Community Trustee Grant Program

How to Apply

Grant Making Guidelines

Qualified applicants will be nonprofit groups and/or organizations that hold a 501(c)3 status, that wish to offer a program or project to benefit the quality of life for Cadillac Area residents. Consideration is given to organizations and projects that make a substantial contribution toward the delivery of services in this area. Geographic focus of the Trust Grant Program is specifically the Cadillac Area Public Schools District (CAPS).

The Cadillac Area Community Foundation typically awards grants in six general areas: culture and the arts, economic development, education, environment and recreation, health, and human services. The general purpose is to promote our quality of life through creative and innovative programs.

Priority will be given to Grant Applications in all programs that reflect the following characteristics:

• Potential impact of the request and number of people who will benefit.
• An imaginative and experimental approach to problem-solving.
• Extent of local volunteer involvement and support for the project.
• Commitment and composition of the requesting organization’s directors and staff.
• The degree to which the applicant works with/compliments other organizations to eliminate duplication of services.
• Organization’s fiscal responsibility and management policies.
• Possibility of using the grant as seed money for matching funds from other sources.
• Ability of the organization to obtain additional funding (if necessary) to implement the project.
• Ability of the organization to provide ongoing funding after the term of the grant.
• Develops new solutions to community challenges/needs.
• Increases the effectiveness of a nonprofit’s activities.
• Increases the diversity & competitiveness of the Cadillac area
• Encourages civic development and volunteerism.

Normally, grants will NOT be made for:

• General Operating support
• Sectarian or political programs
• Endowments
• Fundraising campaigns
• Grants to individuals
• Conferences

How to organize your proposal

Please organize your proposal into the following sections, no longer than 2 typed pages.

1. Project overview
   • What do you want to accomplish?
   • How will you do it?
   • What is the unmet need?
   • How will you evaluate it after it takes place?
2. How many people will be impacted by this program?
3. What matching funds AND/OR in-kind contributions will be contributed?
4. 501(c)3 Status Required
5. Files to Upload
   • A list of board members
   • Organization’s financials
   • A brief description of the grant request
   • Project budget