Saginaw Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its Board of Directors’ Community Improvement Initiative (CII) Grant. Applications are due by May 1, 2026. Up to $40,000 will be awarded to a single project in July 2026. The project must be completed by July 2027.
“As we prepared for our 14th year of the CII grant process, we have modified the CII definition and scope,” said Reneé Johnston, president and CEO, Saginaw Community Foundation. “The new definition states that projects must create an enduring, measurable impact in the community, be supported and planned by a broad range of users and have a clearly defined plan for success and sustainability.”
The objectives of the CII Grant is to create a funding vehicle that will allow the Saginaw Community Foundation to be more proactive in developing and improving community assets and to encourage community organizations and their partners to create and implement community improvement initiatives.
Another modification for 2026 requires applications to be project-based. For this grant, projects are defined as permanent physical assets. Examples of past CII projects that meet this new requirement have included park revitalization or development (playground equipment, trails, pavilion, etc.), trailhead building, youth center equipment, fitness park equipment, and refurbishment of a recreation/community center.
While this opportunity is open to all applications that address community needs with a permanent physical asset, priority will be given to projects that focus on one or more of the following: diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and/or justice (see definitions below).
- Diversity – Appreciates and celebrates the unique differences that make us who we are
- Equity – Provides equitable access to opportunities and eliminates barriers to participation
- Inclusion – Everyone is invited, is heard and understood, is valued for their authentic self, and feels safe and secure
- Belonging – Everyone feels connected with people, accepted for their true selves and inspires a sense of empowerment
- Justice – Identifies, challenges and eliminates systems and structures that limit fairness and equity
Visit saginawfoundation.org/cii for additional information about this grant opportunity and how to start an application.