Search Results

Explore scholarship and grant opportunities in Jackson, MI. The Jackson Community Foundation connects you with local non-profit organizations for support. JCF COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIPS IMPORTANT: We made applying easier! Your application gives you access to 30+ different scholarships. Eligibility requirements vary from minimum GPA, area of study, new graduate or returning learner, financial need, etc. If you meet the eligibility requirements for any of our scholarships, you will automatically be added to that scholarship's pool of candidates (with the exception of the Bernice Barabash Sports Scholarship - see below) saving your time searching which scholarship you should apply for. Required Documents: 1 Letter of Recommendation Transcript Proof of FAFSA completion *Please note The Bernice Barabash Sports Scholarship (for students in grades 7-12 who play hockey, including home-schooled students) does have a separate application process. BERNICE BARABASH SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP JCF COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIP Now Accepting Applications. To learn more about any of our scholarship history, eligibility requirements, or to donate to an individual scholarship, click here: Scholarships DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 11TH AT 5PM EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 2nd at 5PM. All applitions received by this date will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $1,000 Scholarship! READ MORE ***The Jackson Legacy Scholarship Fund includes many sub funds from individual and families that chose to align their funding with this scholarship. Legacy Scholarship Sub Funds MYER AND LOIS FRANKLIN SCHOLARSHIP The Jackson Community Foundation administrates the Myer and Lois Franklin Scholarship for the Franklin family. Therefore, this scholarship have a separate application process than the JCF Competitive Scholarships. Deadline: Closed after first 200 applications are received OR February 11th at 5PM whichever comes first! Required Documents: Two Letters of Recommendation Transcript Applications Received as of 12/9: 156 Application JAMES L. AND MARY L. GEISMAN LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION - ACCEPTING TRADES ONLY APPLICATIONS NOVEMBER 1ST Eligibility: Proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university, a trade school, or a certificate program (i.e. EMT, phlebotomy, etc. Who can apply? Students and returning learners beginning in the ninth grade living within 50 mile radius of Jackson including home-school students. Open For TRADES ONLY APPLICATIONS November 1st - December 15th at 5PM. NON-TRADES APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED DURING GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP SEASON, OPENING DECEMBER 1ST READ MORE Congratulations 2025 Scholarship Recipients! Check out this year's recipients here!

