Simmons Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of charitable activities. Its mission focuses on enhancing community welfare through grants that primarily support educational initiatives, youth development, human services, and religious organizations. The foundation demonstrates a commitment to addressing food insecurity and promoting animal welfare, as evidenced by its funding to food banks and humane societies. It primarily serves organizations in Michigan, while also extending support to entities in other states, including Texas and Georgia.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small local or regional nonprofits (especially in Michigan) offering education, youth development, faith-based, community service, or animal welfare programs that seek modest program or activity support and have an existing relationship or referral to the foundation.
Good Fit
- • Organization is based in or serves Michigan or the same regional communities the foundation funds.
- • Asks for modest program or activity support in the $250–$12,500 range.
- • Work aligns with education, youth development, churches, community services, or animal welfare.
- • Has an existing relationship, referral, or prior contact with the foundation leadership.
Geography
Grants are concentrated in the foundation's home state but the latest year shows recipients in four states; roughly 55% of dollars stayed in-state, indicating a regional/state-level focus rather than purely local or national reach.
Recipient Variety
The latest year funded 19 distinct, apparently independent recipients across education, faith-based groups, youth organizations, universities, and animal welfare; many recipients are recurring but the portfolio is still institutionally diverse for a micro private foundation.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows a few new grantees each year, so entry is possible, but the foundation explicitly states it selects grantees and requires preselection; that pattern suggests selective, relationship-driven access rather than an open public competition.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
