The Daniel and Sharon Bowen Foundation concentrates its philanthropy on faith-based and education causes, with a strong emphasis on supporting Catholic and mission-related work both locally and internationally. A handful of large grants dominate their portfolio — notably a multi-million dollar commitment to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids — alongside repeated multi-year support for a specific nonprofit (Our Shepherds Our Future) and for Michigan State University. Their giving suggests personal or community ties to the Grand Rapids Catholic community and an interest in mission/relief work in Kenya.
A $2,000,000 grant to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids anchors the Daniel and Sharon Bowen Foundation’s recent giving and points to a philanthropy centered on Catholic institutions, education, and mission-related work. The foundation also shows sustained support for Michigan State University, with grants of $389,000 in 2023 and $383,000 in 2024, and repeated backing for Our Shepherds Our Future with three consecutive $250,000 awards across 2023, 2024, and 2025. Those patterns suggest a mix of large institutional commitments and steady multi-year support rather than one-off gifts alone. The portfolio includes religious, education, healthcare, arts, and therapy grants, but the strongest thread runs through Catholic schools, parish and diocesan work, and nonprofits tied to faith-based service. Grand Rapids organizations appear frequently, including St. Mary’s Foundation, Catholic Central High School, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, while One World Surgery and Kenya Relief Foundation show that the foundation’s interests extend beyond Michigan through mission and health-related work. The overall profile is shaped by recurring support for faith-linked institutions and a handful of substantial grants that carry the most weight in the portfolio.
Catholic education is a clear priority. In 2024, the foundation gave $117,909 to Catholic Central High School for education, and it also supported Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School with $76,000 in 2023 and $30,000 in 2025. Higher education appears as another recurring lane: Michigan State University received $389,000 in 2023 and $383,000 in 2024, while Hope College received $30,000 in 2025 after earlier grants of $20,000 in both 2023 and 2024. Faith-based service also extends to parish and ministry work, including $25,000 to Servantis Community Church in 2024 and $20,000 to Brown-hutcherson Ministries in 2025. The foundation’s healthcare and service giving includes $50,000 to One World Surgery in both 2023 and 2025, plus support for Help Pregnancy Aid in 2023 and 2024.
Typical grants sit at a $5,000 p25, $20,000 median, and $50,000 p75, but the distribution is shaped by a small number of much larger awards. The recent record shows repeated support to the same recipients across multiple years, including Michigan State University in 2023 and 2024 and Our Shepherds Our Future in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The foundation is a private family-style funder rather than an operating charity, and it does not make program-related investments or grants to individuals. The structured grant history suggests direct, relationship-based grantmaking with durable ties to select institutions rather than an open application model.
$3.8M
$16.2M
$3.7M
$3.8M
Most grants fall between $5K and $50K, with a median of $20K.
25th Percentile
$5K
Median
$20K
75th Percentile
$50K
Sign up for a free Kindora account to access AI-generated insights into this funder's giving patterns, decision-makers, and fit signals.
Get Started FreeFree Kindora accounts unlock side-by-side comparisons with foundations that share this funder's focus areas and giving profile.
Get Started FreeSign up free to see how well your nonprofit fits this funder, get an AI-generated pitch, and unlock similar foundations.
Concentrated, high-dollar grants to a small set of repeat recipients — mix of large single gifts (one very large diocesan grant) and multiple sizable grants to a few preferred organizations rather than many small awards.
Notable grantees: Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, Our Shepherds Our Future, Michigan State University, Kenya Relief Foundation
Grantmaking is heavily concentrated in Michigan: 93% of grants go to recipients in the foundation’s headquarters state, and the top giving state is also MI. Grand Rapids is the main recipient city, with grants to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, St. Mary’s Foundation, Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation, and Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Other Michigan recipients include East Lansing, Holland, and Ada. Outside Michigan, the recent grants list includes Cullman, Alabama, and Deerfield, Illinois, but all recorded grants in the data are to U.S. recipients.
