The Herbert H and Barbara C Dow Foundation focuses on place-based, capital and equipment funding that strengthens rural health care infrastructure and local community assets in northwest Michigan. Their grants largely pay for medical imaging and diagnostic equipment for regional hospitals, facility and ice-equipment support for local recreation, and bricks-and-mortar projects that expand affordable housing and community land trust capacity. They repeatedly fund the same regional health systems and a small set of community organizations, indicating a hands-on, local giving approach.
The Herbert H and Barbara C Dow Foundation shows a clear pattern of place-based capital giving in northwest Michigan, where large grants repeatedly support hospitals, community facilities, and local assets. Among the recent awards are $175,000 for radiology equipment at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Foundation and $150,000 for surgical equipment at Munson Healthcare Foundation, both in Traverse City. Those health-related grants sit alongside facility and equipment support for the Traverse City Curling Club, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA (West), and the Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts, showing a preference for tangible projects that improve buildings, equipment, and service capacity. The foundation also backs affordable housing and community infrastructure in Frankfort and nearby areas. A $100,000 grant to the Frankfort Area Community Land Trust supported the purchase and remodel of a home for low-income residents, while Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse and Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail received capital support for local public assets. Beyond northwest Michigan, the foundation has funded health and research organizations in Arizona and Washington, DC, including the Arizona Humane Society, TGen Foundation, Barrow Neurological Foundation, and Heritage Foundation. The mix points to a grantmaker that favors concrete, capital-intensive projects over broad unrestricted giving.
Health care infrastructure is a core theme. In 2025, the foundation gave $150,000 to Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Foundation and Munson Healthcare Foundation for a Siemens Multix Impact C X-ray unit, and it also supported Munson Healthcare Foundation with $130,000 for a Traverse Heart and Vascular ultrasound machine in 2024. Earlier grants funded radiology equipment, a stroke center, and pulmonary function and anesthesia machines, all tied to hospital service expansion. Research funding appears in specialized medical areas. The foundation awarded $75,000 in 2023 and $70,000 in 2024 and 2025 to TGen Foundation for lung cancer research at TGen Center. Barrow Neurological Foundation received $52,000 in 2023 for the Lewis Headache Center matching gift, $52,000 in 2024 for the Woman's Board Project: ENT skull base surgery, and $60,000 in 2025 for Alzheimer's research. The foundation also supports arts and housing. Interlochen Center for the Arts received $100,000 for visual arts scholarships and $50,000 for the HHD/BCD visual arts scholarship for students, while the Frankfort Area Community Land Trust received $100,000 to purchase and remodel a home for low-income residents.
$1.4M
$34.3M
$3.2M
$1.7M
Most grants fall between $20K and $70K, with a median of $40K.
25th Percentile
$20K
Median
$40K
75th Percentile
$70K
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Concentrated, capital-focused giving: a small number of relatively large grants (multiple six‑figure awards), frequent repeat support to the same regional health grantees, and targeted one-off capital investments for local community organizations.
Notable grantees: Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Foundation, Munson HealthCare Foundation, Traverse City Curling Club, Frankfort Area Community Land Trust
Typical grants fall in a mid-sized range: p25 is $20,000, the median is $40,000, and p75 is $70,000. The recent grants list shows both one-time gifts and repeated support to the same organizations across multiple years, especially in health care and research. The foundation is a regular funder rather than a donor-advised fund and is not making program-related investments. It also funds individuals. The grant pattern is strongly capital- and equipment-oriented, with many awards tied to buildings, machinery, vehicles, or specific facility projects rather than general operating support.
Most grants land in Michigan, and 52% of grants are given to recipients in the foundation’s HQ state. Traverse City appears often, including awards to Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Foundation, Munson Healthcare Foundation, Traverse City Curling Club, and Grand Traverse Bay YMCA (West). Other Michigan recipients include Frankfort, Benzonia, Interlochen, and Beulah. Outside Michigan, grants go to Phoenix, Arizona, and Washington, DC, with Arizona receiving multiple awards through the Arizona Humane Society, TGen Foundation, and Barrow Neurological Foundation.
Its recent grants support hospital equipment, medical research, arts scholarships, affordable housing, and local capital projects. Examples include X-ray and ultrasound equipment for hospitals, lung cancer and neurological research, visual arts scholarships, and a home purchase and remodel for low-income residents in Frankfort.
The grant-size distribution centers on mid-sized awards: p25 is $20,000, the median is $40,000, and p75 is $70,000. Recent grants also include larger capital gifts such as $150,000 and $175,000 for hospital equipment and $100,000 for community projects.
