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 contributions similar to those Steve and Marge have made over the years, with a special interest in animal rescue and animal shelter agencies. The Foundation’s grant making focuses on, but is not limited to, Western Michigan. We prefer proposals where we can cover the total cost rather than contributing a lesser amount to a larger project.
The Foundation added two Donor Designated Funds (DDF), which allow targeted giving opportunities for the donors. The Foundation hopes to add more DDFs in the future.
The Foundation is especially interested in assisting community organizations become more strategic and more effective in delivering services. Foundation representatives are available for free consultation in this area.
Long Term Plan: To evolve funding strategies that ensure maximum impact from Foundation contributions. To build the Foundation’s net worth to a significant level through aggressive contributions and moderately aggressive investing strategies. The Foundation’s goal is to survive its founders and become a strong resource long into the future.
Donation Restrictions: As a private foundation, grants are limited to fully-qualified charitable 501(c)(3) organizations or public entities.
Donation History: Examples of organizations Steve and Marge and/or the Foundation have contributed to in recent years have included (in no particular order):
- Big Lake (Humane Society) Animal Rescue of Muskegon County
- Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue
- Community Foundation of Muskegon County
- Prostate Cancer Foundation
- Norton Shores Branch Library of MADL
- Cannonsville Critters
- Salvation Army
- Noah Project
- C-SNIP
- Faithful to Felines
- Doctors without Borders
- United Way
- Pound Buddies
- American Cancer Society
- Feral Cat Solutions
- Wounded Warriors
- Shelter Animal Donations
- Memorial Gift – City of Muskegon Parks
- Memorial Gift – Mundy Township Parks