Grant Application Deadlines:

January 25, 2012
May 23, 2012
September 26, 2012

Download Grant Seeker Materials (PDF):

2012 Grant Application
Youth Mini-Grant Application
Grant Report Form

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Grant Seekers Information

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation manages over 200 permanently endowed funds. These funds were created by families, individuals, businesses or organizations to address a particular charitable purpose in our community.

Because these funds reflect the diverse interests of our community, they are able to provide grants to a wide variety of community programs such as arts and culture, civic improvement, education, environment, health and human services, recreation and youth.

The Foundation will match your request with those endowed funds whose charitable purpose would be served by awarding a grant to your program or project. Representatives of these funds will review your application and make grant recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The Board has the sole authority to authorize grants from the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation.

Monies for a single grant may come from one or more of the Foundation’s Endowed Funds.

Who may apply?

MPACF provides grants to:

Educational nonprofits.
Governmental units.
Charitable Organizations having their IRS 501 (c)(3) status.

MPACF is particularly interested in supporting:

The start-up of programs that solve critical local problems or address critical local needs.
Important projects or programs not adequately being served by existing community resources.
Projects which provide leverage for generating other funds and community resources.
Projects which facilitate cooperation and collaboration between organizations.
Projects not requiring continued funding from the MPACF.
Capital improvements.

What doesn’t the MPACF typically support:

The annual operating expenses of organizations including salaries, ongoing program support and debt reduction.
Programs or services or that portion of programs or services that benefit residents outside of Isabella County.
Services which are considered general government or school obligations.
Grants used for any political campaign, or to support attempts to influence legislation of any governmental body.
Religious programs that serve, or appear to serve, specific religious denominations.
Individuals are not eligible for grants, except for scholarship awards, which are administered through schools.
Annual fund raising.
Normal office equipment.
Previously incurred debt or contracted commitments.
Travel for groups such as school classes, clubs or sports teams.

What happens to a grant proposal after it is submitted?

The Foundation staff reviews the application and forwards it to representatives of the appropriate Endowed Funds. The application and recommendations of Fund Representatives are then forwarded to the Foundation’s Grant Review Committee for a final review. The Grant Review Committee makes a recommendation to the Foundation's Board of Trustees to do one of three things:

Approve the request as it stands, or with possible alterations or contingencies.
Table the proposal.
Decline funding.

Grant Agreement ~ Issuing a Check ~ Reporting

If a grant is approved, a Grant Agreement will be issued. Once the agreement is returned, a check will be distributed in accordance with the agreement. The agreement will also address reporting guidelines.

How to submit a grant application:

Contact our staff! Every applicant is encouraged to contact our staff before submitting an application. We will review your proposed project or program with you to make sure it is eligible for funding and will answer any questions you have.
MPACF – (989) 773-7322