Grand Haven Area Community Impact Grants

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation's grants enhance the quality of life in Northwest Ottawa County by supporting projects in arts, diversity, economic development, education, environment, and health. They prioritize initiatives that foster inclusion, cultural experiences, community betterment, and sustainability. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities, government units, and educational institutions that demonstrate alignment with these goals. The foundation aims to empower local communities and ensure equitable access to resources for all residents.

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation will consider grants that seek to enhance the quality of life and promote a healthy, inclusive, collaborative, and diverse community in Northwest Ottawa County.
Arts & Culture
We give priority to projects that:

• Bring regional and national art and cultural experiences and opportunities to the community
• ;Supports programs that deliver arts and cultural experiences to under-served populations of the community;
• Support the collaboration and growth of local arts and cultural organizations within the community.
• Diversity & Inclusion
• We believe that a community’s effectiveness is enhanced when individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives are engaged throughout the community.
• We give priority to projects that:
• Address equity, diversity, and inclusion within the community; Involve and empower the inherent worth and dignity of all people;
• Promote and sustain a sense of belonging within the community.
• Economic and Community Betterment

We encourage projects that:
Education
It’s important to us that we are serving all students of the community. Priority will be given to projects that:
Address the barriers preventing students from pursuing post-secondary education opportunities;Improve student access to the necessary academic, social, and emotional resources required to reach their full potential;Support access to and participation in quality preschool programs, particularly those in under-served populations.
Environment
Priority will be given to environmentally focused projects that:
Center on the preservation of natural green space and “smart land use” planning;Address critical water quality issues, including: near shore health, sustainability of wetlands, and non-source pollutants. Lake Michigan, the Grand River Watershed, Spring Lake, and local creeks and streams are of special concern;Promote environmental sustainability through alternative energy initiatives and recycling projects.
Health & Human Services
We give priority to projects that:

• Support access to physical and mental health services;
• Promote healthy lifestyles and relationships for all
• ;Address priorities based on data gathered through Community Needs Assessments and Community Health Improvement Plans;
• Support local health initiatives that are endorsed by multi-sector collaboration;
• Address human needs for underserved populations.

Eligibility

Please consider whether your organization meets the following requirements:

Has a current 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS, is a unit of government, or a religious or educational institution. Serves the Northwest Ottawa County or greater West Michigan region.
Addresses one or more of the foundation’s grantmaking priorities of funding sources for the program or project in order to demonstrate sustainability.