Bur Oak Foundation
The Bur Oak Foundation (established 2019) is an independent, non-partisan educational foundation supporting intellectual life at the University of Michigan through reading groups, seminars, lectures and other university programs. The website includes About, University Programs, People, Donate and Contact pages.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Mid‑sized nonprofits or university programs aligned with the foundation’s past priorities (conservation projects, regional Great Salt Lake work, university seminars/lectures, and opportunistic/expendable funds) seeking grants in the mid‑four‑ to low‑six‑figure range.
Good Fit
- • Project or program matches past themes such as conservation, water/Great Salt Lake work, or university intellectual programs.
- • Work or partner presence in Utah (where over half of dollars were concentrated) or in the other states previously funded.
- • Request size consistent with observed grants (many awards in the $10K–$150K range).
- • An existing relationship, trustee introduction, or endorsement from a past grantee.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year went to organizations in six states, but over half of dollars were concentrated in Utah, indicating multi‑state reach with a strong regional concentration.
Recipient Variety
In 2024 the foundation funded 23 distinct recipients and added 14 new grantees that year; across three years it supported multiple independent organizations rather than a single beneficiary.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows many new grantees in 2024 (14 new recipients), so newcomers have been funded, but the public materials and default policy indicate grants are typically awarded to preselected or invited applicants rather than through an open application process.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
