Degroot Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Degroot Family Foundation is a private foundation in Watervliet, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $531,810 in 17 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $100,000. 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$531,810
- Number of grants17
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$15.5 million
- New grantees25%
Giving in 2025 was down from $562,795 the year before.
25% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $581,450 | 19 | $13.2 million |
| 2024 | $562,795 | 19 | $14.0 million |
| 2025 | $531,810 | 17 | $15.5 million |
How to apply
Degroot Family 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Degroot Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 16 | $511,450 |
| Washington | 1 | $20,360 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Covenant House Michigan | Emergency shelter and housing for detroit and grand rapids youth | $100,000 |
| Cornerstone Alliance | Ongoing economic development | $75,000 |
| Prevention Works Inc | Thrive kalamazoo: building resilience through prevention program | $75,000 |
| Tri County Council for Child Development | Expansion of high quality early childhood education in berrien county | $52,500 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan | Workforce development framework project | $50,000 |
| KC Ready 4'S | High quality pre-k experiences for 3-4 year olds in kalamazoo county | $50,000 |
| YMCA of Greater Michiana | Capital campaign | $25,000 |
| Vashon Schools Foundation | Support critical school staff positions, enrichment programs and vital social-emotional learning | $20,360 |
| Feeding America West Michigan | Mobile food pantry in berrien county | $20,000 |
| SPCA SW Michigan | Operational support | $20,000 |
| Birth Right of St Joseph | General operating support including some to defray partial costs towards building improvements | $15,000 |
| United Way of Southwest Michigan | Dolly parton's imagination library | $15,000 |
| Berrien Community Foundation | Backpacks for good | $6,000 |
| Good Fellow Fund | Local christmas drive for families in need | $5,000 |
| Bridgman Foundation for Educational Excellence | Education | $1,600 |
| YMCA of Greater Michiana | Youth basketball league | $850 |
| Corewell Health Foundation of Southwest Michigan | Mental health gala | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Shirley Leith
- Eric M Leith
- Jessica M Claus
Questions people ask
Does Degroot Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Degroot Family Foundation give?
$531,810 in tax year 2025, across 17 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs Degroot Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Shirley Leith (President/Treasurer), Eric M Leith (Vice President/Director of) and Jessica M Claus (Secretary).
What does Degroot Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and community development.