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The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation

Its FY2025 filing reports that it funds preselected organizations and did not take unsolicited requests; check the foundation's own site before ruling it out.

$557k
Granted FY2025still arriving
18
Grants FY2025still arriving
1
States reached
$110k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
01What it funds
01100% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2020 to 2025.

Education$932kArts & Culture$635kAnimals$265kHuman Services$235kFood & Nutrition$170kHousing & Shelter$150kEnvironment$113kHealth$90k
02FY2025 · 18 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2025

  • Under $10k5 grants · $28k
  • $10k–50k8 grants · $100k
  • $50k–250k5 grants · $429k
$10,000
Median grant
1
States reached
$5.5M
Total assets
Largest grants
RecipientAmount
DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA$110,000
ANGEL'S PLACE$110,000
DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS$100,000
DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY$55,000
LOYOLA HIGH SCHOOL$54,320
CRANBROOK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE$20,000
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY MICHIGAN CHAPTER$15,000
MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY$15,000
POPE FRANCIS CENTER$10,000
BEDS 4 KIDS$10,000
GLEANERS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK$10,000
FORGOTTEN HARVEST$10,000
MOTOR CITY LYRIC OPERA$10,000
FURNITURE BANK OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN$7,500
MERCY EDUCATION PROJECT$5,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY20–25, $305k) land where the poverty rate runs at 14%, against an area that typically sits at 11%. 48% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Its grants spread fairly evenly across need levels.

area typical 11%POPE FRANCIS CENTER: $35k → 21%POPE FRANCIS CENTER: $35k → 21%POPE FRANCIS CENTER: $15k → 21%POPE FRANCIS CENTER: $10k → 21%POPE FRANCIS CENTER: $10k → 21%POPE FRANCIS CENTER: $10k → 21%KIDS ON THE GO: $5k → 21%KIDS ON THE GO: $5k → 21%ANGEL'S PLACE: $110k → 8%KIDS ON THE GO: $5k → 21%ANGEL'S PLACE: $10k → 8%KIDS ON THE GO: $5k → 21%ANGEL'S PLACE: $10k → 8%ANGEL'S PLACE: $10k → 8%ANGEL'S PLACE: $10k → 8%ANGEL'S PLACE: $10k → 8%KIDS ON THE GO: $5k → 21%KIDS ON THE GO: $5k → 21%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

99%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$2.5M · 24 repeat orgs$30k to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +53% since the first grant, against +41% for those funded once.

24 repeat relationships: 17 still active in FY2025, 7 since wound down.

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

24
3

Total granted

$2.5M
$30k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+53%
+41%

Still filing today

83%
33%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2025, 100% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $0 went to new ones.

50%100%’20’21’22’23’24’25
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’20’21’22’23’24’25
Arts & CultureHuman ServicesEducationAnimalsFood & NutritionEnvironmentOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • Detroit Historical Society
    4× · 2020–2023 · $205k · revenue +129%
  • DZ
    DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
    6× · 2020–2025 · $180k · revenue +106%
  • THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS
    4× · 2021–2025 · $160k · revenue +47%

Funded once

  • CF
    COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR SE MI
    one grant, 2020 · $15k
  • CH
    COREWELL HEALTH FOUNDATION SE
    one grant, 2024 · $10k
  • HI
    HARSENS ISLAND-ST CLAIR FLATS HISTORICAL SOCIETYgraduated
    one grant, 2020 · $5k · revenue +41% · 29% of their budget
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Michigan Enviromental Council

Informing and educating the public and decision makers about environmental issues.

Environment
2
Michigan Farm Bureau

Michigan farm bureau (mfb) is a member directed agricultural organization whose purpose is to represent, protect, and enhance the business, economic, social, and educational interests of our members located throughout the state of michigan.

—
3
Detroit Regional Chamber

The chamber is the voice for business and works to power the economy for southeast michigan through public policy, advocacy and leading regional economic development and talent initiatives.