Yes. The recent grants list shows repeated awards to several organizations across multiple years, including Munson Healthcare Foundation, Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Foundation, TGen Foundation, Barrow Neurological Foundation, Grand Traverse Bay YMCA (West), Benzie Area Christian Neighbors, and Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Michigan receives the bulk of grants, with 52% going to recipients in the HQ state. Traverse City is especially common in the recent grants list, while Phoenix, Arizona and Washington, DC also appear among recent recipients.
Yes. Recent research grants include $75,000, $70,000, and $70,000 to TGen Foundation for lung cancer research at TGen Center, plus $52,000 and $60,000 to Barrow Neurological Foundation for headache, ENT skull base surgery, and Alzheimer's research.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAUL OLIVER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION AND MUNSON HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION | TRAVERSE CITY, MI | $175,000 | 2026 | SIEMENS MULTIX IMPACT C X-RAY UNIT |
| MUNSON HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION | TRAVERSE CITY, MI | $150,000 | 2026 | MUNSON ORTHOPEDIC: SURGICAL EQUIPMENT |
| GRAND TRAVERSE BAY YMCA(WEST) | TRAVERSE CITY, MI | $150,000 | 2026 | BUILDING CAMPAIGN-PHASE II |
| FRANKFORT AIRPORT | FRANKFORT, MI | $85,000 | 2026 | TO REMOVE OBSTRUCTIONS IN RUNAWAY APPROACH AREAS |
| HERITAGE FOUNDATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $75,000 | 2026 | TAX POLICY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION EFFORTS |
| TGEN FOUNDATION | PHOENIX, AZ | $70,000 | 2026 | LUNG CANCER RESEARCH AT TGEN CENTER |
| BARROW NEUROLOGICAL FOUNDATION | PHOENIX, AZ | $60,000 | 2026 | WOMAN'S BOARD PROJECT: IVY BRAIN TUMOR CENTER W/DR. NADER SINAI |
| FRIENDS OF POINT BETSIE LIGHTHOUSE | FRANKFORT, MI | $50,000 | 2026 | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND LIGHTHOUSE GRANT ASSISTANCE |
| HOUSING TRUST OF BENZIE | FRANKFORT, MI | $50,000 | 2026 | LOW COST HOUSING FOR THE LOCAL AREA. |
| ELIZABETH LANE OLIVER CENTER FOR THE ARTS | FRANKFORT, MI | $50,000 | 2026 | EQUIPMENT AND CAPITAL UPGRADES |
| BENZIE AREA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA INC | FRANKFORT, MI | $50,000 | 2026 | ESTABLISH YOUTH STRINGS PROGRAM IN BENZIE COUNTY |
| PALM BEACH SYMPHONY | WEST PALM BEACH, FL | $50,000 | 2026 | TV PRODUCTION OF "BRITTEN'S VARIATIONS" FOR ALL AGE GROUPS |
| INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS | INTERLOCHEN, MI | $50,000 | 2026 | FUNDING OF HHD/BCD VISUAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS |
| HONOR HEALTH FOUNDATION | SCOTTSDALE, AZ | $40,000 | 2026 | LUNG CANCER RESEARCH |
| PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK | PHOENIX, AZ | $40,000 | 2026 | "WEEKEND FOOD4KIDS" PROGRAM |
| BENZIE AREA CHRISTIAN NEIGHBORS | BENZONIA, MI | $40,000 | 2026 | OPERATIONAL BUDGET FOR SERVICES AND FOOD PANTRY |
| BENZIE SENIOR RESOURCES | HONOR, MI | $35,000 | 2026 | SENIOR ASSISTANCE OPERATIONAL FUNDS |
| FRESH START WOMENS FOUNDATION | PHOENIX, AZ | $35,000 | 2026 | SUCCESS COACHING PROGRAM. |
| FOCUS ON THE FAMILY | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO | $35,000 | 2026 | RAISING HIGHLY CAPABLE KIDS (RHCK) PROGRAM |
| FRIENDS OF THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL | BEULAH, MI | $30,000 | 2026 | BETSIE TRAIL SURFACE IMPROVEMENTS |
| ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY | PHOENIX, AZ | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL FUNDS, MEDICAL SUPPLIES FOR ANIMALS |
| HILLSDALE COLLEGE | HILLSDALE, MI | $25,000 | 2026 | PRODUCTION OF ONLINE LEARNING PROGRAM: "REVOLUTIONARY AMERICA" |
| BENZIE BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK | FRANKFORT, MI | $20,000 | 2026 | BACKPACKS WITH FOOD AND SUPPLIES FOR NEEDY CHILDREN |
| SEARCH DOG FOUNDATION | SANTA PAULA, CA | $20,000 | 2026 | TRAINING OF TWO EMERGENCY SEARCH K-9'S |
| ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER | PHOENIX, AZ | $15,000 | 2026 | GIRLS IN STEM PROGRAM |
| THOMPSONVILLE AREA REVITALIZATION PROJECT | THOMPSONVILLE, MI | $15,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT TRAILHEAD REVITALIZATION CONSTRUCTIONS |
| STRAIGHT UP MINISTRY INC | THE COLONY, TX | $10,000 | 2026 | BIBLICAL EDUCATION |
| CRYSTAL LAKE AND WATERSHED | BEULAH, MI | $6,000 | 2026 | INITIATIVES THAT PRESERVE CRYSTAL LAKE WATER QUALITY |
| PAUL OLIVER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION AND MUNSON HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION | TRAVERSE CITY, MI | $150,000 | 2025 | SIEMENS MULTIX IMPACT C X-RAY UNIT |
| MUNSON HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION | TRAVERSE CITY, MI | $150,000 | 2025 | MUNSON ORTHOPEDIC: SURGICAL EQUIPMENT |
| ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY | PHOENIX, AZ | $100,000 | 2025 | TRUCK, ANIMAL TRANSPORT BOX, AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES |
| GRAND TRAVERSE REGIONAL LAND CONSERVANCY | TRAVERSE CITY, MI | $75,000 | 2025 | ELBERTA WATERFRONT COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PROJECT |
| GRAND TRAVERSE BAY YMCA(WEST) | TRAVERSE CITY, MI | $75,000 | 2025 | BUILDING CAMPAIGN-PHASE II |
| HERITAGE FOUNDATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $75,000 | 2025 | TAX POLICY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION EFFORTS |
| TGEN FOUNDATION | PHOENIX, AZ | $70,000 | 2025 | LUNG CANCER RESEARCH AT TGEN CENTER |
| BARROW NEUROLOGICAL FOUNDATION | PHOENIX, AZ | $60,000 | 2025 | WOMAN'S BOARD PROJECT: ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH |
| SAGU (SOUTHWESTERN ASSEMBLIES OF GOD UNIVERSITY) | WAXAHACHIE, TX | $50,000 | 2025 | STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS AND FCA PROGRAM |
| FRIENDS OF POINT BETSIE LIGHTHOUSE | FRANKFORT, MI | $50,000 | 2025 | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND LIGHTHOUSE GRANT ASSISTANCE |
| INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS | INTERLOCHEN, MI | $50,000 | 2025 | FUNDING OF HHD/BCD VISUAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS |
| ELIZABETH LANE OLIVER CENTER FOR THE ARTS | FRANKFORT, MI | $50,000 | 2025 | EQUIPMENT AND CAPITAL UPGRADES |
| HONOR HEALTH FOUNDATION | SCOTTSDALE, AZ | $40,000 | 2025 | LUNG CANCER RESEARCH |
| PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK | PHOENIX, AZ | $35,000 | 2025 | "WEEKEND FOOD4KIDS" PROGRAM |
| FOCUS ON THE FAMILY | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO | $35,000 | 2025 | RAISING HIGHLY CAPABLE KIDS (RHCK) PROGRAM |
| BENZIE SENIOR RESOURCES | HONOR, MI | $35,000 | 2025 | SENIOR ASSISTANCE OPERATIONAL FUNDS |
| HILLSDALE COLLEGE | HILLSDALE, MI | $25,000 | 2025 | PRODUCTION OF ONLINE LEARNING PROGRAM |
| PALM BEACH SYMPHONY | WEST PALM BEACH, FL | $25,000 | 2025 | FAMILY CONCERT PROJECT: "CINDERELLA AND THE ORCHESTRA" |
| FRESH START WOMENS FOUNDATION | PHOENIX, AZ | $25,000 | 2025 | COMPUTER TRAINING PROGRAMS |
| BENZIE AREA CHRISTIAN NEIGHBORS | BENZONIA, MI | $20,000 | 2025 | OPERATIONAL BUDGET FOR SERVICES AND FOOD PANTRY |
| ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER | PHOENIX, AZ | $15,000 | 2025 | GIRLS IN STEM PROGRAM |
| BENZIE BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK | FRANKFORT, MI | $15,000 | 2025 | BACKPACKS WITH SUPPLIES FOR NEEDY CHILDREN |
PAUL OLIVER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION AND MUNSON HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION
$175,000SIEMENS MULTIX IMPACT C X-RAY UNIT
GRAND TRAVERSE BAY YMCA(WEST)
$150,000BUILDING CAMPAIGN-PHASE II
FRANKFORT AIRPORT
$85,000TO REMOVE OBSTRUCTIONS IN RUNAWAY APPROACH AREAS
LUNG CANCER RESEARCH AT TGEN CENTER
WOMAN'S BOARD PROJECT: IVY BRAIN TUMOR CENTER W/DR. NADER SINAI
FRIENDS OF POINT BETSIE LIGHTHOUSE
$50,000CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND LIGHTHOUSE GRANT ASSISTANCE
HOUSING TRUST OF BENZIE
$50,000LOW COST HOUSING FOR THE LOCAL AREA.
