Community Funds Grant Application
As a collection of flexible, responsive assets, our Community Funds address gaps and support opportunities that our other funds cannot.
That’s because Community Funds broadly support our region and can fund all types of organizations, from environmental nonprofits and arts and culture groups to Tribal organizations and educational institutions.
We aim to equitably and meaningfully invest Community Funds to support healthy, resilient, thriving communities across our region, now and for generations to come.
“So much of what is done to improve small communities relies on the work of community organizations and nonprofits. Without the support of responsive and flexible funding, projects—such as those envisioned for Thompsonville—would not be possible."
-Chuck Kraus, President, Thompsonville Area Revitalization Project, one of our past Community Funds grant partners
Grant Eligibility
We welcome applications from grant partners who are ready to accept significant and strategic investments to support their missions.
Organizations are encouraged to submit a grant application for the amount they need, whether that's $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 or $30,000. We have a total of $300,000 available for Community Funds grants in 2024.
- Nonprofit, educational, governmental, and Tribal entities across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties are eligible to apply by submitting an online application.
- Previous grant partners can reapply for a Community Funds grant.
- Grant awards may include unrestricted general operating support.
- Consideration is given for grant awards that can have a larger impact for the grant partner; provide a significant community benefit; and/or can leverage other funding sources.
- Grant requests that are informed by data on the Community Development Regional Scorecard and/or address a community issue that appears on the Scorecard are prioritized in the review process.
Grantmaking Process
- Standarized grant application processes are used to increase access to potential grant partners, including proactively sharing opportunities with new partners that have not been traditionally funded.
- Pre-applications are accepted May 28 through June 21 at 11:59 pm. The pre-application is intended to reduce the amount of time spent applying and provide a quicker decision about the status of your application.
- An initial review and due diligence of the pre-applications will be conducted by a team from the Community Foundation during the week of June 24.
- During the first week of July, all applicants will be notified. Those selected will be invited to complete the full application.
- Full applications are due by July 19 at 11:59pm.
- Applications are then be reviewed by the Community Foundation's Grantmaking Committee.
- Grant awards will be made in the fall.
Apply Now
- Pre-applications are now closed.
- Organizations will be notified about the status of their pre-application during the first week of July. Those selected to complete a full application will have until July 19 at 11:59 pm to complete their application.
Post-Grant Reports
The Community Foundation values data and how it informs both our ongoing impact and future grants. Post-grant reports will be sent to grant partners and are intended to provide feedback on our process and effectiveness as grantmakers.
Questions?
Please email grants@gtrcf.org.