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

February 1, 2027 | June 1, 2026 | October 1, 2026

Up to $2,500 per grant; $20,000 allocated annually for all awards.

Supports nonprofit projects in Saginaw County that promote innovation, diversity, leadership, and community improvement, with a focus on where Nexteer employees live and work.

Requires a Nexteer Automotive employee sponsor for each application.

--- ## Description The Nexteer Steering the Future Fund, administered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, provides financial support to nonprofit charitable organizations (501(c)(3)) for projects that benefit Saginaw County, Michigan—particularly in communities where Nexteer Automotive employees live and work. The fund aims to foster innovation in business and technology, improve international relations and commerce, promote diversity, enhance communication skills, train future industry leaders, and contribute to cleaner, safer, and more prosperous communities. The program is designed to strengthen community connections and support initiatives that build a positive sense of belonging and opportunity for all residents. --- ## Due Dates - June 1, 2026: Application deadline (quarterly) - October 1, 2026: Application deadline (quarterly) - February 1, 2027: Application deadline (quarterly) Applications are reviewed quarterly. _All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates._ --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $2,500 per grant - Total annual allocation: $20,000 (distributed across all awarded projects each year) - Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, reviewed quarterly by a committee of Nexteer employees. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be nonprofit charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status. - Projects must serve Saginaw County, Michigan. - Each application must have a Nexteer Automotive employee as a project sponsor (permanent or contract employee). - Projects should align with at least one of the fund’s focus areas: - Innovation in business/technology - International relations or commerce - Diversity and inclusion - Communication skills - Education in business, math, engineering, or technology - Community and economic improvement - Environmental sustainability **Ineligible requests:** - Operating budgets - Previously incurred debt - Basic municipal and educational services - Sectarian religious programs - Sports team sponsorships - Individual scholarships --- ## Application Process 1. **Initial Contact:** Contact the Saginaw Community Foundation at (989) 755-0545 or [Kendra Kempf](mailto:Kendra@saginawfoundation.org) to discuss your project and confirm eligibility. 2. **Project Sponsor:** Secure a Nexteer Automotive employee as a project sponsor. 3. **Application Form:** After eligibility screening, an editable application will be provided by the Foundation. 4. **Submission:** Submit the completed application and supporting documents by email to [Kendra Kempf](mailto:Kendra@saginawfoundation.org) by 11:59 pm on the due date. 5. **Review:** Applications are reviewed quarterly; notification of outcomes is typically within 4–6 weeks after the deadline. 6. **Reporting:** Successful applicants must submit a post-project report within six months of project completion. --- ## Additional Information - Projects are evaluated for community involvement, support of career/education, and neighborhood strengthening. - Employee involvement and opportunities for Nexteer volunteers are encouraged. - A post-project report (with photos, if possible) is required; failure to submit may result in rescinded funds. - See [Draft Application (PDF)](http://www.saginawfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Nexteer-Grant-Application-DRAFT-rev-2-2025.pdf) for detailed requirements. --- ## External Links - [Program page and details](https://www.saginawfoundation.org/nexteer-steering-the-future-fund) - [Draft Application (PDF)](http://www.saginawfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Nexteer-Grant-Application-DRAFT-rev-2-2025.pdf) - [Saginaw Community Foundation](https://www.saginawfoundation.org) - [Contact page](https://www.saginawfoundation.org/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Name / Position | Email | Phone | Address | |----------------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------|-----------------------------------------| | Kendra Kempf, Program Officer | Kendra@saginawfoundation.org | (989) 755-0545 | 1 Tuscola, Suite 100B, Saginaw, MI 48607 | | General Inquiries | info@saginawfoundation.org | (989) 755-0545 | |

Nexteer Steering the Future Fund

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