Community Response Fund

Geographic Scope:

• Newaygo County (primary)
• Lake, Mecosta, and Osceola counties (through affiliate foundations)

Focus Areas: Emergency response and vulnerable population support

The Community Response Fund was established to rapidly deploy resources to nonprofit organizations during emergencies and crises. Originally created to address COVID-19 pandemic impacts, the fund provides quick assistance to organizations serving vulnerable populations affected by emergencies.

Eligible Use of Funds

Grants will be considered that address issues such as:

• Childcare
• Food insecurity
• Healthcare
• Transportation
• Financial assistance
• General operating support
• Other identified emergency needs

Target Population

• Organizations serving vulnerable populations
• Children
• Older adults
• Other vulnerable community members impacted by crisis/emergency

Eligibility

• Nonprofit organizations in Newaygo, Lake, Mecosta, and Osceola counties
• Organizations supporting vulnerable populations

Grant Award Information

• Award Type: Rapid-response grants
• Purpose: Quick deployment of resources during crisis
• Timeline: Fast turnaround for emergency needs

Contact Information

• Primary Contact: Mark Petz, Director of Community Investment
• Phone: 231.519.1464
• Email: Community Investment Team contact
• Address: 4424 W 48TH STREET, FREMONT, MICHIGAN 49412
• Website: facommunityfoundation.org

Additional Resources

Organizations and individuals seeking support can also contact 211 for:

• Food assistance
• Housing
• Transportation
• Financial assistance

Application Process

How to Apply:
Organizations can apply for Community Response Fund grants through the Community Foundation application process.

Submission Process:

1. Contact Mark Petz, Director of Community Investment
2. Discuss emergency needs and eligibility
3. Submit grant application
4. Timeline for consideration and award decision

Required Information:

• Organization information
• Description of emergency or crisis impact
• Populations served and affected
• Specific needs being addressed (childcare, food, healthcare, transportation, financial assistance, etc.)
• Budget or funding request
• How funds will be deployed

Application Contact:

• Mark Petz, Director of Community Investment
• Phone: 231.519.1464
• Email: Contact through facommunityfoundation.org
• Phone: 231.924.5350 (main line)

Grant Tracking:
List of grants made from the Community Response Fund available on Community Foundation website under "Grants Awarded" page—sort by "Community Response Fund."