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

June 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

$1,000 per youth group project; one grant per group annually.

Supports K-12 youth groups in the Great Lakes Bay Region to conduct volunteer projects that foster community engagement and service.

Applicants must obtain verbal approval from the foundation before applying.

--- ## Description This program encourages K-12 youth groups in the Great Lakes Bay Region to engage in meaningful volunteer projects that benefit the broader community. Administered by the Saginaw Community Foundation in partnership with The Dow Chemical Company, the grant aims to instill a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and lifelong commitment to service among young participants. Grants of $1,000 are awarded to eligible youth groups to support project expenses such as uniforms, travel costs, classroom needs, or donations to a nonprofit of the group’s choice. The program is designed to highlight the value of volunteerism and community engagement among youth. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each awarded group receives $1,000 for their volunteer project. - Groups may only receive one grant per annual cycle. --- ## Eligibility - Groups must consist of K-12 youth. - Must be located in Saginaw County. - Must be affiliated with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or a public/private school district. - Minimum of 10 youth participants per group. - Volunteer project must: - Take place in the Great Lakes Bay Region. - Be a minimum of three consecutive hours. - Involve at least 50 cumulative volunteer hours within two consecutive days. - Not directly benefit the applicant group, its school, or organization. - Not be fundraising-related. - Grants are not awarded to individuals. - Groups may receive only one grant per year. - All participants must sign a Volunteer Photo/Media Release Form. - Religious organizations may apply if the project meets a general community need and does not promote specific religious teachings. --- ## Application Process - Before starting the application, groups must call the Saginaw Community Foundation at (989) 755-0545 to receive verbal approval for the proposed project/activity. - Complete the application form, including: - Organization description (max 250 words) - Statement of need (max 250 words) - Volunteer activity proposal (max 250 words) - After completing the project, submit: - Final evaluation report within two weeks of project completion - Volunteer Photo/Media Release Forms for each participant - At least 15 quality photographs of the activity - The $1,000 grant is disbursed after all requirements are fulfilled. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must be completed within 12 weeks after application approval. - The grant can cover items such as team uniforms, group supplies, or may be donated to a nonprofit. - Applications from religious organizations are considered if the project serves a general need. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Dow communityGives](https://www.saginawfoundation.org/dow-community-gives) - [Draft Application (PDF)](http://www.saginawfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DRAFT-Dow-CommunityGives-Application.pdf) - [Contact Form](https://www.saginawfoundation.org/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |-----------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------| | Saginaw Community Foundation (general) | info@saginawfoundation.org | (989) 755-0545 | | Cecelia Hopkins or Eric Rutherford (program contacts) | See program page or call for verbal approval | (989) 755-0545 |

Dow communityGives

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