John and Melissa Besse Foundation
Accepts applications
John and Melissa Besse Foundation is a private foundation in Wells, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $356,850 in 31 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $110,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$356,850
- Number of grants31
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$110,000
- Assets$13.5 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2025 was down from $527,738 the year before.
32% 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 | $332,470 | 10 | $10.8 million |
| 2024 | $527,738 | 25 | $11.9 million |
| 2025 | $356,850 | 31 | $13.5 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Gregory Besse PO Box 250, Wells, MI 49894 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (906) 553-7435 |
| What to submit | Requests must be submitted in writing |
| Restrictions | Limited to the geographic area of the upper peninsula of Michigan and the state of Wisconsin. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What John and Melissa Besse Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 31 | $356,850 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Tech FD | Ford center sawmill | $110,000 |
| Trees for Tomorrow | Educational | $56,500 |
| Marquette City Band | Band shell donation | $45,000 |
| Gladstone Public Safety Department | Aireal drone donation | $13,200 |
| Pregnancy Services of Delta County | Charitable support | $13,000 |
| Bay Cliff Health Camp | Charitable support | $10,000 |
| Community Foundation of Delta County | Charitable support | $10,000 |
| Lakeview Cemetery | Operations and improvements | $8,000 |
| Baraga County Community Foundation | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Bay College Foundation | Operations | $5,000 |
| Bonifas Fine Art Center | Building improvements | $5,000 |
| Community Foundation of Marquette County | Operating endowment fund | $5,000 |
| Delta County Cancer Alliance | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Escanaba Township | Equipment for fire department | $5,000 |
| Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp | Charitable support - camp | $5,000 |
| Holy Name Catholic School | Endowment fund | $5,000 |
| Lakestate Industries | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Northern Michigan University Foundation | Scholarship fund | $5,000 |
| St Vincent Depaul of Gladstone | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| St Vincent Depaul of Escanaba | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Tri-County Safe Harbor | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Up State Fair Authority | Military museum operations | $5,000 |
| United Way of Delta County | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| YMCA Northern Lights of Delta County | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Youth Empowering Services | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Redeemer Lutheran Church | Donation | $3,000 |
| Gladstone Rapid River Kiwanis | Charitable support | $1,000 |
| Gladstone Schools | Robotics team & senior party donation | $800 |
| Community Thanksgiving of Delta County | Donation | $500 |
| Michigamme - Spurr | July 4th donation | $500 |
| Rotary Club of Escanaba | Charitable support | $350 |
Officers and trustees
- Gregory Besse
- Cain Besse
- Raymond Delmont
Questions people ask
Does John and Melissa Besse Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does John and Melissa Besse Foundation give?
$356,850 in tax year 2025, across 31 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs John and Melissa Besse Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Gregory Besse (President / Board Member), Cain Besse (Secretary / Board Member) and Raymond Delmont (Treasurer / Board Member).
What does John and Melissa Besse Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, community development and youth programs.