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)
  • Tina S. Van Dam (Trustee)
  • Sarah Thompson (Associate Trustee)

Financial Data

  • Grants Report, 2022 (View)
  • Grants Report, 2021 (View)
  • Grants Report, 2020 (View)
  • IRS Form 990, 2022 (View)

The Foundation obtains audited financial statements annually.

What Do We Fund?

Arts & Culture 8%
Civic & Community 12%
Education 48%
Environmental (since 2000) 7%
Health & Human Services 25%
Arts & Culture $ 9,545,170
Civic & Community 12,962,792
Education 53,015,659
Environmental 7,752,249
Health & Human Services 27,860,991
Total (1960-2022) $111,136,861

Where Do We Fund?

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

Since 1960, the Foundation has provided more than $111 million, primarily to charitable organizations within Michigan.