Access and Opportunity Grant Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Access and Opportunity Grant FAQ page, where you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the Saginaw Community Foundation’s grant program. Whether you’re a nonprofit organization, school, or community group, this guide will help you understand eligibility requirements, the application process, and funding opportunities available through the Access and Opportunity Grant.
Our goal is to make applying as clear and straightforward as possible. Here, you’ll discover important details such as submission deadlines, required documents, and evaluation criteria. We also provide tips to help you prepare a strong application that aligns with the grant’s mission to promote equity, inclusion, and opportunity across Saginaw County.
If you don’t find the answer to your question here, please contact us at (989) 755-0545 or email brian@saginawfoundation.org. We’re happy to guide you through the process and help you take the next step toward securing funding for your project.
Who can apply for the Access and Opportunity Grant?
Eligible applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Why do I need to call Saginaw Community Foundation to get a grant application number?
Contacting Saginaw Community Foundation to receive a grant number is a required part of the grant application process. It enables us to collect general details, including the organization name, project information and amount of funds sought. It also provides the opportunity for us to clarify any questions that may come up during the application process. At this time, Saginaw Community Foundation can also provide direction regarding other grants that may be available and provide information on current funding trends in the region. Lastly, Saginaw Community Foundation can connect you to other organizations that offer complementary or similar programs and projects to help leverage dollars.
Why isn’t the grant application available on the Saginaw Community Foundation website?
The application is only available in draft format on the website. When assigned a grant application number, you will be emailed an editable grant application in Microsoft Word format. It is highly encouraged to begin developing your program narrative for your application as soon as possible.
What do I enter if our organization/project does not have a website?
If the organization/project does not have a website, please type in “n/a.” If the organization/project uses Facebook in place of a website, feel free to enter the Facebook page address. If the organization/project does not have a Facebook page, please type “n/a”.
What should be entered for Total Project Cost?
Total project cost should reflect all costs related to the project in which you are seeking funding. For example, if the XYZ nonprofit wants to build a playground on an empty city lot, the total project cost for the playground would include the swing set and slide, as well as costs incurred for surveying the area, leveling the ground, insurance, etc.
Who should sign the application?
The primary signature should be the board chair, CEO or project leader. The secondary signature should be from someone who is active in the project in some capacity, whether by organizing the project, financially backing the project or is involved in the project’s planning efforts.
Is it necessary to have organizational funds committed to the project?
Dedicating funds from your organization demonstrates to the grant review committee your commitment to the project. Revenues for the project can include fundraisers and campaigns.
How do I account for grant applications with other funders in which I do not currently know the status?
Under Revenues for Project, write in the requested amount and add Pending in the status. When notified of any funding changes, contact Brian Jackson to update your application at (989) 755-0545 or email brian@saginawfoundation.org.
Am I allowed to estimate costs for the Expenses for Project section, or am I required to have exact quotes with documentation?
It is encouraged to have supporting documentation of the project expenses, such as quotes from a company or independent online research. If you use any documentation from the Web, print the documentation and include with your application as supporting information. The foundation understands that amounts may fluctuate, but an up-to-date figure will help the grant review committee better evaluate your application.
What types of supporting documents should be attached to the application?
Supporting documents may include project expenses (bids, quotes, research, etc.), letters of support for the project (no more than five will be permitted).