MICROGRANT FUND

The Emerging Leaders United (ELU) Microgrant Fund supports small, grassroots nonprofits in Kent County, Michigan, that focus on fighting the root causes of poverty in our community.

As part of ELU’s mission to give back to our community and become tomorrow’s philanthropists, our group of local young leaders crowdsource donations through peer-to-peer fundraising. We then award nonprofits with a one-time microgrant to support a particular project or expand the programming offered. This work helps develop our skills and increase our knowledge of working and advocating in the nonprofit sector as we prepare to become the next generation of changemakers.

Since the ELU Microgrant Fund is annual, the number of grants and award amount is flexible. Previous microgrants have ranged from $1,500–$5,000 per organization. We encourage applicants to request a specific amount, however, the award amount is subject to the committee’s discretion.

APPLY FOR EMERGING LEADER’S MICROGRANT

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must fit the following criteria:

  • Be a registered 501(c)(3) organization with the IRS and include proof of this designation

  • Annual operating budget of less than $500,000

  • Outcomes directly serve and benefit residents of Allegan, Kent, and/or Ottawa counties.

  • Mission, values, and focus of programs fit within the issue areas of: Family crisis intervention and prevention, Financial security, Food security, Housing, Mental and behavioral health, or Youth education

  • Serve the community without discrimination of age, citizenship, disability, gender, race, religion,  national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or military service or status

  • Agree to the terms and expectations