Grantmaking at the Community Foundation
Since 1988, Community Foundation of Marquette County has awarded more than $17 million in grants and scholarships to support people and programs across Marquette County. The Foundation is committed to addressing a broad range of issue areas including arts and culture, community and economic development, environment, education, health, human services, housing, seniors, and youth.
For assistance and more information contact our Program Staff at grants@cfofmc.org or program@cfofmc.org or 906-226-7666.
Competitive Grant Programs
Community Impact Grants
The Community Impact Grant Cycle provides funding to support projects and programs that create meaningful, measurable benefits within local communities. This grant program is designed to spark innovation, strengthen community resources, and uplift residents through responsive, community-centered initiatives.
Open May 2027.
Basic Needs Grants
The Basic Needs Grant Cycle provides grant funding to organizations addressing urgent and foundational needs across Marquette County. This grant program is designed to strengthen the safety net for individuals and families experiencing hardship by supporting programs that deliver food, clothing, essential items, and safe shelter.
Open September 2026.
Ray & Peg Hirvonen Foundation Grants
The Ray & Peg Hirvonen Foundation is a private, family foundation dedicated to sustaining the quality of life in Michigan’s Marquette & Alger Counties and Martin County, Florida. The Community Foundation of Marquette County is honored to support the Ray & Peg Hirvonen Foundation’s grantmaking efforts. While the Community Foundation administers the application process, the Ray & Peg Hirvonen Foundation operates as an independent entity, maintaining its own review procedures and programming guidelines.
Open March-April 2027.
We always want to know what’s happening in our community. Let us know what you’re working on!
Our Grantmaking Process
Application
Grant request applications are made through our Grants Portal. New applicants must first register and be approved by CFMC staff before accessing the application.
Review/Selection
Grant applications are reviewed by committees composed of community representatives, foundation staff, and board trustees. Committee members review and score each grant application per the grant program’s criteria, then the committee meets and decides which applications to fund.
Grant Agreement
For those requests that are approved for funding, a Grant Agreement must be signed and submitted prior to receiving funds. This ensures that funds will be used as described in the grant proposal, as well as properly acknowledging CFMC for the grant. The Agreement is signed electronically via the Grants Portal.
Grant Report
A final report is due within a year of being awarded a grant, unless otherwise specified in the Grant Agreement. This report is used to understand the outcome of your project and its impact on the Marquette County community. It also allows us to share the successes of your project with our donors, community partners, and the general public. The final report is completed via the Grants Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for funding?
Organizations eligible for grant funding:
- 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations
- Organizations with a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor
- Education institutions
- Government entities
- Tribal organizations
- Religious organizations (for non-religious purposes)
Note: Organizations must operate programs serving local residents within Marquette County.
How are grant decisions made?
Grant decisions are made by a committee that include: Community Foundation staff, Community Foundation board trustees, community members, and/or donor partners. In evaluation grant applications, grant review committees give consideration to the following:
- Grant application outcomes match the purpose of the grant/fund.
- The potential impact of the project on the community.
- Opportunity for collaboration with other nonprofits or community partners.
- Probability that the project can be implemented and sustained.
- Impacting underserved populations or large groups.
- Other funding sources that are being leveraged.
Projects should demonstrate:
- A clear community need/opportunity
- Strong community involvement or benefit
- A feasible implementation plan
- Measurable outcomes and impact
- Efficient and transparent use of funding
- Capacity to deliver measurable benefits
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated on:
- Alignment with community needs/opportunities
- Clarity and feasibility of project plan
- Innovation or impact potential
- Strength of budget and justification
- Organizational capacity to implement the project
- Ability to complete the project (within 12 months)
- Sustainability beyon the grant period (if applicable)
What does the Community Foundation NOT fund?
The Community Foundation does not fund grants for:
- Individuals
- Legislative or political purposes
- Sponsorships
- Loans
- Capital campaigns
Religious purposes
When will I know if my grant request has been approved?
Once the application period ends, the review committee is given 2-3 weeks to review the applications individually, before meeting to determine funding recommendations. Grantees are notified shortly afterward regarding funding status.
How long does it take to receive funding?
Grant distributions are typically sent 4-6 weeks after funding determinations have been made. This allows ample time for grantees to sign the Grant Agreement, for the distribution to route through CFMC’s internal processes, and for checks to arrive via the USPS.
What do I do once I receive funding?
Execute a successful project! Remember that the Foundation is here as a resource for you, if you have any questions, get stuck, or just want to keep us updated on your progress, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, either by emailing grants@cfofmc.org or calling (906) 226-7666.
What if I need to change something about my project?
If any aspect of your project changes from what was written in the application and/or the Grant Agreement, please notify us as soon as possible, either by emailing grants@cfofmc.org or calling (906) 226-7666.
How do I complete my final report?
Once your project is complete, log back in to the grants portal and fill out the evaluation report. You may also upload any pictures or additional documents. Please be thorough and detailed, as the information in the final reports helps us tell the story of the good work all our grantees are doing in the community!
Where can I find the Community Foundation logo?
The Community Foundation logo, Affiliate logos, and other branding assets can be found here. These can be used on social media, for promotional materials, thank yous, etc.
How do I start a 501(c)3 non-profit organization?
The Community Foundation does not provide direct support for setting up a 501(c)3, but the Michigan Nonprofit Association has a helpful starting guide which can be found here.