The Community Priorities Grant, administered by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F), is designed to support a broad range of projects and programs that address local needs across Charlevoix County, Michigan. This annual grant opportunity invites applications from eligible nonprofit partners including 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, all units of government, and educational institutions ranging from preschools to colleges. Applicants must serve residents of Charlevoix County and be current with all previous grant follow-up requirements. Organizations must also be in good standing with the IRS and may not discriminate in hiring or service provision.

The 2025 application cycle opens in early March and the submission deadline is May 1 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applications are completed online through the Foundation’s website and require an access code, which is obtained by contacting Ashley Cousens. The grant period is one year, and a follow-up summary is required upon project completion or within 12 months of the award.

The program prioritizes projects that are collaborative, address new or evolving needs, foster self-sufficiency, focus on prevention, and avoid duplicating services. Funding requests are evaluated based on the applicant’s community impact and relevance, organizational capacity and solvency, the potential for strengthening the community, the comprehensiveness and planning quality of the proposal, and the expected duration of impact. While there is no set minimum or maximum grant amount, applicants are encouraged to request what is needed, and all grant proposals must include a cash contribution from the applicant organization.

Generally, the program does not fund annual fundraising campaigns, political or sectarian projects, deficit spending, or activities typically covered by public tax revenue. Proposals from faith-based groups must demonstrate a clear public benefit and be fully inclusive. Additionally, grantees may not condition services on participation in religious activities.

Funding recommendations are reviewed by the Distribution Committee and require approval from the Board of Trustees. Donor Advised Fundholders may also choose to fund submitted proposals. Funding decisions will be communicated in early June via phone and confirmed by email, and checks are typically issued within two weeks of notification. Optional site visits and conversations with C3F staff are welcomed and encouraged during or after project implementation.