Community Grants
Grants for nonprofits offering bold ideas, responsive strategies, and long-term solutions to complex challenges in our region.
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Special Grant Opportunities
In addition to our Community Grant program cycles, we offer special funding opportunities in response to community needs.
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Nonprofit Endowments
Endowments established at the Community Foundation provide a sustainable source of funding for nonprofits for generations to come.
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Thriving Together:
Our Approach to Grantmaking
At the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, we believe that thriving communities begin with strong support systems.
When people and organizations have access to the right tools, resources, and partnerships, the entire region benefits.
We invest in efforts that strengthen community well-being—supporting organizations that are working every day to build healthier, more connected, and more resilient neighborhoods across southeast Michigan.
Guiding Principles
Our grantmaking is guided by the following values:
- Innovation – Supporting creative, adaptive approaches to solve complex community issues.
- Leading Change – Prioritizing solutions that address root causes and create lasting transformation.
- Operational Excellence – Using data, learning, and accountability to strengthen impact.
- Collaboration – Building strong relationships across sectors and communities.
- Trust and Integrity – Being transparent, consistent, and responsive.
Community Grants Program
Investing in Community-Driven Solutions
At the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, we make strategic, thoughtful investments in organizations that are shaping long-term, positive change across our region.
Through our Community Grants Program, we collaborate with organizations that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve—organizations that bring forward bold ideas, adaptive approaches, and a commitment to tackling complex challenges in sustainable ways.
Our grantmaking blends passion with purpose. We look for initiatives that are visionary yet grounded in the realities of community life—efforts that are informed by local voices, responsive to real needs, and built for lasting impact.
We are equally dedicated to honoring the intent of our donors. Every grant reflects their values and aspirations, aligned with the broader goal of building a more equitable and vibrant southeast Michigan for generations to come.
Grant seekers are not alone in this process. Our team of experienced program officers is here to help nonprofits navigate the funding landscape. They provide guidance, connect organizations to relevant resources, and work collaboratively to ensure proposals align with our shared goals for the region.
Strategic Focus Areas
Our work is centered around five strategic focus areas, each rooted in our vision of a strong, agile, and resilient Southeast Michigan:
- Economic Opportunity
- Creating pathways to stable employment, entrepreneurship, and financial security for individuals and families.
- Health Equity
- Increasing access to quality healthcare, improving health outcomes, and providing essential services to meet basic needs.
- Youth and Education
- Supporting literacy, youth development, and lifelong learning—from early childhood to adulthood.
- Arts and Culture
- Strengthening creative contributions to the civic, social, and cultural infrastructure that enhances the region’s vibrancy.
- Public Space and Environment
- Investing in parks, trails, and climate-smart infrastructure that improve environmental health and quality of life.
How To Apply for a Community Grant
We use a two-stage process to ensure that all proposals receive thoughtful and comprehensive review:
- Submit a Proposal:
- Organizations will be asked to complete a brief form, including basic organization information and a short proposal summary. Based on the proposal request, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application. All submissions will receive a decision notification typically within 4-6 weeks. At this stage, organizations may submit two proposal requests at a time for consideration.
- Complete a Full Application:
- Selected submissions will be invited to complete a full application. Applicants will be asked to provide a more detailed overview of the request during this stage, as well as the required organization documents.
Special Grant Opportunities
Targeted Funds, Initiatives, and Affiliates
In addition to our Community Grants Program, we lead and support special initiatives and funds that address urgent challenges and emerging opportunities across southeast Michigan. These targeted funding opportunities are often developed in partnership with donors, foundations, and community stakeholders, and are designed to create measurable impact within our strategic focus areas.
Whether it’s advancing health equity through behavioral health partnerships, expanding youth development efforts through early learning programs, or strengthening economic mobility through small business support, these initiatives are tailored to meet the evolving needs of our region.
Some opportunities may focus on particular populations or places—such as expanding access to the arts within a specific county, or strengthening youth development programs in communities where educational resources are limited. In every case, these special grant opportunities reflect a shared commitment to building a more equitable, connected, and vibrant southeast Michigan.
Please review each opportunity’s grant guidelines and eligibility requirements before starting your application.
Nonprofit Endowments
Sustainable Financial Support for Nonprofit Organizations
Strong nonprofits are essential to a thriving region. Our Nonprofit Endowment program helps organizations across southeast Michigan build lasting financial stability so they can focus on their mission—today and for generations to come.
We partner with nonprofits of all sizes to establish and grow endowment funds. These funds are invested for long-term growth and provide a reliable stream of income year after year. Our expert staff handles all administrative, investment, and distribution details—allowing your team to stay focused on what matters most.
With more than 230 participating organizations and decades of investment experience, we offer trusted guidance, professional fund management, and a commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector as a whole.
Whether you’re looking to start a new endowment or grow an existing fund, we’re here to help you plan for the future with confidence.
We’re Here to Help
Our team is here to support you through every step of the grant application process.
If you have questions about eligibility, application requirements, or timelines, please visit MyCF Navigator, the Community Foundation FAQ’s site, or reach out to the Community Impact team using the following form: