The Lebel Family Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, primarily focusing on animal welfare and health-related initiatives. Its mission emphasizes the importance of spaying and neutering programs for cats and dogs, as well as providing resources to humane societies and animal shelters. The foundation also supports cancer research organizations, reflecting a commitment to health and community service. Through its funding, it serves a range of recipients, including local animal welfare organizations and health charities, with a notable concentration on initiatives in Michigan.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small, local nonprofits (especially animal welfare groups) seeking modest project support or specific purchases, typically in the Muskegon/Michigan area.
Good Fit
- • Requests for modest one-time grants (generally under $5,000).
- • Clear animal-welfare focus such as spay/neuter programs or shelter equipment.
- • Established presence or partnerships in Muskegon County / Michigan.
- • Specific, tangible project budgets (equipment, traps, medical services).
- • An existing relationship or introduction from a local intermediary or grantee.
Geography
Giving is concentrated in the foundation's home state (about 73% of 2023 dollars) but grants have also gone to two other states in 2023, so the footprint is primarily local with limited out-of-state awards.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows ten distinct recipients across animal welfare, health/cancer charities and a library, with seven new grantees in 2023; this indicates a moderate spread of independent recipients rather than a single-beneficiary pattern.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of turnover exists—70% of 2023 grantees were new—but the funder states it only funds preselected applicants and provides no public application route, so new entrants have been funded historically but access appears to rely on invitation or relationships rather than an open call.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
