GRANT PROGRAMS
Supporting Saginaw Where it Matters Most
Each year the Saginaw Community Foundation infuses millions of dollars back into Saginaw County where the community needs it most. Through our multiple grant programs and funds, we are able to support a wide variety of programs and projects with the focus of improving the quality of life in Saginaw County’s communities. Click on the grant programs to the right to learn more.
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.