EmpowerMENt Grant Program

The EmpowerMENt Fund is administered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, a regional philanthropic organization dedicated to improving quality of life in Washtenaw County, Michigan. The foundation works by mobilizing community resources, donor contributions, and strategic investments to address systemic inequities and support long-term community well-being. This specific fund was created through extensive community input and reflects a targeted effort to address disparities impacting young Black males in the region. The primary purpose of the EmpowerMENt Fund is to support initiatives that uplift young Black males, particularly those in middle school and older, by promoting educational success and long-term opportunity. The fund acknowledges that systemic inequities have contributed to persistent disparities in outcomes despite the strengths and contributions of this population. As a result, the program seeks to invest in solutions that are both community-driven and holistic in nature, addressing academic, social, and developmental needs simultaneously. Funding is intended to support a range of programmatic activities that contribute to educational and career success. Eligible uses of funds include mentorship programs that foster identity, belonging, and leadership development; academic support services such as tutoring and college advising; vocational and skilled trades training pathways; and holistic supports including mental health services, social-emotional development, and family engagement. The fund also prioritizes collaborative approaches that actively involve young Black males in program design and leadership roles, emphasizing community-based solutions. Eligibility is limited to organizations serving Washtenaw County, and applicants may submit only one application per organization. While the specific eligibility categories are not exhaustively listed, the application process is conducted through a nonprofit portal, indicating that nonprofit organizations are the primary eligible applicants. Applicants are required to develop and submit narrative responses detailing their proposed programs and alignment with the fund’s goals. The application process requires organizations to first review grant guidelines available on the foundation’s website and then submit their applications through the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation’s NonProfit Portal. New applicants must create an account in the portal prior to submission. An optional information session is offered via Zoom to provide guidance on the application process, though attendance is not required and does not impact eligibility or selection. All application materials must be submitted by the stated deadline. The application window opens on April 7, 2026, and closes on May 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Questions regarding the program can be directed to Amina Iqbal, Senior Community Investment Officer, via email or phone. While award notification timing and performance periods are not specified, the total available funding is approximately 80,000 dollars, with individual grant requests capped at 10,000 dollars. The program appears to be part of an ongoing funding initiative, though recurrence is not explicitly stated.

Emphasize community collaboration youth leadership and holistic support approaches aligned with stated priorities