The Michelson Foundation
Accepts applications
The Michelson Foundation is a private foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona. In tax year 2025 it gave $961,473 in 8 grants; the typical grant was $40,000 and the largest $453,140. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$961,473
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$40,000
- Largest grant$453,140
- Assets$68.1 million
- New grantees75%
Giving in 2025 was up from $371,667 the year before.
75% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $725,266 | 18 | $32.9 million |
| 2024 | $371,667 | 8 | $47.3 million |
| 2025 | $961,473 | 8 | $68.1 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Susan P Doell 155 Bovet Road Suite 770, San Mateo, CA 94402 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (650) 653-2406 |
| What to submit | Applications should be made as a formal written request |
What The Michelson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Tennessee.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 1 | $453,140 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $333,333 |
| California | 2 | $60,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $50,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $30,000 |
| New York | 1 | $25,000 |
| Hawaii | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University Blair Community Scholars Pr | Unrestricted | $453,140 |
| The Better Angels Society Inc | Unrestricted | $333,333 |
| Child Mind Institute Inc | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Book Book Go | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Eagles Autism Foundation | Unrestricted | $30,000 |
| Teach for America | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Kukio Ho'omana Fund | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Libertas College Preparatory | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Michael W Michelson
- Susan P Doell
- Kate M Goldkamp
- Laura E Michelson Sievers
Questions people ask
Does The Michelson Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The Michelson Foundation give?
$961,473 in tax year 2025, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $40,000.
Who runs The Michelson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Michael W Michelson (Director and Chairmen), Susan P Doell (Secretary and Treasurer), Kate M Goldkamp (Director) and Laura E Michelson Sievers (Director).
What does The Michelson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.