GRANT PROGRAMS
About Saginaw Community Foundation Grants
The Saginaw Community Foundation Grants program provides funding to strengthen communities, support nonprofits, and empower positive change across Saginaw County. Through a variety of grant opportunities, SCF helps local organizations, schools, and community groups launch and sustain projects that address important needs, inspire collaboration, and improve quality of life for residents.
Whether you are a nonprofit seeking resources for a new initiative, a school developing programs for students, or a community leader working to expand local impact, SCF grants are designed to provide meaningful support. Each grant program reflects our mission of promoting equity, inclusion, and long-term community success.
Applicants can explore a wide range of opportunities — from general community impact funding to specialized grants focused on education, youth, health, and cultural development. With clear guidelines, accessible applications, and a commitment to transparency, SCF is here to help organizations bring their ideas to life and create lasting impact in Saginaw County.
Explore our grant programs under Current Grant Programs.
What is grant funding for?
Grants are a way for us to support a specific project, research, or program. Grants are typically awarded to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other entities that are aligned with our goals.
The foundation is particularly interested in funding:
- Projects enhancing and preserving the quality of life in Saginaw County
- Projects not adequately being served by existing community resources
- Projects providing leverage for generating other funds and community resources
- Projects facilitating cooperation and collaboration between organizations
While grant funding can be used for a wide range of purposes, there are some restrictions.
- Political Campaigns – Grant funding cannot be used for political campaigns, including supporting or opposing candidates for public office.
- Religious Activities – Grant funding cannot be used to support religious activities or organizations that promote a particular faith
- Unrelated Purchases – Grant funding is not be used for any expenses that are not directly related to the project or program being funded.
Grants usually do not support operating budgets, basic municipal services, basic educational functions, endowment campaigns, previously incurred debt and sectarian religious programs. Low priority is given to requests for travel for groups such as school classes, clubs or sports teams. The Foundation does not give grants to individuals, including requests for utility payments and food. If you need this kind of support, call 211.
Who can apply for a grant?
Other than grants made to individuals through designated scholarship funds, grants will be made only to those 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, local units of government and religious institutions requesting funds to support programs or projects benefiting the citizens and communities of Saginaw County. Grants will be made for a wide variety of programs and purposes benefiting the citizens and communities of Saginaw County. Grants are typically made for one year.
How do I apply?
To begin the application process, contact Kendra Kempf at kendra@saginawfoundation.org. She will review your proposed project for eligibility, as well as answer your questions. Appropriate programs will be assigned a grant number, which must be included on your application. Once your full proposal is received, SCF will conduct a comprehensive review. For additional information, review our frequently asked questions.