Herbert I & Elsa B Michael Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a wide range of charitable causes, with a strong emphasis on education, community services, and health initiatives. Its mission includes providing assistance to vulnerable populations, such as low-income families, youth, and individuals facing homelessness or mental health challenges. The foundation funds various programs, including scholarships, youth development initiatives, food assistance, and legal aid services. While it primarily serves the state of Utah, its commitment to addressing local community needs reflects a broader focus on improving quality of life and promoting social equity.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Utah-based small or mid-sized nonprofit delivering direct services (food assistance, homelessness services, youth development, legal aid, or related community programs) seeking modest grants for a clearly described purpose.
Good Fit
- • Organization serves residents of Utah.
- • Request is for program-specific support with a clear, written purpose.
- • Request size aligns with past grants (~$1K–$25K, median ~ $5K).
- • Applicant provides concise documentation of impact and budget.
- • Work aligns with common past areas: food banks, homeless services, youth programs, legal aid, or community health.
Geography
Observed active grantmaking in 2021 was concentrated almost entirely in Utah despite the foundation being organized in Oregon, indicating a narrow, local geographic footprint in practice.
Recipient Variety
In the most recent active year the foundation funded a large and diverse set of recipients (85 grants to 84 distinct organizations across many service areas), showing high variety in the recipient set for that year.
New Applicants
Direct turnover evidence across years is limited because 2022 shows no grants, but the 2021 pattern of many distinct grantees plus a publicly listed written submission route suggests unfamiliar applicants could plausibly enter the portfolio, though the funder also appears relationship- and trustee-managed.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
