Amplify GR (AGR) is committed to pursuing opportunities to CONNECT neighbors and local organizations, CREATE new opportunities, and AMPLIFY the existing work of neighbors. That’s why we offer this program -- to help you Amp the Good in your neighborhood!

These grants will support collaborative, neighborhood-based projects that align with the AGR focus areas of employment, entrepreneurship, housing, education and community well- being while honoring neighborhood culture, traditions and values. Each project can receive up to $1,000.

Applicants are also encouraged to apply for the City of Grand Rapids Neighborhood Match Fund if your idea requires additional funding support. If you are a neighbor or organization living or serving the neighborhoods in and around Boston Square and Madison Square, your work is critical to the on going vibrancy of the community.

In partnership with neighbors, businesses, and community organizations, AGR seeks to widen pathways so that all neighbors have a greater opportunity to participate in and benefit from community growth. Working in the areas of employment, housing, education and community well-being, AGR seeks to create enviroments within communities to amplify the priorities of those who call it home.

Grants up to $1,000 will be awarded based on budgets and available funds. Grants are provided until funds are exhausted. Notice of awards will be given within 45 days of submission. A neighbors advisory team in conjunction with Amplify GR staff, will review applications and over see the grant making process.

Individual community members and small nonprofits are eligible*. Examples of eligible groups include:

• Informal resident groups (e.g. block clubs)

• Neighborhood Associations

• Non-profit organizations with a budget of $100,000 or less

***IMPORTANT NOTE: A fiduciary is required for all grants.

A fiduciary is a nonprofit organization that acts as the financial managing organization for your project. The fiduciary should oversee bookkeeping and financial tax reporting.

AGR grants will be written to the fiduciary, who then tracks the grant with their annual gifts. If you are applying as an incorporated nonprofit, generally, no additional fiduciary is required.

If the fiduciary is a church with a 501(c3) status, please have them complete the included form titled “Pre-Grant Assessment of Churches without 501(c3) Public Charity Status”.

Please read all pages of the guidelines before beginning the application form.

To create, plan, organize and implement a proposal for community enhancement projects.

Examples of Eligible Project Ideas:

• Resume camp
• Neighborhood small business directory
• Little libraries
• Block parties
• Community celebrations
• GED Prep
• After school tutoring
• Spring clean Up
• Community mural

Examples of Non-Eligible Projects / Expenses:

• Operating expenses not related to the project
• Capital or property purchases
• Fulfillment of past personal or business related financial commitments or expenditures
• Staff salary / wage expenses
• Political lobbying efforts
• Fundraising
• Alcohol purchases or distribution
• Events and programs that charge admission

 

What Kind of Projects Qualify?

To be considered, projects must involve neighbors in the neighborhoods AGR serves (see map) in thefollowing ways:

1. Be led by and/or involve neighborhood residents / neighbors

2. Provide a benefit to and directly involve residents / neighbors

3. Include residents / neighbors in the planning and implementation

Projects must support a collaborative community environment and align with at least one of the AGR focus areas.

Special consideration will be given to projects that have a lasting and long-term impact on your neighborhood.

Projects MUST abide by Grand Rapids city ordinances and policies.

Awards are NOT made to:

1. Government agencies

2. Political groups Universities

3. Hospitals

4. Newspapers

5. Non-local organizations

Applications are reviewed by a neigbors advisory team. Funding decisions will be made within 45 days of submission. Applicants will be notified in writing about approved and denied funding decisions. All pages must be completed and submitted to be considered.

Occasionally the review team may have questions about a proposed project or require documentation of critical components of the project. This could delay the grant decision process. Applicants should allow enough time for this review process to ensure their project begins as scheduled. Please be advised that the entire process could take up to 60 days to complete.

Requirements for Funded Projects:

Each applicant can submit one project at a time. If funded, the applicant must complete the project and submit a final report before being eligible to apply again.

A final report must include the following:

Documentation of alignment with AGR mission, values and focus areas as stated in this application:

• Event photos

• Storyteller video (3-5 Minutes)

• Documented feedback from participants

A consent letter from a fiduciary including:

• Organization name

• Contact name

• Contact email

• Contact phone number

• Contact mailing address

Project budget:

• Project name and description

• Tax ID Number (TIN)

• Employer ID Number (EIN)

All projects must be completed by December 31st, 2025

Each project will be evaluated on how well it supports Amplify GR's mission and focus areas by addressing a specific need or concern. The Amplify GR Mission, Values & Pillars are listed on the application.

All projects must take place within the boundaries shown on the map below.

There are four ways to submit completed applications:

1. Email Elyse Greene at contact@thisiselyse.com 
2. Mail to Amplify GR ATTN: Elyse Greene 1480 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
3. Drop off to Amplify GR office at the above address
4. Complete the application below (online)

A complete application consist of the following:

STEP 1. Completed application form

STEP 2. Completed answers to questions A-F

STEP 3. Completed Workplan

STEP 4. Budget

STEP 5. Letter from Fiduciary

STEP 6. Pre-Grant Assessment form if your fiduciary is a church without a 501c3 status Notification within 45 days of application submission.

Applicants are notified of award decisions and specific conditions, if any, that need to be met before a contract is executed.

Contracting within 60 days of application submission. An Agreement for Services, a contract between the participant and AGR is finalized and signed, authorizing the project to begin. AGR has no responsibility to fund the organization for any expense incurred before a signed Agreement is in place.

Payment should be received with 30 days of signed contract.

Note: Awards may be rescinded for projects not ready for contracting within 45 business days of award notification

Please read all pages of the guidelines before beginning the application form.

A. Describe your project idea. (No longer than 1 page)

Please describe what will happen when, where and how many times over an identified time span. See the attached work plan. Include resources that will be needed, if any, and how you will obtain them. Describe any final products, specific events, or milestones that are part of the project

Please use no more than 2 pages to complete questions B - F

B. Who will get involved?

C. Do you have any previous experience working on a similar project? Please describe your experience.

D. What are the goals for this specific project?

E. How will you know you reached your specific project goals?

F. How does your project align with one or more of the areas of focus?

•Identify who will be responsible for carrying out each step or activity.

•Estimate the month and year the step will be completed.

•Projects must be completed by December 31, 2025

• Use this form or include your own document.

 

List in chronological order specific steps you will take to carry out this project.

Use the budget template or upload a separate spreadsheet/table detailing your expected expenses.

Include a consent letter from your fiduciary. The letter should include:

• Organization name
• Contact name
• Contact email
• Contact phone number
• Contact mailing address

• Project budget
• Project name and description
• Tax ID Number(TIN)
• Employer ID Number (EIN)

If your fiduciary is a church without a 501c3 status, they must also complete and submit information for the “Pre-Grant Assessment of Churches without 501c3 Public Charity Status”.

Pre-Grant Assessment of Churches without 501(c)3 Public Charity Status

Church Name:

Church Location:

Pastor’s Name:

Pastor or Church Phone #:

Federal Tax ID #:

Is the church covered by a group exemption ruling? If yes, please list the group and their Tax ID #:

Does the church have proof of legal existence which could include State Tax Corporate ID number, Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws? If so, please attach copies.

Please Answer:

1. Does the church have a building or regular place of worship?
2. Does the church have regular and/or scheduled worship services?
3. Does the church have a board or governance structure?
4. Does the church have a membership with an association other than another church or denomination?
5. Does the church have regular attendees/congregation?
6. Does the church provide Sunday School or similar type programming?
7. Does the church have pastor(s) ordained by others outside of the church?
8. Does the church have a written doctrinal statement or position?

Review the entire application to make sure it is complete. Check to make sure all your attachments are included in your submission.