Private foundation · Clarkston, MI (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
Foren Family Foundation
This foundation says it only funds groups it chooses itself. Don't send an unsolicited application. If your work fits, the usual path is an introduction through someone the foundation already knows, such as a board member or a current grantee. See its board and officers below: do you or your board know any of them?
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 3 totaling $74K
- Typical grant
- $15K to $35K (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $24K, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
- Where it gives
- Shelby County, Lewis County, Hamilton County · plus 30 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- Rarely: every Tennessee group it funded in 2025 had also been funded in 2023–2024. Build a relationship before asking.
- Total giving that year
- $400K
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $400K | $74K | 3 |
| 2024 | $400K | $67K | 3 |
| 2023 | $400K | $74K | 3 |
How to apply
- Contact
- JOHN E GRENKE · Bloomfield Hills
- What to send
- Letter form with copy of 501(c)(3) exemption letter
- Deadlines
- August 1 each year
Next one: Aug 1, 2027 if the dates haven't changed since its 2025 filing - Limits
- 501(c)(3) orgs only; animal welfare,medical, religious, civic
As the foundation reported to the IRS for tax year 2025. Check its website or call before sending anything, because contacts and deadlines change.
Board and officers
Does your board know anyone here?
Checked in your browser only. The names are kept on this device for other foundation pages and are never sent to GrantMe.
- Belinda ForenPresident
- Donald ForenVice pres
- Jessica TrotterSecy
- John E GrenkeDirector
As listed in its 2025 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
What it funds most often
- Medical
- Animal welfare
- Gen charitable
Tennessee organizations it funded
Largest first. Groups it already funds are good people to ask what the foundation looks for. Select a group to see who else funds it.
| Recipient | Where | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee | Hohenwald, Lewis County | Animal welfare | $35K |
| Honoring the Sacrifice | Ooltewah, Hamilton County | Gen charitable | $24K |
| St Jude's Childrens Hospital | Memphis, Shelby County | Medical | $15K |