Community Empowerment Grants
These grants offer awards of up to $3,000 to support programs that strengthen partnerships, build relationships, and provide hope and opportunity throughout Muskegon County. All grants awarded through discretionary funds are designed to strengthen community by aligning with the Community Foundation’s strategic focus areas of (1) advancing educational attainment, (2) fostering a dynamic, local economy, and (3) enhancing community trust and promoting prosperity for all.
Community Empowerment grants are designed specifically for grassroots groups that have an annual operating budget of less than $100k and designed to strengthen the community by removing barriers that may inhibit or limit a program from happening.
Grant Details
- Organizations are eligible for up to a maximum of $3,000 per year (average award ranges $500-$2,000)
- Grants are designed to support local grassroots or locally organized groups (e.g. Neighborhood Associations)
- Awards will be funded directly to the nonprofit organization or fiduciary*
- Collaboration with community and other nonprofit organizations is strongly encouraged
- Grant funded programs must be available to the entire community
- All applicants must be residents of Muskegon County
*A fiduciary is a nonprofit agency acting on behalf of an organized group that may be awaiting nonprofit (501c3 status). If your group is in need of assistance in identifying a fiscal sponsor/fiduciary, please contact the Community Foundation.
Grant Process and Timeline
- Grants are reviewed and awarded each month – this is a “rolling timeline” until funds are depleted
- The beginning of each month grants are reviewed by a staff committee
- The second Monday of each month grants are awarded and paid to nonprofit or fiduciary
- The start date of your program must begin AFTER the grant award is received (grants do not reimburse past expenses)
- A follow-up form completed by the grantee will be due 30-days after the program’s completion
Examples of Past Projects
- QPR Suicide Prevention Training
- West Michigan Filipino Cultural Seminar
- White Lake Dramatic Club Community Theater