Michigan Foundation for Vision Awareness
Accepts applications
Michigan Foundation for Vision Awareness is a private foundation in Big Rapids, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $124,516 in 8 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $28,291. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$124,516
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$28,291
- Assets$2.5 million
- New grantees43%
Giving in 2025 was down from $212,549 the year before.
43% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,500 | 3 | $4.7 million |
| 2022 | $233,198 | 10 | $3.8 million |
| 2023 | $201,575 | 9 | $4.0 million |
| 2024 | $212,549 | 10 | $2.4 million |
| 2025 | $124,516 | 8 | $2.5 million |
How to apply
| Contact | The Organization 19320 Golfview Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (573) 281-8969 |
| What to submit | Grant applications must be submitted via application available at www.themvfa.org. |
| Deadlines | Scholarships - may 1; grants - march 1 and september 1. |
| Restrictions | Grants and scholarships are awarded only for the furtherance of the organization's charitable purpose and support Michigan education or awareness. No awards are given for payment of lodging, meals, or salaries. Awards after june 2022 will only be paid to section 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing for the current fiscal year. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Michigan Foundation for Vision Awareness funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 8 | $124,516 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Eye Care for Detroit | Grant for mobile equipment | $28,291 |
| Exalta Health | Exam lane equipment | $20,929 |
| Ud Mercy School of Optometry | Research | $20,000 |
| Dr Gary Burnstein Clinic | Exam lane equipment | $15,000 |
| Ferris State University | Scholarships | $15,000 |
| Michigan College of Optometry - Svosh | Svosh mission needs | $14,330 |
| Ferris State University | Dry eye research grant | $10,715 |
| Michigan College of Optometry | Grant for bad news workshop | $251 |
Officers and trustees
- Cynthia Geneva
- Micah Taylor
- Elise Chambers
- Julia Holmes
- Julie McMullen
- Brice Edmonds
- Sarah Sharrard-Boughton
- Sulman Hans
Questions people ask
Does Michigan Foundation for Vision Awareness accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Scholarships - may 1; grants - march 1 and september 1.
How much does Michigan Foundation for Vision Awareness give?
$124,516 in tax year 2025, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Michigan Foundation for Vision Awareness?
Its 2025 filing lists Cynthia Geneva (President), Micah Taylor (Treasurer), Elise Chambers (Grants - Co-Trustee) and Julia Holmes (Trustee - Scholarships) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does Michigan Foundation for Vision Awareness fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and science and research.