Watch Us Vote Grants

The Community Foundation for Muskegon County offers the Watch Us Vote Grants to support civic engagement in voting among residents. With grants up to $500, eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can implement programs that promote voter registration and education. This initiative aims to empower underrepresented communities and ensure their voices are heard in the democratic process. Applications are reviewed bi-weekly until funds are exhausted, emphasizing the importance of early submission.

NOTE: Grants will be available until funds are depleted – Plan and apply early! Applications will be reviewed bi-weekly and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFMC)
At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County (CFMC), we’re dedicated to giving voice and resources to programs with the potential to create lasting, positive change for our community. Through grantmaking, we partner with area organizations, supporting projects that reflect the needs and diversity of our region, and serve our donors’ shared desire to enhance the quality of life for people in Muskegon County, now and far into the future.
Our Values & Priorities
All grants from the Community Foundation will reflect our values:
Hope and opportunity, particularly for youth: Empowering our community members to have aspirations for a bright future and creating opportunities for them to realize their dreams.Collaborative community goals and decision-making: Supporting active partnerships that are working together sharing power, resources, and decision-making for the common good.An inclusive community: Building a welcoming, accepting community that respects difference and actively promotes full participation by all people; a place where everyone has the opportunity to share their voice, to participate in decisions that affect their lives, and to have access to all the community has to offer.
The Community Foundation for Muskegon County believes civic engagement is essential to a healthy democracy. Engaging Muskegon County residents in voting strengthens our community’s voice. Nonprofits often have connections to communities that may be underrepresented at the polls and are trusted sources of information. Contrary to popular belief, nonprofits are welcome to engage in nonpartisan efforts to get out the vote!
Grants up to $500 will be awarded for programs that encourage voter registration, absentee applications, educate voters on the voting process, and get out the vote.

Eligibility

Any registered 501(c)(3) organization can apply.Submitted programs must engage Muskegon County citizens in voting and must be nonpartisan. Grant dollars can be used for any reasonable costs related to this work. Organizations funded through discretionary Community Foundation funds must align with the Community Foundation values:Hope and opportunity, particularly for youthCollaborative community goals and decision-makingAn inclusive community

Ineligibility

The Community Foundation does not usually award grants for:Regular operating expensesEquipment, computers, software, and vehiclesConferences, camps, or mediaConference speakersSpecial events and endowment campaignsIndividual school buildings or districtsReligious programs that serve, or appear to serve, specific religious believers or require participants to practice or adhere to specific religious beliefsIndividuals