CFHZ Proactive Grant Program

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area (CFHZ) administers a proactive grant program targeting core needs identified by community data to enhance the well-being of residents in the Holland/Zeeland region of Michigan. CFHZ is a regional philanthropic institution committed to catalyzing positive change through strategic investments and partnerships, with the proactive grant initiative representing one of its primary funding vehicles. This program focuses on supporting systemic efforts with long-term impact in three key domains: student success, financial stability for working families, and access to mental health services. The purpose of the proactive grant program is to provide targeted funding that aligns with CFHZ’s community-level goals. This includes investing in early childhood education initiatives to bolster foundational math and reading skills, supporting after-school and summer learning programs, and assisting in the re-engagement of chronically absent students. Additionally, the program supports initiatives aimed at alleviating economic burdens on working families by promoting access to housing, childcare, and job advancement. The third major area focuses on expanding mental health services, reducing access barriers, and enhancing the regional network of care providers to meet growing demand. CFHZ funds nonprofit organizations, school systems, municipalities, and other governmental bodies serving a charitable purpose within the greater Holland/Zeeland area. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposals are core to their mission, possess the potential for lasting impact, address community inequities, and are backed by a strong organizational foundation, including financial and leadership capacity. Proposals are evaluated with consideration given to these elements as well as the applicants' history of successfully managing similar projects. The submission process is initiated via direct communication with Yadah V. Ramirez, the Director of Community Impact at CFHZ. No third-party application portal or pre-application step is indicated. Each of the three focus areas is assigned a specific application deadline: January 12, 2026 for Supporting Student Success, May 11, 2026 for Financial Stability for Working Families, and October 19, 2026 for Increasing Access to Mental Health Services. A prior round for the mental health services category also closes on October 20, 2025. While application requirements and components are not explicitly listed, CFHZ emphasizes alignment with strategic priorities and demonstrates an expectation of operational readiness and measurable outcomes. The funder encourages potential applicants to reach out with inquiries and provides contact information for personalized guidance. This structure suggests a more relational and consultative application process. This program recurs on a defined multi-year cycle, with a new three-year impact focus starting in 2026. Each impact area has its own distinct deadline, reinforcing the foundation’s structured and issue-specific approach to community investment. CFHZ’s proactive grant program exemplifies how regional philanthropic organizations can use data-driven strategies and targeted funding to address pressing local needs.

Proposals should be core to the organization’s mission, address inequities, and demonstrate financial and leadership capacity.