WDCC Community Giving - General Donation Request

Geographic Scope: Muskegon County and surrounding areas - north to Hart in Oceana County, south to West Olive, and east to Coopersville and Conklin in Ottawa County

Background: In fiscal year 2024-25, WDCC granted $343,515.32 to local non-profit organizations and area projects. Year-to-date for 2025-26, they have granted $120,603.50.

Funding Priorities: WDCC focuses on organizations that serve significant community needs, enhance the beauty of local neighborhoods, preserve Muskegon's rich history, nurture future community leaders, and foster cultural growth.

Eligible Recipients

• Established, IRS-designated tax-exempt non-profits (501(c)(3), (4), (5), (6), or (19))
• Educational institutions
• Government units
• Must be operating for at least two years
• Must demonstrate strong fiscal responsibility and transparency
• At least 75% of annual expenses must go directly to programs, not overhead

What Can Be Funded

• Supplies and equipment
• Transportation and activity expenses
• Capital campaigns
• Educational and professional development programs for employees and clients
• Items on organizational "Wish Lists"
• Programs, projects, and events that benefit:
  • Organization employees and volunteers
  • Care recipients, clients, and program recipients
  • Students and local communities

What WDCC Does NOT Fund

• Direct donations to individuals
• For organizations operating outside WDCC's geographic zone, funds must ultimately benefit WDCC's geographic zone

Application Review Process

1. CGC (Community Giving Committee) acknowledges applications immediately
2. Applications approved by CGC proceed to WDCC Board for review and approval
3. Proposed donations exceeding $1,000 proceed to WDCC membership for vote
4. CGC works with applicant to obtain necessary information and supporting documents

Committee Chairs: Caroline Shircliff, Cindy Cotton-Brady, and Farrah Starr

Application Process

1. Read Application Instructions - Review all instructions before submitting
2. Verify Eligibility - Confirm your organization meets all requirements
3. Select Correct Form - Choose the General Donation Request Application (not Food Related or Trinkets & Treasures)
4. Complete Application - Download the form, fill in all blanks
5. Save and Rename - Save the document as your organization's name (Example: Muskegon Charity)
6. Submit - Follow submission instructions provided in the form

Required Materials

• Completed General Donation Request Application
• All blanks must be filled in
• Supporting documents as requested by CGC

Important Notes

• Applicants are encouraged to apply for the amount they actually require, not the amount they think WDCC is likely to donate
• Each application stands on its own merit
• CGC will work with applicants to obtain necessary information and supporting documents
• Incomplete applications may not be processed

Application Review Timeline

• CGC acknowledges applications immediately
• Timeline for approval depends on application complexity and WDCC Board/membership review requirements