The foundation’s recent grants center on Catholic and faith-based organizations, education, healthcare, arts, and therapy. Examples include the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan State University, One World Surgery, and Children’s Healing Center. The heaviest pattern is around Catholic parish, school, and diocesan support in Grand Rapids.
The grant-size distribution is $5,000 at the 25th percentile, $20,000 at the median, and $50,000 at the 75th percentile. Recent giving also includes much larger awards, led by a $2,000,000 grant and several six-figure gifts.
Yes. Michigan State University received grants in 2023 and 2024, Our Shepherds Our Future received $250,000 in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and One World Surgery received $50,000 in both 2023 and 2025. That pattern points to recurring support for selected institutions.
The foundation gives primarily in Michigan. The top state by grant count is MI, and 93% of grants go to recipients in that state. Grand Rapids is especially prominent, with many recipients located there.
Recent education grants include Michigan State University, Catholic Central High School, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, Aquinas College, Hope College, and Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation. The amounts range from $20,000 to $389,000 in the provided recent-grants list.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST ROBERT CATHOLIC CHURCH | ADA, MI | $2,000,000 | 2026 | RELIGIOUS |
| CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $1,084,500 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| ST MARY'S FOUNDATION | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $166,666 | 2026 | HEALTHCARE |
| SAN JUAN DIEGO ACADEMY | WYOMING, MI | $110,000 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| GRAND ACTION FOUNDATION | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $83,333 | 2026 | ARTS |
| HOPE COLLEGE | HOLLAND, MI | $75,000 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| ONE WORLD SURGERY | DEERFIELD, IL | $50,000 | 2026 | HEALTH CARE |
| AQUINAS COLLEGE | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $50,000 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| BEER CITY DOG BISCUITS | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $25,000 | 2026 | THERAPY |
| OAK HEART LODGE | NEWAYGO, MI | $25,000 | 2026 | THERAPY |
| HELP PREGNANCY AID | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $16,666 | 2026 | HEALTHCARE |
| ARTISTS CREATING TOGETHER | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $10,000 | 2026 | ARTS |
| FRANCISCAN RENEWAL CENTER | SCOTTSDALE, AZ | $10,000 | 2026 | THERAPY |
| BROWN-HUTCHERSON MINISTRIES | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $10,000 | 2026 | RELIGIOUS |
| IHM - CSA | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $10,000 | 2026 | RELIGIOUS |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF WEST MICHIGAN | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $7,000 | 2026 | RELIGIOUS |
| DOMINICAN SISTERS | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $5,000 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| THE NEW GROWTH PROJECT | ROCKFORD, MI | $5,000 | 2026 | FOOD |
| THE VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $5,000 | 2026 | ARTS |
| CAMP BLODGETT | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $2,500 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| ST JOHN VIANNEY | WYOMING, MI | $2,500 | 2026 | RELIGIOUS |
| THE PETER G RUPPERT SCHOLARSHIP FUND | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $2,500 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| SHRINE OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER FESTIVAL OF ROSES | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $2,500 | 2026 | ARTS |
| IHM - KILLGOAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $1,500 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF GRAND RAPIDS | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $2,000,000 | 2025 | RELIGIOUS |
| OUR SHEPHERDS OUR FUTURE | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $250,000 | 2025 | RELIGIOUS |
