Applying for a Grant

We give grants to 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, schools, agencies, and governmental units serving the greater Muskegon County area.

Committee Grantmaking

Grantmaking committees are comprised of community stakeholders – volunteers in our community whose personal passion align with the focus area. Grantmaking committees have specifically stated priorities and recommend grants from specific funds developed and reserved for that exclusive purpose. Committee grants will open on August 1. The application of intent deadline is September 9, and the application deadline is September 23. Click here for more information, and click here to apply.

Teacher Mini-grants

Our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) invites school district employees to apply for mini-grants to help them out in the classroom. Whether it’s a new idea or that little extra you need to make your lesson plans great, you can brighten your classroom with help from the YAC. Grants can be up to $500 for specific projects or programs including: program enhancement that meets curriculum guidelines, expanding an already existing unit, student awards, special events, professional development, artists in residence and parent involvement programs. Applications will open on September 13. The application deadline is November 4. Submit your application online today via our Submittable service! Click here to download the new teacher mini-grant instructions.

Click here for more information about Teacher Mini-grants.

Community Empowerment Small Grants

Community Empowerment Small Grants (CESGs) are tools provided by the Community Foundation to build a vibrant community with great opportunities for all. These grants are designed to empower organizations that may not yet have a 501(c)(3) status but seek support to foster change across our county. CESG grantees are strengthening community partnerships, building relationships, and providing hope and opportunity to many people throughout Muskegon County.

Here are a few examples of recent grantees making a difference in our community:

  • Servicios de Esperanza, LLC – Reduced Cost Drug Testing
  • NAACP Muskegon Branch #3147 – Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes
  • The Healed Happy Whole Woman – SCREAM Women’s Relational Recovery

To view an infographic exploring the impact of our first year of CESGs, click here.
For a complete list of 2020 grantees, please click here.
To learn more about the Community Empowerment Small Grants program and how to apply, click here.

Strategic Leadership Grants

In 2019, the Community Foundation began a strategic planning process to guide where we could make the largest impact with our investments of grant dollars, community engagement, and advocacy. The process involved surveying our stakeholders, community leaders, donors, trustees, volunteers, and staff to determine the areas of focus. Strategic Leadership Grants will support projects and programs related to education; community and economic development; and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Strategic Leadership Grants will be open again in the spring of 2022.

For more information about Community Foundation grants, contact:

Janelle Mair, 231.332.4116
Jocelyn Hines, 231.332.4118

Other Application Resources

Helpful Links:

Grant Application Overview
Submittable Detailed Instructions – Muskegon
Grant Application Guide
Final Grant Report Evaluation Sheet
Grantee Media Kit

Click below to login to Submittable. 

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Past Grant Awards

View a complete listing of our previous grant awards, including the organization, project, amount and grant fund.

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Grant Guidelines

If you're wondering how to make your grant proposal better, or what organizations submit the strongest proposals, we can help.

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