Applying

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, 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 April 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 $100 to $1,500. 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 committees comprised of MICF Trustees and community volunteers before a final decision is reached. Applications may go directly to the Grants Committee or may be turned over to the advisory committee for an issue area or specific field-of-interest fund for review and comment. The Grants Committee looks over all committee recommendations 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.

Award announcements are made by mail and at community gatherings. Generally, grant requests that have been denied are not reconsidered.

How to Apply and How to Submit your Grant Evaluation

We require all grant applications and grant evaluations be submitted online:

View the Grant Application form to fill out online.

View the Grant Evaluation form to fill out online.

Although you are required to submit your grant applications and grant evaluations online through these links, you might want a PDF version of the grant application to use while compiling information prior to applying online. Download the PDF version here.