Community and Youth Grants

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 27 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. 

How to apply?

Our Spring 2025 cycle is now closed. Community and Youth Grant applications are invited two times during the calendar year with final applications due early March and early October.

Questions?

Visit our Grant FAQs page or contact our grant team at 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