Field of Interest Funds
Field of interest funds are created to provide annual support for grants targeted toward specific areas of community needs and interests, to meet changing conditions and/or enhance the quality of life in the Keweenaw. For example—the arts, the environment, youth activities, recreation, education, etc. You identify your personal interest area when making your gift; our board awards grants to community organizations and programs that are making a difference in the area you select.
Community Impact Fund
Provides funding for a variety of community projects or programs dedicated to maintaining or improving the quality of life in the greater Keweenaw area. We evaluate all aspects of community well-being—arts and culture, economic development, education, environment, health and human services, neighborhood revitalization, and more.
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Youth Hockey Fund
Grants must support youth ice hockey programs throughout the Copper Country Junior Hockey Association territory and expand opportunities for youth to further develop the skills necessary to participate in ice hockey. Grants will be made to organizations or for programs previously demonstrating successful outcomes; new, innovative organizations; or programs with clear potential for positive outcomes.
Keweenaw Cross Country Skiing Fund
The primary purpose of this field of interest fund is to promote, develop, and sustain quality cross-country skiing in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. This fund will be granted according to the guidelines established by the Keweenaw Community Foundation and Keweenaw Cross Country Skiing Endowment Advisory Committee.
Portage Lake Youth Fund
Grants are available for local organizations supporting programs and activities that are designed to serve the youth of the Portage Lake area. This geographical region includes Chassell, Dollar Bay, Hancock, Houghton, and South Range.
Joe Freed Empowerment Fund
The Joe Freed Empowerment Fund Grant 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.
Kellogg Youth Endowment Fund
The grant recipients and their projects will be selected according to the guidelines established by the Keweenaw Community Foundation and the KCF Youth Advisory Council. Projects must benefit youth in grades 7-12 in Houghton and Keweenaw counties. Applicants are encouraged to involve youth in project development. Grants will be made to organizations or programs previously demonstrating successful outcomes or to new, innovative organizations or programs with clear potential for positive outcomes.
Youth Needs Survey:
Grant-supported projects are recommended to address areas of need highlighted by the Youth Needs Survey. Conducted in early 2020, the survey collected responses from students in grades 7-12 at local area schools. The survey garnered an incredible 54% response rate from local students and found that the largest areas of concern were Stress & Anxiety, Vaping, Depression, and Nicotine Use. In relation to additional programs and activities, students wished that there were more recreational and artistic activities available to them. View the 2020 survey overview here.
Copper Shores Community Wellness and Outdoor Recreation Fund
The primary purpose of this field of interest fund is to provide financial assistance and grant awards in support of focused initiatives, programs, or 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.
Environmental Fund
The primary purpose of this field of interest fund is to promote and sustain programs, projects, and activities related to a broad range of environmental concerns that include, but are not limited to: health, community development/civic planning, economic development, education, public policy and planning, wildlife and recreation.
Houghton County Historical Preservation Fund
The Houghton County Historical Preservation Fund awards grants for local historical preservation and education projects or activities related to Houghton County of Michigan.
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.