ELIZABETH LANE OLIVER CENTER FOR THE ARTS
$50,000EQUIPMENT AND CAPITAL UPGRADES
BENZIE AREA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA INC
$50,000ESTABLISH YOUTH STRINGS PROGRAM IN BENZIE COUNTY
PALM BEACH SYMPHONY
$50,000TV PRODUCTION OF "BRITTEN'S VARIATIONS" FOR ALL AGE GROUPS
FUNDING OF HHD/BCD VISUAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS
PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
$40,000"WEEKEND FOOD4KIDS" PROGRAM
OPERATIONAL BUDGET FOR SERVICES AND FOOD PANTRY
BENZIE SENIOR RESOURCES
$35,000SENIOR ASSISTANCE OPERATIONAL FUNDS
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY
$35,000RAISING HIGHLY CAPABLE KIDS (RHCK) PROGRAM
FRIENDS OF THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL
$30,000BETSIE TRAIL SURFACE IMPROVEMENTS
ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY
$25,000GENERAL FUNDS, MEDICAL SUPPLIES FOR ANIMALS
PRODUCTION OF ONLINE LEARNING PROGRAM: "REVOLUTIONARY AMERICA"
BENZIE BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
$20,000BACKPACKS WITH FOOD AND SUPPLIES FOR NEEDY CHILDREN
SEARCH DOG FOUNDATION
$20,000TRAINING OF TWO EMERGENCY SEARCH K-9'S
THOMPSONVILLE AREA REVITALIZATION PROJECT
$15,000SUPPORT TRAILHEAD REVITALIZATION CONSTRUCTIONS
STRAIGHT UP MINISTRY INC
$10,000BIBLICAL EDUCATION
CRYSTAL LAKE AND WATERSHED
$6,000INITIATIVES THAT PRESERVE CRYSTAL LAKE WATER QUALITY
PAUL OLIVER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION AND MUNSON HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION
$150,000SIEMENS MULTIX IMPACT C X-RAY UNIT
ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY
$100,000TRUCK, ANIMAL TRANSPORT BOX, AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES
ELBERTA WATERFRONT COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PROJECT
GRAND TRAVERSE BAY YMCA(WEST)
$75,000BUILDING CAMPAIGN-PHASE II
SAGU (SOUTHWESTERN ASSEMBLIES OF GOD UNIVERSITY)
$50,000STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS AND FCA PROGRAM
FRIENDS OF POINT BETSIE LIGHTHOUSE
$50,000CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND LIGHTHOUSE GRANT ASSISTANCE
FUNDING OF HHD/BCD VISUAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS
ELIZABETH LANE OLIVER CENTER FOR THE ARTS
$50,000EQUIPMENT AND CAPITAL UPGRADES
PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
$35,000"WEEKEND FOOD4KIDS" PROGRAM
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY
$35,000RAISING HIGHLY CAPABLE KIDS (RHCK) PROGRAM
BENZIE SENIOR RESOURCES
$35,000SENIOR ASSISTANCE OPERATIONAL FUNDS
PALM BEACH SYMPHONY
$25,000FAMILY CONCERT PROJECT: "CINDERELLA AND THE ORCHESTRA"
OPERATIONAL BUDGET FOR SERVICES AND FOOD PANTRY
BENZIE BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
$15,000BACKPACKS WITH SUPPLIES FOR NEEDY CHILDREN