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, sexual orientation, identity/expression, national origin, veteran status, marital status, income status and or philosophy/religion.

Who is eligible? 

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 competitive 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 by law to have a Michigan Charitable License to Solicit. Read more HERE.
• A nonprofit organization may apply in more than one grant category per year, but only one application per category.
• 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

Capacity Building Grants:  Grant amount varies. Capacity Building activities help an organization increase its sustainability and effectiveness by strengthening its internal systems 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. 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 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 fundholders for consideration. LEARN MORE

Impact Grants (2025 application opens April 14, 2025): $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. Impact grants require a preliminary application and a 1:1 cash match. Impact grantees from 2024 are not eligible to apply for a 2025 Impact grant. LEARN MORE

Placemaking Activation Sponsorships Update for 2025

The Community Foundation is proud to support vibrant community initiatives that activate key areas in our region. In 2024, our placemaking activation sponsorships focused on festivals, events, and projects along the Michigan Avenue corridor and downtown Lansing riverfront, enhancing these spaces for all to enjoy.

Looking ahead to 2025, we will not be requesting proposals for new sponsorships. Instead, we plan to concentrate on activities and festivals that bring energy and excitement to the downtown riverfront, including Rotary Park and the new Fish Ladder Music Park.

Stay tuned for updates on how we’ll be working to create dynamic, community-focused experiences in these iconic riverfront spaces!

For questions or more information, please contact Laurie Baumer at lbaumer@ourcommunity.org.