The R.E. Olds Foundation offers grant funding to nonprofit organizations that serve the Greater Lansing, Michigan area. As a family foundation, it is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the region through support for community-based education initiatives, youth and family services, animal welfare, and environmental issues. Grants are awarded solely to nonprofit organizations, not individuals, and are focused on supporting specific programs rather than general operations or capital campaigns.
Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that primarily operate within Greater Lansing. To be considered, the proposed project must align with at least one of the Foundation’s focus areas: education programs centered on youth and families, initiatives improving animal welfare, or efforts addressing environmental challenges. The Foundation prefers to fund programmatic activities that offer measurable community benefits and support its goal of fostering a healthier, more inclusive local environment.
The Foundation operates on a quarterly application cycle. The next four application deadlines in 2025 are February 28, May 30, August 29, and November 28. Funding decisions are made approximately two weeks after each deadline. Grantees are notified of awards following review dates on March 14, June 13, September 12, and December 12, respectively.
In recent years, the Foundation has supported a wide variety of organizations addressing local needs—from crisis support for youth and families to vocational training in trades for young people. It has demonstrated a consistent track record of impactful, community-focused philanthropy guided by local priorities and strong relationships with grantee organizations.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the Foundation’s website to confirm eligibility and alignment with funding goals. For more information or to submit an inquiry, applicants may contact the Foundation by email at reoldsfoundation@gmail.com or call Diana Tarpoff at (517) 402-1009 or Debbie Stephens at (614) 361-9694. Mail-in correspondence can be sent to P.O. Box 4900, East Lansing, MI 48826-4900.
