Are you part of a nonprofit addressing wellness needs in our community? Every year the Osteopathic Foundation of West Michigan provides grants for equipment, programs, and other resources that help to bring wellness within reach for every member of our community. Read on to learn more about our grant programs.
GRANT STRATEGY
We are a community health and education foundation. Our mission is to measurably improve fundamental wellness in the Muskegon-Lakeshore area in the tradition of osteopathic medicine. We support programs that improve access to health care, nutrition, physical activity, and a sense of belonging.
The first three elements of this strategy – healthcare, nutrition, and physical activity – are easily understood. Sense of belonging is something we all need to thrive. In a culture where we are more isolated than ever, we believe there is value in human connection. Our grants prioritize programs that connect participants to a group and/or mentors for support as they pursue their goals.
A grant application is more likely to receive funding if it:
- Addresses one or more of the first three areas and creates a sense of belonging or connectedness
- Has an evidence-based approach and a clearly defined method for measuring outcomes
- Leverages resources for long-term, lasting impact
SERVICE AREA
The Foundation serves Muskegon County, Oceana County, Newaygo Count, and the northern part of Ottawa County. Our grants fund programs that serve residents within this area.
GRANT PROGRAMS
Our annual grants typically range between $3,000 and $15,000, though larger awards may be possible based on the need and expected impact of the project or program.
Multi-year grants may be available for larger projects. Please contact the Foundation directly to discuss requests of this nature.
For smaller needs, we fund mini grants up to $1,000. These grants may be available at any time during the year if they are urgent, and after June 1 of each year if they are not time sensitive. Visit our website for a simplified application process.
WHO MAY APPLY
Requests for support are generally considered from applicants who have been designated as nonprofit, tax-exempt public charities as defined in Sections 501(c)(3) and 170(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation generally does not consider requests from private foundations, private operating foundations, or political organizations.
THE APPLICATION & DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
Applicants must complete and submit both Part 1: Project Narrative and Part 2: Supporting Documentation by the application deadline to be eligible for consideration. If an applicant has questions regarding the application process, the applicant should contact the Foundation’s office. The deadline for applications is March 31.
Any discussions or indication of interest by the Foundation after submission of an application or on-site investigation will not be construed as a commitment by the Foundation in any way. Each application will be considered on its own merit and accepted or rejected only in writing.
The Foundation’s Grant Committee reviews grant applications on an annual basis and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors, who is the decision-making body for issuing grants. All applications are carefully reviewed by the Grant Committee and the Board of Directors.
If held for further consideration, the program or project is usually investigated by the Executive Director or one or more Directors. A final decision is reached by discussion and a majority vote of the Board.
Typically, applicants will be notified of the Foundation’s decision by July 1.
WHAT THE FOUNDATION GENERALLY WILL NOT FUND
- Programs outside of Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo, and northern Ottawa counties
- Routine operating expenses including salaries
- Motor vehicles
- Religious programs that serve, or appear to serve, specific religious denominations
- Existing obligations or debts/liabilities
- Individuals (except for academic scholarships)
- Grants for endowment
- Grants to tax-supported institutions; however, municipalities may apply for a grant for a specific project
- Grants to organizations which discriminate based on race, creed, or gender
- Grants to conduct political activities, propaganda, influence elections, or to influence legislation
GRANT AGREEMENT
Each grantee must execute a Grant Agreement before the grant can be funded. A sample agreement may be provided to applicant upon request.