Community Response Fund

Community Response Fund

Status: Active (established March 19, 2020)

Geographic Scope:

Newaygo County (primary)

Lake, Mecosta, and Osceola counties (through affiliate foundations)

Focus Areas: Emergency response and vulnerable population support

Overview

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."