KCF Grant Application

Grant Application

Deadline: October 15, 2025 at 11:30PM EST
Overview

The Keweenaw Community Foundation invites proposals for its Granting Program, supporting impactful projects across a range of community priorities. This year’s process features a simplified application aligned with broad funding categories, while also incorporating targeted funding opportunities that reflect long-standing community commitments and regionally focused priorities.

Applicants will select a primary category for their proposal. Foundation staff will match submissions to the most appropriate funding sources to ensure alignment and maximize impact.

Application Guidelines

Eligibility:
- Nonprofit organizations, schools, municipalities, and community organizations serving Houghton and/or Keweenaw counties
- Tribal nations
- Organizations outside this area that seek funding for projects directly benefiting these communities
Funding Range:

Up to $10,000 per project. Proposals should include a clear budget that aligns with the project’s goals and scope. Funding may vary based on category alignment and available resources.

Deadline: October 15, 2025

Tips for Applicants
- Choose the category that best fits your project’s primary impact.
- If your work aligns with a specific funding opportunity cited below, please mention it in your narrative. This helps us match your proposal to the most appropriate funding opportunity.
- Foundation staff will ensure all proposals are considered for both broad and targeted funding sources.
- Find a budget template here (or use your own).
Note:
- Grants cannot be given to individuals.
- Grants must be used for charitable purposes.
- Grants should support programs or projects in Keweenaw and Houghton Counties - unless stated otherwise.
- Grants must follow the KCF non-discrimination policy.
- Grants cannot be used for political campaigns or to influence government decisions.
Important Dates:
- September 1, 2025: Online applications open.
- October 15, 2025, at 11:30 pm ET: Deadline to submit your online application.
- December: We will notify grant recipients.
- January: Grant awards will be announced publicly.
All projects should take place within one year of the award.

If you have any questions regarding this application, please contact the Keweenaw Community Foundation at 906-482-9673 or sara@keweenawgives.org.

Application updated August 2025.

1. Organization Information
Name of Organization*
Should be same as on IRS determination letter and as supplied on IRS Form 990
What type of organization is this?*

a registered 501(c)(3) public charitya school, government, or other municipalitya churchOther
Organization's Federal Tax ID Number (EIN)
Required for 501(c)(3) organizations
Year Founded:
Current Operating Budget:
Note: if your organization does not have a formal operating budget, please provide your best estimate based on your organization's expected income and expenses for the year.
Organization Website:
Provide a brief summary of your organization's history and background (max. 500 words):*

0/500
2. Contact Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Title/Role within the Organization*
E-mail:*
example@example.com
Organization Mailing Address:*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Organization Physical Address, if different than above

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone Number:*
Alternate/Cell Phone Number:
3. Project Details

Which category is the best fit for your proposal? We’ve provided examples of the types of projects that may fit the different focus areas.

Foundation staff will match submissions to the most appropriate funding sources to ensure alignment and maximize impact.

Category	Examples of potential projects and programs
Accessibility	Accessible recreation facilities, inclusive design, awareness campaigns Specific Funding Opportunity: Programs that empower individuals with mental or developmental disabilities to thrive as valued members of the Copper Country community.
Arts & Culture	Museums, performing arts, cultural preservation, public art, festivals
Community Development	Revitalization, infrastructure, civic engagement, transportation
Education	Improving facilities, tutoring programs, job training
Environment	Habitat restoration, waste reduction, energy efficiency
Food Security/Insecurity	Food banks, food access, gardens, nutrition education
Health and Wellness	Physical and mental health, health education Specific Funding Opportunity: Community-based projects that encourage physical activity and wellness through outdoor recreation and healthy living in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon Counties.
History	Historical research, preservation, archaeology, public history Specific Funding Opportunity: historical preservation and education projects or activities related to Houghton County
Human Services	Programs providing shelter, clothing, utilities, financial stability
Recreation	Specific Funding Opportunity: Projects that promote and sustain cross-country skiing Specific Funding Opportunity: Projects that expand opportunities for youth to develop further the skills necessary to participate in ice hockey.
Senior citizens	Intergenerational programs, home modifications, transportation services, digital literacy
Youth	Youth enrichment, mentoring

Which of these areas is the best fit for your proposal? You may select more than one.*

AccessibilityArts & CultureCommunity DevelopmentEducationEnvironmentFood Security/InsecurityHealth & WellnessHistoryHuman ServicesRecreationSenior CitizensYouth
Please indicate to which Field of Interest Fund(s) you are applying:*

CLK Youth Hockey Fund: awards to organizations that support youth hockey programs in the Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw area. ($3,000 available)David Wiitanen & Slim McLean Memorial Youth Hockey Fund: awards to organizations that support youth hockey programs throughout Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. ($5,000 available)Great Start Early Childhood Fund: supports projects and programs enhancing early childhood care and education for children from pre-birth to age eight in Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw Counties. Focuses include family engagement, social-emotional health, and school readiness. ($2,000 available)Joe Freed Empowerment Fund: supports efforts to empower individuals with mental and/or intellectual or developmental disabilities in the Copper Country region to be a valued, thriving part of our community. Employment, ride-sharing, engaging in community activities, expanding social networks, and reducing stigma and misconceptions through public awareness are a few examples to empower these individuals. Priority will be given to projects with community-wide impact. ($6,000 available)Kellogg Youth Endowment Fund: supports new or existing programs that directly benefit youth in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. ($12,000 available)
Project/Program Name:*
Is this an existing project or a new project?*

Existing projectNew project
Specific Area(s) Served:*
What geographic area(s) does the project serve?
Number of community members to be served:*
Describe this project/program*
Who is this program for? How will it benefit them?*
What are the goals of the project, and how will you measure the success of the project?*
When will this project take place?*
If similar agencies or programs exist, explain how this proposal differs and what effort will be made to work cooperatively/collaboratively:*
Describe the qualifications of the key staff/volunteers who will be working on this program:*
Describe the long-term strategies/sustainability needs of this project and how you plan to address them:*
Describe how you plan to evaluate the project:*
Amount Requested:*
$10,000 is the maximum request
Total Project Cost:*
Total cost of your proposal, please upload a detailed budget below
Do you have matching funds or additional grants supporting this project?*

YESNO
If Yes, please provide more details:
Are you interested in partial funding of the grant for which you are applying?*

YESNO
4. Document Upload

Upload all applicable documents listed below. Click on the "Choose File" button to select a file from your computer. You may upload any common file format (PDF, .doc, .docx., .xls, .xlsx, etc.).
IRS Determination Letter (for incorporated nonprofit organizations):

Cancelof
Project Budget:*

Cancelof
Optional letter(s) of support:

Cancelof
By signing (typing your legal name) in the space below, you are certifying that all information is correct and that you are the person completing this application. When you press the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation that your application was received. Please print for your records and retain as verification of your application.
E-Signature*
Should be Empty:

Grant Application

Overview

Application Guidelines

Eligibility:

Funding Range:

Tips for Applicants

Note:

Important Dates:

1. Organization Information

2. Contact Information

3. Project Details

4. Document Upload