CFNEM Common Grant
CFNEM Common Grant Application Mini-grant Application Budget Sample
The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) welcomes your grant application.
Look over the information in the Application Guidelines below to find answers to questions about eligibility, deadlines, amounts available, and other frequently asked questions about available funds.
- Complete the Common Grant Application. If you reproduce this form on your computer, be sure not to exceed six (6) numbered pages. Use the two-page mini-grant application for grants of $500 or less.
- Complete the Budget and attach a Budget Narrative to explain the project in greater detail. A sample budget is provided for your use. Be sure to list any additional funding sources for your project.
- Include the following attachments:
- 501 (c)(3) documentation
- Current list of Board of Directors
- Do not include additional materials unless specifically requested in the attachments. Report covers, folders, binders, and excess information are unnecessary and are usually removed before applications are sent to the Screening Committee.
- Be sure to secure the appropriate signatures from your organization (i.e., executive director or person in charge of the organization) before your proposal is submitted.
- If you will not be using a computer or typewriter, please be sure your grant application is legible and written in ink.
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please feel free to contact a Foundation program staff member at 989-354-6881 (toll free 877-354-6881). We would be happy to help you!
The CFNEM Common Grant Application deadlines are February 1, August 1, or November 1. You may bring your application directly to the CFNEM office at 111 Water Street in downtown Alpena. Applications may also be mailed to: CFNEM, P.O. Box 495, Alpena, MI 49707, if postmarked by the deadline. (If the first day of the month falls on a weekend, applications will be accepted at the CFNEM office on the first regular business day of February, August, or November.)
Public and parochial schools must use the Youth Advisory Council application.
Click here for CFNEM Common Grant Application
Application Guidelines
About your organization
- Your organization must provide benefits to those within the geographic area of Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, or Presque Isle County.
- Your organization must be recognized as a non-profit charitable organization under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. (Schools and government agencies are also eligible. Grants to religious organizations will be considered only if they serve the general public and do not have religious overtones of a sectarian nature.) Proof of non-profit status is required for auditing purposes.
- Public and parochial schools in the counties of Alcona, Alpena, and Montmorency must use the Youth Advisory Council application.
- No grants are made to individuals.
About your project
- Grants are made for future projects only. No funding will be given for projects completed before final board approval. Board approval is usually within six (6) weeks of the grant deadline. Grants are not made for routine operating needs or budget deficits.
- Proposals seeking "seed money" for projects that are new, dynamic, and that show funding support from additional organizations are given stronger consideration.
- The Community Foundation discourages repeated applications for sustained funding of programs.
About funds available
- Applicants may submit requests up to a maximum of $3,000 per application cycle unless otherwise indicated.
- Mini-grants up to $500 are available. (click here for mini-grant application)
- For accounting purposes, all allocated funds are disbursed upon receipt of documentation of the expenditures.
About deadlines
- Common grant applications are reviewed three times each year.
- Completed applications must be submitted to the CFNEM office by February 1, August 1, or November 1. Applications may also be mailed to CFNEM, P.O. Box 495, Alpena, MI 49707, if postmarked by the deadline. (If the first day of the month falls on a weekend, applications will be accepted at the CFNEM office on the first regular business day of February, August, or November.)
- Grants are normally paid within one year of approval. If necessary, a written request may be submitted for a six (6) month extension.
About allocation decisions
- A Grant Screening Committee comprised of CFNEM board members makes all allocation recommendations. No staff members vote on decisions regarding fund allocations.
- All recommendations for allocations must be approved by vote of the Board of Trustees at their monthly meeting following the application deadline.
Budget Sample
You may use our budget sample to assist you in completing the budget section of your application. (Budget Sample PDF) 59kb
If you are unable to access pdf files, you may contact our office and we will send you a complete application packet.