We are committed to making our grant process accessible and transparent for all organizations.
Whether you’re new to the Community Foundation or a returning grantee, we encourage you to carefully review the focus areas, frequently asked questions and steps below before applying.
Two-Stage Process for Community Grants
The Community Grants Program at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan follows a two-stage application process. It begins with a proposal request, or initial inquiry, which allows applicants to briefly outline their ideas.
Based on these inquiries, selected organizations are invited to submit a full application. This structure enables the Community Foundation to efficiently assess proposed ideas, guide applicants toward the most appropriate funding opportunities, and reduce the effort required from organizations in the early stages of applying.
Step 1: Proposal Request (Initial Inquiry)
All applicants begin by completing a proposal request form, which includes:
- Basic organization information
- A brief summary of your funding request
You may submit up to two proposal requests.
Review Timeline:
We typically respond to proposal requests within 4–6 weeks.
If your idea aligns with our funding priorities, you will receive an invitation to submit a full application.
Step 2: Full Application (By Invitation Only)
If invited, you will receive access to MyCF, our new application portal, and additional guidance from our team.
The full application includes:
- A detailed description of the request
- Organization and Grant Budget
- Organizational documents (financial audit or review, board list, etc.)
- Information on expected outcomes and how you plan to measure impact
We may also request a conversation with your team to learn more before making final decisions.
Grant Cycles and Deadlines
Proposals and applications must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date.
Fall 2025
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Spring 2026
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Tips for a Strong Proposal and Application
- Be specific about the community need you are addressing and how your organization is best positioned to respond.
- Align your proposal with one or more of our five focus areas and guiding principles.
- Use data and storytelling to demonstrate both need and opportunity.
- Plan ahead — proposals and applications must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date.
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 our Community Foundation FAQ’s site or reach out to the Community Impact team using the following form: