recipient Variety
The latest year funded 16 distinct recipients and the portfolio includes a range of independent local charities (food banks, shelters, faith-based groups and a community foundation), with many recurring grantees across years.
New Applicants
The foundation states it funds only preselected applicants and behavior shows very few new entrants (two in the latest year) with most grantees recurring, so unfamiliar applicants are unlikely to enter the portfolio without introductions.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
