Ypsilanti Area Community Fund Grants

The Ypsilanti Area Community Fund (YACF) is a geographic affiliate fund of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.  YACF grants support organizations and programs that serve the greater Ypsilanti area.  Grant recommendations are made by the YACF Advisory Committee which is composed of local community leaders who live or work in Ypsilanti.  Suggested grant request is in the $2,000-$5,000 range.

YACF will be accepting  grant applications in Fall, 2010.

Funding Priorities

YACF's 2010 grant support will be focused on helping local nonprofits preserve essential programs and services that our community values.  The highest priority will be given to:

• Bridge Funding and/or general operating costs - to maintain essential programs through a transition period.

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

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

Applicants are encouraged to call AAACF's Program Director, Phil D'Anieri at (734) 663-0401 before applying.

What is Not Funded

YACF does 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 more information regarding the application process,
click here.

Through its competitive grants program, YACF has invested more than $130,000 in local programs and agencies that serve the Ypsilanti area.  Examples of Past Grants include:

2009:  SOS Community Services - $6,000 Housing crisis help
           for this recession's newly poor.

2008:  Ypsilanti Senior Center - $5,000 Strategic planning
           and capacity building

           Gilbert Residence - $1,900  Bird Aviary - funding for
           a bird aviary to provide a stimulating environment for
           physically and cognitively impaired seniors

2007:  Hope Medical Clinic - $10,000 Dental Clinic
           Expansion to expand services and serve more patients

2006:  City of Ypsilanti - $3,000  Operating support for
           Parkridge Community Center

2005:  Corner Health Center - $5,000 Teen Ambassador
           Project

           Washtenaw Literacy - $3,200 Parent Outreach
           Project

2004:  Student Advocacy Center - $3,000 Coach to College
           funding to increase the number of foster youth who
           attend secondary education

           Friends of Rutherford Pool - $3,000 Operating
           support for summer season

           Washtenaw Community College Foundation - $3,000
           Substance Abuse prevention program for girls

Click here for a complete list of YACF grants made to date.