Urgent Needs Grant

The Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of Charlevoix County, Michigan. As a philanthropic hub, C3F collaborates with individuals, families, and businesses to support charitable activities and address critical local issues. Through its Urgent Needs Cycle, C3F invites nonprofit partners to apply for responsive funding that targets the most pressing needs in the community. The Urgent Needs Cycle provides grants to support Charlevoix County residents in accessing vital services such as food, shelter, safety, healthcare, mental health services, utility assistance, transportation, and other basic needs. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year, with the final deadline for the calendar year falling on December 15. Grant decisions are typically communicated within two weeks of application submission, making this a rapid-response funding mechanism. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, all levels of educational institutions, government entities, and other service providers that operate within or serve the residents of Charlevoix County. To apply, organizations must be in good standing with the IRS and current on all past reporting obligations to C3F. Applications require a conversation with foundation staff before submission to determine fit and receive access to the application portal. Projects prioritized for funding demonstrate direct impact on individuals in crisis, organizational capacity building that enhances service delivery, innovation in addressing unmet or emerging needs, and collaborative efforts to avoid duplication of services. Evaluation criteria include organizational impact, solvency, planning, and the comprehensiveness of the proposed intervention. Faith-based organizations may apply provided that their services benefit the broader public without requiring religious participation. The grant program does not impose restrictions on request size; applicants are encouraged to request funds that realistically meet their needs. A total of $50,000 in funding is available annually. While matching funds are not strictly quantified, applicants are expected to contribute to the project budget in a meaningful way. Funded projects must be completed within six months, and recipients are required to submit follow-up documentation or participate in a post-award conversation with staff. Interested applicants should begin by scheduling a discussion with a C3F staff member to assess alignment with the fund’s priorities.

Clearly demonstrate community need, organizational capacity, and how the proposed project strengthens service delivery.