The Chelsea Community Foundation - General Grants

The Chelsea Community Foundation, a permanent endowment founded in 1995, supports community-driven initiatives in Chelsea, Michigan, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. It prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and educational institutions that serve the Chelsea School District. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $1.6 million to local nonprofits, addressing critical community needs and fostering collaboration among civic leaders and donors.

The Chelsea Community Foundation is a permanent community endowment with assets in excess of $2.5 million thanks to strong local support and prudent financial management. The Chelsea Community Foundation is guided by Chelsea’s civic leaders who care deeply about the community. To-date, more than $1.6 million has been awarded to local nonprofits to address emerging community needs and opportunities.
The Civic Foundation of Chelsea was formed in 1981 to coordinate the efforts of various individuals and entities in serving the needs of the community. Another organization, The Foundation for Community Care, was established by the Chelsea Community Hospital to provide financial assistance for patients in need of health care services and lacking insurance or the ability to pay, and for other philanthropic needs not typically part of a hospital’s operating budget.
In 1994, the two Foundations merged into the Chelsea Foundation, and in 1995 it became an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. This affiliation offered access to the larger Community Foundation’s resources while permitting the flexibility to make sure Chelsea’s needs would be met from the proceeds of a well-managed permanent endowment with community-minded donors and advisors.
The Chelsea Community Foundation, awards grants of varying sizes that strengthen Chelsea and benefit its residents. General grant awards typically range from $5,000 to $25,000.
The grantmaking priorities for the Chelsea Community Foundation are aligned with the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan’s Grantmaking Guidelines in terms of general content and materials to submit for a grant application. Wherever there is a contradiction, the General Grantmaking Guidelines document takes precedence.

Eligibility

The Foundation will make grants to 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, school districts and universities that provide programs that serve the area defined by the Chelsea School District. Organizations must have an independent certified financial audit.

Ineligibility

We do not make grants to individuals, sectarian religious programs, or to cover deficits or other previously incurred obligations.