Building on its great success from last year, The Community Grant Program is maintaining a similar structure, with one exciting addition! Learn more below, mark your calendars, and start preparing now to share your story with local funders.
Since 2015, The Otsego Community Foundation has administered the Community Grant Program, a collaborative effort of local funders, including the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, Drzewiecki Agency/ Meemic Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Gaylord, Otsego Community Foundation, Otsego County United Way, Otsego Wildlife Legacy Society, Hees Family Foundation, and Rotary Club of Gaylord, that increases the effectiveness of grantmaking and grows the capacity of local nonprofits. Collectively, we can make more of an impact on projects and programs. As the administrator of this program, the OCF will serve as your contact through the grant-seeking process. This program addresses the limited capacity of organizations to apply to multiple funding sources. This fall, applicants will complete one online application, which is reviewed by multiple funders, each with their own funding priorities and focus areas. The Community Grant Program is a one-stop grantmaking source for nonprofit organizations serving Otsego County.
This year, we are excited to announce that multi-year sustaining grants are back! First introduced in 2023, with a pause on other rounds due to funding capacity constraints, we have received positive insights from grantees that a longer funding horizon provides peace of mind. Not only does this allow nonprofit partners to feel encouraged knowing their work is consistently supported, but it also frees up time and energy spent on fundraising efforts to focus on program improvements. It is a priority of OCF to strengthen the community through capacity building, collaboration, and high impact grantmaking. This year’s Community Grant Program exemplifies that work.
Important dates
August 3rd, application opens
August 12th, 8am NPX virtual session
August 20th, 5pm application closes
September 14th & 15th, reserve space for optional Q&A days if reviewers request follow up
Mid/late October, funding notifications
November 18th, Giving Together event for grantees and funders
DeLayni, OCF Program Manager, will provide support during open office hours, virtual or in person, August 3 – 19, Mondays 1-2pm and Wednesdays 9-10am
Application types
Seed Grant – Supporting innovation and pilot programs, request limit of $500 – $10,000
Expansion Grant – Supporting growth and impact, request limit of $500 - $10,0000
Sustaining (Multi-Year) Grant – Supporting general operations to ensure ongoing program stability, request of $5,000 each year for 3 years to total $15,000 by 2028
More details including grant portal walkthroughs, PDF versions of the applications, and more can be found at https://www.otsegofoundation.org/2025-apply-for-grants/. Any questions can be directed to DeLayni Brown delayni@otsegofoundation.org .
