The Lawrence and Sylvia Wong Foundation
Accepts applications
The Lawrence and Sylvia Wong Foundation is a private foundation in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $185,000 in 29 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $18,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$185,000
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$18,000
- Assets$3.3 million
- New grantees14%
Giving in 2025 was up from $162,000 the year before.
14% 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 | $144,500 | 24 | $2.8 million |
| 2024 | $162,000 | 25 | $3.1 million |
| 2025 | $185,000 | 29 | $3.3 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Co James Vanderroest 834 King Highway Ste 110, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (269) 344-9236 |
| What to submit | No specific application required at this time. |
| Deadlines | All submissions must be filed between june 1 and september 30. |
| Restrictions | Foundation is devoted to supporting organizations which benefit southwestern Michigan children including visual and performing arts; as well as education about and preservation of endangered species of plants and animals; for medical research for the understanding of sjogren's syndrome and related diseases and their treatment; and the conservation of areas of significant bio-diversity. |
What The Lawrence and Sylvia Wong Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 25 | $169,000 |
| Indiana | 2 | $14,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $1,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Western Michigan University Foundat | General operationg | $18,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor | General operating | $16,000 |
| Read and Write Kalamazoo | General operating | $15,000 |
| Carnegie Center for Arts (Oper) | General operating | $12,000 |
| Open Doors | General operating | $12,000 |
| Girsl Scouts Heart of Michigan | Arts programming | $11,000 |
| Food Bank of South Central Michigan | General operating | $10,000 |
| Kalamazoo Public Library | General operating | $10,000 |
| Crescendo Music Academy | General operating | $8,000 |
| Fox Music Center | Charitable | $6,000 |
| Kalamazoo Institute of Arts | Summer art camp scholarships | $6,000 |
| Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation | General operating | $6,000 |
| Aacorn Community | General operations | $5,000 |
| Curious Kids Musuem | General operations | $5,000 |
| Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes | General operations | $5,000 |
| Kalamazoo Nature Center | Youth outreach | $5,000 |
| Michigan Crossroads Council Boy Scouts of America | General operating | $5,000 |
| St Joeseph County United Way | Parks and recreation | $5,000 |
| SW Michigan Land Conservancy | General operating | $4,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy | Michigan chapter | $4,000 |
| University of Michigan | Matthai botanical garden | $3,000 |
| Wvgu Public Media | General operations | $3,000 |
| Carnegie Center for Arts (Program) | Music program | $2,000 |
| Kalamazoo Valley Museum | General operating | $2,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy | Great lakes project | $2,000 |
| Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve | Youth education | $1,500 |
| YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo | General operating | $1,500 |
| Bat Conservation International | General operating | $1,000 |
| Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation | General operating | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Michael Wong
- Annette Wong
- James Vanderroest
Questions people ask
Does The Lawrence and Sylvia Wong Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: All submissions must be filed between june 1 and september 30.
How much does The Lawrence and Sylvia Wong Foundation give?
$185,000 in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Lawrence and Sylvia Wong Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Michael Wong (President/Tr), Annette Wong (Vice Preside) and James Vanderroest (Secretary).
What does The Lawrence and Sylvia Wong Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and arts and culture.