Nickless Family Charitable Foundation
Accepts applications
Nickless Family Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Saginaw, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $666,876 in 29 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $100,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$666,876
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$13.7 million
- New grantees62%
Giving in 2025 was up from $641,290 the year before.
62% 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 | $616,063 | 29 | $12.6 million |
| 2024 | $641,290 | 32 | $12.9 million |
| 2025 | $666,876 | 29 | $13.7 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Jack Kidwell 1004 N Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (989) 921-0010, jack.kidwell@tristartrust.com |
| What to submit | Innovation award applications are available on the website at www.ahninnovationaward.com no format for grant requests, but application should show 501(c)(3) status |
| Restrictions | The a.h. Nickless innovation award competition is open to high school students ages 13 to 18 in bay, midland, saginaw and tuscola counties in Michigan. Other grants are awarded primarily to those charitable entities located in the bay region of Michigan and the areas where the directors reside. |
What Nickless Family Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 22 | $480,876 |
| Nevada | 3 | $60,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $40,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $25,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $15,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Can Council | Building renovations in bay city | $100,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region | Capital campaign for bay city kitchen upgrades | $50,000 |
| Munson Healthcare Foundation | Cardiac ultrasound echocardiography | $50,000 |
| Childrens Cabinet Inc | Food distributions | $40,000 |
| Underground Railroad Inc | Emergency shelter kitchen & playground upgrades | $40,000 |
| YWCA Evanstonnorthshore | Donor engagement & event management | $40,000 |
| Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy | Innovation awards/scholarships | $38,000 |
| Can Council | Project of hope school initiative | $30,000 |
| Foster Families Navigation and Resource Center | Back to school backpack program | $30,000 |
| Bay City Central High School | Pbis- $7,000; 6 aoa tables - $10,000; community partnership field trips & student work - $5,000; food distribution at christmas - $7,876 | $29,876 |
| Endex | Expansion & advice of ptsd research | $25,000 |
| Bay Area Community Foundation | Bay city school teachers | $20,000 |
| Tri-County Community Adjucation Program | New playground & family area | $20,000 |
| Food Bank of Northern Nevada | Hinger solutions in reno | $15,000 |
| Women of Qual Creek | Scholarship for women | $15,000 |
| Bay Area Community Foundation | Micavle field in bay city at defoe park | $12,500 |
| John Glenn High School | Innovation awards/scholarships | $11,000 |
| Mustard Seed Shelter | Mustard seed endowment - year one | $10,000 |
| Tri-Star Charitable Foundation | Children's health, safety and wellness | $10,000 |
| University of Michigan | Innovation awards/scholarships | $8,500 |
| Eddys House | Housing solutions for children & teens | $5,000 |
| Madonna University | Innovation awards/scholarships | $5,000 |
| U of M Office of Financial Aid | Innovation awards/scholarships | $5,000 |
| Freeland High School | Innovation awards/scholarships | $3,000 |
| Delta College Office of Financial Aid | Innovation awards/scholarships | $2,500 |
| Northwestern Michigan College Cashier's Office | Innovation awards/scholarships | $2,500 |
| Herbert Henry Dow High School | Innovation awards/scholarships | $2,000 |
| Midland High School | Innovation awards/scholarships | $1,000 |
| Individual | Innovation awards/scholarships | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Judith N Graham
- Joan N Tankersley
- Janet N Royce
- Stephen Tankersley
- Tri-Star Trust Bank
- Peter Tankersley
- Christine Graham
- Abbie Graham-Durkin
Questions people ask
Does Nickless Family Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does Nickless Family Charitable Foundation give?
$666,876 in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Nickless Family Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Judith N Graham (Secretary), Joan N Tankersley (Vice President), Janet N Royce (President) and Stephen Tankersley (Treasurer) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does Nickless Family Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and food and hunger.