10/21/2026

The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) has announced a new Vision Grant opportunity offering up to $15,000 for projects serving Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Presque Isle Counties.

Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) IRS designation, schools, churches (for non-religious purposes) and government agencies serving those counties are invited to apply for up to $15,000 through the Vision Grant program.

Letters of intent are due December 1 and must be submitted through CFNEM’s online grants portal.

December 1 - Applicants must complete and submit the Letter of Intent Form through the CFNEM online grants portal.

Vision Grants are intended for projects that are new, innovative, expanding or taking existing work to the next level. Funding may help organizations launch a new initiative, reach more people, expand access to services, improve how services are delivered or respond to an important community need. Projects selected to move forward will be invited to complete a full grant application by January 15.

The CFNEM Board of Trustees has identified four priority areas for Vision Grants:

• Mental Health
• Environmental
• Childcare
• Food & Nutrition
   

Projects addressing one or more of these priorities will receive greater consideration, but projects outside these areas will also be considered for funding.

The Community Foundation’s redesigned grant structure will provide two distinct funding opportunities: Vision Grants of up to $15,000 during the winter grant cycle and Community Grants of up to $3,000 during the summer cycle.

No changes are being made to grant cycles offered through CFNEM’s affiliate foundations or to other CFNEM grant opportunities such as Youth Advisory Council and Women’s Giving Circle grants.

The new structure is designed to give CFNEM greater flexibility to make larger investments in promising ideas and projects while continuing to support smaller needs and opportunities throughout the region.

Community Grants may support needs such as one-time events, equipment or other purchases, launching a project or funding a specific expense within an existing program.

For more information about CFNEM’s grant opportunities, timelines, and guidelines, contact Foundation staff at 989-354-6881 or visit our Vision Grants Guidelines page.

About the Community Foundation

The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) is a charitable organization committed to providing people who care about the future of our area with unique and effective ways of supporting their community now, and for generations to come. Focusing on both traditional causes and evolving needs, CFNEM makes grants to nonprofit agencies and institutions in the northeast portion of the lower peninsula of Michigan. Since 1974, the Foundation has continued to demonstrate commitment to its donors by implementing sound financial, investment and reporting practices. Gifts of all sizes from individuals, families, businesses, and agencies are invested in a balanced, well-managed portfolio to build endowments, enabling support for students and local community nonprofits now and forever.