How much funding does General Scholarship Application provide?

General Scholarship Application provides $1.74 million in funding.

When is the deadline for General Scholarship Application?

The funder has not published the next deadline; based on past cycles it is expected around December.

How often is General Scholarship Application offered?

General Scholarship Application runs on an annual cycle. The next deadline is expected December 1, 2026.

General Scholarship Application

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Foundation Annual Grants for Education

Funding Amount

$1.74 million

Deadline

Expected ~December

Based on past cycles

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Annual
Current deadline: December 1, 2026
Tracked since: April 2026

Deadlines typically fall in: December

From the program guidelines: “Application Opens: December 1 annually”

Overview

Geographic Scope: West Michigan (Kent County focus)

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation awards scholarships to deserving students pursuing higher education. In 2024-2025, $1.74 million in scholarships were awarded to students.

Award Amount: $1.74 million total distributed annually (individual award amounts vary)

Eligibility: Students pursuing higher education

Application Timeline: Applications open December 1 annually

Contact:

Grand Rapids Community Foundation
185 Oakes Street SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Phone: 616.454.1751

How to Apply

Application Process

Online Application: Scholarship applications can be completed online
Application Opens: December 1 annually
Submission: Complete through the foundation's online portal

Note: In addition to the general scholarship application, some funds at the Community Foundation require a separate application. Check the foundation's scholarship page for additional scholarship opportunities.

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What Grand Rapids Community Foundation actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025: 377
Total given: $21.99M
Median grant: $23K
Range: $5,065–$2.36M

By dollars: Michigan 87%, Illinois 7%, Georgia 1%. Top recipient cities: Grand Rapids, MI; Lowell, MI; Wyoming, MI.
2% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
33% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

Example grants

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation · Grand Haven, MI

Multiple grants awarded

$2.36M
Chicago Community Trust Co Charitable Giving Solutions Northern Trust · Chicago, IL

Multiple grants awarded

$1.02M
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation · Grand Rapids, MI

Multiple grants awarded

$590K
Kent School Services Network · Grand Rapids, MI

Multiple grants awarded

$465K
Heart of West Michigan United Way · Grand Rapids, MI

Multiple grants awarded

$440K