AAACF is pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for the Dedicated Grant Program!

The Dedicated Grant Program is comprised of five Field of Interest Funds which each have their own unique purpose and geographic area covered within Washtenaw County. For 2026, AAACF will distribute $79,000 in competitive grants to local nonprofits delivering services aligned with each Fund's purpose.

• African American Endowment Fund - This fund will award grants that seek to improve the physical, economic, social, and educational conditions that affect the quality of life for African Americans in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area.
• Barden Family Fund for Enhancing Community - This fund will award grants that support efforts by Washtenaw County organizations serving veterans and their families; programs for aviation education, awareness and promotion; activities that carry out the Catholic ideals of service and social justice; and/or efforts at building community, including service clubs.
• Dexter Community Fund - This fund will award grants that enrich the quality of life in the Dexter community (as defined by the geographic boundaries of Dexter Community Schools). The fund's focus areas are seniors and youth, mental health services, food and housing security, arts and culture, and outdoor recreation.
• E. Daniel Long Fund for Excellence in Music Education - This fund awards grants that enhance music education in Washtenaw County by reaching as many young musicians as possible either directly or through their teachers.
• Jr. League of AA/Parke Davis Pharmaceutical Research Domestic Violence & Dating Prevention Fund - This fund will award grants to nonprofits in Washtenaw County that work to end violence against women and children by supporting early intervention and prevention programs in the areas of domestic and dating violence.

Application Submission Process:

• Log on to AAACF's Application Portal.
• View the Dedicated Grant Program Slides (located in the Eligibility Quiz of AAACF's Application Portal) which contains important details about the grant program and application process.
• If desired attend the optional Information Session that will be held on Wednesday, June 3rd at 10:30 AM. To register, please email Maryellen Ferro. Note that registrations will not be accepted after Tuesday, June 2nd at 5 PM. The Zoom link will be emailed to those registered at 9 AM the day of the session.
• Submit the the application by June 24th at 5 PM. No applications will be accepted after this time.