Manistee County Community Foundation Grant Program

The Manistee County Community Foundation Grant Program is a locally focused funding initiative administered by the Manistee County Community Foundation, an organization established in 1987 to support long term community well being in Manistee County, Michigan. The foundation works with donors, partners, and local stakeholders to invest in projects that improve quality of life and address evolving community needs. Through its grantmaking, the foundation seeks to foster sustainable, impactful solutions that strengthen the region across multiple sectors. The program is supported by a collection of donor established funds, some of which are flexible in use while others are designated for specific purposes or populations. The primary purpose of the grant program is to support charitable projects that benefit residents of Manistee County. Funding is available for a wide range of interest areas including youth and education, arts and culture, environment, health and human services, recreation, and community development. The foundation prioritizes projects that address root causes, demonstrate sustainability, attract additional resources, and reflect collaboration among community partners. While operating and administrative expenses tied to a specific project may be funded, general operating support is typically not provided. Capital funding is limited primarily to recreational projects or community centers. Eligible applicants include tax exempt nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501c3, school districts, and units of government including federally recognized tribes. Religious institutions may also be considered under certain conditions, although funding cannot be used for religious instruction, worship, or proselytization. All funded projects must serve residents of Manistee County and generally must be located within the county unless prior approval is granted. The foundation does not fund individuals, cover deficits, or reimburse costs incurred before a funding decision date. The application process begins with a required Grant Inquiry Form, which allows the foundation to assess alignment before inviting a full proposal. Applicants are encouraged to submit inquiries at least two weeks prior to a grant deadline. If the project is deemed eligible, applicants receive access to the grant application portal where they must complete a Common Grant Application. Required components include a completed project budget and responses scaled to the complexity of the project. Applicants may save progress and submit materials prior to the stated deadline for the applicable grant cycle. The program operates on a recurring basis with two primary grant cycles each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. For the spring cycle, applications are due March 1 with funding decisions announced by May 15. For the fall cycle, applications are due September 15 with decisions announced by November 15. If deadlines fall on a weekend, submissions are due the following Monday. Smaller recreational project requests of 5000 dollars or less may be submitted on a rolling basis and are typically reviewed within 45 days. Applicants should plan project timelines carefully, as funds are not disbursed until after formal funding decisions are made. Grant amounts generally range from a minimum of 1000 dollars up to 10000 dollars, with higher amounts of up to 100000 dollars available for certain recreational projects. A matching requirement applies, requiring applicants to contribute at least 10 percent of the total project cost. Funded projects are typically expected to be completed within one year, although larger recreational projects may be granted up to two years. Grantees must submit final reports detailing outcomes and financial use of funds, with interim reporting required for longer projects. Evaluation of proposals is conducted by the Community Foundation Board of Directors, which considers factors such as project need, community impact, feasibility, sustainability, and organizational capacity. The foundation encourages applicants to demonstrate clear alignment with community priorities, provide evidence of need, and present well planned and collaborative approaches. For assistance, applicants may contact the grants team via email or phone, and informational workshops are periodically offered to guide prospective applicants through the process.

Focus on projects with clear community impact, sustainability, collaboration, and demonstrated need; align with community priorities and ensure feasibility