Keweenaw Community Foundation Grant

The Keweenaw Community Foundation (KCF) is a private philanthropic organization committed to supporting community-driven initiatives in Michigan’s Copper Country region. With a focus on enriching the quality of life for residents, KCF provides strategic financial support to eligible organizations through competitive grantmaking cycles. The Foundation’s Community Impact Fund has received a significant boost from donor contributions, now enabling KCF to provide over $115,000 in total funding for the Fall 2025 cycle. The Fall 2025 Granting Program offers broad-based and targeted funding opportunities aimed at addressing pressing needs across Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. $50,000 is earmarked from the Community Impact Fund for impactful initiatives spanning all areas of community need. Additionally, seven targeted funding streams are available, each designated for specific thematic areas including historical preservation, environmental sustainability, cross-country skiing, youth hockey, empowerment of individuals with disabilities, youth services, and community wellness and recreation. Award ceilings vary per fund, but no single grant may exceed $10,000. Grants are available to a broad range of organizations, including 501(c)(3) public charities, educational institutions, tribal and other governmental entities, and religious organizations. All grant-supported initiatives must serve communities within Houghton and Keweenaw Counties unless otherwise stated. Grants must be used for charitable purposes, and applications that propose political or government-influencing activities are not eligible. The application window for the Fall 2025 cycle opens on September 1 and closes at 11:30 PM EST on October 15, 2025. Applicants are required to complete an online application and submit an accompanying budget, either via the Foundation’s template or their own. Required documentation includes, where applicable, an IRS determination letter for nonprofit status. All submissions will be screened for completeness and eligibility by KCF staff before being forwarded to volunteer Advisory Committees or the Granting Committee for evaluation. Final funding decisions rest with the KCF Board of Advisors. Selected grantees will be notified in December, with public announcements following in mid-January. Grant disbursements are made on request, contingent on a signed Grant Agreement. All funded projects must be executed within twelve months of award, and a final report is due within 30 days of project completion or fund disbursement. These reports must include photographic documentation where possible. For assistance with the application process, applicants may contact Sara Fletcher at 906-482-9673 or via email at sara@keweenawgives.org. To stay informed about future funding opportunities, eligible organizations are encouraged to join the Foundation’s mailing list through its website.

Applicants are advised to select the funding category that best fits their work and mention specific sub-funds if applicable. Foundation staff will align the proposal with suitable funding opportunities.