Community Connection Grant Application

Overview

The Keweenaw Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Council invites proposals for the Community Connection Grant. The Youth Advisory Council is calling for project proposals that bring people together to create meaningful, impactful connections within and across local communities. 

This opportunity is made possible thanks to a generous award of $45,000 from the Trust for Civic Life and a $5,000 match from YAC's budget to create a one-time only granting opportunity with $50,000 total available.  

Application Guidelines 

Eligibility:

• Nonprofit organizations, schools, municipalities, and community organizations serving Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon 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 activities and timeline.  

Deadline to apply: November 1st, 2026.

Tips for Applicants

• Attach letters of support if you are listing another organization as a collaborator. 
• Read the FAQs on our grant opportunities page.   
• Schedule a 1:1 call with Madelina DiLisi, Director of Programs to discuss your application. 

 Note:

• Grants cannot be given to individuals.
• Grants must be used for charitable purposes.
• Grants must follow the KCF non-discrimination policy.
• Grants cannot be used for political campaigns or to influence government decisions.

 Important Dates:

• Monday, September 28: Application opens.
• Sunday November 1, 2026, at 11:30 pm ET: Deadline to submit your online application.
• End of November 2026: Applicants will be notified of funding decision.
• December 2026: Grant awards will be announced publicly and checks will be mailed to awardees.

All projects must take place within one year of the award. Extensions are not permitted for this grant. 

If you have any questions regarding this application, please contact Madelina DiLisi, Director of Programs madelina@keweenawgives.org

 

The main purpose of the Community Connection Grant is to fund activities that bring people together. Of course, bringing people together and creating connections in community can look very different depending on who you ask. This is how the Youth Advisory Council answered the following prompts: 

As a funder, what do you think bringing people together can look like with grantmaking?

• Helping people feel a sense of community and share what they are passionate about.
• People from different backgrounds, ages, schools, and cultures finding common ground. 
• Placed-based experiences. 
• Opportunities for shared experiences on a larger scale such as community events, parades, classes, camps, and more. 
• Learning opportunities: educational, skill building, cultural, creative, or non-tradtional.  
• Leadership and professional development opportunities that build skills for future generations' success. 
• Storytelling, building traditions, preserving our history and cultures.
• Creating accessible opportunities for community members to try something completely new. 

As a funder, what do you think would not be effective in bringing people together? 

• The proposed project is too niche to have an impact on the broader community.
• There is not enough support from the community or collaborative partners to warrant this type of project. 
• It is not accessible financially to participants. 
• It is exclusive to certain members or groups. 

 

Please reflect on YAC's answers to these prompts while writing your proposal. We look forward to seeing what our community can do together! 

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.