Learn about the Jackson Community Foundation's mission to enhance lives through community endowment funds, grants, and scholarship opportunities in Jackson, MI. WHAT WE DO ABOUT Since 1948, The Jackson Community Foundation has been helping donors make the most of their charitable and philanthropic goals. We are a tax-exempt, grantmaking public charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and leading positive change for the citizens of Jackson County, Michigan. We support effective nonprofits doing the “boots on the ground” work to provide real solutions to the issues facing our community. We carry out this broad mission by building permanent endowment funds and using a portion of the annual income to support a variety of local non-profit organizations and students through grants, special projects, and scholarships. Most of our assets are held in separate funds established by local individuals, families, businesses, or charitable institutions. When you are ready to make a lasting impact on your community, we are here to help! MISSION We connect people and resources to causes that strengthen and build our community. For Jackson. For good. Forever. EQUITY STATEMENT VISION Our vision is a thriving community where all people have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. JOURNEY STATEMENT VALUES Act with Integrity & Transparency Embrace Diversity & Inclusion Advance Equity Inspire Partnerships, Collaboration & Collective Impact VALUES DEFINED HOW DOES A COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WORK? IT STARTS WITH A HEART FOR COMMUNITY 1 DONOR Anyone can be a donor and make a gift of any size. Some donations are pooled together to make a greater impact like the Community Needs Fund. 2 DONOR ENGAGEMENT We work with our donors to help them realize their philanthropic goals. Maybe you're are passionate about pets or maybe you're undecided. We are here to help! We continually monitor the emerging needs in Jackson County. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION AND LEADERSHIP JCF staff supports the following organizations by providing leadership and support through their participation: ADVOCATES AND LEADERS FOR POLICE AND COMMUNITY TRUST (ALPACT) The purpose ALPACT is to examine issues affecting police and community relations and ensure equitable enforcement of laws. EMERGENCY NEEDS COALITION Is an informal group of nonprofits, government, and faith that discuss needs in the community and the ever changing sources of assistance that is available for those in need. JACKSON COLLABORATIVE NETWORK Is a collective impact network of more than 500 members that includes local educators, business leaders, social service providers, residents with lived experience, physical and mental health providers, philanthropy and local elected officials. Network members are committed to working together in alignment with shared values of equity, authentic engagement, and continuous learning to identify and address the root causes of issues that affect the success and well-being of Jackson County residents. HUMAN SERVICE COORDINATING ALLIANCE (HSCA) is Jackson County's only director level collaborative among social service organizations. Leaders of the community gather together regularly to discuss how to provide and deliver the best human services possible to our community with the belief that we are stronger and more effective working together. STAFF Monica Moser President & CEO Lisa McDaniel Marketing & Communications Director Kelly Froedtert Operations Director Erik Lyman Donor & Community Relationship Director Monica Bouman Scholarship & Youth Program Director Stephanie Schiro Grant Program Director BOARD OF TRUSTEES Since 1948, JCF has had the pleasure of being served by countless individuals who have given of their time, talents, and knowledge to create a foundation that continually gives back to its community. We sincerely thank our Our Emeritus Trustees for their generous contributions to making the Jackson Community Foundation what it is today! OUR EMERITUS TRUSTEES Fatima Bashir Youth Advisory Committee Stephanie Belcher Manager of Experience, Insights, & Analytics Henry Ford Health Tobin Dunigan President Lakeshore Family Partners Michelle Fowler CPA Principal Rehmann Jeremy Frew Executive Director Ella Sharp Museum Rajanya Ghosh Youth Advisory Committee Marcus Gill Employees & Community Relations Officer JCISD Jeff Karmol Retired Finance Executive Gerdeau