Community Micro Grants

Community Micro Grants is sponsored by Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF). These grants aim to enhance the quality of life in St. Joseph County, Michigan, supporting smaller organizations or projects that directly benefit local residents.

Funding is available year-round for initiatives in areas like education, health, and community development.

Community Foundation Announces 2025 Spring Grant Awards – Sturgis Area Community Foundation Community Foundation Announces 2025 Spring Grant Awards Community Foundation Announces 2025 Spring Grant Awards The Sturgis Area Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees recently approved seven grants totaling $28,478 as part of the Spring grant cycle.

These grants are made possible by generous community members who contribute to funds that address the charitable needs of St. Joseph County and support the Foundation’s mission. “Our grant programs help our nonprofit partners make a meaningful difference in local communities.

We’re so grateful for the opportunity to support such important work, and for the donors who make these programs possible. ” said Lindsay Aguilar, Executive Director of the Community Foundation. $7,060 – Mobile Market Program The South Michigan Food Bank received a grant to support its Mobile Market Program in St.

Joseph County. This “pantry on wheels” brings fresh, nutritious food directly to underserved communities in the Sturgis area, including rural neighborhoods, mobile home parks, senior housing, and schools.

By providing fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and pantry staples, the Mobile Market helps reduce food insecurity, improve health outcomes, and strengthen community well-being in areas with limited access to grocery stores or food assistance services.

Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce $5,000 – Sturgis Fest Family Night Children’s Activities & Rides Funding will support free children’s activities and rides during the Sturgis Fest Family Night, taking place June 25th at Sturgis High School. This event provides accessible entertainment such as amusement rides, bounce houses, and a family movie for more than 1,000 attendees, many of whom are from economically disadvantaged families.

The grant helps ensure that all children, regardless of income, can enjoy a fun and inclusive community celebration. Learn more about Sturgis Fest 2025 !

Community Healing Centers $5,000 – Hope House Recovery Housing Program The Hope House Recovery Housing Program provides transitional housing in a safe, supportive environment for women and women with children (under age 8) who are in the early stages of recovery from substance use disorders.

Located in Sturgis, the program focuses on helping residents build a recovery-centered lifestyle through structured support, including case management, life skills development, parenting support, and goal setting. St.

Joseph County Human Services Commission $4,850 – Project Connect & Veteran Stand Down Project Connect & Veteran Stand Down is an annual community resource fair serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness, economic hardship, or in need of support especially Veterans.

Held at the Centreville Fairgrounds, the event brings together around 75 service agencies to offer free meals, health screenings, vaccines, hygiene items, haircuts, food boxes, and more all in one accessible location. $2,868 – Faith & Finance Class Hope United’s Faith & Finances Class, a 12-week program designed to help low-income or financially vulnerable adults build practical money management skills.

The class covers topics such as budgeting, saving, debt, and financial planning through engaging, relationship-based group sessions. $2,500 – Spay & Neuter Program As a newly established nonprofit, the Pepper’s Hope Dog Rescue prioritizes providing essential medical care, including spay/neuter surgeries, to reduce pet overpopulation and improve animal health.

The grant will help cover the cost of approximately 33 surgeries, allowing the rescue to continue taking in owner surrenders, strays, and unadopted animals while freeing up funds for additional critical medical needs. $1,200 – Village Food Distribution Funding supports the Village of Burr Oak with its monthly Village Food Distribution program, which provides fresh and staple food items to families in need across St. Joseph.

In partnership with the Southwest Food Bank, the program distributes food boxes filled with produce, dairy, bakery items, and seasonal goods to over 125 families each month. About the Community Foundation’s Grant Programs The Community Foundation offers two primary grant programs, each designed to support projects that enrich our County’s social, economic, and cultural landscape.

Community Impact Grants are intended to support larger projects and programs. By backing nonprofit-led initiatives, these grants create lasting benefits in areas critical to our community’s health and vitality. The Community Foundation focuses on funding projects and programs that align with SACF Impact Grant Priorities: Housing: Ensuring that all community members have access to safe, quality housing.

Educational Progression & Workforce Development: Equipping our workforce with the necessary skills and education to thrive in a changing economy. Care of Children: Supporting the well-being and development of our youngest citizens. Community Development & Placemaking: Enhancing our communities’ physical and social landscapes to make them more vibrant and welcoming places.

SACF’s Micro-Grants programs supports small-scale initiatives and is tailored to support smaller projects that have the potential to make significant impacts. These grants help grassroots initiatives and emerging organizations to pilot new ideas, extend their reach, or simply add that extra bit of support where it’s needed most. Eligible organizations can access applications to both the Impact Grant and Micro-Grant online at www.

sturgisfoundation. org/grants . The Sturgis Area Community Foundation is a $30M foundation committed to serving the charitable needs of our community and enriching the quality of life for all people in the Sturgis area.

Through philanthropic services, strategic investments, and community leadership, the Sturgis Area Community Foundation helps people support the causes they care about now and for generations. For more information on grants or donor services, email sacf@sturgisfoundation. org 2026 Spring Grant Awards $80,736 to St.

Joseph County Organizations New SIA Community Impact Fund Powers Historic Renovation in Downtown Sturgis Sturgis Area Community Foundation Transitions to County-Wide Foundation SACF Launches Search for the Next Executive Director Community Foundation Welcomes Jennifer Gautsche as Office Manager Sturgis Area Community Foundation Announces Leadership Transition YAC Grants Over $40,000 to Local Youth Programs Posted: November 24, 2025 Supporting Our Schools: $13,176 Awarded to Sturgis Teachers Posted: November 21, 2025 2025 Fall Grant Recipients Announced!

Posted: November 19, 2025 Meet the Community Foundation’s New Youth Trustee, Caleb Hohn Sturgis Area Community Foundation 214 W Chicago Rd. , Sturgis, MI 49091 The Sturgis Area Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3), and all donations are tax-deductible. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.