Searles Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Searles Family Foundation is a private foundation in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $117,000 in 14 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $60,000. 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$117,000
- Number of grants14
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$60,000
- Assets$1.4 million
- New grantees21%
Giving in 2025 was up from $55,000 the year before.
21% 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 | $55,000 | 17 | $1.2 million |
| 2024 | $55,000 | 13 | $1.3 million |
| 2025 | $117,000 | 14 | $1.4 million |
How to apply
Searles 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.
What Searles Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 3 | $76,000 |
| New Hampshire | 4 | $26,000 |
| Maine | 1 | $5,000 |
| Ohio | 4 | $4,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $4,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Clark Lake Spirits Foundation | General fund | $60,000 |
| Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation | General fund | $14,000 |
| Lake Winnipesaukee Association | General fund | $10,000 |
| New Hampshire Boat Museum | General fund | $10,000 |
| Hyde Schools | General fund | $5,000 |
| Loon Preservation Committee | General fund | $5,000 |
| Abaco Strong | General fund | $4,000 |
| Barn Sanctuary | General fund | $2,000 |
| The Home for Little Wanderers Inc | General fund | $2,000 |
| Dartmouth College | General fund | $1,000 |
| Library Legacy Foundation | General fund | $1,000 |
| Toledo Museum of Art | General fund | $1,000 |
| Toledo Symphony | General fund | $1,000 |
| Toledo Zoo | General fund | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- William D Searles
- Richard G Lavalley Jr
Questions people ask
Does Searles Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Searles Family Foundation give?
$117,000 in tax year 2025, across 14 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs Searles Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists William D Searles (President & Trustee) and Richard G Lavalley Jr (Secretary/Treasurer & Trus).
What does Searles Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and education.