[Saginaw Community Foundation](https://www.saginawfoundation.org)

May 1, 2026: Full application submission deadline

Up to $40,000 awarded to a single project; project period through July 2027

Supports permanent, impactful community projects in Saginaw County, prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice.

Applicants must contact SCF for a grant number before applying.

--- ## Description This initiative, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, funds impactful community projects that result in permanent physical assets—such as park revitalizations, trailhead buildings, community center refurbishments, or equipment for youth centers—in Saginaw County. The program seeks to create enduring, measurable impact, with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice. Projects must be planned and supported by a broad range of stakeholders and have a clearly defined plan for success and sustainability. Only one grant of up to $40,000 is awarded annually. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026: Full application submission deadline (applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. or postmarked by May 1, 2026) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $40,000 for a single project - Only one project is funded each cycle - Funds are awarded in July 2026 - Funded projects must be completed by July 2027 --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations - Individuals, community groups, neighborhoods, businesses, and youth groups (must use SCF or another nonprofit, local government, or religious institution as fiscal sponsor) - **Fiscal sponsorship:** - Required for applicants who are not a 501(c)(3) - **Project location:** - Must serve Saginaw County --- ## Application Process 1. **Contact SCF:** - Prospective applicants must contact Brian Jackson (Director of Donor Services & Special Initiatives) at (989) 755-0545 or brian@saginawfoundation.org to discuss their project and receive a grant application number. 2. **Prepare application:** - Review the [FAQ](https://www.saginawfoundation.org/cii-faq) and [application draft](http://www.saginawfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CII-Grant-Application-DRAFT-1.pdf). - Develop a project narrative, budget, and gather supporting documentation (e.g., IRS 990, operating budget, financial statements, expense documentation). 3. **Submit application:** - Email the completed application to brian@saginawfoundation.org by 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2026, or mail it postmarked by May 1, 2026. 4. **Review process:** - Applications are reviewed by the Community Improvement Initiative Committee in May. - Final decision and award notification occur in June 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must result in permanent physical assets with measurable community impact. - Priority is given to proposals emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice. - Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate organizational commitment (e.g., dedicated funds, matching support). - Only one application may be funded each cycle. - Past recipients and example projects are listed on the [program page](https://www.saginawfoundation.org/community-improvement-initiative). --- ## External Links - [Program Page](https://www.saginawfoundation.org/community-improvement-initiative) - [FAQ](https://www.saginawfoundation.org/cii-faq) - [Application Draft (PDF)](http://www.saginawfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CII-Grant-Application-DRAFT-1.pdf) - [How to Write Your Project Narrative](https://www.saginawfoundation.org/how-to-write-your-project-narrative/) - [Contact Page](https://www.saginawfoundation.org/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |---------------------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Brian Jackson | Director of Donor Services & Special Initiatives | brian@saginawfoundation.org | (989) 755-0545 | | General Inquiries | | info@saginawfoundation.org | (989) 755-0545 |

Board of Directors’ Community Improvement Initiative

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