Beginning this year, we’re making some changes to CFNEM’s Community Impact Grant program serving Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle Counties. *No changes are being made to grant cycles in our Affiliate Foundations.
The program will become two distinct grant opportunities: Vision Grants of up to $15,000 in the winter and Community Grants of up to $3,000 in the summer. Other CFNEM grant opportunities are not affected by this change.
The idea is simple. We want the ability to invest more in promising ideas and projects while continuing to support the smaller needs and opportunities that are important to our communities.
Vision Grants | Up to $15,000 | Winter cycle
Vision Grants are intended for projects that are new, innovative, expanding, or taking existing work to the next level. They may help launch something new, reach more people, expand access to services, improve how services are delivered, or respond to a community need.
Our Vision Grant priorities grew out of CFNEM’s strategic planning process and what we heard from nonprofits, community members, and others across the region. From that work, our Board identified four areas where we want to place greater emphasis: Mental Health, Childcare, Food & Nutrition, and Environment.
These priorities will help guide our Vision Grant decisions. Projects do not have to fall within one of these areas to be considered, but projects that address a current priority will receive greater consideration. We also want to leave room for a strong idea or community need that may not fit neatly within one of these areas.
Vision Grants will begin with a brief Letter of Intent (LOI). Organizations invited to move forward will then complete a full application.
Vision Grants Up to $15,000
Cycle opens: Mid October
Letter of Intent due: December 1
Full application due: January 15
Community Grants | Up to $3,000 | Summer cycle
Community Grants will continue to support a broad range of community needs, including one-time events, equipment or other purchases, getting a project started, or specific expenses within an existing program.
Community Grants Up to $3,000
Cycle opens: Early May
Application due: July 15
Eligible applicants for both grant opportunities include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, local units of government and municipalities, and churches seeking support for non-religious community programs.
We know this is a change, and there will be questions as we get started. Our Community Foundation team is available to help. We look forward to seeing the ideas that come forward and continuing to work alongside you to strengthen Northeast Michigan. Thank you for all you do for our communities!
View currently open grant application opportunities.
Apply For Grants
Visit our Online Grants Portal to begin applying for grants. When you get there, follow the instructions on the landing page to create your own account.
If you are applying for a grant through an organization or school that already has an account with the Community Foundation, please contact our Program Department to be added as a user under your organization/school. If you have any questions as you navigate the Online Grants Portal, please feel free to use the tutorials included, and contact our office at 1-877-354-6881.