Mini Grant Program

The quarterly Mini Grant Program provides timely support when unexpected needs or opportunities arise.

How Mini Grants Work

Unlike KCF's traditional grant programs, Mini Grants begin with a conversation. Mini Grants are:

  • Available quarterly

  • Designed for urgent or unexpected needs

  • Invitation-based following an initial conversation with KCF staff

If your organization is experiencing an urgent need or has a time-sensitive opportunity, contact the Director of Programs to discuss your situation. We'll learn more about your project and help determine whether a Mini Grant or another KCF funding opportunity is the best fit.

Eligibility

Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, educational institutions, governmental entities, including tribal, and religious organizations are eligible for the program. Projects must support Houghton and Keweenaw Counties and adhere to KCF’s Non-Discrimination Policy.

In addition:

  • Grants cannot be made to individuals.

  • Grants must be used for charitable purposes.

  • Grants must support programs/projects in Keweenaw and Houghton Counties unless stated otherwise.

  • Grants may not be used for a political campaign or to support attempts to influence any governmental body.

Is a Mini Grant Right for You?

For a project to be considered, it must be one or more of the following:

  • Time-Sensitive or Urgent Need: Unexpected situations that require action before KCF’s next grant cycle.

  • Emerging Opportunity: A unique opportunity to strengthen your organization or community that would otherwise be missed.

  • Bridging a Gap: There is no other funding option within the needed timeframe, and the need cannot reasonably wait for another funding opportunity.

Organizations with projects that can benefit from additional planning, partnership development, or larger funding requests are encouraged to work with KCF staff to prepare for the regular Fall and Spring grant cycles.

Still unsure? Reach out anyway. A conversation is the best place to start.

Will this funding fill a critical gap?

Mini Grants are designed to provide timely support when a small amount of funding can make a meaningful difference. Think about whether this grant will help move your project forward or address an urgent need that might otherwise go unmet.

Is this time-sensitive?

Can this wait until KCF's Fall or Spring grant cycles, when larger funding amounts are available? Will the opportunity be lost or the need become more difficult to address if funding is delayed?

Are there other funding sources that can cover this expense?

Mini Grants are intended to fill gaps when there aren't other funding options within the needed timeframe. Consider whether another grant, funding partner, or internal resource could reasonably cover this expense.

Could this expense or opportunity have been anticipated?

Mini Grants are best suited for unexpected needs or emerging opportunities. If this expense or project could have been planned months in advance, it may be a better fit for KCF's regular grant cycles.

Example 1: Seizing an Unexpected Opportunity

Copper Country Curling Club

The Copper Country Curling Club approached KCF after learning of an opportunity to purchase a set of used junior curling stones from another club at a significant discount. While the purchase wasn't included in the club's annual budget, it represented a rare opportunity to expand its youth programming.

Through the Mini Grant Program, the Club was able to purchase the equipment, helping strengthen its junior curling program, introduce more young people to the sport, and provide another winter recreation opportunity for local youth.

Example 2: Responding to an Urgent Community Need

Trinity Episcopal Church Food Pantry

As food costs continue to rise and funding for food assistance programs becomes more limited, Trinity Episcopal Church's food pantry began seeing its shelves empty more quickly than usual. Volunteers reached out to KCF for any potential opportunities to address the increased demand for food.

A Mini Grant provided timely support, helping the food pantry bridge an unexpected gap in resources while replenishing essential supplies and expanding its distribution schedule with an additional service day to meet growing community need.

Have Questions?

For more information or questions about grants, please contact Madelina DiLisi, Director of Programs.