Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation

General Grantmaking Program

Focus Area: Washtenaw County
Next Application Deadline: March 9, 2012
Available Funds: $145,000

Overseen by a group of community volunteers making up the AAACF Distribution Committee, our General Grantmaking provides funding for community programs and projects that benefit residents of Washtenaw County.
 
AAACF's General Grantmaking Program primarily focuses on arts & culture, the environment, civic engagement, and innovative new ideas. It also includes support for several senior and youth areas that are not covered by the Bach Fund or Youth Council. AAACF’s primary support for human service initiatives comes through the separate Coordinated Funding program.
 
General Grantmaking will give the highest priority to:
 
  • Bridge funding for general operating costs: to maintain essential programs and services through a transition period.
  • Capacity building to support long-term sustainability: one-time projects focused on improving the long-term strength and viability of a nonprofit organization; e.g., consulting, technology, marketing materials, accreditation, et al.
  • Collaboration: to encourage nonprofit organizations to coordinate efforts to address community issues more effectively.

Application Process:

  1. Email Neel Hajra to touch base about your potential grant proposal. This conversation can help ensure that your proposal will be appropriate in focus and scope.
  2. To review the application form, log on to www.communitygrants.org. (new users need to request a login and password, and then create a new Agency Profile after receiving a login).
  3. Please note that AAACF will be switching to a new online grant system in February, but the current application form will remain unchanged. Potential applicants will receive more infomration about this transition when they speak with Neel.
  4. AAACF staff will conduct initial reviews before applications are directed to the Distribution Committee for final review.  The committee will occasionally request more information or a brief interview.
  5. Final decisions will be announced in the last week of May, 2012.
  6. Final Grant Reports are due through www.communitygrants.org within one year of project completion.

    Questions?  Please email Neel Hajra, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Community Investment.