[Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation](https://www.aaacf.org)

September 30, 2025 | September 30, 2026

General operating support; typical award size not specified; funding is flexible and unrestricted for nonprofit sustainability.

Supports nonprofits demonstrating strong governance, financial management, diversity, and measurable outcomes, with emphasis on women, girls, animals, and the natural world.

--- ## Description The James A. & Faith Knight Foundation provides general operating support grants to nonprofit organizations that exemplify strong nonprofit practices, including sound financial management, effective governance, and a clear mission. The Foundation places particular emphasis on gender, diversity, and measurable outcomes, requiring applicants to document their organizational practices in these areas during the review process. Grant priorities focus on programs that benefit women and girls, animals, and the natural world, with a geographic emphasis on Jackson and Washtenaw Counties in Michigan. Applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s Board, and selected applicants may be asked for additional information or a site visit. --- ## Due Dates - September 30, 2025: Application submission deadline (application cycle open January 31 through September 30, 2025) - September 30, 2026: Application submission deadline (cycle open until September 30, 2026) --- ## Funding Amount - Provides general operating support; funds are flexible and unrestricted. - Typical award size is not specified in public materials. - Grants are intended to support nonprofit sustainability, impact, and growth. --- ## Eligibility - Open to nonprofit organizations with strong financial management, developed governance practices, and clarity of mission. - Special consideration for organizations focusing on: - Women and girls (economic self-sufficiency, advocacy, human rights, equality) - Animals and the natural world (animal welfare, ecosystem diversity, environmental education) - Geographic focus: Jackson and Washtenaw Counties, Michigan. - The Foundation does **not** fund: - Annual appeal campaigns - Religious activities - Political campaigns - Individuals - Conferences and special events --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted through the [AAACF NonProfit Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=aaacf). - Organizations must register via the NonProfit Portal (registration only required once). - If already registered with AAACF, no separate registration for the Knight Foundation is needed. - Application period opens January 31 and closes September 30 each year. - Applicants may be asked for additional documentation or a site visit. - For technical assistance, contact Maryellen Ferro at AAACF. - For questions about funding priorities or application status, contact the Knight Foundation directly. **Resources:** - [Funding Priorities](http://knightfoundationmi.org/funding-priorities/) - [Application Guidelines](http://www.knightfoundationmi.org/funding-guidelines-application/) - [Sample Application (PDF)](http://www.knightfoundationmi.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Knight-Sample-App-2018.pdf) - [User Instructions (PDF)](http://www.knightfoundationmi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Knight-Foundation-Grant-Program-Instructions.pdf) --- ## Additional Information - Applications received after the deadline are deferred to the following year’s review cycle. - The Foundation cannot fund all requests received. - Grant decisions for the Knight Foundation are made independently from AAACF. --- ## External Links - [James A. & Faith Knight Foundation Information (AAACF)](https://www.aaacf.org/news/james-a-and-faith-knight-foundation) - [Knight Foundation Main Site](http://www.knightfoundationmi.org/) - [AAACF NonProfit Portal (Application)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=aaacf) - [Funding Priorities](http://knightfoundationmi.org/funding-priorities/) - [Application Guidelines](http://www.knightfoundationmi.org/funding-guidelines-application/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Notes | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Knight Foundation (general) | [info@knightfoundationmi.org](mailto:info@knightfoundationmi.org) | | For funding priorities and application status | | Carol Knight-Drain, Board President | [carol@KnightFoundationMI.org](mailto:carol@KnightFoundationMI.org) | | Knight Foundation Board President | | Maryellen Ferro, AAACF | [mferro@aaacf.org](mailto:mferro@aaacf.org) | (734) 663-0401 | For technical questions about the application portal | ---

James A. and Faith Knight Foundation

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