Urgent Needs Grants
In response to the devastating ice storms that have affected much of northeast Michigan, the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) has reactivated its Urgent Needs Fund to support those most impacted across the region. Grants from the Urgent Needs Fund will be directed to nonprofit organizations providing vital services such as access to food and basic hygiene, care for senior citizens, and assistance with other essential needs in response to the ice storm and its aftermath. While CFNEM cannot provide aid directly to individuals, it supports the work of local nonprofit partners who are on the front lines of crisis response.
Eligibility requirements:
- Your organization is playing an active role in helping individuals and families affected by the ice storm of March/April 2025.
- Your organization must be a 501c3 nonprofit, government agency, church, or school in order to receive funding. *Note: If applicant is a school, please include a letter of support from the superintendent that includes why funds are not included in the school budget/how this request fits into the overall school district plan.
- Your organization must serve one or more of the following counties in northeast Michigan currently under the State of Emergency: Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Montmorency, Presque Isle, and Oscoda. Nonprofits serving Mackinaw City and Bois Blanc Island are also eligible.
- This grant cycle is ongoing and grant awards will be based on the merit of the proposal and the availability of funds. The purpose of the Urgent Needs Fund is to fill unexpected or emergency needs arising for individuals and families due to the impact and aftermath of the northern Michigan ice storms.
- Grants will be paid upon approval and receipt of a fully signed grant agreement. This agreement may be submitted by submitting a photo or fax of the signed grant agreement.
Organizations providing direct support to individuals
- Gas, groceries/food, utility assistance, transportation assistance, hotel stays, and other direct support needs
- Tree removal, brush and debris removal services, and other cleanup needs
- Property/equipment repairs or replacement, permit fees, electrical work, flooding damage, and other property/equipment needs
Reimbursements for organizational expenses
- Unexpected costs incurred during the immediate emergency
- Direct support, cleanup, property/equipment repairs
Requests for direct support to individuals will be prioritized.
Other services as determined eligible by CFNEM staff
If your organization fits the eligibility criteria and you would like to move forward with an Urgent Needs Fund grant application, please email CFNEM Development & Marketing Director Christine Hitch at chitch@cfnem.org.