SONG Foundation Trust-Based Grantmaking

SONG Foundation Trust-Based Grantmaking is sponsored by SONG Foundation. The SONG Foundation provides equitable funding for Black, Brown, and immigrant-led organizations in Southeast Michigan.

HOW TO APPLY - songfoundation We’d like to get to know you and learn more about your work. It is an essential priority of the Song Foundation to challenge the inherent power dynamic between foundations and nonprofits through engaging in trust-based grantmaking. We aim to be the least burdensome partner for our grantees by having a transparent grantmaking and decision-making process that is simple to navigate.

As such, our core grantmaking practices include clear communications, streamlined funding requests, right-sized processes for each request, proactive funding supports and soliciting feedback regularly. We are no longer accepting applications for fiscal year 2025 – 2026. Potential grantees can apply for funding during our 2026 – 2027 year which runs from September 1, 2026 to August 31, 2027.

You can submit an application during any of our three grantmaking windows by filling out the five-minute form at the bottom of this page, however we ask that you apply only once per year per project.

The 2025 – 2026 grantmaking windows were as follows: Grant applications accepted: September 1 – September 18, 2026 at 5PM EST Decisions window: No later than November 30, 2026 Grant applications accepted: January 5 – January 22, 2027 at 5PM EST Decisions window: No later than March 31, 2027 Grant applications accepted: May 3 – May 21, 2027 at 5PM EST Decisions window: No later than July 31, 2027 Our application is intended as a brief 5-6 minute form to introduce your work to the Foundation.

You’ll need to include your organization’s name, EIN, mission, operating budget and contact information as well as a brief project statement. Please do not prepare a separate document – again the brief form is intended to reduce the lift required from applicants. Our team will instead complete any further research required after we receive the submissions.

Please do review the types of projects we fund. We ask that you do not submit requests outside of our funding areas. All funding requests will be screened by Song Foundation staff.

Once you’ve completed your application you will receive a message confirming our receipt. Our initial screening happens within 1-2 weeks from date of submission. If you grant fits our basic criteria we will review it further with leadership and update you during the process.

(We’ll also send a note if additional screening results in a “No” funding decision.) Small grants, which include requests under $150,000, may receive immediate funding, while larger requests may include a phone call or site visit. If that is the case, our staff will contact you to schedule.

If you have questions regarding your application or application decision please review our FAQ’s .