John and Melissa Besse Foundation
Historical FunderWells, Michigan · EIN 20-3497950 · Private foundation · Website
Half of its grants to organizations were between $5,000 and $8,000.
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2025):
| Contact | GREGORY BESSE |
|---|---|
| Address | PO BOX 250, WELLS MI 49894 |
| Phone | 9065537435 |
| Form and materials | REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING |
| Deadlines | NONE |
| Restrictions | LIMITED TO THE GEOGRAPHIC AREA OF THE UPPER PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN AND THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan Tech Fd | Houghton, MI | Ford center sawmill | $110,000 |
| Trees for Tomorrow | Eagle River, MI | Educational | $56,500 |
| Marquette City Band | Marquette, MI | Band shell donation | $45,000 |
| Gladstone Public Safety Department | Gladstone, MI | Aireal drone donation | $13,200 |
| Pregnancy Services of Delta County | Escanaba, MI | Charitable support | $13,000 |
| Bay Cliff Health Camp | Big Bay, MI | Charitable support | $10,000 |
| Community Foundation of Delta County | Escanaba, MI | Charitable support | $10,000 |
| Lakeview Cemetery | Escanaba, MI | Operations and improvements | $8,000 |
| Baraga County Community Foundation | Barage, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Bay College Foundation | Escanaba, MI | Operations | $5,000 |
| Bonifas Fine Art Center | Escanaba, MI | Building improvements | $5,000 |
| Community Foundation of Marquette County | Marquette, MI | Operating endowment fund | $5,000 |
| Delta County Cancer Alliance | Escanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Escanaba Township | Gladstone, MI | Equipment for fire department | $5,000 |
| Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp | Crystal Falls, MI | Charitable support - camp | $5,000 |
| Holy Name Catholic School | Escanaba, MI | Endowment fund | $5,000 |
| Lakestate Industries | Escanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Northern Michigan University Foundation | Marquette, MI | Scholarship fund | $5,000 |
| St Vincent Depaul of Gladstone | Marquette, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| St Vincent Depaul of Escanaba | Escanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Tri-County Safe Harbor | Escanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Up State Fair Authority | Escanaba, MI | Military museum operations | $5,000 |
| United Way of Delta County | Escanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| YMCA Northern Lights of Delta County | Escanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Youth Empowering Services | Escanaba, MI | Charitable support | $5,000 |
| Redeemer Lutheran Church | Marquette, MI | Donation | $3,000 |
| Gladstone Rapid River Kiwanis | Gladstone, MI | Charitable support | $1,000 |
| Gladstone Schools | Gladstone, MI | Robotics team & senior party donation | $800 |
| Community Thanksgiving of Delta County | Escanaba, MI | Donation | $500 |
| Michigamme - Spurr | Michigamme, MI | July 4th donation | $500 |
| Rotary Club of Escanaba | Escanaba, MI | Charitable support | $350 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $356,850 | 31 |
| 2024 | $527,738 | 25 |
| 2023 | $332,470 | 10 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed May 13, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202631339349103683
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 20-3497950
- 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.