The Ypsilanti Area Community Fund Grant Program is administered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF), a philanthropic organization that supports a wide array of initiatives across Washtenaw County. YACF specifically focuses on improving the quality of life in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, with an overarching mission to ensure that all families in the region thrive through access to programs and services that improve health outcomes, educational attainment, and economic well-being. The fund supports collaborative partnerships and community-based solutions aligned with these goals.
This grant program is designed to invest approximately $80,000 in projects rooted in racial equity and economic empowerment. Priority will be given to proposals targeting systemic transformation and revitalization efforts that directly benefit residents in the 48197 and 48198 zip codes. The funding supports three major areas: community public health, youth educational support, and community support. Under community public health, applicants may propose projects related to violence prevention, health and wellness programs for families, or mental health initiatives. In youth education, mentoring and leadership development are eligible. Community support priorities include homelessness prevention and services for individuals facing unemployment.
Eligible applicants can request up to $10,000. Only one application per organization is permitted. Funding may be used to implement programs or enhance existing efforts that align with YACF’s core objectives. The foundation places particular emphasis on projects with measurable impacts and collaborative approaches. The geographic scope is limited to Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, and applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of and alignment with local needs.
The grant application must be submitted through the AAACF Nonprofit Portal. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process early due to the launch of a new portal system. A remote information session will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM via Zoom. While attendance is optional, it is strongly encouraged and can help clarify the submission process. Registration for the information session closes the day prior at 12:00 PM.
The application period opened on August 27, 2025, and will close on October 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST. All narrative components must be completed and submitted through the portal by the deadline. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or pre-proposals are required. The program is not described as rolling, and there is no indication of a required match. Although the grant cycle appears to recur annually, this is not explicitly confirmed in the source material and should be reviewed for future updates.
For questions or further assistance, applicants may contact Amina Iqbal, the Senior Community Investment Officer, at aiqbal@aaacf.org or by phone at (734) 663-0401 x118. The foundation’s office is located at 301 North Main Street, Suite 300, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.
Begin early due to new portal system. Attend the optional information session for guidance on the application process.
