Thompson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Thompson Foundation is a private foundation in Plymouth, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $3.6 million in 5 grants; the typical grant was $278,127 and the largest $2.1 million. 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$3.6 million
- Number of grants5
- Typical grant$278,127
- Largest grant$2.1 million
- Assets$1.2 million
- New grantees0%
Giving in 2025 was down from $6.4 million the year before.
0% 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 | $2.7 million | 6 | $5.5 million |
| 2024 | $6.4 million | 6 | $1.2 million |
| 2025 | $3.6 million | 5 | $1.2 million |
How to apply
Thompson 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 Thompson Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 5 | $3.6 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Tech Fund | Thompson working families scholarship program | $2.1 million |
| Grand Valley State University | Thompson working families scholarship program | $1.0 million |
| Saginaw Valley State University Foundation | Thompson working families scholarship program | $278,127 |
| Thompson Schools Foundation | Charter school support | $100,000 |
| Grand Valley State University | Thompson foundation uprep award | $15,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ellen Anne Thompson
- Mark A Murray
- Joseph A Aristeo
- Brian J Cooney
- Cathy N Kunkel
- Vincent J Deangelis
- Kevin Brender
- Robert M Thompson
- John G Cleary
- Curt Little
Questions people ask
Does Thompson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Thompson Foundation give?
$3.6 million in tax year 2025, across 5 grants, with a typical grant of $278,127.
Who runs Thompson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ellen Anne Thompson (Member/Trustee), Mark A Murray (Trustee), Joseph A Aristeo (Trustee - Part Year) and Brian J Cooney (Trustee) among 10 officers and trustees.
What does Thompson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and human services.