Making the Grant Process Transparent

Our Guidelines

We are always working to make our grant inquiry and application process as open and clear as possible.

Please review our grant guidelines below to learn more about the way we work. If you believe your project matches our funding priorities, we invite you to submit your inquiry.

Funding Eligibility

We accept requests from charitable or tax-exempt organizations that involve one or more of our program areas within our geographic areas of focus.

We are not likely to fund:

Funding Style

As a collaborative funder, we typically fund up to 15% of the private sector portion of program expenses and/or 5% of capital.

Place-based Focus

We prioritize Kent, Emmet, and Charlevoix Counties or projects that impact the broader West/Northern Michigan regions.

Equity & Inclusion

We value demonstrated practices of inclusion in board recruitment, hiring and delivery of service to beneficiaries that reflect the diversity of the community.

How to Apply

If you believe your project aligns with the eligibility, style, and focus guidelines posted here, we encourage you to submit an inquiry through our online grant portal. We also welcome potential grantees to call our office to discuss ideas and ask questions. Our staff is here to help.

Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM | (616) 451-0303

Review: We encourage every potential grantee to read through the Frey Foundation’s funding priorities and guidelines to determine whether your project is a good fit. This step will also help you write your inquiry in the most strategic way possible.

Inquire: Use our online grant portal to submit your inquiry. You can expect to hear back from us within 30 days. While all inquiries are read, regrettably, the Frey Foundation is not able to fund each request we receive, but we encourage you to seek other resources to fund your project.

Apply: After reviewing your inquiry, we may invite you to submit a full grant application. Once we receive your application, our staff will contact you within 30 days to discuss your project in detail.

Meet: We contact every applicant for an in-person or telephone meeting where the Foundation staff can deepen our understanding of your organization, proposed work, and budget. We look forward to listening and learning about your experience, challenges, and goals.

Decision: The Frey Foundation Grants Committee makes funding decisions four times a year. You can expect to hear from us in the quarter that follows the submission of your full grant application. (See the timeline below.)

Timeline

Funding decisions are typically made four times a year, in February, May, August, and November. Exact timelines may vary depending on proposal readiness and other factors. Once you submit your proposal, our staff will keep you informed throughout the review process.