About Us

Dr. and Mrs. Towsley with daughters

(left to right) Dr. and Mrs. Towsley with daughters Margaret Ann (Ranny), Susan, Janis, Judith and Lynn (1990).

The Foundation trustees seek to continue Dr. and Mrs. Towsley’s legacy of strengthening communities and improving lives through effective philanthropy. We hope to support those who offer creative and sustainable approaches to problems of the ever-changing world.

Current Trustees

  • Lynn T. White (Chairperson)
  • David Inglish (President)
  • Judith D. Rumelhart (Vice-President)
  • Wendell Dunbar (Secretary)
  • Brenda Shellenberger (Treasurer)
  • Douglas D. Inglish (Trustee)
  • Heather Koch (Trustee)
  • Jennifer R. Poteat (Trustee)
  • Stephanie Scheets (Trustee)
  • Sarah Thompson (Trustee)
  • Tina S. Van Dam (Trustee)

Financial Data

  • Grants Report, 2023 (View)
  • Grants Report, 2022 (View)
  • Grants Report, 2021 (View)
  • IRS Form 990, 2023 (View)

The Foundation obtains audited financial statements annually.

2023 Grants Data

  • 110 grant requests received, totaling more than $11.8 million.
  • Eligible grant requests that received funding = 10.9 %.
  • Median amount disbursed to each recipient organization $25,000.

What Do We Fund?

Arts & Culture 9%
Civic & Community 12%
Education 47%
Environmental (since 2000) 7%
Health & Human Services 25%

Where Do We Fund?

Southern Michigan 56%
Central Michigan 20%
Northern Michigan 7%
Upper Michigan 3%
National 14%