Grants at the Community Foundation

The Capital Region Community Foundation provides charitable funding to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations and other eligible entities, for projects and programs that predominantly benefit residents of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties, Michigan.

What We Believe
In our grantmaking, we work with partners whose programming, leadership, staffing, and volunteers reflect the diversity of the people they serve. Like the Community Foundation, our partners should authentically work to maximize access to services and achieve equitable practices for all people regardless of ethnicity, race, age, gender, identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, marital status, income status and or philosophy/religion.

Before you apply, read our Grant Guidelines.

The Foundation accepts applications from all eligible entities. However, we strongly encourage requests from small and mid-size nonprofits who are making a difference in underserved and/or racially diverse communities. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of community volunteers.

The following requirements apply to all Community Foundation grant opportunities.

  • Requests must be for projects and programs that predominantly benefit residents of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties, Michigan.
  • Federal tax-exempt status 501(c)(3); OR a fiscal agent that meets these criteria. Municipalities may also apply.
  • Your organization may be required to have a Michigan Charitable License to Solicit. If you do not have a license, please review the information at Charitable Trust (michigan.gov) If you are not sure, please contact us to discuss.
  • A nonprofit organization may apply in more than one grant category per year…but just application one per category, please.
  • At this time, we are unable to fund requests for the following: individuals, international organizations, sectarian or religious programs, endowment funds, existing obligations, debts or expenses incurred before the grant approval date.

GRANT CATEGORIES

Impact Grants: $10,000 - $75,000. Impact grants are meant to increase the long-term impact of an organization or program, increase the organization’s ability to reach under-served populations, or enable two or more nonprofits to work collaboratively to create transformative and sustainable community change. LEARN MORE

Capacity Building Grants: Capacity Building activities help an organization increase its sustainability and effectiveness by strengthening its internal systems. Capacity Building strengthens an organization so it can grow its impact and accomplish its mission. The Foundation offers Capacity Building support by partnering with our grantees and other experts in organizational management. Capacity grant amounts vary. LEARN MORE

Youth Grants: Up to $5,000. Youth grants are for programs that help teens age 12-18 in the tri-county region. The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is especially interested in projects, programs and proposals that provide teens with skills to handle with the most pressing issues identified in the recent Youth Survey. LEARN MORE

Mini Grants: Up to $5,000. Mini Grants are perfect for smaller organizations that seek programming or project support. These opportunities are provided to donor-advised fund holders for consideration. LEARN MORE