The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation is a private foundation in Birmingham, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $556,820 in 18 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $110,000. 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$556,820
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$110,000
- Assets$8.6 million
- New grantees6%
Giving in 2025 was up from $301,706 the year before.
6% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $453,670 | 21 | $7.7 million |
| 2024 | $301,706 | 20 | $8.4 million |
| 2025 | $556,820 | 18 | $8.6 million |
How to apply
The Karen & Drew Peslar 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 The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 18 | $556,820 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Symphony Orchestra | For programming | $110,000 |
| Angel's Place | For assistance to developmentally challenged adult programs | $110,000 |
| Detroit Institute of Arts | For programming | $100,000 |
| Detroit Zoological Society | For programming | $55,000 |
| Loyola High School | For educational programming | $54,320 |
| Cranbrook Institute of Science | For educational programming | $20,000 |
| Michigan Humane Society | For animal shelter programs and support | $15,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy Michigan Chapter | For assistance with environmental issues | $15,000 |
| Forgotten Harvest | For assistance to needy families | $10,000 |
| Beds 4 Kids | For assistance to needy families | $10,000 |
| Gleaners Community Food Bank | For assistance to needy families | $10,000 |
| Motor City Lyric Opera | For programming | $10,000 |
| Pope Francis Center | For assistance to homeless individuals | $10,000 |
| Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan | For assistance to needy families | $7,500 |
| The Pewabic Society | For educational programming | $5,000 |
| Kids on the Go | For youth therapy programming | $5,000 |
| Mercy Education Project | For educational programming | $5,000 |
| University of Michigan | For educational programming | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Drew Peslar
- Karen Peslar
- Samantha Durakovic
- Virginia Webster-Smith
Questions people ask
Does The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation give?
$556,820 in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Drew Peslar (Chairman), Karen Peslar (Director/Treasurer), Samantha Durakovic (Director/Secretary) and Virginia Webster-Smith (President/Executive Direct).
What does The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and animals.