| ST MARY'S FOUNDATION | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $166,666 | 2025 | HEALTHCARE |
| GRAND ACTION FOUNDATION | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $83,333 | 2025 | ARTS |
| ONE WORLD SURGERY | DEERFIELD, IL | $50,000 | 2025 | HEALTH CARE |
| HOPE COLLEGE | HOLLAND, MI | $30,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION |
| IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $30,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION |
| ARTISTS CREATING TOGETHER | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $20,000 | 2025 | ARTS |
| BROWN-HUTCHERSON MINISTRIES | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $20,000 | 2025 | RELIGIOUS |
| IHM - CSA | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $10,000 | 2025 | RELIGIOUS |
| FRANCISCAN RENEWAL CENTER | SCOTTSDALE, AZ | $10,000 | 2025 | THERAPY |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF WEST MICHIGAN | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $7,500 | 2025 | RELIGIOUS |
| THE NEW GROWTH PROJECT | ROCKFORD, MI | $5,000 | 2025 | FOOD |
| GR EARLY DISCOVERY CENTER | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $5,000 | 2025 | CHILDCARE FACILITY |
| DOMINICAN SISTERS | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $5,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION |
| ST JOHN VIANNEY | WYOMING, MI | $2,500 | 2025 | RELIGIOUS |
| BABIES WELFARE GUILD | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $2,500 | 2025 | HEALTHCARE |
| MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY | EAST LANSING, MI | $383,000 | 2024 | EDUCATION |
| OUR SHEPHERDS OUR FUTURE | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $250,000 | 2024 | RELIGIOUS |
| CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $117,909 | 2024 | EDUCATION |
| AQUINAS COLLEGE | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $50,000 | 2024 | EDUCATION |
| CHILDREN'S HEALING CENTER | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $25,000 | 2024 | THERAPY |
| SERVANTIS COMMUNITY CHURCH | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $25,000 | 2024 | RELIGIOUS |
| GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | $25,000 | 2024 | ARTS |
| ST ROBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL | ADA, MI | $20,500 | 2024 | EDUCATION |
| HOPE COLLEGE | HOLLAND, MI | $20,000 | 2024 | EDUCATION |
ST ROBERT CATHOLIC CHURCH
$2,000,000RELIGIOUS
CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
$1,084,500EDUCATION
SAN JUAN DIEGO ACADEMY
$110,000EDUCATION
HOPE COLLEGE
$75,000EDUCATION
BEER CITY DOG BISCUITS
$25,000THERAPY
OAK HEART LODGE
$25,000THERAPY
HELP PREGNANCY AID
$16,666HEALTHCARE
ARTISTS CREATING TOGETHER
$10,000ARTS
FRANCISCAN RENEWAL CENTER
$10,000THERAPY
BROWN-HUTCHERSON MINISTRIES
$10,000RELIGIOUS
IHM - CSA
$10,000RELIGIOUS
DOMINICAN SISTERS
$5,000EDUCATION
THE NEW GROWTH PROJECT
$5,000FOOD
ST JOHN VIANNEY
$2,500RELIGIOUS
THE PETER G RUPPERT SCHOLARSHIP FUND
$2,500EDUCATION
SHRINE OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER FESTIVAL OF ROSES
$2,500ARTS
IHM - KILLGOAR EDUCATION FOUNDATION
$1,500EDUCATION
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF GRAND RAPIDS
$2,000,000RELIGIOUS
OUR SHEPHERDS OUR FUTURE
$250,000RELIGIOUS
ONE WORLD SURGERY
$50,000HEALTH CARE
HOPE COLLEGE
$30,000EDUCATION
IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
$30,000EDUCATION
ARTISTS CREATING TOGETHER
$20,000ARTS
BROWN-HUTCHERSON MINISTRIES
$20,000RELIGIOUS
IHM - CSA
$10,000RELIGIOUS
FRANCISCAN RENEWAL CENTER
$10,000THERAPY
THE NEW GROWTH PROJECT
$5,000FOOD
GR EARLY DISCOVERY CENTER
$5,000CHILDCARE FACILITY
DOMINICAN SISTERS
$5,000EDUCATION
ST JOHN VIANNEY
$2,500RELIGIOUS
BABIES WELFARE GUILD
$2,500HEALTHCARE
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
$383,000EDUCATION
OUR SHEPHERDS OUR FUTURE
$250,000RELIGIOUS
CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
$117,909EDUCATION
SERVANTIS COMMUNITY CHURCH
$25,000RELIGIOUS
ST ROBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL
$20,500EDUCATION
HOPE COLLEGE
$20,000EDUCATION