Grant Opportunities

The Battle Creek Community Foundation exists to improve the lives of people in and around Battle Creek. One of the ways we do this is through grantmaking. We strategically deploy resources to address community needs while building equity and strengthening the region’s economic base and social fabric.

Guided by strategic, data-informed, trust-based philanthropy, our investments target key community needs critical to sustainability, vitality, and social equity. We strive to be responsive and flexible, lifting the community through education and increasing the capacity of residents to build their own wealth and well-being.

PILLARS OF OUR GRANTS

Grant Focus Areas

Health & Well-Being

Improve physical, mental, and social health through programs that remove barriers to care, promote wellness, and support thriving families.

Education

Advance learning from early years through adulthood, boosting access, persistence, and completion so residents can reach their full potential.

Livable Communities

Strengthen safe, connected neighborhoods with housing stability, mobility, and amenities that enhance quality of life for all.

Detailed Information About The BCCF Focus Areas

Application Process

Grant Opportunities

Applicant Resources

Committee Resources

All applications are submitted through the BCCF Grant Portal.

Review Applicant Resources tab for application guidance.
Ensure your project aligns with one or more focus areas
Create or sign in to your portal account and start the application.
Upload required documents and submit before the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to review the Applicant Resources tab for helpful information.

Grants are one year in length. Use funds as approved within the grant term, then either submit your report, request a time extension (on letterhead), or return any unused funds.

Apply Now

Competitive general grants are available to federally recognized 501(c)(3) public charities (including churches), community groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3), and other tax-exempt organizations (such as schools and municipalities) seeking support for programs that benefit the greater Battle Creek community. Proposed projects must align with the Battle Creek Community Foundation’s funding focus areas. For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply, even with a fiscal sponsor.

The Battle Creek Community Foundation is implementing a Letter of Intent (LOI) process for competitive general grants in fiscal year 2026-27.

Competitive General Grant Round Deadlines FY26-27:

Key Steps	Grant Round 1 (Spring)	Grant Round 2 (Fall)
LOI Opens	Monday, February 23, 2026	Monday, August 24, 2026
LOI Closes	Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (12:00 pm)	Wednesday, September 9, 2026 (12:00 pm)
Note: An LOI is required before an application can be submitted. If the LOI deadline has passed, the application will be unavailable for new applicants
Application Complete Deadline	Wednesday, April 8, 2026 (12:00 pm)	Wednesday, October 7, 2026 (12:00 pm)
Grant Decision Notification	Mid-May, 2026	Mid-November, 2026

Mini Grants (up to $1,500)
Rolling basis; apply 30–60 days before your program begins. Designed for timely, targeted needs.

Donor Advised Newsletter FY26-27
Nonprofit organizations and fiscally-sponsored community groups located in or serving the greater Battle Creek area are eligible to apply by the established deadline. Requests will be shared with fund advisors who make grant suggestions from a Donor Advised Fund they created, held at BCCF.

The goal of the newsletter is share pressing community needs with donors who can make a positive impact in the community.

Key Steps	Donor Advised Newsletter 1 (Summer)	Donor Advised Newsletter 2 (Winter)
Application Opens	June 17, 2026	December 16, 2026
Application Closes	July 15, 2026 (12:00 pm)	January 12, 2027 (12:00 pm)