CYCLE OPENS: MID-MAY
LETTER OF INTENT FORM DUE: DECEMBER 1
FULL APPLICATION DUE: JANUARY 15
Vision Grant Application Guidelines
Vision Grants are intended for large-scale innovative projects and initiatives that are either new, or that enhance and/or improve an existing program to reach more people or expand and improve services. These grants are not meant to sustain already-existing programs. The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan Board has identified four areas where we want to place emphasis: Mental Health, Environment, Childcare, and Food & Nutrition. These priority areas will help guide our Vision Grant decisions. However, strong proposals in other areas will will be considered.
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.)
- You will be asked to provide your organization's EIN if your organization hasn’t applied before.
- 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 the second Tuesday of March.
- 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.
- Before applying for a Vision Grant, please consider the following questions:
- Is the project addressing a community need or opportunity?
- Who benefits from the project?
- Will this produce a meaningful impact?
- Has your organization defined the project scope and have identifiable steps?
- Do you have an established timeline?
- Have you considered the implementation requirements?
- Does your organization have the capacity to handle this project?
- Do you have a plan for what success will look like?
ABOUT FUNDS AVAILABLE
- Applicants may submit requests up to a maximum of $15,000 per application cycle unless otherwise indicated.
- If your organization is awarded a grant, a check for the full amount of the grant will be sent within two weeks of the date of grant approval, provided your organization's executive director has signed and submitted the grant agreement (emailed at the time of grant award notification). Final grant reporting is required.
ABOUT DEADLINES
- Vision Grants are awarded once annually.
- The Vision Grant cycle opens online in mid-October. Letters of Intent (via form in our Online Grants Portal) are due December 1. If your project is invited to move forward in the application process, applications are due January 15.
- Grant projects generally should be completed 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 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 example
- You may use our budget example to assist you in completing the budget section of your application. (Budget Sample PDF)
- Download blank budget form