Multiyear General Operations Grants

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) is offering the Multiyear General Operations Grants program as part of its broader Community Impact initiative. KZCF is a private, community-focused philanthropic organization that aims to mobilize people, resources, and expertise to promote racial, social, and economic justice in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. The Foundation underwent a strategic planning process in 2024 to improve clarity, transparency, efficiency, and alignment of its funding priorities. As a result, KZCF reorganized its grantmaking structure around four key community impact areas—wealth, housing, education, and neighborhoods—referred to as the WHEN priorities. These grants are designed to support organizations that align with at least one of these priorities while demonstrating a commitment to racial equity. The Multiyear General Operations Grants are intended for nonprofits, religious institutions, public entities, or projects with a fiscal sponsor that have previously received funding from KZCF through its Community Impact process within the last five years. The funding supports general operations, including expenses like staff salaries, programs, space, and other overhead costs. These grants span a three-year term and are distributed annually, with a minimum award of $25,000 and a maximum of $175,000 per year. The average award is approximately $50,000. An estimated $5 million in funding is available for this cycle, with approximately 60 to 80 organizations expected to receive grants. Ten percent of this funding is reserved for organizations that serve as capacity builders or backbone institutions for sector coordination or collective impact. To be eligible, applicants must be located in or serve residents of Kalamazoo County and must demonstrate alignment with at least one WHEN priority. Furthermore, the application must include demographic data on staff, board, and clientele to support KZCF’s equity commitment. Organizations are also asked to report leadership changes, audit findings, board structure, and bylaws. Funding cannot be used for political lobbying or electioneering and is subject to standard IRS restrictions. The application process opens on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, and closes on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Applicants are required to submit an organizational budget, demographic data, and up to three proposed outcomes to be evaluated annually. The review process is conducted by KZCF’s Community Impact team, Community Impact Committee, and board of trustees. Final decisions and grant notifications will be sent out by the end of June 2025. Funded organizations must sign a grant agreement and engage in annual reporting, which includes a data submission and a reflection conversation with a Community Impact Officer (CIO). Annual reporting requirements are standardized and include the total number of individuals served, geographical and racial/ethnic demographics, and the actual numbers for the proposed outcomes. These reports support KZCF’s ongoing evaluation of impact and commitment to transparency and equity. Organizations are also encouraged to maintain an open dialogue with their assigned CIO throughout the grant period. If awarded, the grant term will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. For questions or further assistance, organizations can reach out to KZCF’s Community Impact team at ci@kzcf.org or call (269) 381-4416. The Foundation welcomes inquiries and also encourages grantees to schedule site visits or seek nonmonetary support during the term of their grant.