Kalamazoo Community Foundatin Capital Grants

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) provides financial support to strengthen the infrastructure of organizations serving Kalamazoo County through its Capital Grants program. KZCF has a long-standing role as a community-focused private funder with a mission to help organizations grow, sustain, and extend their reach in the community. The Capital Grants program is one avenue by which the foundation invests in the physical and structural resources that nonprofits, public entities, and community-serving projects need to thrive. The purpose of the Capital Grants program is to fund capital campaign projects such as building renovations, new construction, land acquisition, and equipment purchases. These grants are designed to enable organizations to expand or improve their facilities and capabilities, ultimately improving their ability to serve community needs. KZCF commits $500,000 annually to this program, funding three to five organizations each year, with awards averaging $100,000. While one-year awards are standard, larger projects may be considered for multi-year commitments at the discretion of KZCF’s Community Impact team. Eligibility for the program is clearly defined. Applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, registered religious institutions, or public entities such as governmental agencies, school districts, city councils, libraries, or municipal offices. Projects with a current fiscal sponsor that meets these requirements may also apply. All applicants must demonstrate a strong connection to at least one of KZCF’s WHEN priorities, be located in Kalamazoo County, and have been in operation for at least two years. Organizations are limited to submitting one application per year. The application process requires submission of a detailed project budget and timeline. Applications must be submitted online in one session, and KZCF strongly advises applicants to prepare their responses in advance using provided templates in either Word or Google Docs format. Funded partners are expected to submit an annual report describing project outcomes, spending, and supporting materials such as photos. In addition, the assigned Community Impact Officer will provide guidance, maintain communication, and schedule a reflection meeting during the grant period. The application window for the upcoming cycle opens on August 13, 2025, and closes September 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Applicants are notified of funding decisions in December, at which time awardees must sign and return a grant agreement. Projects then proceed under the guidance of the Community Impact Officer. Grants are not rolling but recur annually, with similar cycles expected in future years. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to KZCF’s grants contact, Kari Benjamin Hamann, for assistance with the application process or general questions. She can be reached through the foundation’s contact form or by phone at 269-381-4416. KZCF emphasizes accessibility and collaboration in its grantmaking, offering both monetary and nonmonetary support to funded partners. This holistic approach ensures that the foundation remains an engaged partner in building a stronger Kalamazoo County community.

Prepare responses using provided templates to ensure smooth submission