Community Initiative Fund

The Bay Area Community Foundation has the best interest of the whole community at heart. This fund is a flexible resource to meet the most urgent and pressing needs of the community. Every year grants are awarded to improve the Bay area by funding programs and projects which improve our quality of life.

GRANTMAKING VALUES

The Bay Area Community Foundation views itself as a responsive and proactive community partner that works strategically to address existing and emerging community issues. Within our Community Initiative Fund, which is our most flexible grantmaking fund, we have a primary goal:

"BUILD COMMUNITY CAPACITY FOR FLEXIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY"

To this end, we have identified three community investment priorities so that funds may be allocated to programs or projects that focus on one or more of the following areas:

Community Vision

1. Multicultural / Multigenerational Initiatives
2. Arts & Recreation

An organization seeking a grant should provide clear, complete information about the need identified and how the proposed project will make a difference, especially as it relates to one of these three community investment priorities. The Foundation will continue to consider proposals which address other community or emergency issues that may arise, but first consideration will be given to requests that fit within the Foundation's priority areas.

When reviewing proposals, our volunteer committee members will be looking for proposals that not only impact our community in a positive and meaningful way, but also are proactive in nature, enhance our overall quality of life, are sensitive to our social environment and engage people.

COMMUNITY INITIATIVE FUND INVESTMENT PRIORITIES

A Focus on...Community Vision
We seek to build upon the idea that we live in a community that honors its heritage, embraces its future and cares for its members; where citizens are actively engaged in an inclusive decision making process; where the concept of helping one's neighbor exists.

Past investments in Community Vision include grants for the construction of the new library system, the historical renovation of the State Theatre, and riverfront development - all of which have helped to create a "sense of place" and a sense of pride in our community.

A Focus on...Multicultural/Multigenerational Initiatives
We seek to continue to build a community where everyone, but particularly minorities, youths and seniors, feels a strong sense of belonging and is provided with leadership and learning opportunities.

Programs that empower these groups, help overcome cultural barriers and encourage young people to stay in our community are seen as a priority. Past investments include a program designed to encourage senior volunteerism and continuing education, a Diversity Training Workshop and a Community Action program through a local alternative high school.

A Focus on...Arts & Recreation
We seek to enhance and complement the existing arts and recreational opportunities in our community, thus sustaining a rich and dynamic environment for our citizens and visitors.

Programs that improve availability and accessibility to all forms of arts and recreations will be given first priority. Past investments include grants awarded to Studio 23, Bay City Players, and the Riverwalk/Railtrail.

For more information on the grantmaking priorities of the Community Initiative Fund, or for information on any other grantmaking fund of the Community Foundation, please call the Foundation at (989) 893-4438

2007 Grants ($113,490):
Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Bay Area Women's Center
Bay Arenac Behavioral Health
Bay Arts Council
Bay County Toys for Tots
Bay Musical Arts
City of Bay City
Fish Tails Inc.
Food for Faith
Friends of the Bay City State Recration Area
Good Samaritan Rescue Mission of Bay City
Hidden Harvest
Literacy Council of Bay County
New Dimensions
Rotary Club of Bay City Foundation
Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum
Saginaw Valley State University - School of Nursing
Wenona Center
YWCA of Bay County