Urgent Needs Grants
Update: March 16, 2026
Some counties in Northeast Michigan have experienced yet another devastating ice storm that has created prolonged power outages, extreme damage to property and homes, and infrastructure damage.
Our neighbors in northeast Michigan need help once again following the March 2026 ice storm that has devastated part of our service area. A State of Emergency was declared by Governor Whitmer in Alcona, Alpena, and Ogemaw Counties on March 17. Many in these communities are still without power, facing unsafe conditions, and restoration efforts may take several more days. As we learned from last year’s storm, the impact to our neighbors will linger, and the need will continue in direct relation to the ice storm. Current grantmaking from the Urgent Needs Fund will focus on the communities in the current State of Emergency.
APPLYING FOR GRANTS
Grants from the Urgent Needs Fund will be directed to nonprofit organizations working to meet the emergency needs of residents in the impacted communities. 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 2026 in Alcona, Alpena, and/or Ogemaw County.
- 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.
- 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 from nonprofits providing immediate emergency relief and 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 and include your name, the name of your nonprofit organization, and the best phone number where you can be reached. All applications for Urgent Needs Fund grants begin with a conversation about the proposed project and funds needed.
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