Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
/OVERVIEW: The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan supports arts and culture, education, environment, health, civic affairs, human services and community development in the Detroit area.
IP TAKE: This community funder serves a seven-county region of Michigan and welcomes phone calls to discuss potential ideas for funding with area nonprofits. This funder runs an open, online application system.
PROFILE: Established in 1984, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSM) is a community foundation based in Detroit, Michigan. It is a permanent community endowment built by the gifts of thousands of organizations and individuals. The foundation aims to "enhance the quality of life in southeast Michigan.” It funds local efforts for arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, community development and civic affairs.
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan supports a wide variety of nonprofits in broad interest areas. Over 200 nonprofits have built endowments with CFSM. The foundation also has two affiliates that focus on more specific geographic areas: the Chelsea Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for Livingston County. Other special opportunity grants include funding from the Detroit Auto Deals Association, the HOPE Fund, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds, Southfield Community Foundation Legacy Funds and Youth Leadership funding. Some of the many CFSM initiatives are Project Play, the New Economy Initiative and the Detroit Journalism Engagement Fund. Supporting organizations of CFSM are the Foundation for Detroit’s Future, DMC Foundation, Robert H. Tannahill Foundation, Gilmour-Jirgens Fund, and Russell Family Foundation.
Grants range between about $5,000 and $1 million. Most competitive grants are $30,000 to $75,000. Grantmaking focuses on Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, St. Clair, and Livingston counties in Michigan. Past local grantees include the Autism Alliance of Michigan, Avalon Housing, and Capuchin Soup Kitchen. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits but prefers that nonprofits call to discuss a potential fit before preparing a proposal. The proposal deadlines are the 15th of February, May, August, and November of each year. The application process is conducted online. Direct general questions to the staff at 313-961-6675 or via online form.
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