APPLICATION PROCESS
More than a grant opportunity; it’s a way to build something great together.
Our Community Investment Process is a critical element of how we turn vision into action. Through this competitive, multi-year grant cycle, we invest in local nonprofit partners whose programs align with our vision and mission across Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa counties. It’s more than a grant opportunity; it’s a way to build something great together.
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AUGUST 6, 2025
Informational Session
2:00 p.m.
United Way’s Kent County Office -
AUGUST 12, 2025
Informational Session
10:00 a.m.
Virtual (Zoom) -
AUGUST 14, 2025
Informational Session
2:00 P.m.
Virtual (Zoom) -
AUGUST 20, 2025
Informational Session
10:00 a.m.
Herrick District Library
(Ottawa County) -
SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
Application Release Date
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OCTOBER 3, 2025
Applications Due
10:00 a.m. -
OCTOBER 30, 2025
Volunteer Review Period Begins
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January 27, 2026
Recommendations to the Board
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MARCH 2, 2026
Award Letters Sent to Applicants
Embargoed Until April 13, 2026 -
APRIL 13, 2026
2026 Agreements Published
Information sessions are open to any nonprofit organization within the 3 counties (whether current partners or not). The purpose is to provide detailed information on the 2026-2029 application process including parameters, scorecard, and an introduction to the submission system.
Funding for the 2026-2029 Community Investment Process will be concentrated in three of our impact areas:
1. Financial Security: Creating stronger financial futures for every generation
2. Healthy Community: Improving health and wellbeing for all
3. Youth Opportunity: Helping young people realize their full potential
Within these areas, we are prioritizing transformative solutions: programs and partnerships that not only address urgent needs but remove barriers and create long-term change. That means better coordination across systems, expanded access, and support that helps families move from crisis to opportunity.