Community Grants
Our Community Grants are awarded two times per year in the Spring and Fall. We support a wide variety of organizations, programs and projects throughout Emmet County. We rely on our nonprofit partners to advise us of the needs in their fields through their grant requests so that the Community Foundation may meet those needs. Areas of interest include arts and culture, environment, community and economic development, health and human services, recreation, and youth. We also recognize that important or emerging needs require responsiveness and flexibility.
Youth Grants
Our Youth Grants are awarded two times per year in the Spring and Fall. Youth- and family-focused applications will be reviewed by the foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), made up of 21 area teens. The YAC will prioritize proposals that address issues identified in the most recent Youth Needs Assessment, with the highest priority on youth mental health.
Successful Community and Youth Grant applications will:
- be for requests of $15,000 or less;
- present a clearly written, compelling narrative
- explain what the program or project hopes to accomplish, why it is important, and how that outcome will benefit community members
Who is eligible?
Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and municipalities in Emmet County or serving a significant number of Emmet County residents are generally eligible. Eligible organizations must not have any late final reports from previous grants or received another Community or Youth Grant from the Community Foundation within the same calendar year.
How to apply?
Your application starts with an email inquiry to the Community Foundation so we can learn more about your proposed project. Email our grants team of Sarah Ford and Jake Myers at [email protected].
Our Fall 2023 cycle is currently open to inquiries. Community and Youth Grant applications are invited two times during the calendar year with final applications due on or about March 1 and October 1.
Questions?
Visit our Grant FAQs page or contact Sarah Ford, Director of Community Philanthropy, 231-348-5820.
What types of requests are not eligible for funding?
- Annual giving campaigns
- Support directly to individuals
- Religious programs that advocate specific religious doctrines or do not serve the broader community
- Services which are commonly recognized as government or school obligations
- Endowments
- Deficit funding or debt retirement, including operating expenses due to budget deficits or shortfalls
Our Fall 2023 cycle is now open to inquiries. The process starts with an email to [email protected].
Deadline for inquiries is Monday, September 25, 2023.
