Special COVID-19 Urgent Needs Funds Available

The Community Foundation has mobilized resources from the Urgent Needs Fund and others to respond to the developing COVID-19 crisis that is impacting and will continue to impact many friends and neighbors across Charlevoix County. 

As always, we look to our nonprofit partners to make a difference throughout the community. If your nonprofit organization is playing an active role in helping individuals and families during this difficult time, we may be able to offer financial support. 

At this time, the funding is limited, but we are working to connect needs with resources as this situation develops. The available funding will focus on supporting those who are experiencing unexpected needs due to the economic consequences of COVID-19. Other related needs of organizations will also be considered. Grants may be used for direct services to your clients as well as necessary operations of your organization to help you serve your clients. 

Click here to apply for an Urgent Needs grant. There is no access code needed to apply, but your organization must be a 501c3 nonprofit, a government entity, or a school in order to receive funding. Simply log into your account (or create an account if you don't yet have one) and click on Apply. Feel free to reach out to Ashley Cousens with any questions or for more information.

**This grant cycle is ongoing and grant awards will be based on the merit of the proposal and the availability of funds. The purpose of the Fund is to fill unexpected or emergency needs that occur due to the COVID-19 response. 

 

Regular 2020 Grant Cycle Information

 

 

GRANTS OVERVIEW

GRANT PROGRAM	OVERVIEW	APPLICATION AVAILABLE	APPLICATION  DEADLINE	STATUS	CONTACT PERSON
ENVIRONMENT & LAND USE	Eligible non-profit partners can apply for projects and programs that support environment and land use initiatives located in the Lake Charlevoix Watershed and/or Charlevoix County. This cycle aims to support environmental education, protection, restoration, recreation, and sustainability initiatives. Grantee interview required. Grant guidelines.	November 18	February 1, 2020	Closed	Ashley Cousens
SCHOLARSHIPS	Graduating high school seniors can apply for scholarships to help with the cost of higher education. A few opportunites are also available for continuing education. Review the full list of available scholarships. Click here for how to apply for and/or renew a scholarship.	December 2	March 1, 2020	Closed	Mishelle Shooks
COMMUNITY PROJECT SUPPORT	All eligible non-profit partners can apply for project support during this cycle. Particular areas of interest include arts and culture, fine arts, health, basic and urgent needs, and veteran's needs. Grant guidelines.	March 1	May 1, 2020	Accepting Applications	Ashley Cousens
STUDENT SUCCESS	This cycle aims to support public pre-K through 12 school districts in Charlevoix County. School superintendents can apply.	June 1	August 1, 2020	Closed	Mishelle Shooks
GEOGRAPHIC ENRICHMENT	All eligible non-profit partners can apply for funding community needs on Beaver Island, in Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan. Grant guidelines.	August 1	October 1, 2020	Closed	Ashley Cousens
YOUTH NEEDS	All eligible non-profit partners addressing the top youth needs in Charlevoix County, according to the Youth Needs Assessment, will be prioritized for funding. All other youth requests benefitting two or more schools/communities will be considered. Grantee interview may be required. Grant guidelines.	September 1	November 1, 2020	Closed	Mishelle Shooks
SUSTAINING WHAT WORKS	All eligible non-profit partners can apply for general support. This cycle encourages donors who advise funds to provide general support for local causes they care about most. Requests may attract grants of any size or may not be funded at all. Grant guidelines.	September 1	November 1, 2020	Closed	Ashley Cousens
SUN FUND	"Support Us Now" (SUN) Fund grants aim to improve and enrich the quality of life for residents of Charlevoix County. All eligible non-profit partners may apply for grants of $1,000 or less at any time of year to fill an unexpected emergency need that comes up between grant cycles. More information about the SUN Fund here.	Ongoing	Ongoing	Accepting Applications	Mishelle Shooks

 

Return to a Grant Application

FAQ

WHO CAN APPLY

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions (preschool through college), and all units of government serving Charlevoix County residents. Additionally, organizations listed above that do not discriminate in hiring of staff or the provision of services. See chart above for who can apply for which specific grant cycles. Also, feel free to contact the person listed if you have more questions about your eligibility to apply. 

 

WHAT WE FUND

Arts and culture, education, environment and land use initiatives, community and economic development, civic improvement, human services, health and wellness projects, recreation, and youth projects. Proposed programs/projects must benefit Charlevoix County residents.

 

WHAT WE USUALLY DON'T FUND

Ongoing organizational operating expenses, political campaigns, sectarian projects, loan payments or deficit spending, services normally supported by tax dollars, annual fundraisers, or grants to individuals.

 

WHEN TO APPLY

Applications for all grant cycles are due by 11:59 PM on the due date. Due dates for each grant cycle are listed in the chart above.  

 

HOW TO APPLY

To get started on any of the grant cycles, call the Community Foundation to discuss eligibility with program staff - Ashley or Mishelle.  If you are approved to apply, you will receive an access code for the online grant application and account logon page. You can log back into a grant application you started by clicking here. Once you click "submit" on your application, you will no longer be able to access the application. Call Ashley or Mishelle for assistance and guidance. 

 

WHAT TO DO AFTER FUNDING

If you receive a grant from the Community Foundation, you will be provided with more information about what to do next. However, you can prepare yourself by checking out our page about Grant Follow-Up. 

 

2020 GRANT CHANGES

In 2020, we’re changing how we work with nonprofit partners to provide opportunities for larger grants and more flexible support with different deadlines for different focus areas.  A primary goal in reviewing and revising the Community Grant-making Program is to remain accessible to nonprofit partners. We anticipate an increase in support for nonprofit partners beyond community grant-making funds because of efforts to share your good work with donors who advise funds within the Community Foundation as well as sharing more broadly on our website and in publications.  

In late 2019 and throughout 2020, we will provide more information to our non-profit partners about how to partner with the Community Foundation to fulfill your mission.  We've been sharing details through print and electronic communications, and our upcoming in-person workshops (or open meetings) will provide details and a chance to answer any questions you might have. Non-profit partners are vitally important to the Community Foundation’s impact and we look forward to continuing to work with you to make a difference here in Charlevoix County.

Below are our new grant cycle focus areas and the new deadlines for 2020. We will always share new information here on our website as soon as it becomes available. Above, is the lastest information we have to share about the new cycles and deadlines. Always contact us if you have specific questions about a proposal idea or any of the changes we're making.