Mackinac Island Community Foundation Grant Program

The Mackinac Island Community Foundation (MICF) offers competitive grant opportunities twice annually to support nonprofit organizations serving Mackinac Island, Michigan. With a clear commitment to improving life on the Island, MICF prioritizes projects that align with four key focus areas identified in its 2023 Community Needs Assessment: Capacity Building, Culture, Wellbeing, and Vibrant Island Life. Grants are intended to foster meaningful community impact, and MICF uses a rigorous but accessible process to ensure funds support well-aligned, viable projects. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations under IRS Section 501(c)(3), and are encouraged to engage with the Foundation during the grant development process. The grant program operates on a seasonal timeline, with two distinct cycles—Fall and Spring. The Fall cycle begins with the grant portal opening on September 1 and closes on October 1. Award notifications for Fall grants are delivered by December 5. The Spring cycle opens on January 28 and closes on March 1, with award notifications issued on May 8. Organizations interested in applying during either cycle are strongly encouraged to schedule consultations with the MICF office during the open application period to discuss their project scope and capital needs. These consultations are voluntary but may offer valuable guidance. Applications must be submitted through the MICF’s Akoya GoApply2 grant portal, accessible via the Foundation's website. First-time applicants must register as an organization in the system, while returning applicants can use their existing login credentials. Once logged in, applicants must locate open opportunities under the “Opportunities” tab and complete the application form. Required application materials include detailed project descriptions, goals and objectives, specific use of funds, metrics for evaluating success, budget documentation, and evidence of need such as strategic plans or community assessments. Supplemental documents like letters of support are also encouraged. Grant applications are reviewed by MICF committees made up of community representatives, Foundation staff, board trustees, and donor partners. The evaluation process considers how well a proposal aligns with the stated purpose of the relevant fund, its potential community impact, feasibility and sustainability, collaboration with other partners, and leveraging of additional funding sources. Additional weight is given to projects that further one or more of the priorities outlined in the Community Needs Assessment. After submission, each application is reviewed and voted on by the Board of Trustees, who hold final approval authority. Applicants are expected to complete a grant evaluation within 90 days of their project’s end date. This evaluation must include outcomes data, financial reporting with receipts, and participant feedback. MICF uses this information not only for compliance but also to share project successes with community stakeholders and potential future funders. While there is no explicitly stated requirement for matching funds, the Foundation encourages applicants to detail other sources of funding to demonstrate project sustainability. MICF also allows re-application in subsequent years, and returning applicants are expected to show how past grants were used effectively. The entire process—from application to award and reporting—is designed to ensure transparency, community alignment, and measurable benefit to the residents of Mackinac Island.

Clearly define your metrics and align your project with the MICF priority areas; proofread your application and have someone else review before submitting.