Saginaw Community Foundation has established the Neighborhood Association Grant Program to provide an additional resource to stimulate neighborhood-based, grassroots initiatives that seek to improve the quality of life for residents within established neighborhood associations in the City of Saginaw. This grant will build upon the existing strengths and assets of Saginaw’s neighborhoods, promote resident participation and leadership, and help neighborhoods develop their own community.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be a City of Saginaw recognized Neighborhood Association.

• If needed, Neighborhood Associations can partner with local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to be their fiduciary.

• If a fiduciary is not available, Saginaw Community Foundation will act as the fiduciary and can pay project bills directly – based on invoices and receipts.

• Grants can be requested for any amount up to $1,000. Neighborhood Associations can apply for funding multiple times within a calendar year, but cannot receive more than $1,000 per calendar year.

• Past grant recipients must be current with all reporting requirements of previous grants in order to apply for new funding.

• Grant approval is made on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified within thirty (30) days on the status of their request.

• Applicants may be contacted during the review process for additional information and/or potential partnership opportunities.

• Applicants will provide a Project Final Report within thirty (30) days of completing the project/program.

Ineligible Projects/Expenses

• Costs incurred preparing application.

• Direct grants, scholarship or loans for the benefit of specific individuals.

• Loans or debt retirement.

• Applicants previously funded but the scope of work was not completed as negotiated.

• Projects where grant expenses have already been incurred or contracts committed.

Examples of Neighborhood Projects

• Neighborhood identity, such as t-shirts, newsletters, web site development, signage, etc.

• Neighborhood leadership training and development.

• Start-up funds for specific neighborhood projects, such as outreach projects, play or social gathering areas, community gardens, clean-ups, etc.

• Publicity of special events.

• Crime watch and prevention projects.

• Beautification projects.

•Social events that bring neighbors together, such as block or holiday parties, community storybooks, neighborhood forums, youth or senior events, arts or crafts events, etc.

For more information or to apply, contact Brian Jackson, director of donor services and special initiatives, at (989) 755-0545 or brian@saginawfoundation.org.