We welcome grant seekers! The Community Foundation encourages grant applications from organizations serving Mackinac Island that are tax-exempt according to Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.

Prospective grant applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation to discuss their proposal and obtain more information about the grant making process. Application forms are available online below, at the Foundation office, or by e-mail.

Deadlines

Grants are awarded twice each year in June and December, and on rare occasions in emergencies. Applications are due March 1 and October 1.

Grantmaking Priorities

MICF is most interested in projects that focus on arts and humanities, social service, education, community enrichment, youth, environmental awareness and protection, health and wellness, or the horse tradition on Mackinac Island. Grants normally range from $500 to $5,000. In general, highest priority is given to those applications that meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Enables an organization to better carry out its purpose in the community
• Enhances cooperation among organizations
• Creates programs to meet emerging needs
• Builds new approaches to meet existing needs
• Benefits a large percentage of people

What Will Not Be Funded

Grants will NOT be made to individuals, only to 501(c)(3) organizations. Grants are normally not made for operating expenses, annual fundraising campaigns, political campaigns, loans, sectarian purposes, or deficit funding.

The Review Process

All applications are reviewed by the grant distribution or youth committees comprised of MICF Trustees and community volunteers before a final decision is reached. The Grants Committee reviews all applications and decides which grants best fit with the mission of the Community Foundation and the intent of its donors. The Grants Committee submits a report to the full Board of Trustees for approval. These are approved the first week of May and December.

Award announcements are made by phone call, community gatherings, and through paper and social media.

How to Apply and How to Submit your Grant Evaluation

New organizations are asked to fill out this form before applying for grants: New Organization Application

Please download the grant application manual that includes the online application questions: Grant Application Manual

Online Grant Application

After the grant application is submitted, a copy of the application will be emailed to the submitter immediately following.

MICF requests all follow up reporting be submitted. This reporting is done online at the form below:

View the Grant Evaluation form to fill out online.