The Lifeline Grants Community Foundation offers Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Grants focused on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in five Michigan counties—Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau—and the sovereign nation of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The fund supports nonprofit, educational, governmental, and Tribal entities in these areas. The initiative prioritizes organizations led by community members who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, immigrants, neurodiverse, veterans, or have disabilities.
These DEI Grants aim to support general operating costs for qualifying organizations, fund events that raise awareness and educate the public on marginalized communities, increase the visibility and voice of underrepresented groups, promote inclusive programs, and facilitate DEI training opportunities. Preference is given to training facilitated by community members of color, with the goal of promoting culturally competent and authentic engagement.
Grants are awarded up to $2,500 per organization annually. Schools are treated uniquely, where individual student groups like clubs or teams may each receive up to $2,500. The application process is accessible, with the option to submit either a written or a short video application, accommodating different communication styles and preferences.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly, with specific deadlines on December 1, 2024; February 1, 2025; May 1, 2025; August 1, 2025; and November 1, 2025. Final decisions are made by a diverse Fund Advisory Committee composed of community leaders and representatives from affected groups, with all grant recommendations subject to approval by the foundation’s Board of Directors.
Application questions focus on the applicant's commitment to DEI within their organization, alignment of the proposed project with DEI values, project beneficiaries, partnerships, requested funding amount, total project budget, and other funding sources. Grant recipients must submit a post-grant report within a year to evaluate outcomes and impact.
For assistance, applicants are directed to contact Gina Thornbury, the Senior Community Impact Manager, via email at support@lifelinegrantscf.com or phone at +61489987481. The foundation office is located at 800 Cottageview Dr, Suite 1040, Traverse City, MI 49684.
