Community Foundation of St. Clair County Grant Program

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County operates as a regional philanthropic organization dedicated to strengthening communities through strategic grantmaking, charitable giving, and donor-advised funds. As a tax-exempt public charity, the Foundation prioritizes responsible stewardship and due diligence in awarding grants, ensuring that funded projects align with its mission to support community and economic prosperity, education, and quality of life initiatives. The Foundation manages multiple funds and committees, each targeting specific geographic areas or thematic priorities within St. Clair County, Michigan. The primary purpose of the Community Foundation’s grant program is to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations and charitable initiatives that demonstrate meaningful community impact. Funding is available for a wide range of programs, projects, and initiatives, including arts and culture, youth development, education, equity and inclusion, and community development. Individual committees such as the Blue Water Arts Committee, Women’s Initiative, and Youth Advisory Council may prioritize specific focus areas, but all applications are submitted through a unified process and reviewed by the appropriate committee based on alignment. Grant funds must be used strictly for charitable purposes, and applicants are expected to demonstrate that their proposed activities are well conceived, financially realistic, and capable of achieving measurable outcomes. The Foundation evaluates applications based on organizational stability, leadership capacity, financial health, and the sustainability of the proposed project. Applicants may be required to submit detailed financial documentation, including budgets, balance sheets, and other supporting materials. Projects involving political activity, debt reduction, or activities that could jeopardize the Foundation’s tax-exempt status are not eligible for funding. Eligibility for funding is broad, with most nonprofit organizations serving St. Clair County considered eligible to apply. Notably, applicants are not required to hold 501(c)(3) status, though they must demonstrate charitable intent and operational capacity. The Foundation also considers funding for startup organizations that present a compelling case for community impact. However, certain entities such as private foundations, organizations promoting discrimination, or those providing benefits exclusively to members are excluded. The Foundation maintains a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that funding decisions are made without discrimination and encouraging applicants to reflect inclusive practices in their operations. The application process is centralized through an online grant portal, where applicants must create organizational and user profiles before submission. Only one application is required, and the Foundation’s program team distributes submissions to the relevant committees. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with the recommendation that requests exceeding 50000 be submitted during the fourth quarter. To be considered at a specific committee meeting, applications must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the scheduled review date. The Foundation employs a comprehensive review and due diligence process, assessing factors such as project feasibility, alignment with community needs, and availability of alternative funding sources. Successful applicants are expected to report on outcomes and impacts following project completion and to return any unused funds. Additionally, grant recipients are encouraged to publicly acknowledge the Foundation’s support through appropriate recognition, including social media and promotional materials. While applications are accepted year round, review timelines depend on committee meeting schedules, and applicants are encouraged to consult Foundation staff for guidance prior to submission.

Ensure financial stability is clearly demonstrated; provide complete and thorough documentation; present a realistic and well conceived project; align proposal with community impact priorities