Est. 1987

Peter C. & Emajean
Cook Foundation

Serving as a faithful steward of resources to improve the quality of life in the community.

Our Mission

The Peter C. & Emajean Cook Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in West Michigan. We partner with organizations that demonstrate excellence in meeting essential needs and strengthening the spiritual and cultural fabric of our community.

Essential Needs

Addressing hunger and housing challenges to ensure stability for our neighbors.

Healthcare

Advancing medical research and community care.

Community & Faith

Empowering ministries and arts organizations.

The Legacy

Peter C. & Emajean Cook

Peter & Emajean Cook

The Foundation was established in 1987 by Peter C. and Emajean Cook. Peter Cook was a prominent West Michigan businessman, well known as the owner of Import Motors and Mazda Great Lakes.

Throughout their lives, Peter and Emajean were dedicated to the principle of stewardship. They viewed their success as a responsibility to give back to the community that supported them. Their philanthropic vision focused heavily on the pillars of Education, Healthcare, and Evangelism.

Today, the Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors committed to honoring the intent of the Founders and continuing their legacy of support for the Grand Rapids community.

Grantee Gallery

Supporting organizations in West Michigan.

Education

Hope College

Healthcare

Van Andel Institute

Community & Arts

Grand Rapids Public Museum

Faith

Cornerstone University

Healthcare

Spectrum Health

Since 1987

Supporting our community.

Grant Guidelines & Contact

Connecting with the Foundation.

Funding Priorities

The Cook Foundation primarily supports capital campaigns and specific project initiatives within the Greater Grand Rapids area. We prioritize organizations with a proven track record of fiscal responsibility and alignment with our mission of Essential Needs (Housing & Hunger), Healthcare, and Evangelism.

Before You Apply:

While a Grant Request Form may be completed directly, an introductory email or phone call is strongly encouraged. This allows us to review the need assessment and project scope before you invest time in the full application process.

Eligibility Checklist:

Must be a 501(c)(3) Public Charity
Must serve the West Michigan community
Request matches our strategic pillars

Note: We generally do not fund operational expenses, individuals, or political organizations.

Downloadable Forms & Resources

Capital Grant Request Form Word Template (.dotx) • Click to Download

Operating Grant Request Form Word Template (.dotx) • Click to Download

Special Use Grant Request Form Word Template (.dotx) • Click to Download

Grant Evaluation Form Word Template (.dotx) • Click to Download

Contact the Foundation

For inquiries regarding grant eligibility or to update your organization's contact information, please use the form below.

Leadership & Staff

Cook Holdings Staff

Thomas H. Claus tclaus@chholdings.net
Carrie L. Boer cboer@chholdings.net
Becky J. Mikowski bmikowski@chholding.net
Laura Matonich lmatonich@chholdings.net

Board of Directors

Thomas H. Claus, President
Carrie L. Boer, Treasurer
Robert D. Brower, Secretary
Laura Matonich
Ryan Cook

Past Chairpersons

Thomas M. Cook
Peter C. Cook

Stock Image Reference

A list of all Unsplash placeholder images currently used in this design.

Section / Context	Image Preview	Direct Link
Hero Background Grand Rapids / City Vibe		Open URL
Founders (Legacy) Peter & Emajean Placeholder		Open URL
Hope College Impact Gallery		Open URL
Van Andel Institute Impact Gallery (Modern Glass)		Open URL
Public Museum Impact Gallery		Open URL
Cornerstone Univ. Impact Gallery		Open URL
Spectrum Health Impact Gallery		Open URL