John Stites Jazz Artist Organization
Historical FunderMarshall, Michigan · EIN 82-4459237 · Private foundation · Website
Half of its grants to organizations were between $5,000 and $25,000.
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2025):
| Contact | JOHNSTITESJAZZAWARDSORG |
|---|---|
| Address | 343 N MARSHALL AVE, MARSHALL MI 49068 |
| Phone | 2699672347 |
| NA | |
| Form and materials | APPLICANTS APPLY THROUGH A 3RD PARTY WEBSITE. A COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF 3 PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS (NONE OF THEM ON THE BOARD), SCORES THE APPLICATIONS. THE SCORES ARE THEN PROVIDED TO THE BOARD WHO THEN DECIDES HOW MANY AWARDS TO GIVE EACH CYCLE. APPLICANTS CAN APPLY FOR GRANTS IN THE AMOUNT OF 5,000 - 25,000. THERE IS A PRE-ESTABLISHED PAYMENT SCHEDULE (INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS) IN THE CONTRACT THAT THE AWARD WINNERS SIGN. THERE ARE 2 OTHER TYPES OF AWARD GIVEN: (1) DISCRETIONARY AWARD - INCLUDES A FORMAL PROCESS FOR SUBMITTING A REQUEST FOR SUCH AN AWARD (WHICH MUST BE SUBMITTED ON BEHALF OF THE APPLICANT BY A BOARD MEMBER) AND THE BOARD VOTES ON WHETHER TO NOT TO APPROVE THE AWARDS. THESE AWARDS ARE MUCH SMALLER (MAXIMUM OF 3,000). (2) CONTRACT AWARD - A CONTRIBUTION GENERALLY AWARDED TO A NATIONALLY KNOWN NONPROFIT 501(C)(3). |
| Deadlines | THERE ARE 2 AWARDS CYCLES EACH YEAR. THE FIRST AWARD CYCLE IS DUE FEBRUARY 15 AND THE SECOND IS DUE |
| Restrictions | AWARDS ARE FOR ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS THAT FOCUS ON JAZZ MUSIC. |
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
20% of grants went outside Michigan.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Gilmore | Kalamazoo, MI | Jazz concerts | $80,000 |
| Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy Coalti | Kalamazoo, MI | Jazz concert series | $25,000 |
| Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo, MI | Jazz concert series | $21,127 |
| Jazz Education Network | Chicago, IL | Jazz educators' conference | $5,000 |
| Michigan Festival of Sacred Music | Kalamazoo, MI | Jazz concert | $5,000 |
The return also lists 10 grants to individuals ($62,043). We do not publish the names of individual recipients.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $198,170 | 15 |
| 2024 | $265,253 | 17 |
| 2023 | $184,219 | 16 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed May 11, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202621319349101652
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 82-4459237
- Profile updated Nov 6, 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.