The Carls Foundation
The Carls Foundation is a private foundation based in Bloomfield Hills, MI focused on children’s welfare and preservation of natural areas. Public IRS filings (Form 990-PF) list the foundation’s website as carlsfdn.org and provide the same Bloomfield Hills address and contact information. The foundation publishes grant listings and guidance indicating it makes capital and program grants and has no formal application form.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Michigan-based nonprofit working on children’s health and welfare, land conservation, food security, or capital projects with clear project budgets and tax-exempt status.
Good Fit
- • Proposes capital or program projects serving Michigan communities (especially children or land preservation).
- • Has formal tax-exempt status and can provide financial statements and a project budget.
- • Seeks mid-to-large sized grants (tens to hundreds of thousands) or capital campaign support.
- • Can demonstrate local impact and readiness to begin or complete a capital project.
- • Can submit materials requested in the foundation’s guidance (CEO-signed cover letter, budget, org history).
Geography
Observed grantmaking is highly concentrated in Michigan, with about 99% of dollars and nearly all grants directed in-state and only token out-of-state awards.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 62 distinct recipients across conservation, child welfare, health, and food-security organizations; two-year history shows a similarly broad recipient pool with many new grantees.
New Applicants
Direct evidence supports newcomer access: the foundation publishes request guidance and contact routes, and a majority of 2023 recipients (42 of 62) were new, indicating unfamiliar applicants can and do enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
