About Us


(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)
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.