The Midland Area Community Foundation Grant

The Midland Area Community Foundation is a Michigan-based philanthropic organization dedicated to cultivating the power of giving, supporting long-term community transformation, and ensuring that all residents of Midland County thrive. The Foundation aligns its work with the county’s four community priorities: Building Our Livelihood, Developing Our Talent, Caring For Our People, and Enriching Our Community. These focus areas encompass economic development, education, health and human services, and cultural enrichment. The Community Investment Grant is the Foundation’s broadest and most flexible grantmaking opportunity, open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities that serve Midland County residents. Grant requests may seek up to $60,000 and must align with at least one of the four focus areas. Funding may be used for operational support, capital campaigns, organizational programming, or capacity-building initiatives. Administrative and wage expenses related to the project are also allowable. Prohibited uses include basic government or educational services, endowments, fundraising events, sectarian religious programs (unless community-based), lobbying, and previously denied requests. The Foundation’s grantmaking approach is rooted in trust-based philanthropy. It simplifies the application process and encourages open communication, transparency, and equity. Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate how they are reducing barriers and increasing access to underserved or marginalized populations in their project design and implementation. Applications are accepted four times per year with deadlines on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15. All submissions are due by 11:59 PM on the respective date via the GOApply portal. A preliminary conversation with the Foundation’s Director of Community Impact is required to receive the passcode needed to access the application. Decisions are typically communicated within six weeks after each deadline. The application includes a project summary, alignment with focus areas, details on implementation, measurable outcomes, and a completed project budget using the Foundation's template. Additional required documents include organizational financials, board list, letters of support, and a non-discrimination policy. Applicants may also join a monthly informal Q&A Zoom session on the first Wednesday of each month to learn more about the process. The Foundation emphasizes equity and inclusive access throughout its grantmaking strategy.

Increase equity by reducing barriers and increasing access; focus on one of four priority areas; use data to support need; ensure community alignment.