Keweenaw Community Foundation Opens Fall Grant Applications on September 1
Keweenaw Community Foundation Opens Fall Grant Applications on September 1
The Keweenaw Community Foundation’s Fall grant application opens September 1, with approximately $100,000 available to support initiatives throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula. This includes $50,000 from our growing Community Impact Fund, made possible by a generous donor gift. The Community Impact Fund enables KCF to address a broad range of community needs and will provide additional grant opportunities as it continues to expand.
Applications will be accepted online beginning September 1, 2026, with a submission deadline of October 15 at 11 pm EST. Applications must be submitted online: https://www.keweenawcommunityfoundation.org/grants
Field of Interest Grants
The Field of Interest grant program, offered twice annually, is made possible by KCF’s Field of Interest Funds, which reflect the passions and priorities of donors who established them. These funds are designed to address specific causes, populations, or geographic areas, creating meaningful change in our community.
Granting Funds
CLK Youth Hockey Fund: Supports youth hockey programs in the Calumet, Laurium, and Keweenaw areas
Community Impact Fund: Established to fund new or existing programs that help our communities thrive
Copper Shores Community Health Foundation- Community Wellness and Outdoor Recreation Fund: Supports initiatives, programs, and projects that encourage physical activity, healthy nutrition, and improved community wellness.
David Wiitanen and Slim McLean Memorial Youth Hockey Fund: Supports youth ice hockey programs throughout the Copper Country Junior Hockey Association territory, helping expand opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and participate in the sport.
Environmental Fund: Supports projects and initiatives that address a wide range of environmental concerns throughout the region.
Houghton County Historical Preservation Fund: Supporting historical preservation and education projects related to Houghton County, Michigan.
Joe Freed Empowerment Fund: Empowering persons with disabilities—ensuring they have the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and full participation in community life.
Keweenaw Cross Country Skiing Fund: Funding helps support trail improvements, equipment purchases, youth programming, and other efforts that keep cross-country skiing accessible, vibrant, and growing throughout the Copper Country.
New Grant Opportunity
The Keweenaw Community Foundation recently received a grant from the Trust for Civic Life that will give the Youth Advisory Council the opportunity to do a one-time grant campaign. Middle and high school students participating in YAC will have $50,000 to grant to local organizations dedicated to making a difference in our community by bringing people together. We will release an announcement with more information and application details later in September.
Eligibility
Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, educational institutions, governmental entities, and religious organizations are encouraged to apply. Projects must support Houghton and Keweenaw Counties and adhere to KCF’s Non-Discrimination Policy.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online.
Applicants may request up to $10,000 per project and can apply for multiple projects. The Keweenaw Community Foundation will match applicants to the appropriate fund based on the project description. Visit the Grant Opportunities page on our website for application details and additional guidance.
Important Dates
September 1, 2026: Applications open online
September 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm: Grant Open House at the Keweenaw Community Foundation
October 15 at 11 pm EST: Deadline to submit grant applications; the online application form closes.
December 1, 2026: All applicants will be notified. Selected grant recipients will receive further instructions.
Grant Open House
The Keweenaw Community Foundation will host a grant open house on Wednesday, September 9, from 4:30 - 5:30 PM at the KCF office, 417 Quincy Street, Hancock, 3rd floor. Community organizations can stop by for a brief overview of KCF’s evolving grant opportunities and to connect with our growing team, ask questions about a KCF grant application, and learn more about KCF’s programs and resources.
If you have questions or need assistance with your grant application, please contact Madelina DiLisi, Director of Programs, at (906) 231-6473 or email madelina@keweenawgives.org.
