The Marzke Family Foundation
The Marzke Family Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of community-focused initiatives. Its mission encompasses a broad range of charitable activities, including education, health, youth development, and animal welfare. The foundation provides funding to local organizations, such as schools, food banks, and community centers, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in its service area. The foundation primarily serves the Greater St. Joseph and Benton Harbor area, demonstrating a strong focus on local community needs.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small local nonprofit or community organization based in the Greater St. Joseph / Benton Harbor, MI area seeking modest program or general operating support for community, education, youth, food-security, senior, or animal-welfare activities.
Good Fit
- • Located in Greater St. Joseph / Benton Harbor, Michigan.
- • Asking for modest grants (roughly a few hundred to a few thousand dollars).
- • Request is for general operating or small program support aligned with local community needs.
- • Established local presence or prior community service history.
- • Willingness to apply by mail and provide concise use-of-funds information.
Geography
Observed giving is overwhelmingly in Michigan (about 98% of dollars) and the foundation states a restriction to the Greater St. Joseph / Benton Harbor area, so the footprint is locally concentrated despite a few out-of-state entries.
Recipient Variety
The latest year funded 36 distinct recipients across multiple sectors and this pattern is consistent across three years, showing a broad set of independent local grantees even though many are repeat recipients.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows the funder adds new recipients each year (about 6 in 2023 and 8 in 2024) and a public application route is documented (rolling, mail-based with a named contact), so unfamiliar local applicants appear plausibly able to enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
