The R.E. Olds Foundation Grant

The R.E. Olds Foundation is a private philanthropic organization committed to enhancing the quality of life in the Greater Lansing, Michigan region. With a strategic focus on community uplift, the foundation directs its grantmaking towards community-based educational programs, youth and family initiatives, animal welfare, and environmental concerns. By prioritizing initiatives that directly impact local communities, the foundation exemplifies its longstanding dedication to supporting meaningful change at the grassroots level. Grants are offered exclusively to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve the Greater Lansing area. The foundation explicitly does not fund individuals, capital or endowment projects, college scholarships, religious organizations, or requests focused on salaries and benefits. Instead, programmatic support is emphasized, ensuring that awarded funds directly benefit the specified community projects and populations. The typical grant amount awarded by the foundation is up to $10,000. Applicants are required to submit a detailed budget using the foundation's official template as part of their application. Each organization may apply only once per year, reinforcing the importance of careful preparation and alignment with the foundation’s priorities. The grant application must also include a project description, use-of-funds plan, evaluation strategy, and documentation of tax-exempt status. The foundation has a quarterly grant cycle with specific application deadlines and review periods: February 28 (Q1), May 30 (Q2), August 29 (Q3), and November 28 (Q4). Applications are reviewed within two weeks of each deadline, with award announcements following shortly thereafter. While there are no pre-application steps such as a letter of intent, applications must be complete and thorough to be considered. Organizations can reach out to the foundation via email at reoldsfoundation@gmail.com or contact either Diana Tarpoff at (517) 402-1009 or Debbie Stephens at (614) 361-9694 for inquiries. All applications must be submitted through the online form available on the foundation’s website, and must include the required supporting documents such as the IRS determination letter and budget file. This grant opportunity is recurring on a quarterly basis, allowing prospective applicants to plan ahead. Given its predictable schedule, the next anticipated cycle will open in February 2026, with internal planning best initiated by January 2026. The R.E. Olds Foundation’s transparent and focused approach provides local nonprofits with valuable support for impactful, mission-driven programming.

Ensure project aligns with one of the foundation’s four priority areas and clearly demonstrates community impact.