The Bridging Generations Fund is administered by the Fremont Area Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents of Newaygo County, Michigan, and surrounding areas. Established with the intent to uplift the lives of older adults, the fund addresses the evolving needs of aging populations and supports initiatives that challenge traditional narratives around aging through intergenerational engagement and community involvement.
This grant program focuses on four core areas of impact: the physical health of older adults, the mental and emotional well-being of both older individuals and their caregivers, the social enrichment of seniors with an emphasis on reducing isolation, and access to essential human services. Eligible projects must clearly align with at least one of these funding strategies and directly benefit older adults residing in Newaygo County.
Funding is not available for individuals, land purchases, indirect costs, one-time or special event sponsorships, obligations already incurred, or religious programming that requires affiliation or religious instruction. Projects must not begin prior to the date of award notification.
The application process is straightforward. Interested applicants must submit their proposals via the Fremont Area Community Foundation’s online portal by either of the two annual deadlines: February 1 or September 1. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it shifts to the next business day. Notifications of awards follow in May for the February deadline and in December for the September deadline. No pre-application steps or concept papers are required to initiate submission.
Grants are awarded on a biannual basis, and the program is designed to be recurring. This cyclical structure allows organizations to plan projects in alignment with anticipated application cycles. While specific funding amounts or match requirements are not disclosed, proposals must demonstrate meaningful impact and alignment with the fund’s objectives.
For further inquiries or clarification, applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation via phone at 231.924.5350. The most recent grantmaking guidelines were approved by the fund’s board in August 2023, and applicants should reference this document to ensure compliance with all current requirements and preferences.