Mini Grants

The Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F) offers Mini Grants to support small-scale projects, unanticipated opportunities, or capacity-building initiatives that may fall outside the timelines of its traditional grantmaking cycles. Rooted in its mission to improve the quality of life for all Charlevoix County residents, C3F distributes grants to local nonprofits, educational institutions, and governmental units through a streamlined, flexible process designed for quick impact and broader accessibility. Mini Grants are available to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, government entities, and educational institutions serving Charlevoix County. Organizations must be in good standing with the IRS, up to date on previous C3F grant requirements, and non-discriminatory in employment and service delivery. Faith-based groups may apply, provided they serve public needs, avoid proselytizing, and ensure open access to all individuals regardless of beliefs or background. The Mini Grant program features a rolling application process that begins annually on January 5 and accepts submissions until December 15. Applicants must first schedule a phone consultation with C3F staff, during which eligibility and project alignment are assessed. If deemed appropriate, applicants receive a code granting access to the online application portal. Grants range from $250 to $1,500, with a total annual pool of $20,000. Applications are reviewed and funding decisions made within two weeks of submission, allowing for rapid deployment of support. A follow-up report or conversation is required within six months of grant award or project completion. Funding priorities include projects that are timely, collaborative, address emerging or unmet community needs, build organizational capacity, or avoid service duplication. Evaluations consider organizational impact, leadership capacity, financial stability, the strength of community benefit, and expected longevity of impact. C3F does not typically fund annual campaigns, political efforts, deficit reduction, or initiatives best supported through operating budgets, especially for public entities. Applicants complete a simple three-step process: an initial eligibility call with Ashley Cousens, online application access via personalized code, and submission through C3F’s online system. Collaborative features allow multiple contributors to participate in drafting the proposal. Once submitted, successful applicants receive notification and payment within two weeks. Follow-up steps include completing a summary of outcomes, which may be fulfilled via brief online reporting or discussion with C3F staff. Photos and stories are welcomed to help showcase the grant’s impact in action.

Discuss fit with staff before applying; clearly demonstrate public benefit and organizational capacity; avoid operating budget-style requests.