Through our work, AAACF seeks innovative and effective solutions to community-wide issues. Our key initiatives include:
Community Grantmaking
Our Community Grantmaking supports “Rewarding Success” operating support grants; “Strengthening the Nonprofit Sector” capacity‐building grants; and “Encouraging Innovation” grants for “bold ideas.” Within this three‐pronged program, grantees are evaluated on leadership & governance; high‐quality, impactful programs; and financial strength.
Coordinated Funding
Washtenaw Coordinated Funding seeks to improve the way local funders and health & human service agencies work together to meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable residents.
Community Scholarship Program
The AAACF Community Scholarship Program awards multi-year scholarships to help increase college access and graduation rates for Washtenaw County students who are economically disadvantaged (currently or has in the past qualified for free or reduced price lunch), youth of color, and/or first generation college students.
Cultural Economic Development
Cultural Economic Development (CED) is a strategic initiative that seeks to promote economic prosperity for our region by investing in and strengthening arts & culture nonprofits in Washtenaw County.
Vital Seniors
AAACF's Vital Seniors initiative is dedicated to creating enduring outcomes for vulnerable seniors and their caregivers in Washtenaw County, supported by data and research commissioned by the Community Foundation.
Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund
The Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund enables local entrepreneurs to turn business success into positive community impact. This initiative more closely connects local entrepreneurs to community issues and positions them to catalyze local nonprofit innovation.
Youth Council
AAACF's Youth Council provides Washtenaw County high school students with a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our community through philanthropy, grantmaking and community service.