The Northern Lights Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Northern Lights Family Foundation is a private foundation in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $230,000 in 21 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $25,000. 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$230,000
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$5.1 million
- New grantees85%
Giving in 2025 was up from $169,000 the year before.
85% 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 | $205,000 | 24 | $4.4 million |
| 2024 | $169,000 | 19 | $4.7 million |
| 2025 | $230,000 | 21 | $5.1 million |
How to apply
The Northern Lights 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 The Northern Lights Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 7 | $80,000 |
| California | 3 | $40,000 |
| Washington | 3 | $30,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $29,000 |
| Texas | 2 | $11,000 |
| Alaska | 1 | $10,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $10,000 |
| New Mexico | 1 | $10,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Leelanu Conservancy | Environment | $25,000 |
| California Community Foundation | Human services | $20,000 |
| World Central Kitchen | Human services | $19,000 |
| American Red Cross la Region | Health | $10,000 |
| California Fire Foundation | Environment | $10,000 |
| Planned Parenthood | Health | $10,000 |
| Friends in Deed | Human services | $10,000 |
| World Central Kitchen | Human services | $10,000 |
| Hopi Foundationkuyi Radio | Education & arts | $10,000 |
| Skagit Valley Foundation | Human services | $10,000 |
| West Michigan Community Help Network | Civic engagement | $10,000 |
| Cet Public Media Connect | Education & arts | $10,000 |
| Kexp | Education & arts | $10,000 |
| Marfa Public Radio KRTS | Education & arts | $10,000 |
| Kdna Org | Education & arts | $10,000 |
| Wnmu Public Radio | Education & arts | $10,000 |
| KRWG Public Media | Education & arts | $10,000 |
| Ap Radio Orgksdp | Education & arts | $10,000 |
| Hope Clinic - Ypsilanti | Health | $10,000 |
| Ann Arbor Community Foundation | Human services | $5,000 |
| The Afiya Center | Human rights | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Michael J O'Donnell
- Jan L Garfinkle
- Keely O'Donnell
- Devin O'Donnell
- Brienne O'Donnell
Questions people ask
Does The Northern Lights Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Northern Lights Family Foundation give?
$230,000 in tax year 2025, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Northern Lights Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Michael J O'Donnell (President), Jan L Garfinkle (Treasurer/Secretary), Keely O'Donnell (Director) and Devin O'Donnell (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Northern Lights Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, arts and culture and education.