—
4
Museum of Arts and Design

To collect, display and interpret objects in craft art and design.

Arts & Culture
5
Michigan Chamber of Commerce

To promote conditions favorable to job creation and business success in michigan.

—
6
Michigan Science Center

The mission of the michigan science center is to inspire curious minds of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math in a creative, dynamic learning environment.

Education
7
Michigan Farmers Market Association

Mifma supports the viability of all community-driven marketplaces so that they can connect all consumers to local farms and businesses.

Food & Nutrition
8
Michigan Maritime Museum Inc

The organization is dedicated to preservation of michigan great lakes and waterways, maritime history and culture, and provides maritime education opportunities to the public through permanent and changing exhibits, research library, and…

Arts & Culture
9
Michigan Legacy Art Park

Inspire awareness, appreciation and passion for michigan's history and stories, culture and environment through the arts.

Arts & Culture
10
Historical Society of Michigan

The Historical Society of Michigan will foster in citizens a deeper understanding of and appreciation for all Michigan history through programs and publications; preserve and promote Michigan history through conferences, publications,…

Arts & Culture
11
Detroit Public Media

Educate, engage, entertain, and inspire through the power of public media.

Arts & Culture
12
Delta Dental Fund

Delta dental fund's mission is to improve the oral health of the public and to advance dental science and the dental profession through research and education.

—
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Michigan Humane Society; the most unlike its peers is Kids On the Go. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

22 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 22 of the 28 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

1
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
8
Early backer (in before they grew)
22/22
Grantees still filing
20/22
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

LOYOLA HIGH SCHOOL: $772,947 · OtherLOYOLA HIGH SCHOOLTHE NATURE CONSERVANCY: $85,000 · OtherTHE NATURE CONSERVANCYTHE FURNITURE RESOURCE CENTER: $45,000 · OtherTHE COMMUNITY HOUSE: $35,000 · Other+5 more: $95,000 · Other+5 moreDetroit Historical Society: $205,000 · Arts & CultureDetroit Historical SocietyTHE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS: $160,000 · Arts & CultureTHE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF AR…DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA INC: $140,000 · Arts & CultureDETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA …DETROIT OPERA: $70,000 · Arts & CultureDETROIT OPERATHE PEWABIC SOCIETY INC: $30,000 · Arts & CultureMOTOR CITY LYRIC OPERA: $25,000 · Arts & Culture+1 more: $5,000 · Arts & CultureANGELS' PLACE: $160,000 · Human ServicesANGELS' PLACEPOPE FRANCIS CENTER: $115,000 · Human ServicesPOPE FRANCIS …KIDS ON THE GO: $30,000 · Human ServicesKIDS ON THE G…DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY: $180,000 · AnimalsDETROIT ZOO…MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY: $85,000 · AnimalsMICHIGAN HU…FORGOTTEN HARVEST INC: $110,000 · Food & NutritionGLEANERS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN: $60,000 · Food & NutritionCRANBROOK EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY: $98,664 · EducationBEYOND BASICS: $20,000 · EducationMERCY EDUCATION PROJECT: $20,000 · EducationBEDS 4 KIDS: $30,000 · Housing & ShelterMICHIGAN NATURE ASSOCIATION: $12,500 · Environment
Other$1,032,947Arts & Culture$635,000Human Services$305,000Animals$265,000Food & Nutrition$170,000Education$138,664Housing & Shelter$30,000Environment$12,500