Rick Mills Attorney Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Victoria Moore HVD Lines Program Manager Consumers Energy Steve Noble Program Manager SOM - EGLE Sheila Patterson Supervisor Corporate Facilities Consumers Energy Geri Phelps Self-Employed Accounting Services Nick Reynolds Portfolio Manager Dillon & Associates Dr. Tovah Sheldon Senior Director of Innovative School Design Michigan Virtual Stuart Smith VP Treasurer Dawn Food Products, Inc. Carl Spaeth Retired Corporate Credit Manager Alro Steel Corp. Kevin "KC" Sykes Financial Advisor The Sykes Group at Morgan Stanley Angela Wetherby Senior Attorney Consumers Energy OUR HISTORY YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE YAC is a youth-focused and youth-administered grant committee within the Jackson Community Foundation (JCF). The YAC program was established in 1989 through a challenge grant from the Michigan Community Foundation Youth Project funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Kellogg’s intent was to establish youth as philanthropists and build permanent endowment funds to meet youth-related needs within each community. YAC addresses the needs of youth in Jackson County by awarding grants to community organizations that benefit youth. At the same time, it provides the students involved in the program an opportunity to volunteer their time and talents to better their community while developing philanthropic leadership skills and valuable experience. Since YAC's inception, they have distributed over $1 million dollars to projects that impact the youth of Jackson County! WHAT WE DO Grant annually approximately $20,000 for: -Youth Mental Heath - Mini-grants for small classroom projects - Grants for youth related programs Volunteer in Jackson County Develop Leadership Skills WHO Approx 30 students, 8th-12 graders in Jackson County WHY Make a difference! Be a part of a fun, diverse, youth-led leadership group impacting our community by funding youth supported programs and volunteerism. WHEN Meetings are typically twice a month on Monday evenings during the school year APPLICATION FINANCIALS The Jackson Community Foundation is a public foundation established to aggregate funds created by individuals, families, corporations and nonprofit organizations to benefit programs and services primarily for people in Jackson County, Michigan. The accounting policies of the Foundation conform to generally accepted accounting principles as applicable to nonprofit organizations. Any information regarding the investment of charitable dollars and any associated fees is also available upon request. *Meets the Council on Foundations National Standards for Community Foundations 2024 Annual Report/Calendar 2023 Annual Report/Calendar AUDITED FINANCIALS 2024 Audited Financials 2023 Audited Financials 2022 Audited Financials 2021 Audited Financials FORM 990 2024 Form 990 2023 Form 990 2022 Form 990 2021 Form 990 FINANCIALS & DONOR LIST 2024 2023 2022 2021 QUARTERLY FINANICALS Q4 2024 JCF VOLUNTEER AND COMMITTEE MEMBER INTEREST APPLICATION VOLUNTEER Thank you so much for your interest in applying to become a volunteer or committee member of the Jackson Community Foundation! As we work to advance our mission, we recognize that our team must be equipped to reflect the people in our community. We hope that through this process, we engage applicants who bring a diverse set of identities and lived experiences, to allow us to better serve our community. As we consider applications, we commit to a transparent process throughout. Thank you again for your interest and generosity for sharing your time, talent, ties, and treasure. We look forward to learning more about you. IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ PRIOR TO APPYING FOR A VOLUNTEER POSITION Embracing diversity and inclusion and advancing equity are values we hold dear, are connected to our mission, and critical to ensure the well-being of the community we serve. Please review our Equity Statment, Mission and Values prior to applying for a volunteer position. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Audit Committee - 2 OPEN POSITIONS Finance Committee - CLOSED Governance Committee - CLOSED Grant Committee - 2 OPEN POSITIONS Scholarship Committee - CLOSED Scholarship Reviewer - CLOSED Youth Advisory Committee - CLOSED EQUITY STATEMENT, MISSION, VISION & VALUES COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS GENERAL APPLICATION

