Over the years the Hillsdale County Community Foundation has awarded millions of dollars to make a powerful, positive difference in our community. The Foundation administers over 100 funds and awards grants at various times throughout each year.
Funding Opportunities
Several funding opportunities are available through grants to our community. Each grant cycle has its own application, set of criteria, funding focus, and deadline for submission. For more information regarding our scope of funding, please see below or Contact Us directly and we will assist you.
General Foundation Grants
General grants are made from our named unrestricted endowment funds. General Foundation grants focus on improving the quality of life for the citizens of Hillsdale County. Eligible projects generally fall within these categories; education, fine arts, social services, community development, recreation, environmental issues, health, and wellness.
To apply to the Hillsdale County Community Foundation general grant cycle please click below to view our grant policy and application form. Grant applications are due November and May 1st each year. Our guidelines and application forms were revised in August, 2018. Please be sure to use the revised version below.
2019-2020 General Unrestricted Grant Awards
2019-2020 Grant Awards from Designated, Field of Interest, and Donor Advised Funds
Y.O.U.T.H. Grants
The Foundation’s Y.O.U.T.H. Council is composed of local youth, grades 7-12. The Y.O.U.T.H. award grants from a separate endowment fund; the Kellogg Youth Advisory Fund. Their grant making focuses on issues that affect the youth of our county. If your project involves and impacts young people, please review the Y.O.U.T.H. grant policy and application forms.
To learn more please click on Y.O.U.T.H.
Love Your Community Grants
The Love Your Community initiative was formed to support projects and programs aimed at enhancing and engaging communities. The strongest proposals demonstrate creativity and innovation, and do not duplicate services or programs already in place. Each grant award will not exceed $2,000. Awards are announced each spring.
Teacher of the Year
The Hillsdale County Community Foundation is proud to announce the continuation of an annual recognition program for Hillsdale County teachers. As a result of the generosity of the Stanton Foundation, one Hillsdale County teacher will be named Teacher of the Year and will be the recipient of a $15,000 award as Teacher of the Year. The second place winner receives $7,500 and two teachers will receives honorable mentions and $1,000 each.
The intent of the award is to recognize an educator in Hillsdale County who is known for going above and beyond the standard requirements and job duties associated with being a teacher, who enriches the lives of their students and shows dedication to their school and community.
Nominations are accepted from educational professionals, students, parents, and community members in general. Once a nomination form has been submitted, it will be reviewed and validated. All nominees to pass the initial screening will then be invited to submit an application form. Winners are announced by early June each year.
Additional Grant Information
Council of Michigan Foundations
Council on Foundations
The Foundation Center
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
The Grantsmanship Center – State Funding
