Tracing its roots back to 2012, the Board of Directors’ Community Improvement Initiative (CII) Grant from Saginaw Community Foundation has helped support ten community projects with a total financial impact of $265,000. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the grant program.

Every year, Saginaw Community Foundation awards its CII Grant to a single project. The project, as selected by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, receives $25,000. An additional $5,000 is granted if the selected project matches the initial $25,000 grant amount.

The goal of this initiative for Saginaw Community Foundation is to create a funding vehicle that enables organizations to be more proactive in addressing community improvement needs. A desired outcome is to encourage the community to create and implement community improvement initiatives on its own.

What exactly is “community improvement”?

“We have defined a community improvement initiative as a project that will create indelible, measurable impacts in the immediate and broader community,” said Reneé Johnston, SCF president and CEO.

This initiative extends beyond existing charitable organizations, churches, schools and county/city officials. Individuals, community groups, neighborhoods, businesses and youth groups can apply if they utilize the Foundation as a fiscal sponsor. New and existing community projects are eligible.

What types of projects are eligible?

The projects submitted must create indelible, measurable impacts in the immediate and broader community; be supported and planned by a broad range of users; and have a clear, well-laid plan for success and sustainability.

Who can apply for the grant?

Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is eligible to apply. The Saginaw Community Foundation, another nonprofit, a local unit of government, or a religious institution can be used as the fiscal sponsor for individuals, community groups, neighborhoods, businesses and youth groups if not a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

How to apply

Applications are due by April 1 each year. Before beginning an application, please contact Brian Jackson, director of donor services and special initiatives, at (989) 755-0545 or brian@saginawfoundation.org to discuss a project. Additional information can be found at saginawfoundation.org/site/grants.