frequently asked questions

Nonprofit organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code can apply for grants that will support projects that will benefit residents of Kalamazoo County. Nonprofits that have had their tax-exempt status suspended by the IRS are not eligible to receive grants from the Community Foundation.

The first step in the application process is a conversation with a member of our Community Investment staff. This conversation is your opportunity to tell us about the need you want to address, outline your project and ask initial questions. Once it has been determined that your project fits within our community investment priorities, we will provide you with a username and password that will enable you to access the Community Foundation's online grant application.

Yes. Our community investment priorities are Early Childhood Learning and School Readiness, Economic and Community Development, Individuals and Families, and Youth Development.

Read detailed descriptions of our community investment priorities >

We do accept capital and operational funding requests, but these requests also must fit within one of the priority areas.

Grant applications are first reviewed by our Community Investment staff and our Community Investment Committee. Final approval is given by our board of trustees. The committee and board are made up of knowledgeable community members who volunteer their time and expertise.

Grant decisions are made about 10 weeks after each grant application deadline. An organization may receive full or partial funding, or be denied funding.

We do not reconsider applications for projects that have been denied funding. However, some organizations may be invited to revise and resubmit their grant application. Organizations may apply for funding for different projects.