The Thelen Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Thelen Family Foundation is a private foundation in Bay City, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $25,674 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $5,000. 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$25,674
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$5,000
- Assets$579,628
- New grantees53%
Giving in 2025 was up from $25,000 the year before.
53% 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 | $28,000 | 16 | $529,752 |
| 2024 | $25,000 | 12 | $537,909 |
| 2025 | $25,674 | 15 | $579,628 |
How to apply
The Thelen 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Thelen Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 15 | $25,674 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Camp Fish Tales | To enhance charitable activities | $5,000 |
| Midland Street Merchants Association | To enhance charitable activities | $2,500 |
| Good Sumaritan Rescue Mission of Bay City | To enhance charitable activities | $2,059 |
| All Saints Central High School | To enhance learning activities | $2,000 |
| Bangor Central Elementary School | To enhance learning activities | $2,000 |
| Corpus Christi Parish | To enhance charitable activities | $2,000 |
| New Beginnings Christian Church | To enhance charitable activities | $2,000 |
| Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church | To enhance charitable activities | $2,000 |
| Resurrection of the Lord Parish | To enhance charitable activities | $1,500 |
| St Stanislaus Church | To enhance charitable activities | $1,500 |
| ARC of Bay County | To enhance charitable activities | $1,000 |
| Bay-Arenac ISD | To enhance charitable activities | $615 |
| Essexville-Hampton Public Schools | To enhance learning activities | $500 |
| McGuire PTO | To enhance charitable activities | $500 |
| Pullen Elementary School | To enhance learning activities | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Joseph T Thelen
- Michael S Thelen
- Patrick D Thelen
Questions people ask
Does The Thelen Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Thelen Family Foundation give?
$25,674 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs The Thelen Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Joseph T Thelen (Trustee), Michael S Thelen (Trustee) and Patrick D Thelen (Trustee).
What does The Thelen Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities and education.