NONPROFIT CAPACITY BUILDING
Fueling Community-Led Change. Building Strength from the Ground Up.
Across West Michigan, grassroots leaders, small nonprofits, and everyday residents are driving transformative change in their neighborhoods. But too often, the people closest to the challenges are furthest from traditional resources. Our Nonprofit Capacity Building efforts aim to change that reality.
We believe that funding should be accessible. That leadership comes in many forms. And that lasting impact starts with trust, support, and opportunity.
Opportunity Initiative: Supporting Grassroots Nonprofits to Grow, Lead, and Thrive.
Grassroots organizations are often closest to the solutions, yet face barriers to funding and growth. Opportunity Initiative flips that script, investing in representation and long-term impact across our region.
Simplified Funding Applications
We’ve reduced the red tape, making it easier for these organizations to access funding without jumping through unnecessary hoops.
Tailored Capacity Building
From board development to storytelling, data collection to financial systems, we offer workshops and coaching based on what each organization needs most.
Deep Relationship-Building
This isn’t just about transactions. We walk alongside our partners as collaborators, amplifiers, and problem-solvers.
Real Impact
Programs like We Matter Now and Embrace Her were sparked by this initiative, and together, they helped launch Embrace Them, a collaborative summer program. Other partners have grown their reach, received new funding, and helped strengthen the broader nonprofit ecosystem.
Opportunity Empowered
Trusting People. Funding Possibility. Fueling Resident-Led Change.
The people closest to the problem are often closest to the solution. In partnership with the Urban League of West Michigan, Opportunity Empowered ensures they’re also the ones resourced to lead it.
This initiative awards one-time funding and ongoing support to everyday residents launching community-strengthening ideas. These are projects born in living rooms, church basements, and neighborhood parks.
We don’t set the agenda. Our neighbors do.
Projects have included:
Pop-up wellness events
Youth-led storytelling and leadership workshops
Community healing circles
Food sovereignty and neighborhood beautification
If it builds connection, solves a local challenge, or strengthens resilience, it belongs here.
How It Works
Apply with an Idea
We believe the best solutions often come from those closest to the challenge. If you have a vision for strengthening your community, we want to hear it. Selected applications include personalized coaching to help shape your idea and set you up for success.
Pitch for Possibility
Selected applicants are invited to a vibrant “Funding Party,” where they present their ideas to a room full of neighbors and changemakers. The audience — your community — votes to determine which projects receive grant funding and wraparound support.
Build Together
Awardees receive one-time funding, technical assistance, and connections to a network of peers and mentors. As your idea grows, so does your leadership. You’ll be part of a growing ecosystem of residents driving real, lasting change across Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa counties.
Community Change Starts with Community Power
When a neighbor leads a block clean-up that becomes a movement, when a youth-led podcast becomes a platform for others to speak, when healing, connection, and creativity spark from within. That’s Opportunity Initiative and Opportunity Empowered at work.