John M & Gertrude E Petersen Foundation
Accepts applications
John M & Gertrude E Petersen Foundation is a private foundation in Erie, Pennsylvania. In tax year 2025 it gave $960,940 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $425,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$960,940
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$425,000
- Assets$21.1 million
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.1 million the year before.
27% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $810,442 | 16 | $20.3 million |
| 2024 | $1.1 million | 14 | $19.1 million |
| 2025 | $960,940 | 15 | $21.1 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Richard C Petersen 4765 Kodiak Drive, Traverse City, MI 49685 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (989) 600-2098, rzp0cm124@gmail.com |
| What to submit | Request for funding application the following attachments should be included with the funding application: copy of IRS determination letter regarding your agency's tax exempt status; roster of current board of directors, to include addresses, phone numbers and occupations; audited financial statements, if applicable. |
What John M & Gertrude E Petersen Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 15 | $960,940 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mercy Center for Women | Capital project | $425,000 |
| Africa 6000 | Capital project | $205,440 |
| Sight Center Nwpa | General support | $100,000 |
| Harborcreek Youth Services | Capital project | $80,000 |
| Community Country Day School | Scholarships | $45,500 |
| Child Development Centers | Capital project | $25,000 |
| Girl Scouts of Western Pa | General support | $20,000 |
| Family House | Capital project | $15,000 |
| Erie City Mission | General support | $10,000 |
| United Way of Erie County | General support | $10,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Erie Inc | General support | $5,000 |
| Emmaus Ministries Inc | General support | $5,000 |
| Inner City Neighborhood Art House | General support | $5,000 |
| Saint Paul's Neighborhood Free Clinic | General support | $5,000 |
| Salvation Army | General support | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Joan Chalikian
- Michael P Thomas
- Richard C Petersen Jr
- Patricia A Rickloff
Questions people ask
Does John M & Gertrude E Petersen Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does John M & Gertrude E Petersen Foundation give?
$960,940 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs John M & Gertrude E Petersen Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Joan Chalikian (President), Michael P Thomas (Secretary), Richard C Petersen Jr (Executive Di) and Patricia A Rickloff (Director).
What does John M & Gertrude E Petersen Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, faith communities and human services.