08.18.2010 -  The Kalamazoo Community Foundation has identified four community investment priorities so it can allocate resources to areas of pressing need.


Individuals and Families
Building self-sufficiency through fundamental care and support

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation envisions a community where individuals and families with the greatest needs and facing multiple barriers have the resources and resiliency to meet their basic needs, become self-sufficient, maintain their dignity and thrive. To realize this vision, we invest in quality programs that are informed by best practices and support basic needs, including: 

• Emergency shelter and transitional housing;
• Safety, food, clothing, transportation, and quality child care;
• Health care access, including medical, mental, dental and preventative care; and
• Skill building to help individuals and families maintain or move toward self-sufficiency.

Applications for Individuals and Families grants are accepted in January and July.


Economic and Community Development
Enhancing quality of life and prosperity

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation envisions a community where physical, social and cultural conditions are continually enhanced for all residents; where people can find meaningful employment and resources for economic growth; where a strong downtown is supported by vibrant neighborhoods; and where quality of life and prosperity are enhanced for all. To realize that vision, we invest in quality programs that are informed by best practices and support:

• A vibrant urban core as a platform for economic growth;
• Downtown, neighborhood and community redevelopment;
• Job readiness and job opportunities; and 
• Stable housing that contributes to neighborhood health, especially safe and affordable rental and home ownership opportunities.

Applications for Economic and Community Development grants are accepted in January and July.


Youth Development
Nurturing and preparing our young people

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation envisions a community where young people are nurtured and have their developmental needs met; are productive contributors to the community; and are prepared for life beyond high school, whether they choose to pursue higher education or enter our community's workforce. The realize this vision, we invest in quality programs that support effective youth development principles and are informed by best practices, including:

• Access to caring adults through youth/adult partnerships in safe places;
• Age appropriate strategies for growth and development; and
• Opportunities to build social and emotional learning competencies and a positive self identity.

Applications for Community Engagement and Youth Development Grants are accepted in April and October.


Early Childhood Learning and School Readiness
Preparing our children for success

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation envisions a community where all children have an equal chance for learning; growth and development; where children get what they need to begin their education fully prepared in mind, body and spirit; where literacy is nurtured and reinforced at home; where each child reaps the cognitive benefits of a safe, stimulating, language-rich home experience; and where students are prepared with the skills and competencies they need to succeed. To realize that vision, we invest in quality programs that are informed by best practices and support:

• Literacy-rich home environments that support education and learning;
• Resources to help parents prepare their children;
• Pre-literacy skills for young children ages 0 to 3, and continued reinforcement of language skills for children ages 3 through 10;
• Breaking down social, physical, emotional and other barriers to teaching and learning; and
• Coordination, collaboration and continuity among local agencies addressing early learning and school readiness.

Applications for Early Childhood Learning and School Readiness grants are accepted in April and October.