Nonprofit Capital Improvement Grant

The Nonprofit Capital Improvement Grant, administered by the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation (CSCHF), is a new funding opportunity designed to support nonprofit organizations in enhancing their physical infrastructure to better serve communities in Michigan’s Copper Country. CSCHF, known for its mission to promote a healthful community through philanthropy and collaboration, launched this initiative in response to a growing number of requests from nonprofits needing facility upgrades. The grant is aimed at helping nonprofits overcome the limitations of inadequate, outdated, or inaccessible spaces that hinder their ability to deliver essential health and wellness services. This grant focuses on capital improvement projects that improve nonprofit facilities serving the counties of Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon in Michigan. The scope of eligible improvements includes equipment replacement, facility renovations, technology upgrades, and expansion of spaces to accommodate more community members. The Foundation is especially interested in supporting projects that strengthen organizational capacity, address infrastructure deficiencies like heating or IT systems, and ensure inclusive, safe, and welcoming community spaces. The funding has no maximum ceiling, reflecting CSCHF’s intention to prioritize community needs rather than limit project designs based on predefined budgets. The application process begins with a required concept paper submission. Applicants must submit a two-page document outlining the project’s purpose, beneficiaries, estimated impact on health outcomes, facility ownership, key collaborators, and a summary of the estimated budget. This phase is intended to help CSCHF understand local needs and to guide the Foundation in making strategic funding decisions. Concept papers will be reviewed by the Foundation’s Grants Management Committee. Competitive submissions will receive an invitation to submit a full Request for Funding application. Submissions exceeding the page limit or submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Eligibility for this grant is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are incorporated and operating within the four eligible counties. Organizations must be current on IRS requirements, have submitted recent 990 filings, and possess CPA-reviewed financial statements appropriate to their revenue level. Ineligible entities include public institutions, local governments, individuals, families, for-profits, and organizations promoting political or religious purposes. Importantly, nonprofits must have the organizational capacity to implement the proposed project and fulfill reporting obligations. Applications will be assessed based on clarity, collaboration, impact on health outcomes, and potential for sustainability. CSCHF emphasizes the importance of community engagement and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their proposed improvements will achieve measurable results. Health-focused outcomes, long-term viability, and innovative solutions are central to the evaluation process. The concept paper deadline is March 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. All submissions must be sent via email to [email protected]. For questions, applicants may contact Mary Jo Munch, Grants Manager, at [email protected] or call 906-523-5920 ext. 2003. Further resources, including an example concept paper outline and the official request for concept papers, are available through Copper Shores’ website.

Clearly define project impact and health outcomes; use plain language; show collaboration and sustainability.