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.
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 again in the spring of 2022.
Muskegon LEAD
The Leading Efforts Against Discrimination (LEAD) Giving Circle supports organizations doing exemplary work in the areas of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. Nominations for awards will be opening in the Fall of 2022.
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 in the fall of 2022.
Click here for more information about Teacher Mini-grants.
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.
