• Our grantmaking process begins with our grant application. Grants application questions vary slightly based on each available grant opportunity.
• After submitting a grant application, prospective grant partners are notified about the status of their application following our grant review process.
• Our grant review process includes committees composed of community representatives, foundation staff and board trustees. Committee members review and discuss each grant application, using each grant fund’s criteria to inform their decisions.
• 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 process will be available via the grant portal.
• A final report is due within a year of being awarded a grant. This report is used to understand the outcome of your project and allows us to share the successes of your project with our donors, community partners, and the general public. The final report process will be available via the grant portal.

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)

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 (not for religious purposes)

Note: Organizations must operate programs serving local residents within Marquette County.

The Community Foundation does not fund grant for:

• Individuals
• Legislative or political purposes
• Sponsorships
• Loans
• Capital campaigns
• Religious purposes