Straits Area Community Foundation (Community Impact Grants)

Organizational Type: Non-profit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, schools and government agencies, religious organizations, if their projects serve the general public without sectarian overtones. Grants are not made to individuals.

Location: Cheboygan County and Mackinaw City

Project Scope: Grants are for future projects only (no funding for completed projects), focus on projects benefiting youth under 18, proposals for new, dynamic projects are prioritized, no grants for routine operating needs or budget deficits

• Grants are limited to a maximum of $2,000 per application cycle, unless otherwise specified.
• Funds are only available for future projects, not for projects completed before board approval.
• The foundation does not fund routine operating needs or budget deficits.
• Repeated applications for sustained funding of programs are discouraged.
• A portion of the funds is specifically set aside for programs addressing health for youth under 18 and senior citizens.

The application components for this grant include:

1. Organization Information:

   • Proof of non-profit status (501(c)(3) designation or eligibility for schools and government agencies).
   • Description of the organization and its impact within the community.

2. Project Description:

   • Clear explanation of the project for which funding is requested.
   • Demonstration that the project is new, dynamic, and has additional funding support from other organizations (for stronger consideration).

3. Budget:

   • A detailed budget for the project, possibly using the provided budget example.

4. Grant Agreement:

   • Signed by the organization's executive director after grant approval.

5. Deadline Compliance:

   • Application must be submitted or postmarked by June 1.

The deadline for this grant application is June 1.

• Applications must be completed and submitted (or postmarked) by this date.
• Grants are reviewed once a year, and decisions are typically made within six weeks of the deadline.
• If needed, a written request for a six-month extension can be submitted.
• Grants are usually paid within one year of approval.

The reporting requirements for this grant include:

• Final Grant Reporting:
  • A final report is required after the project is completed, detailing how the grant funds were used and the outcomes achieved.
  • This report ensures accountability and provides insight into the impact of the funded project.
• Grant Agreement:
  • The organization's executive director must sign and submit the grant agreement upon receiving the grant award notification.

The evaluation criteria for this grant include:

1. Project Impact:

   • The project should benefit the community and align with the foundation's priority areas, such as health, mental health, substance abuse, early childhood development, education, workforce development, environmental stewardship, and arts programs.

2. Innovation and Support:

   • Preference is given to new, dynamic projects that show additional funding support from other organizations.

3. Community Need:

   • The project should address a clear need within the Cheboygan County and Mackinaw City areas, particularly benefiting youth under 18 and senior citizens.

4. Sustainability:

   • The foundation discourages repeated applications for ongoing funding, so projects with potential for long-term impact are favored.

5. Organizational Readiness:

   • The organization must demonstrate the capacity to manage the project effectively and complete it within the expected timeline.