John Stites Jazz Artist
Accepts applications
John Stites Jazz Artist is a private foundation in Marshall, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $198,170 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $6,725 and the largest $80,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$198,170
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$6,725
- Largest grant$80,000
- Assets$1.4 million
- New grantees50%
Giving in 2025 was down from $265,253 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 | $184,219 | 16 | $1.6 million |
| 2024 | $265,253 | 17 | $1.4 million |
| 2025 | $198,170 | 15 | $1.4 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Johnstitesjazzawardsorg 343 N Marshall Ave, Marshall, MI 49068 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (269) 967-2347 |
| What to submit | Applicants apply through a 3rd party website. A committee consisting of 3 professional musicians (none of them on the board), scores the applications. The scores are then provided to the board who then decides how many awards to give each cycle. Applicants can apply for grants in the amount of 5,000 - 25,000. There is a pre-established payment schedule (installment payments) in the contract that the award winners sign. There are 2 other types of award given: (1) discretionary award - includes a formal process for submitting a request for such an award (which must be submitted on behalf of the applicant by a board member) and the board votes on whether to not to approve the awards. These awards are much smaller (maximum of 3,000). (2) contract award - a contribution generally awarded to a nationally known nonprofit 501(c)(3). |
| Deadlines | There are 2 awards cycles each year. The first award cycle is due february 15 and the second is due |
| Restrictions | Awards are for artists and musicians that focus on jazz music. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What John Stites Jazz Artist funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 7 | $145,684 |
| New York | 3 | $22,637 |
| Illinois | 2 | $15,171 |
| Louisiana | 1 | $6,000 |
| Utah | 1 | $5,513 |
| Alaska | 1 | $3,165 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Gilmore | Jazz concerts | $80,000 |
| Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy Coalti | Jazz concert series | $25,000 |
| Western Michigan University | Jazz concert series | $21,127 |
| Individual | Jazz compensation & arranging studie | $10,171 |
| Individual | Study of woodwing doubling in jazz | $8,416 |
| Individual | Studies in composing a jazz saxophon | $8,072 |
| Individual | Study of community influence on jazz | $7,496 |
| Individual | Jazz compensation & improvisation st | $6,725 |
| Keegan Marshall-House | Herbie nichols research project | $6,000 |
| Individual | Jazz bass development studies | $5,513 |
| Individual | Study of se asian influencees | $5,000 |
| Jazz Education Network | Jazz educators' conference | $5,000 |
| Michigan Festival of Sacred Music | Jazz concert | $5,000 |
| Individual | Study of jazz imprvisation technique | $3,165 |
| Individual | Brazilian drumming studies | $1,485 |
Officers and trustees
- F William McCarty
- Sandra Schaefer
- Scott Cowan
- Douglas Decker
- Kenyon Morgan
Questions people ask
Does John Stites Jazz Artist accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: There are 2 awards cycles each year. The first award cycle is due february 15 and the second is due.
How much does John Stites Jazz Artist give?
$198,170 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $6,725.
Who runs John Stites Jazz Artist?
Its 2025 filing lists F William McCarty (President), Sandra Schaefer (Secretary/Tr), Scott Cowan (Director) and Douglas Decker (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does John Stites Jazz Artist fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.