Steelcase Foundation Grant

The Steelcase Foundation Grant supports independent 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Grand Rapids, MI, focusing on enhancing access to quality public education and fostering communities for children and families. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that provide quality learning experiences, engage multiple generations, and promote arts and culture. Grants typically range from $30,000 to $250,000, with an emphasis on projects demonstrating feasibility, community benefit, and alignment with social justice principles.

Note: Initial inquiries are reviewed in multiple cycles; the next inquiry deadline is December 11, 2026 (board decision April 23, 2027).
Our Grant Focus
The Steelcase Foundation provides grants to independent 501(c)(3) nonprofits doing work in Grand Rapids, MI (Kent County) that increases access to quality, public education and cultivates communities where children and their families can flourish through:
Accessible, quality learning experiencesMulti-generational support, advocacy, and engagementRemoval of barriers and systemic impedimentsArts + cultural experiences that enhance young people’s learning, engagement, and sense of belonging
Grant applications are evaluated against multiple factors:
Alignment with the Steelcase Foundation mission, particularly a social justice lensImplementation capacityBoard and management leadershipInclusion and equity practicesFeasibility and financial sustainabilityMeasurable community benefit and broad opportunities

Eligibility

The Steelcase Foundation provides grants to independent 501(c)(3) nonprofits doing work in Grand Rapids, MI (Kent County) that increases access to quality, public education and cultivates communities where children and their families can flourish.The Steelcase Foundation is happy to consider requests for new and existing programming, special projects, and general operating for organizations with strong mission alignment.We encourage prospective grant seekers to pursue multiple avenues for support, and typically will not be the sole funder of a project or program. We encourage multi-year requests when appropriate, and most of our grants range from $30,000 – $250,000.Research grant proposals may include indirect costs of up to 15 percent of the total direct costs.Administrative expenses for these projects may be built into the direct costs, with the exception of those related to institutional infrastructure.

Ineligibility

The Steelcase Foundation does not support:Requests to purchase Steelcase Inc. furnitureGrants to individuals or for religious purposesGrants to non-501(c)(3) organizations (unless through a fiscal sponsor) Grants that fall outside of our funding priorities or geographic focus (Grand Rapids, MI/Kent County)Conferences, seminars, events, or sponsorships Endowments Grants for projects that duplicate or significantly overlap the work of federal, state, or local government agenciesOrganizations that discriminate based on religion, gender identity, and expression, disability, sexual orientation, race, or national origin The Steelcase Foundation does not pay government-approved overhead rates on research grants.The Foundation does not pay indirect costs on non-research grants, such as fellowships or training grants, regardless of the total budget.