KCF: Annual Responsive Grant

KCF: Annual Responsive Grant is sponsored by Kalamazoo Community Foundation. The KCF Annual Responsive Grant supports organizations in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, with projects that align with community impact priorities such as wealth, housing, education, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Responsive Grants For Nonprofits | Kalamazoo Community Foundation KZCF offers grants with an annual one-year grant term to support projects, programs or general operations for organizations that connect to one or more of our community impact WHEN priorities . Organizations applying for the first time. Newly established organizations.

Ongoing grants for partners who did not receive a multiyear award. Emerging pilots or projects for organizations already being funded.  This application window is now closed.

Organizations must be a nonprofit 501(c)(3), registered religious institution or public entity (i.e., governmental agency, public school, educational institution, city council, public library, municipal office, etc.), or a project with a current eligible fiscal sponsor. Organizations must connect to at least one of KZCF’s WHEN priorities . The organization or its programming must be located in Kalamazoo County.

What KZCF Grants Do NOT Fund Projects that intervene in any election or support or oppose political candidates for voter registration or lobbying purposes as outlined by the applicable IRS code Annual appeals or event sponsorships ( See KZCF sponsorship opportunities .) Episodic and/or one-time programs and events ( See KZCF sponsorship opportunities .)

Direct funding for individuals Additional restrictions for this grant type include: Organizations receiving multiyear grants will generally not be prioritized for this type of grant. Funding Opportunity & Amounts In 2026, an estimated $1 million is available to fund approximately 50 requests under this type of grant. Half of the funds will be available in March (Round 1) and half in September (Round 2).

Annual responsive grant awards range from $5,000 to $50,000. Application Submission Requirements Be aware that your online application will need to be completed in one session. To help the process go smoothly, we suggest that you gather all of the submission information and use one of our application templates below to prepare your answers before you start.

One to three proposed outputs or outcome data points that will be evaluated annually, including projections for each point A collection of demographic information, including the racial/ethnic identifications of staff, board members and clientele An indication of significant leadership changes at the organization or board level An indication of any findings related to a financial audit in the past two years An explanation of the current standing of the board, including the number of members, their relation to the executive director and the governing bylaws Narrative responses to questions about your request For 501(c)(3) Nonprofits, Public Entities, and Faith-based Organizations: Application Template – Google Docs Application Template – Word Doc For Projects using Fiscal Sponsors: Application Template – Google Docs Application Template – Word Doc Funded partners must engage in an annual reporting process.

The annual report will include: An opportunity to engage in a grant reflection conversation with a Community Impact officer (CIO) prompted by the CIO. A submission of summarized data through a provided form.

Required Information to Be Submitted Total number of individuals served across the grant year Combined geographical information for those served, collected by either township/city, zip code or school district (this information will be collected in a percentage format.) Combined racial/ethnic demographics for those served, collected in commonly utilized categories (this information will be collected in a percentage format.)

Actual numbers for the impact data points that the applicant identifies within the application Get started with this grant — it’s easy! Submit an online application by the next deadline including required submission information . Use our application templates to prepare before you start!

KZCF staff and volunteers will complete a thorough review of all applications received. The outcome of your request will be sent via email by the end of June (Round 1) and end of December (Round 2). If a grant is awarded, you’ll receive a grant agreement to sign and return.

You’ll be assigned a Community Impact Officer who will be your main point of contact throughout the grant process and will send additional information as needed during the life of your grant. Grants got you stumped? Ask Kari.

To learn more about our grantmaking process or ask any lingering questions, use the contact form or call 269. 585. 7242 and we will connect you with a Community Impact Officer.

Does your work support Kalamazoo County? Does your work support Kalamazoo County? What is the closest WHEN priority alignment to your work?

What is the closest WHEN priority alignment to your work? Neighborhoods are vibrant What would you like to connect about? (select all that apply) What would you like to connect about?

(select all that apply) I want to inform KZCF about my work/organization I want to learn more about grant opportunities I have questions about Kalamazoo County and/or the nonprofit sector Anything else you would like us to know? Not a Match? Explore More Grants!

KZCF has many grant options to fit your nonprofit, business or organization needs.

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In 2024, MKB NAACP was a key partner in Kalamazoo County’s Mobilizing... Collaboration Becomes a Lifeline Community Partnerships , Grant Recipient Stories Drew Johnson is the executive director of South County Community Services (SCCS), one of Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s many nonprofit partners who mobilized quickly after the devastating May 7 tornadoes in Kalamazoo County this past year. Thanks to the Community...

Kalamazoo Community Foundation selected to distribute $1. 5 million in opioid remediation grants to local nonprofits Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) will distribute $1. 5 million in opioid settlement funds to local nonprofits over the next three years.

Make a Gift That Keeps on Giving! Contributions to KZCF ensure your gifts will continue to benefit our community forever . Help us make an impact that lasts for generations to come by giving a gift today.