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.

We want to learn about your ideas! In the coming weeks, our community investment team will be hosting three different Idea Labs over Zoom to help identify potential partnerships that align with your project:

• March 17, 2021 at 3:30pm – Idea Lab: Education and Lifelong Literacy. Register here.
• March 24, 2021 at 3:30pm – Idea Lab: Community and Economic Development. Register here.
• March 31, 2021 at 3:30pm – Idea Lab: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Register here.

This grant application is open now through April 30th. Read the full Request for Proposals here. Submit your application of intent here.

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 Drug Cost 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.

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 reopen in fall 2021. Click here for information.

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.