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetDetroit Historical Society: $205,000 over 4y, 2.3% of budgetDETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY: $180,000 over 6y, 0.1% of budgetTHE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS: $160,000 over 4y, 0.1% of budgetANGELS' PLACE: $160,000 over 6y, 0.9% of budgetDETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA INC: $140,000 over 4y, 0.0% of budgetPOPE FRANCIS CENTER: $115,000 over 6y, 0.4% of budgetFORGOTTEN HARVEST INC: $110,000 over 6y, 0.0% of budgetCRANBROOK EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY: $98,664 over 6y, 0.0% of budgetTHE NATURE CONSERVANCY: $85,000 over 6y, 0.0% of budgetMICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY: $85,000 over 6y, 0.1% of budgetDETROIT OPERA: $70,000 over 5y, 0.2% of budgetGLEANERS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN: $60,000 over 6y, 0.0% of budgetTHE FURNITURE RESOURCE CENTER: $45,000 over 6y, 0.5% of budgetBEDS 4 KIDS: $30,000 over 3y, 3.1% of budgetTHE PEWABIC SOCIETY INC: $30,000 over 6y, 0.3% of budgetKIDS ON THE GO: $30,000 over 6y, 1.3% of budgetUniversity of Michigan: $30,000 over 6y, 1.9% of budgetMOTOR CITY LYRIC OPERA: $25,000 over 4y, 8.7% of budgetBEYOND BASICS: $20,000 over 3y, 0.2% of budgetMERCY EDUCATION PROJECT: $20,000 over 4y, 0.5% of budgetMICHIGAN NATURE ASSOCIATION: $12,500 over 3y, 0.5% of budgetHARSENS ISLAND-ST CLAIR FLATS HISTORICAL SOCIETY: $5,000 over 1y, 29% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

  • Who funds Detroit Historical Society ↗
  • Who funds DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY ↗
  • Who funds THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS ↗
  • Who funds ANGELS' PLACE ↗
  • Who funds DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA INC ↗
  • Who funds POPE FRANCIS CENTER ↗
  • Who funds FORGOTTEN HARVEST INC ↗
  • Who funds CRANBROOK EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY ↗
  • Who funds THE NATURE CONSERVANCY ↗
  • Who funds MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY ↗
  • Who funds DETROIT OPERA ↗
  • Who funds GLEANERS COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN ↗
  • Who funds THE FURNITURE RESOURCE CENTER ↗
  • Who funds BEDS 4 KIDS ↗
  • Who funds THE PEWABIC SOCIETY INC ↗
  • Who funds KIDS ON THE GO ↗
  • Who funds University of Michigan ↗
  • Who funds MOTOR CITY LYRIC OPERA ↗
  • Who funds BEYOND BASICS ↗
  • Who funds MERCY EDUCATION PROJECT ↗
  • Who funds MICHIGAN NATURE ASSOCIATION ↗
  • Who funds HARSENS ISLAND-ST CLAIR FLATS HISTORICAL SOCIETY ↗

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

Community Foundation …Young Woman's Home As…Aa Van Elslander Foun…Detroit Industrial Sc…DTE Energy FoundationThe Kresge FoundationCharities Aid Foundat…National Philanthropi…The Bank of America C…Network for GoodDonor Advised Charita…Fidelity Investments …
Community Foundation for Southeast MichiganMI21.3× affinity8 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan · Young Woman's Home Association of Detroit Michigan · Aa Van Elslander Foundation · Detroit Industrial School · DTE Energy Foundation · The Kresge Foundation · Charities Aid Foundation America · National Philanthropic Trust · The Bank of America Charitable Foundation Inc · Network for Good · Donor Advised Charitable Giving Inc · Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from The Karen & Drew Peslar Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 00%2%8%17%30%funder's share of their income ↑0%25%50%75%100%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    0get no government money at all
    6report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    typical government reliance, FY20–25
    How this is measured
    Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.

    On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 28 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

    How this is measured
    Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

    Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2025, released 2025. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

    Source object · view filing

    Play a game based on Karen & Drew Peslar’s filings →

    More from the funding graph

    The unnamed billions
    grants reported with no recipient in the public record
    The regranting layer
    51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
    The DAF merry-go-round
    $9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
    The endowment market
    who holds foundation money, and what just moved
    The camps
    funders cluster by geography, not ideology
    By state
    where grant money is based, and what stays home