Coming Soon
Announcing an expanded endowment
The Foundation is entering a new chapter, with significantly increased annual giving to organizations across Michigan and the region.
A Private Family Foundation · Michigan
Giving good people the boost they need to succeed.
We provide grants to nonprofit organizations doing the hard work of helping people get ahead — not for a lifetime of support, but for the kicker that gets them over the top.
Our Story
Built to help others get ahead
The Daniel Foundation was established by David W. Daniel and Edith M. Daniel, who wanted their money to do one thing: help people who, for one reason or another, just need a boost to get over the top.
The intent behind the Foundation
David and Edith Daniel had a deep interest in helping people get ahead — whether they caught a bad break, a veteran working through the weight of PTSD, a single mother facing an unplanned pregnancy, or anyone working to climb out of a hard spot. They believed a well-placed gift, given at the right moment, can change the course of a life. We carry that conviction forward.
20+ Years of giving
01
A hand up, not a handout
We fund the work that helps people become self-sufficient. Our goal is for someone to stand on their own — not to depend on us, or anyone, for the rest of their life.
02
Behind the little guy
The big organizations do wonderful work, and we're glad to help them. But our heart is with the smaller nonprofit that can't afford huge mailings yet delivers real results.
03
No bureaucracy, no hassle
We won't bureaucratize this thing to death. Fill out a short form and get an answer — that's it. Want to present in person or over Zoom? You're welcome to, but it's completely optional.
Grants
What we fund — and who we fund
We give to organizations, not individuals. If your nonprofit helps people better themselves, we want to hear from you.
Ways we can give
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Single & recurring gifts
Cash grants generally ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 — and larger when the year and the circumstances allow.
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Matching gifts
We're glad to match up to a set amount — for example, the first $25,000 toward a $50,000 piece of equipment — to help you get a project over the top.
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Special projects
We get behind specific, meaningful projects. We're less inclined to fund general operating costs on their own.
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Stable, consistent schedule
Funds are reviewed quarterly (roughly March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1), so you always know when to apply. When timing is critical, we can move quickly.
Eligibility at a glance
- ✓ Registered nonprofit organizations
- ✓ Mission-driven organizations that prioritize social impact
- ✓ Work that helps people become self-sufficient — jobs, education, housing, veterans, single mothers, and more
- ✓ Small and mid-sized organizations especially welcome
- × Arts organizations are not our focus
- × We're more hesitant to fund organizations primarily supported by tax dollars, though you're still welcome to apply
$5K–$100K+ Typical grant range
4× Funding cycles a year
20+ Years of giving
$500K+ Granted to date*
*Cumulative giving since the Foundation's founding. With a growing endowment, our annual giving is increasing significantly.
The Process
How to apply
Our process is straightforward, and we aim to give you an answer fairly quickly.
1
Submit your application
Tell us about your organization, what you'd use the funds for, how much you're seeking, and your timeline. The form is below.
2
Board review
Your application is reviewed by the board and typically assigned to an individual board member who gets to know your request.
3
Follow-up questions
We may come back with a few questions. For larger or more complex grants, a visit to your organization may be in order.
4
A decision
We make a decision — which may be a single gift, a recurring gift, or a matching gift. When timing is critical, we move as quickly as we can.
What to have ready: Last year's financials, a 50,000-foot view of your organization and what you do, the amount you're requesting and how it would be used, whether it's a special project or general operations, your timeframe, and a contact for follow-up questions.
Grant Application Apply for a grant
Complete the form below and our board will review your request. Fields marked * are required.
News & Announcements
From the Foundation
Occasional updates on our giving, deadlines, and the work our grantees are doing.
