How to Apply

If you are a tax-exempt, non-profit organization interested in submitting a grant request to the GACF, GYAC, LACF, LYAC or MPCF, we encourage you to call and set-up an informal visit with us. This allows you to tell us about your proposal and it gives us an opportunity to better communicate our role as a Community Foundation. Application forms, along with guidance are available from our office. Copies of our grant applications are available for download in both Microsoft Word and PDF formats:

GACF Program/Project (Word): click here

GACF Program/Project (Pdf): click here

GACF Item/Piece of Equipment (Word): click here

GACF Item/Piece of Equipment (Pdf): click here

Meijer Children’s Health Care Fund (Word): click here

Meijer Children’s Health Care Fund (Pdf): click here

Lakeview Area Community Fund (Word): click here

Lakeview Area Community Fund (Pdf): click here

Montcalm Panhandle Community Fund (Word): click here

Montcalm Panhandle Community Fund (Pdf): click here

Grant applications are due each Spring and Fall.

The Spring Grant Cycle is for programs and projects with a strong educational component only and the grant if awarded is payable over the next school year. The Fall Grant Cycle includes general programs and projects and also a health related focus area. Successful applicants will be notified that grants are payable at the beginning of the next calendar year. The LACF and the MPCF make grants once a year in the fall.

Current deadlines are as follows:

• Spring Educational Grant Cycle - Deadline falls at the beginning of March. (If you are a GPS applicant please check with your supervisor for specific dates.) Grants are awarded from the Grace Sagendorf Education Fund and the Sagendorf Opportunities of Success Fund, as well as, other donor advised funds if appropriate.
• Lena & Fred Meijer Trail Fund Grant Cycle – Deadline falls mid-April and is specifically for Fred Meijer Trails in Montcalm County (Fred Meijer Heartland Trail, Fred Meijer Flat River Trail, and Fred Meijer White Pine Trail) with projects that need financial support. Grants are awarded from the Lena & Fred Meijer Fund.
• Fall Health Grant Cycle - Deadline falls mid-August. Grants are awarded from the Meijer Children’s Health Care Fund.
• Fall General Grant Cycle - Deadline falls mid-August and grants are awarded from donor advised, field of interest and designated funds, as well as, the GACF Unrestricted Fund.
• Fall Youth Grant Cycle - Deadline falls mid-November and grants are awarded from the Kellogg Youth Fund at GACF and the Lakeview Youth Fund at LACF.

Contact the GACF office for specific deadlines as they may change from year to year.