Freedom Of Spirit Fund

Open & Accessible
Private Foundation
DETROIT, MichiganSmallEIN: 842153286
Education NonprofitsCultural Heritage NonprofitsHealth CharitiesCommunity Centers

The site freedomofspiritfund.org is the foundation's official website and describes the Freedom of Spirit Fund, a US private charitable foundation funded by the Fetzer Global Trust. The site lists leadership (Robert F. Lehman, Jay A. Fishman, John B. Lehman, Eric J. Fishman), a Troy, MI address, and contact email [email protected].

Source: Website · Mar 2026

Ideal Applicant

Established charities (especially Michigan-based) with capacity for multi‑tens- or hundreds-of-thousands-dollar general operating grants, especially in education, cultural heritage, or health.

Good Fit

  • Located in Michigan or demonstrably serving Michigan communities.
  • Organizational size and fiscal capacity to absorb large unrestricted or general operating grants.
  • Work that aligns with education, cultural heritage, or health institutions.
  • Existing institutional profile (university, museum, clinic) or board-level connections.

Geography

Restrictive

Giving is heavily Michigan‑focused (about 85% of 2024 dollars went to Michigan) though grants touched four states in the latest year, indicating a mainly in‑state footprint.

Recipient Variety

Moderate

Six distinct recipients were funded in the latest year and the fund has supported multiple different organizations across three years, but one large grant accounted for a large single share of dollars in 2024.

New Applicants

Moderate

Direct evidence shows many new recipients in 2024 (five new grantees), but the foundation publicly states it funds preselected organizations, suggesting entry is possible but likely relationship- or invitation-driven rather than open solicitation.

Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026