Besser Foundation
Historical FunderAlpena, Michigan · EIN 38-6071938 · Private foundation
Half of its grants to organizations were between $15,000 and $50,000.
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2025):
| Contact | GARY DAWLEY |
|---|---|
| Address | 350 N SECOND AVE 701, ALPENA MI 49707 |
| Phone | 9893566613 |
| Form and materials | REQUESTS SHOULD BE IN WRITING AND INCLUDE PROOF OF 501(C)(3) STATUS. |
| Deadlines | REQUESTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE END OF THE FIRST MONTH OF EACH CALENDAR QUARTER TO BE CONSIDERED BY |
| Restrictions | PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS RELATED TO THE WELFARE OF THE CITIZENS OF ALPENA AREA ARE OF PRIMARY CONCERN AND WILL RECEIVE PRIORITY. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED BY A TRUSTEE, THE FOUNDATION WILL NOT CONSIDER GRANT REQUESTS FROM ORGANIZATIONS OUTSIDE OF ALPENA; NOR FOR ENDOWMENT FUNDS, TO DEFRAY MEETING OR CONFERENCE EXPENSES, OR TO PAY FOR TRAVEL OF INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS. WE WILL NOT RELIEVE ORGANIZATIONS OR THE PUBLIC OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES, NOR MAKE GRANTS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR ANY PURPOSE. |
Copied as filed. Deadlines on a tax return describe the foundation's usual process; they are not confirmation of a current open cycle.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
0% of grants went outside Michigan.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Besser Museum | Alpena, MI | Operating expenses | $260,000 |
| All Saints Catholic Church | Alpena, MI | Capital improvements | $75,000 |
| Child & Family Services | Alpena, MI | Operating | $50,000 |
| Hope Shores Alliance | Alpena, MI | Dv victim shelter renovation | $50,000 |
| City of Alpena | Alpena, MI | Northeast mi materials mgmt | $50,000 |
| Pace Northeast Michigan | Alpena, MI | General | $50,000 |
| Alpena Public Schools | Alpena, MI | Excellence in education | $41,697 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Alpena | Alpena, MI | Operating | $40,000 |
| Friends of Alpena Courts | Alpena, MI | General | $25,000 |
| Friends of Hubbard Lake Comm Center | Hubbard Lake, MI | Community center improvements | $25,000 |
| Alpena Public Schools | Alpena, MI | Mini-Grants | $20,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Alpena | Alpena, MI | Club bigs program | $20,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Alpena | Alpena, MI | Volunteen program | $15,000 |
| Child Advocacy Center | Alpena, MI | Operations | $15,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity | Alpena, MI | General | $14,030 |
| Thunder Bay Arts Council | Alpena, MI | Operations | $12,500 |
| Friends of Harrisville Depot | Harrisville, MI | Construction | $5,000 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $768,227 | 17 |
| 2024 | $1,178,199 | 16 |
| 2023 | $906,056 | 20 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed Jul 8, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202611899349100021
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 38-6071938
- Profile updated Nov 5, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.