Bridging Generations Fund

The Fremont Area Community Foundation, serving Newaygo County and its surrounding communities in Michigan, operates with the mission of enhancing quality of life through strategic philanthropy and community investments. A central tenet of the Foundation’s work is its commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. It prioritizes funding to local partners and programs that directly impact residents of Newaygo County, aiming to promote community well-being across generations. The Bridging Generations Fund is one of the Foundation’s key initiatives, designed to improve the lives of older adults within the county. The fund uniquely supports programs that challenge prevailing narratives about aging and instead encourage intergenerational cooperation and mutual enrichment. It is aimed at reframing how aging is viewed while also investing in the overall health, well-being, and social connectivity of older adults. By emphasizing the value of intergenerational partnerships, the fund fosters stronger, more resilient community bonds. Grants under the Bridging Generations Fund are available for projects that directly support four main areas: the physical health of older adults, the mental and emotional well-being of both older adults and their caregivers, the prevention of social isolation through enrichment activities, and the provision of basic human services. Programs and proposals aligned with any of these goals may be considered for funding, so long as they demonstrably benefit older adults in Newaygo County. There are specific limitations to what the Foundation will support. The fund will not provide grants to individuals, for property purchases, to cover indirect costs, for one-time event sponsorships, or for obligations already incurred. Additionally, religious programming that requires affiliation or instruction is ineligible, as are projects already underway before grant approval. These restrictions are designed to ensure responsible, impactful, and future-facing grantmaking. The grant operates on a biannual cycle, with application deadlines on February 1 and September 1 of each year. If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date is moved to the following business day. Applicants are typically notified of grant decisions in May for the February deadline and in December for the September deadline. This structured approach enables clear planning windows for potential applicants. While detailed information on application questions and contacts is not provided in the source material, prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the Fremont Area Community Foundation’s official grant guidelines and application portal for the most current instructions. The Foundation’s transparent process and consistent cycle make it accessible for nonprofits and community organizations aiming to support the aging population within the county.