Explore scholarship criteria at a glance! Find grant opportunities and community endowment funds in Jackson, MI with the Jackson Community Foundation. LEARN MORE OR DONATE! ATTENTION JACKSON COUNTY EARLY COLLEGE (JCEC) STUDENTS - JCEC has impacted the definition of who is a graduating high school senior. Individual donors set their own eligibility criteria for our scholarships. We are working with the donors to determine which scholarships will accept applications from JCEC students. ALL SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA AT A GLANCE APPLICATION To Apply: Whitney C. Albertson Memorial Scholarship Award Arasim-Obuchowski Scholarship Bernice Barabash Sports Scholarship Dennis J. Beck Memorial Scholarship Erma E. Biedermann Scholarship Marvin W. & Rosaline A. Brandau Scholarship Dorothy and Dick Burgess Scholarship Stacy Lynn Davis Youth Leadership Scholarship Antonia Dellas Memorial Scholarship John J. Dellas Memorial Scholarship Eleanor A. Ernest Scholarship Melissa Eleanor Ernest Scholarship Robert P. Ernest Scholarship Georgia and Travis Fojtasek Scholarship James L. and Mary L. Geisman Leadership Foundation Martha & Oliver Hansen Memorial Scholarship Henry Ford Jackson Hospital Empowerment Scholarship Henry Ford Jackson Hospital Family Scholarship Henry Ford Jackson Hospital New Beginnings Scholarship Jackson Legacy Scholarship William & Beatrice Kavanaugh Memorial Scholarship Andrew LaFaive Memorial Scholarship MACI Scholarship Lawrence & Joanne Maino Memorial Scholarship Cheryl R. Norey Scholarship June Danby & Pat Pearse Education Scholarship Corbin Rangler Memorial Bluebird Scholarship Phillip Guy Richardson Memorial Scholarship Janet C. Rochefort Scholarship for Single Moms Dr. William A. & Marceleine J. Sautter Hanover-Horton - H. S. Youth of Promise Scholarship Dr. Garland & Alex Scott Memorial Scholarship Eileen J. Smith, R.N. Memorial Scholarship Faith Speckhard Scholarship J. Sheridan Stewart Scholarship Paul Tejada Memorial Scholarship Thought 1 Scholarship Sue Walicki Nursing Scholarship

