Community Improvement Initiative Grant Program

Community Improvement Initiative Grant Program is a grant from the Saginaw Community Foundation that funds permanent physical community improvement projects in Saginaw County, Michigan. The program awards up to $40,000 to a single project creating enduring, measurable community impact, such as park revitalization, trail development, playground installation, or recreation center upgrades.

Applications were due May 1, 2026, with the funded project required to be completed by July 2027. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations and community groups. Priority is given to projects addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice.

Applicants must contact the foundation before applying to receive a grant number.

Community Improvement Initiative | SCF Board of Directors’ Community Improvement Initiative Applications are due by May 1 for our Board of Directors’ Community Improvement Initiative Grant. Up to $40,000 will be awarded to a single project in July 2026. The project must be completed by July 2027.

The project grant proposals submitted must: Create enduring, measurable impact in the community Be supported and planned by a broad range of users Have a clearly defined plan for success and sustainability Be a permanent physical asset (i.e., park revitalization or development [playground equipment, trails, pavilion], trailhead building, youth center equipment, fitness park equipment, refurbishment of a recreation/community center) While this grant is open to all applications that address community needs, a priority will be given to projects with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and/or justice.

(See definitions below) Applications open on February 1, 2026 and are due by May 1, 2026. One grant up to $40,000 will be awarded. Before beginning your application, please contact Brian Jackson, director of donor services & special initiatives, at (989) 755-0545 or brian@saginawfoundation.

org to discuss your project and to receive a grant number.

Create a funding vehicle that will allow the Saginaw Community Foundation to be more proactive in developing and improving community assets Encourage community organizations and their partners to create and implement community improvement initiatives Diversity – Appreciates and celebrates the unique differences that make us who we are Equity – Provides equitable access to opportunities and eliminates barriers to participation Inclusion – Everyone is invited, is heard and understood, is valued for their authentic self, and feels safe and secure Belonging – Everyone feels connected with people, accepted for their true selves and inspires a sense of empowerment Justice – Identifies, challenges and eliminates systems and structures that limit fairness and equity 2026 Community Improvement Initiative Timeline Submitted applications will be reviewed by the Community Improvement Initiative (CII) Committee.

The CII Committee will recommend the most qualified applications to be reviewed by the SCF Board. SCF Board reviews CII Committee’s recommended applications. SCF Board votes to approve the project that will receive the CII grant.

2026 CII grant award recipient is notified.

Frequently Asked Questions Writing your project narrative Saginaw County Community Health Assessment & Health Improvement Plan Michigan Health Improvement Alliance (MiHIA) Dashboard Past CII Grant Project Recipients Summer of Innovation: STEM & Innovation Days Heart of the City Development Center Adult Day Support Program Restoration Community Outreach Restore, Renew, Recreate Life Skills Program Saginaw County Community Action Committee, Inc. Minor Home Repairs Program Kingdom Builders Ministries of Michigan Construction Trades and Agriculture Program Saginaw River Headwaters Rec Area New Beginnings Enrichment Center One Week, One Street – Community Youth Center Thomas Township Parks and Trails Partnership for a Better Today Curriculum-Driven Playground Deindorfer Woods Park Revitalization (in partnership with Consumers Energy Foundation)