Community Support Grants

To support local nonprofit programs services, equipment, supplies, and smaller projects that directly benefit Dickinson County residents. 

The Community Support grants are intended for organizations requesting traditional grant support for a clear and specific need. These grants are designed to remain accessible to a wide range of nonprofits, including small organizations, volunteer-led groups, schools, churches with charitable programs, and community service organizations.

Examples of Eligible Requests: 

•    Program supplies
•    Equipment purchases
•    Youth programming
•    Food assistance
•    Community events with a charitable purpose
•    Educational materials
•    Health, wellness, or safety programs
•    Small facility improvements tied to public benefit
•    Technology or tools needed to serve residents
•    Materials that help an organization continue or improve services

Funding Limitations: 
In general, the Community foundation does not support: 
•    General operating expenses (salaries, supplies, administrative overhead)
•    Capital campaigns (support of construction or renovation of a facility; also known as bricks and mortar)
•    Endowment campaigns; annual campaigns; fundraiser events (including but not limited to, the purchase of tables at dinners, ads in program booklets, and raffle tickets)
•    Travel grants: Fees for field trips or other travel-related expenditures
•    Sponsorship of sports teams
•    Previously incurred debt or retroactive funding for current projects
•    Other grant making organizations
•    Individuals (except designated scholarship funds) & independent scholarly research projects
•    Religious or sectarian programs, political parties or campaigns
•    Organizations that have delinquent reports from previous Community Foundation grants 
•    Children’s projects that provide traditional medical care; carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation within
 

Innovation/ Pilot Grants

To encourage new ideas, test creative solutions, or support small pilot projects that may lead to future community impact. 

Innovation/ Pilot Grants are intended for organizations that want to try something new, test a solution, or launch a small project that has potential for growth. These grants should support ideas that may not yet be fully proven but are thoughtful realistic, and connected to a community need.  

Examples of Eligible Requests:  

•    A new pilot program
•    A small test project
•    A creative solution to a community issue
•    A new partnership or service model
•    Technology or tools to test a new approach
•    Youth-led or community-led innovation
•    Research, planning, or early-stage project development
•    A first-year program that could grow if successful

Funding Limitations: 
In general, the Community foundation does not support: 
•    General operating expenses (salaries, supplies, administrative overhead)
•    Capital campaigns (support of construction or renovation of a facility; also known as bricks and mortar)
•    Endowment campaigns; annual campaigns; fundraiser events (including but not limited to, the purchase of tables at dinners, ads in program booklets, and raffle tickets)
•    Travel grants: Fees for field trips or other travel-related expenditures
•    Sponsorship of sports teams
•    Previously incurred debt or retroactive funding for current projects
•    Other grant-making organizations
•    Individuals (except designated scholarship funds) & independent scholarly research projects
•    Religious or sectarian programs, political parties or campaigns
•    Organizations that have delinquent reports from previous Community Foundation grants 
•    Children’s projects that provide traditional medical care; carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation within
 

Senior Service Grants

To support programs, services, and projects that improve the quality of life, safety, health, dignity, independence, and community connection of older adults in Dickinson County. 

Senior Service Grants are specifically for organizations serving senior citizens, older adults, cargivers, or aging-related needs in Dickinson County. 

Examples of Eligible Requests: 
•    Senior transportation
•    Food assistance or meal delivery
•    Home safety improvements
•    Caregiver support
•    Social connection programs
•    Senior health and wellness
•    Technology access for seniors
•    Dementia-friendly programming
•    Fall prevention or safety equipment
•    Programs that help seniors remain independent
 

Funding Limitations: 
In general, the Community foundation does not support: 
•    General operating expenses (salaries, supplies, administrative overhead)
•    Capital campaigns (support of construction or renovation of a facility; also known as bricks and mortar)
•    Endowment campaigns; annual campaigns; fundraiser events (including but not limited to, the purchase of tables at dinners, ads in program booklets, and raffle tickets)
•    Travel grants: Fees for field trips or other travel-related expenditures
•    Sponsorship of sports teams
•    Previously incurred debt or retroactive funding for current projects
•    Other grant-making organizations
•    Individuals (except designated scholarship funds) & independent scholarly research projects
•    Religious or sectarian programs, political parties or campaigns
•    Organizations that have delinquent reports from previous Community Foundation grants 
•    Children’s projects that provide traditional medical care; carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation within
 

Strategic Impact Grants

To support larger projects that address important community needs, strengthen nonprofit services, encourage collaboration, or create long-term benefits for Dickinson County. 

Strategic Impact Grants are intended for organziations with projects that go beyond a small one-time request. These grants should support work that has a broader community benefit, addresses a significant issue, builds organizational strength, or creates lasting impact. 

Examples of Eligible Requests: 

•    Program expansion
•    Collaborative projects between organizations
•    Equipment or infrastructure serving a larger community purpose
•    Matching funds for state, federal, or private grants
•    Community health, food security, childcare, housing, or transportation projects
•    Nonprofit capacity-building projects
•    Facility improvements tied to increased public service
•    Planning or implementation of a major community initiative
•    Projects that serve multiple communities within Dickinson County

Funding Limitations:

In general, the Community foundation does not support:

• General operating expenses (salaries, supplies, administrative overhead)
• Capital campaigns (support of construction or renovation of a facility; also known as bricks and mortar)
• Endowment campaigns; annual campaigns; fundraiser events (including but not limited to, the purchase of tables at dinners, ads in program booklets, and raffle tickets)
• Travel grants: Fees for field trips or other travel-related expenditures
• Sponsorship of sports teams
• Previously incurred debt or retroactive funding for current projects
• Other grant making organizations
• Individuals (except designated scholarship funds) & independent scholarly research projects
• Religious or sectarian programs, political parties or campaigns
• Organizations that have delinquent reports from previous Community Foundation grants
• Children’s projects that provide traditional medical care; carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation within

Youth In Action Grant

The Dickinson County Youth in Action Grant program is a competitive application for area middle and high school students to support youth-led projects that make a positive difference in schools and communities. 

Youth in Action Grants will reopen in January 2027