Besser Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Besser Foundation is a private foundation in Alpena, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $768,227 in 17 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $260,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$768,227
- Number of grants17
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$260,000
- Assets$18.7 million
- New grantees50%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.2 million the year before.
50% 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 | $906,056 | 20 | $16.4 million |
| 2024 | $1.2 million | 16 | $17.4 million |
| 2025 | $768,227 | 17 | $18.7 million |
How to apply
Besser Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Besser Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 17 | $768,227 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Besser Museum | Operating expenses | $260,000 |
| All Saints Catholic Church | Capital improvements | $75,000 |
| Child & Family Services | Operating | $50,000 |
| Hope Shores Alliance | Dv victim shelter renovation | $50,000 |
| City of Alpena | Northeast mi materials mgmt | $50,000 |
| Pace Northeast Michigan | General | $50,000 |
| Alpena Public Schools | Excellence in education | $41,697 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Alpena | Operating | $40,000 |
| Friends of Alpena Courts | General | $25,000 |
| Friends of Hubbard Lake Comm Center | Community center improvements | $25,000 |
| Alpena Public Schools | Mini-grants | $20,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Alpena | Club bigs program | $20,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Alpena | Volunteen program | $15,000 |
| Child Advocacy Center | Operations | $15,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity | General | $14,030 |
| Thunder Bay Arts Council | Operations | $12,500 |
| Friends of Harrisville Depot | Construction | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Chris McCoy
- Gary Dawley
- James C Park
- Patricia Gardner
- Ann Burton
- Kimberly Park
- Pete Wilson
Questions people ask
Does Besser Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Besser Foundation give?
$768,227 in tax year 2025, across 17 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs Besser Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Chris McCoy (Trustee), Gary Dawley (Manager), James C Park (President) and Patricia Gardner (Trustee) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does Besser Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, youth programs and housing and homelessness.