Question 1

How do I start the grant application process?

Accepted Answer

Visit the Grant Application Process page on our website to schedule a time to meet with our staff to discuss your proposal and review the BCCF Grants Guide and application packet.

Question 2

What are the current funding priorities for the Branch County Community Foundation?

Accepted Answer

Currently, BCCF has the following priorities for funding identified: Enhancing Youth Mental Health Supports	The Branch County Community Foundation is looking for projects that enhance youth mental health supports to help students thrive in school, access needed services, and grow into healthy, engaged leaders.Accelerating Workforce Development 	The Branch County Community Foundation is looking for projects that will accelerate workforce development to equip community members with the skills they need for strong careers and a thriving local economy.Offering English Language Learning Supports	The Branch County Community Foundation is looking for projects that will support English language learners to help individuals build strong communication skills, unlock academic and career opportunities, and fully participate in community life.Improving Childcare Access 	The Branch County Community Foundation is looking for projects that will improve childcare access to strengthen our workforce, support working families, and expand opportunity by ensuring more children have access to safe, reliable care.

Question 3

What are the deadlines for grant applications?

Accepted Answer

Youth Advisory Committee and Youth-Related Grants
Application: January 1 - January 31
Notification: April 31

Community Good Grants
Application: August 1 - August 31
Notification: October 31

Scholarships
Application: December 1 - March 1
Notification: May 1

Education Mini-Grants (Coldwater, Quincy, and Bronson)
Application: April 1 - April 30
Notification: May 31

Nola & George Cummings Family Foundation Fund Mini-Grants
Application: June 1 - June 30 - and - December 1 - December 31
Notification: August 1 - and - February 1

Women Who Care Mini-Grants
Application: Year-Round
Proposals Due: February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1

For additional details, please visit the Funding Opportunities page.

Question 4

Can I submit a proposal with just a few items missing and get those to you after the deadline?

Accepted Answer

No. We require that applications be complete and submitted to us by the end of the deadline day (11:59 pm).

We will consider a proposal that is missing one or more items incomplete, and it will be withdrawn from consideration. If your organization is missing one or more of the required attachments or is unable to provide them by the grant deadline, it would be better to wait until the next deadline and submit a complete proposal.

Question 5

We're a new organization and don't have all of the information requested in the guidelines. Can we still apply?

Accepted Answer

We require that proposals include all of the listed information and attachments or the application will be deemed incomplete and automatically withdrawn from consideration. If you are a new organization, please refer to the steps on our Grant Application Process page and contact the Community Foundation office for additional information or guidance.

Question 6

What's the best time to call?

Accepted Answer

For more information or to schedule a conversation with a member of The Branch County Community Foundation staff, please fill out our contact form, email info@brcofoundation.org, or call/text us at 517-278-4517.  Our business hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

We are always happy to respond to your questions. However, be aware that we receive a large volume of calls in the two weeks prior to the grant deadlines, and may take more time to respond to requests at those busy times of the year.

Question 7

Who reviews my grant application?

Accepted Answer

Each application goes through an initial staff review to make sure the baseline legal requirements are met and the project falls within the overall goals the Community Foundation has set for its grantmaking program before being presented to our grants committee with all final recommendations from the Branch County Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Question 8

What support does the Community Foundation offer for grant writing assistance?

Accepted Answer

The Community Foundation staff is happy to review applications and offer suggestions for editing. The Community Foundation wants you to have the strongest application possible for the competitive grant cycles. All requests for assistance must be made via email to info@BrCoFoundation.org and separately from an application submission. All requests for assistance must be requested no later than one week before the application deadline. Requests submitted any closer to the application deadline may not be received.

How do I start the grant application process?

What are the current funding priorities for the Branch County Community Foundation?

What are the deadlines for grant applications?

Can I submit a proposal with just a few items missing and get those to you after the deadline?

We're a new organization and don't have all of the information requested in the guidelines. Can we still apply?

What's the best time to call?

Who reviews my grant application?

What support does the Community Foundation offer for grant writing assistance?

Grant FAQs

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Branch County Community Foundation