Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation supports education, science, arts and culture and community life in Michigan.
IP TAKE: Programs that benefit children and the elderly are of particular interest to this family foundation, as well as programs that help people develop self-sufficiency. This funder accepts applications via its online portal.
PROFILE: Established in 1936, the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation is a private foundation based in Midland, Michigan. Grace Dow created this foundation in memory of her husband, Herbert, who is credited with 107 inventions and founded the Dow Chemical Company. In her lifetime, Grace Dow was active with numerous local civic organizations. The foundation aims to "improve the educational, religious, economic, and cultural lives of Michigan’s people as their needs can be defined in a world which constantly presents different challenges and opportunities.” It funds local efforts for education, science, arts and culture and community life.
The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation’s education funding supports Michigan’s academic institutions. The science initiative funds advanced research and new applications of science and technology. In arts and culture, the foundation prioritizes “tasteful, creative, and innovative programs that expand the general public’s art and cultural horizons” and maintains a special interest in programs that explore in intersection of science and art. Community life grants go mainly towards economic development and job creation programs. The foundation is also affiliated with the 110-acre Dow Gardens, which welcomes over 138,000 guests per year, and the Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens, which features a 1,400-foot canopy walk that overlooks 54 acres of natural landscapes.
Grants range between about $10,000 and $4 million. Grantmaking focuses on the city of Midland and the state of Michigan. Past local grantees include Midland Center for the Arts, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region and the Michigan Center for Construction Education and Research Trust.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits through its online system. The board meets periodically throughout the year to review applications and typically makes grant payments in December. Direct general questions to the staff at info@hhgadowfdn.org or 989-631-3699.
PEOPLE:
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