Gilmore Foundation Grant

The Irving S. Gilmore Foundation offers grants to enhance the cultural, social, and economic life of Greater Kalamazoo. With a focus on arts, education, community development, and health, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations benefiting local residents. First-time applicants must consult with the Program Officer prior to submission. Grants of $10,000 or less can be submitted anytime, but the foundation does not fund individuals or academic research.

Organizations that are first-time Foundation applicants or have not received Foundation funding in the past five years must contact the Foundation’s Program Officer at least four to six weeks prior to an applicable submission deadline.
Irving S. Gilmore Foundation
Gilmore Foundation is to support and enrich the cultural, social and economic life of Greater Kalamazoo. The Irving S. Gilmore Foundation endeavors to develop and enrich the Greater Kalamazoo community by supporting the work of nonprofit organizations that benefit Kalamazoo County residents.
Priority Areas
The Irving S. Gilmore Foundation endeavors to develop and to enrich the Greater Kalamazoo community and its residents by supporting the work of nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s funding priorities are:

• Arts, Culture & Humanities

The Foundation promotes the enjoyment, understanding, appreciation and/or instrumental use of visual arts, performing arts, media arts, communications, humanities, and history.
Human Services
The Foundation supports youth development; life skills; food and nutrition; public safety; parks and recreation; and other social/human services that benefit individuals, families and neighborhoods. However, the Foundation does not generally support athletics and only nominally supports housing and shelter.
Education
The Foundation supports educational programs and activities that enhance the capacity for life-long learning. However, the Foundation does not generally support core operations and programming of K-12 educational institutions.
Community Development
The Foundation promotes quality of life through appropriate investments that strengthen, unify and build community spirit and enhance capacity for innovation and growth.
Health & Well-Being
The Foundation promotes health and wellness programs and activities that enhance the physical, mental and emotional needs of individuals.

Eligibility

The Foundation supports Kalamazoo County projects, programs, and purposes carried out by charitable institutions (primarily public charities and governmental entities).Organizations that are first time Foundation applicants or have not received Foundation funding in the past five years must contact the Foundation's Program Officer at least four weeks prior to an applicable submission deadline.

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not make grants to individuals or for academic research.