Additional Funds
Funds With a Targeted Purpose
In addition to our Fund for Community Good (unrestricted) and field of interest fund grantmaking, we also administer many funds that are designated to a specific purpose. Learn more about what these funds look for and the application deadlines below.
Nonprofit Technical Assistance Fund
Building the Capacity of Nonprofits
The Nonprofit Technical Assistance (NPTA) Fund for Kent County is a collaborative program designed to address the need for capacity building and technical assistance among nonprofits in Kent County. Grants of up to $10,000 are available from the NPTA Fund to help pay for consulting services.
It is expected that the improvements funded by the NPTA Fund will result in a higher level of capacity, which will, in turn, contribute to a higher, sustainable level of community service to residents of Kent County.
Access Camps
Connecting Kids to Camping Experiences
The Community Foundation provides grants to help children experience the wonders of summer camp. Established through the estate of Mary Ives Hunting, Access Camps is designed to improve access to social and recreational opportunities that attract diverse populations. The purpose of the program is to increase the ability of under-served Kent County children to access a West Michigan overnight camp.
Applications are available each November and due at the beginning of January.
Youth Grants
Grants for Youth, by Youth
Our Youth Grant Committee (YGC) has awarded more than one million dollars to local nonprofits supporting programs for youth. Approximately $45,000 in grants is available annually.
Additionally, our regional affiliate foundations have YGCs in Ionia, Hudsonville-Jenison Sparta and Wyoming.
The YGC is comprised of public, private and home-schooled high school students from the greater Grand Rapids area. During the school year, members meet and assess youth issues, develop a request for proposals process to address those needs, follow up with previous grantees, conduct interviews and site visits and present grant recommendations to the Foundation's Board of Trustees.
Regional Affiliates
Community-specific Grantmaking
If you have a program aimed at impacting a specific geography in our region, you may be a good fit for one of the Community Foundation's regional affiliate funds. These funds each have their own grant application and grantmaking timeline.
Select the geographic area to the right to view their guidelines and previously funded projects.