The Stryker Johnston Foundation is seeking applications to invest in and collaborate with others in impactful and creative initiatives to change the cycle of generational poverty and its systemic issues.

Founded in 1995 by Ronda Stryker and Bill Johnston, they partner with organizations and initiatives working to strengthen and build thriving, equitable communities. Currently, they invest in and collaborate with organizations and initiatives working towards the elimination of intergenerational poverty in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. They strive to implement a trust-based approach to grant making. With a focus on place-based investing, they seek to build durable relationships with their grant partners.

Funding Priorities

They currently invest in and collaborate with organizations and initiatives working towards the elimination of intergenerational poverty in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. They intentionally focus on supporting organizations that are led by and serve Black people, people of color, and other marginalized communities. They seek to partner with organizations and initiatives that:

• Improve the economic security, social wellbeing and inclusion of marginalized community members.
• Disrupt systems and structures that perpetuate generational poverty.

They provide funding for:

• General operating support
• Multi-year funding
• Specific projects or programs
• Collaborations or collective action efforts
• Capacity building
• Capital campaigns— a limited portion of their grant funds go towards capital campaigns. Funding requests are subject to additional levels of review.

Eligibility Criteria

You may be eligible for funding if:

• You are a legally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, or you have a confirmed fiscal sponsor that is a legally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organizationOr
• You are a governmental agency or educational institution (school, college, university)
• Your organization, program, or project primarily serves residents of Kalamazoo County, Michigan
• You have a board policy in place that demonstrates your organization’s commitment to equal opportunity for all persons and is inclusive of race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and any other legally protected status. They expect this policy to cover staff, board, volunteers, and clients of your organization.

For more information, visit Stryker Johnston Foundation.