In September 2021, Steve and Marge LeBel established The LeBel Foundation for the purpose of increasing the scope and regularity of their charitable giving. The Foundation is classed as a private foundation by the IRS, which granted it a 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.
Short Term Plan: The Foundation expects to continue donations similar to those Steve and Marge have made over the years, highlighting their special interest in animal rescue and animal shelter agencies. The Foundation’s grant making focuses on, but is not limited to, Western Michigan.
Long Term Plan: To develop funding strategies that ensure maximum benefit for Foundation contributions. To build the Foundation’s net worth through aggressive contributions and moderately aggressive investing strategies. The Foundation’s goal is to survive its founders and become a strong resource in the future.
Funding Sources: In addition to the Foundation’s main fund, we also have two Donor Designated Funds (DDF), which allow the donors to customize their gift-giving activities. We hope to add more DDFs in the future.
Donation Restrictions: As a private foundation, grants are limited to fully-qualified charitable 501(c)(3) organizations or public entities.
Consulting Services (free): The Foundation is especially interested in assisting community organizations to become more strategic and/or more effective in delivering services. Foundation representatives (with broad experience in non-profit organizations) are available for free consultation.
Donation History: Examples of organizations Steve and Marge and/or the Foundation have contributed to in recent years include (in no particular order):
- Big Lake (Humane Society) Animal Rescue of Muskegon County
- A Feral Haven
- BestPals Animal Rescue Center
- Big Lake Humane Society
- Cannonsville Critters
- C-SNIP
- Faithful to Felines
- Feral Cat Solutions
- Focus on Ferals
- Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance
- Last Chance Rescue Mission
- Operation Solo
- PAWS Rescue
- Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry
- Pound Buddies Animal Shelter & Adoption Center
- Second Chance Cats of West Michigan
- Shelter Animal Donations
- Tyson’s Place Animal Rescue
- West Michigan Wildlife Center
- Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue
- Noah Project
- Bunnies-R-Us
We are also proud to contribute to other fine organizations:
- Salvation Army
- Doctors without Borders
- Norton Shores Branch Library of MADL
- Prostate Cancer Foundation
- United Way
- Community Foundation of Muskegon County
- Mundy Township Commons
- American Cancer Society
- Wounded Warriors
- Memorial Gift – City of Muskegon Parks
- Memorial Gift – Mundy Township Parks