Explore the Jackson Community Foundation's mission to uplift our community with endowment funds, scholarships, and grant opportunities in Jackson, MI. The Results are In! Check out our Annual Report Calendar! DONATE NOW Now Accepting Applications ABOUT US The Jackson Community Foundation, a nonprofit with over 70 years of service to our community! Since 1947, we have been working hard to make Jackson an even better place to live and work. Together, we can make a difference. DONATE Our Donate portal shares fund information. We welcome suggestions. JCF prioritizes donors and community by managing gifts effectively. SCHOLARSHIPS To learn more about any of our scholarship history, eligibility requirements, or to donate to an individual scholarship GRANTS Grant opportunities are available to Jackson County, Michigan: 501(c)3 Nonprofits Governmental Agencies School Districts Churches Community Groups Out of County organizations serving Jackson County

Discover grant opportunities in Jackson, MI! Support local non-profit organizations and explore scholarship options with the Jackson Community Foundation. Apply Today! GRANTS Grant opportunities are available to Jackson County, Michigan: 501(c)3 Nonprofits Governmental Agencies School Districts Churches Community Groups Out of County organizations serving Jackson County GRANT REPORT 2023 ALL GRANTS IN ALPHA ORDER MEDIA LIST & PRESS RELEASE INFORMATION COMMUNITY NEEDS ENDOWMENT FUND GRANTMAKING PRIORITY, AIMS, AND GUIDELINES Competitive grant funding comes from our Community Needs Fund which includes many named unrestricted funds from individuals and families that chose the Jackosn Community Foundation in their giving plans. We honor the following individuals that chose to support our community in perpetuity: Named Unrestricted Funds You Matter Grant for Driver's Education The You Matter Fund, a component fund of the Foundation, is hosting a grant round focused on driver's training for students. The grant will give low-income students access to Driver's Training programs. Eligibility: 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations and school districts providing Driver's Training programs for students in Jackson County, Michigan. Grant Amount: Up to $5,000 Deadline: Currently not accepting applications Youth Impact Grant The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a youth-focused and youth-administered grant committee within the Jackson Community Foundation. YAC addresses the needs of youth in Jackson County by awarding grants to community organizations that benefit youth. At the same time, it provides the students involved in the program an opportunity to volunteer their time and talents to better their community while developing philanthropic leadership skills and valuable experience. Eligibility: 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, school districts, churches and units of government impacting youth in Jackson County, Michigan for youth related programs and projects Grant Amount: Up to $3,000 Deadline: Currently not accepting applications Teachers Fund Teachers Fund was established in 1992 with a grant from the Hurst Foundation. Grant proposals are reviewed by an advisory committee consisting of educators representing public and private schools in Jackson County. The Teachers Fund is dedicated to rewarding creative and innovative K-12 (public, private and home school) classroom educational projects up to $3,000.The Teachers Fund is dedicated to rewarding creative and innovative K-12 classroom educational projects. Grant Amount: Up to $3,000 Deadline: Currently not accepting applications Community-Building Grants The Jackson Community Foundation (JCF) focuses a small amount of grantmaking dollars each year to support local community-building events that also align with our Mission, Vision, Values, and our Community Needs Endowment Fund Grantmaking Priority, Aims, and Guidelines. Grant Amount: Typically between $200 - $500 Deadline: Currently not accepting applications Systems Change The Jackson Community Foundation will support coalitions of organizations actively and authentically collaborating with Jackson County’s most economically challenged communities and neighborhoods and working together to find solutions to our most persistent and complex problems. We are looking to support systems change efforts that align with one or more of our “Grantmaking Aims”: We Are Healthy We Reach Our Full Potential We Live in a Socially Just Community We Are Safe Our Basic Needs Are Met Grant Amount: Up to $20,000 Deadline: Currently not accepting applications Communities in Action Purpose: To support the determination and passion of Jackson County’s grassroots, “boots on the ground,” community-based organizations, neighborhood groups, etc. that help residents actively join together to improve their city block, neighborhood, or community. Eligibility: Grassroots, community-based organizations, or neighborhood groups that meet several criteria. Deadline: Currently not accepting applications Jackson Young Professionals This Fund was created with collaborative grants from the Consumers Energy Endowment Fund, the Asset Map Special Project Fund and the President’s Discretionary Fund, all component funds of the Foundation. The Jackson Young Professionals grew out of the Anchor Initiative, a program that supports living, buying and innovating in downtown Jackson. The group was established to promote social & career development as well as encourage community outreach and volunteerism. Grant focus are programs designed to improve the quality of life for Jackson County residents. Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations serving Jackson County, Michigan Grant Amount: Up to $1,000 Deadline: Currently not accepting applications I Love My Community Grant The "I Love My Community Endowment Fund" was established in memory of Barbara Ramp. "My grandmother, Barbara Ramp, was one of the most genuine, giving people I have ever known. While thinking about setting up this fund I was reminded of her generous spirit," said Carolyn Moser, Fund Representative. Does your nonprofit organization have a great idea? If so, the "I Love My Community Endowment Fund" wants to hear all about it! Grant Amount: Up to $1,000 Deadline: Currently not accepting applications YAC Youth Mental Health Grant The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a youth-focused and youth-administered grant committee within the Jackson Community Foundation (JCF). Over 800 local high school students completed the YAC Needs Assessment survey each year. The results clearly indicate that youth mental health concerns are a significant issue for the youth of Jackson County. Based on these findings, YAC l conducts an annual grant round focusing only on youth mental health projects. Eligible Applicants: 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, school districts, churches and units of government impacting youth mental health in Jackson County, Michigan Grant Amount: Up to $3,000 Deadline: January 21, 2026 at 5PM APPLICATION So All Youth Can Play Sports This grant round made possible by the Wirebaugh Family Youth Sports Fund. "Our family has always been active in sports, both participating and watching, and feel these activities contribute to becoming a successful, well-rounded person. It helps keep kids out of trouble and some companies like to hire those kids who have played sports because they have learned how to get along with others and become team players." -The Wirebaugh Family To support youth (up to age 18) of Jackson County, Michigan in their active participation in sports, whether organized by schools, youth leagues, or local nonprofits. These grants are intended to help youth to participate in sports who may not otherwise be able to afford to play. Grant Amount: Up to $500 Deadline: Until all funds are spent APPLICATION YAC Mini-Grant The YAC Mini-Grant program accepts K-12 student written grants for classroom projects. This unique program originated here at JCF and is now replicated around the state. Designed to introduce the concept of a community foundation and our work, students complete a grant proposal and budget. Funds can be used for materials, projects or programs that benefit youth, encourage volunteerism and enhance the school environment. Grant Amount: Up to $500 Deadline : Open through March 2026 To Apply: Email mbouman@jacksoncf.org for an application Program & Operational Support Grants The Jackson Community Foundation is awarding Operational Support and Program grants to cover the short-term operating needs of 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations and the programmatic expenses of 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, school districts, and governmental entities serving Jackson County. Deadline: Currently not accepting applications Sample Operational Support Budget Form Sample Program Budget Form

< Back Systems Change Previous Next

< Back Jackson Young Professionals Previous Next

< Back Program & Operational Support Grants Previous Next

< Back Community-Building Grants Previous Next

< Back Communities in Action Previous Next

< Back Teachers Fund Previous Next

< Back YAC Mini-Grant Previous Next