Often the most innovative and effective ideas for change emerge from small and informal groups of people within a community. The Good Neighbor Grant program reaches out to individuals and small, grassroots groups to support their efforts in turning their ideas into projects to benefit our community.
Good Neighbor Grants place resources for change in the hands of those closest to the issues that need to be addressed, which enables and empowers them to be "good neighbors."
Good Neighbor Grants provide up to $1,000 of support to projects that:
- Enhance bridges between people who are different from each other in some significant way (e.g. race, religion, economic status).
- Engage people—especially those who haven't participated in community activities before—in projects that make a difference in the lives of all those involved.
- Embrace youths by involving them in project planning and/or providing leadership opportunities.
Applications for Good Neighbor Grants are due the second Wednesday of each month. Grant decisions are made within three weeks of the date that we receive your application.
To learn more about Good Neighbor Grants and how to apply, contact Jessica Aguilera at 269.381.4416.
At various times throughout the year, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation invites community residents to participate in ChangeMakers workshops. These workshops bring people together to teach them how to turn their passions into projects that benefit the community.
ChangeMakers workshops are free, action-oriented programs designed to provide participants with creative tools and enjoyable strategies to help them:
- Build bridges between diverse community groups;
- Generate the momentum and credibility necessary for tackling larger challenges;
- Inspire people to move beyond talking to engaging in mutually beneficial projects; and
- Energize and motivate people to get involved and stay involved.
To learn more, contact Jessica Aguilera at 269.381.4416.
Based on the custom of neighbors gathering on the front porches of their homes to share conversations about family life, community events, and the latest news, Front Porch Grants provide grants of up to $100 to support activities like block parties, get-togethers and town meetings, which build deeper neighbor-to-neighbor connections.
To learn more about more about Front Porch Grants and how to apply, contact Jessica Aguilera at 269.381.4416.