Community Grantmaking Program

In response to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had within our community, our Community Grantmaking has adjusted its program focus for 2021. Please read the 2021 note below for more details.

Note for 2021 Community Grantmaking:

"The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation recognizes the inequitable hardships that exist in Washtenaw County and that were made more apparent due to the pandemic. The inequities in our communities related to education, criminal justice, housing, health are only some examples of areas that require institutional and systemic change. AAACF’s COVID Relief and Recovery funding will prioritize efforts that advance  social justice in our communities. This grant program understands social justice as working at a systems level to influence change that sustainably addresses inequities and efforts to support marginalized communities gaining access to resources that positively contribute to relief and recovery.

AAACF’s Community Grantmaking Program will be seeking opportunities to invest funds in community-based projects that specifically support COVID-19 relief and recovery 1) Provide resources to limit the damage and harm caused by health and economic hardships and/or 2) Efforts related to COVID-19 which create opportunities for immediate and long-term recovery, systemic transformation, and revitalization throughout Washtenaw County to communities underserved and affected most by COVID-19."

Within this three-pronged grant program, grantees are evaluated upon three core areas: leadership & governance; high-quality, impactful programs; and financial strength. Based on national best practice and local nonprofit input, the Community Grantmaking Program supports the mission, activities, and community impact of the local nonprofit sector.

We define high performance as the ability to deliver—over a prolonged period of time—meaningful, measurable, and financially sustainable results for the people or causes the organization is in existence to serve. (Source: Leap Ambassadors)