General Grantmaking Program

AAACF's General Grantmaking Program awards grants from Unrestricted and Field of Interest Funds.  Grant recommendations are made by an eleven member Distribution Committee composed of AAACF Board of Trustees and community volunteers.

Funding Criteria

The Community Foundation strives to invest in programs and projects that promise to make a meaningful and lasting difference.  Organizations and programs should meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. Have clearly stated outcomes, and strong and purposeful management 

2. Develop or test new solutions to community challenges
3. Are preventive or provide early and sustained intervention
4. Facilitate cooperation and collaboration among organizations
5. Avoid unnecessary duplication of services
6. Encourage volunteerism and promote civic and community involvement
7. Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations
8. Match or leverage Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation funds with other funding sources

Funding Priorities for 2010:

Grants will be made across the nonprofit spectrum, including basic needs, education, the arts, and the environment.

The highest priority will be focused on:

• Bridge funding and/or general operating costs: to maintain essential programs through a transition period

• Capacity building: one-time projects focused on improving the long-term strength and viability of the organization: e.g., consulting, technology, marketing materials, accreditation, et al.

• Collaboration: efforts by two or more organizations to address community issues more effectively

What is Not Funded

AAACF's grantmaking programs do not typically award grants for:

• construction projects (new building or routine maintenance)

• annual giving campaigns

• fundraising events

• religious or sectarian purposes

• computer hardware equipment

• individuals

• partisan political purposes

• loans

• re-granting

For the application process and deadlines, click here.

Examples of Past Grants