Why I Joined Erik Jones — And Why You Should Too
August 28, 2025
Erik Jones presents a $5,000 check to Hannah Peterson of Genesee County Animal Control.
The Erik Jones Foundation closed out the 2025 by awarding approximately $100,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations working to strengthen communities across Michigan and across the country. While a significant portion of this year-end support was directed to organizations serving families and animals in Mid-Michigan, the Foundation also invested in partners nationwide aligned with its mission.
“These grants reflect our belief that strong local organizations are essential to healthy communities,” said Erik Jones, NASCAR Cup Series driver and founder of the Erik Jones Foundation. “Whether it’s helping kids learn to read, caring for animals, or ensuring families have access to cancer care, we’re proud to support organizations making a meaningful impact.”
Investing in Mid-Michigan Communities
Several of this year’s grants focus on meeting critical needs close to home:
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Shiawassee County Regional Educational Service District (RESD) received $20,000 to sponsor books for every child in Shiawassee County, expanding access to age-appropriate reading materials and supporting early literacy. This effort is part of a partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, the Cook Family Foundation, and the United Way of Genesee County.
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Genesee County Animal Control received $5,000 to support shelter care and essential services for animals in need.
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Serenity Canine Advocacy Rescue and Rehab received $5,000 to assist with rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacy efforts for dogs.
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Humane Society of Midland County received $5,000 to support animal welfare services and shelter operations.
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Literacy Circle Society received $3,000 to support programming for struggling readers.
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Chuck Wagon Food Pantry received $2,500 to support pet food assistance, helping families care for their animals during times of need.
In addition, the Foundation awarded $20,000 to the Superior Health Foundation to support breast cancer programs serving communities in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Erik with staff and community members at the Shiawassee County Early Childhood Center in Owosso, Michigan.
Supporting Communities Nationwide
Beyond Michigan, the Erik Jones Foundation also made grants to organizations across the country that align with its core pillars of childhood literacy, animal welfare, and cancer care:
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The Animal Pad (La Mesa, CA) received $5,000 to support animal rescue and care efforts.
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Saving Gracie (Vacaville, CA) received $5,000 to assist with rescue operations and rehabilitation.
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Celeste Henkel Elementary School (Statesville, NC) received $2,600 to support literacy-related needs at the school.
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National Breast Cancer Foundation (Dallas, TX) received $15,000 to support breast cancer education, detection, and patient support programs.
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Dream Equine Therapy Center Inc. (Ellenboro, NC) received $5,000 to support equine-assisted therapy programs serving individuals and families.
A Broader Year-End Impact
The Erik Jones Foundation’s year-end grantmaking reflects its commitment to pairing local investment with national reach. These grants are made possible through the generous support of donors, corporate partners, and participants in Foundation programs and events throughout the year.
Through strategic grantmaking and hands-on community engagement, the Erik Jones Foundation continues to create lasting, positive impact in the communities Erik Jones calls home—and beyond.
