The grant application period is September 1 - October 21, 2024. Click here for the application.
Apply for a 2024 Field of Interest Grant
The Field of Interest grant program is designed to support specific causes, populations, or geographic areas. Each fund reflects the unique passions and interests of the donors who established it. Generally, applications are available in September and February of each year.
What Grants are Available?
Community Impact Fund: supports programs or projects that tackle community challenges and seize opportunities. We welcome projects in areas like the environment, arts, volunteer efforts, music, women and girls’ initiatives, recreation, community development, social services, and overall quality of life improvements ($3,000 available)
CLK Youth Hockey Fund: awards to organizations that support youth hockey programs in the Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw area. ($2,300 available)
David Wiitanen & Slim McLean Memorial Youth Hockey Fund: awards to organizations that support youth hockey programs throughout Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. ($2,800 available)
Environmental Fund: supports programs, projects, and activities related to a broad range of environmental topics including public health, community development, environmental stewardship education, public policy, planning, water, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. ($2,600 available)
Joe Freed Empowerment Fund: supports efforts to empower individuals with mental and/or intellectual or developmental disabilities in the Copper Country region to be a valued, thriving part of our community. Employment, ride-sharing, engaging in community activities, expanding social networks, and reducing stigma and misconceptions through public awareness are a few examples to empower these individuals. Priority will be given to projects with community-wide impact. ($4,200 available)
Houghton County Historical Preservation Fund: supports local historical preservation and education projects or activities related to Houghton County, Michigan. ($1,200 available)
Keweenaw Cross Country Skiing Fund: supports cross-country skiing programs throughout Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. ($2,500 available)
Kellogg Youth Endowment Fund: supports new or existing programs that directly benefit youth in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. ($9,300)
Copper Shores Community Wellness and Outdoor Recreation Fund: supports programs and projects that influence or support individual physical activity and healthy nutrition; supports the expansion, creation, or sustainment of outdoor recreational resources in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties; and supports greater access and choice for the community to utilize these resources as part of their individual and collective health pursuits and enjoyment. The fund is prioritizing applications for projects that enhance access to outdoor recreation, with a focus on universal design and making activities more accessible to under-resourced families and individuals. ($40,000 available)
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Grants are available for:
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organizations: These are public charities with tax-exempt status.
Educational Institutions: Schools and other educational groups.
Governmental Institutions: Local governments like townships, counties, and villages.
Religious Institutions: Churches and similar organizations.
Note:
Grants cannot be given to individuals.
Grants must be used for charitable purposes.
Grants should support programs or projects in Keweenaw and Houghton Counties - unless stated otherwise.
Grants must follow the KCF Non-discrimination Policy.
Grants cannot be used for political campaigns or to influence government decisions.
Important Dates
September 1, 2024: Online applications open.
October 21, 2024, at 11:30 pm ET: Deadline to submit your online application.
Mid-December: We will notify grant recipients.
Mid-January: Grant awards will be announced publicly.
Application Instructions:
Complete the Online Application: Fill out the online application form. View a list of the application questions here.
Select a Fund: Choose which Field of Interest fund you are applying to. You can request any amount up to the total available grant amount, and you can apply to more than one fund if your project fits. Check the fund descriptions for more details.
Grant Budget: Use the provided grant budget template or your own.
Deadline: Submit your application by October 21, 2024, at 11:30 pm ET.
Required Document: If you are a tax-exempt nonprofit, you need to provide a copy of your IRS Determination Letter for 501(c)(3) status.
Questions or Help: Contact Sara Fletcher, Program Manager, at (906) 482-9673 or email sara@keweenawgives.org
Application Review Process:
Initial Screening: KCF Staff checks all applications to make sure they are complete and eligible, then prepares them for review.
Review: Volunteer Advisory Committees, made up of community members, or the KCF Granting Committee, review the applications.
Recommendations: The Advisory Committees recommend grants to the KCF Board of Advisors, who make the final decision.
Notification: In December, we will email applicants to let them know if they have been awarded or declined.
What is required if you are awarded a grant?
If you receive a grant, you need to follow these steps:
Signed Acceptance of Grant Agreement: Sign and return the Grant Agreement. The Foundation will send you the funds when you request them. When you’re ready to receive the money, please write to us with your grant number, the amount you need, and the date you want the check. Keep good records of how you use the funds, we may require receipts.
Project Report: You must request the grant funds within twelve (12) months. If not, the grant will be canceled. We may be able to provide extensions based on your circumstances. After you get the funds or you finish the project, send us a report with your grant number within 30 days. If you need more time, let us know.
Photos: Include a few photos of your project with your report. We prefer pictures with people, but make sure you have permission to share them.
If you have any questions or need help, please contact us.
Attention all 501(c)(3) and other non-profit status organizations: To be placed on the Keweenaw Community Foundation’s request for proposals list, please email your contact information to mail@keweenawgives.org or fill out the form and choose to be added to the mailing list on our Contact Us page. You will be notified when grants become available.