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Get involved with Jackson Community Foundation! Find news on local non-profits, community endowment funds, and scholarship and grant opportunities in Jackson. 2026 Impact Stories & Highlights The Class of 1985 Scholarship: Supporting the Students Who Don’t Always Get Seen What kind of student were you? Maybe you were the one who believed anything less than a 4.0 GPA meant you were falling behind. Maybe school never felt like your place, and you found your strengths outside the classroom, learning skills that don’t show up on a transcript. Or maybe, like so many others, you were somewhere in between, wishing your value wasn’t measured solely by grades, but by the full story of who you were becoming. Read Full Story> Donor-advised Funds Combat Local Food Instability When SNAP benefits were paused nationwide late last year, the effects were felt quickly in Jackson County. Local food pantries saw shelves thinning just as more families were walking through their doors, searching for reliable access to nutritious meals. Recognizing the urgency of the moment, the Jackson Community Foundation issued a call for help in the fall. “Due to recent budget cuts and the federal government shutdown, many food banks and pantries are struggling to meet increasing demand with fewer resources,” the Foundation shared. With South Michigan Food Bank supplying many of Jackson County’s pantries, support for its work became critical to ensuring families did not go without healthy food options. Read Full Story> Check out how we did in 2025! 2025 - 2026 Donor Acknowledgement & Financials 2026 Newsletters

Explore the Jackson Community Foundation's mission to uplift our community with endowment funds, scholarships, and grant opportunities in Jackson, MI. May 13th - 24 hours of Giving! Check out our 2025 totals! DONATE NOW 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 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 GRANT REPORT 2024 ALL GRANTS IN ALPHA ORDER 2023 ALL GRANTS IN ALPHA ORDER MEDIA LIST & PRESS RELEASE INFORMATION COMMUNITY NEEDS ENDOWMENT FUND GRANTMAKING PRIORITY, AIMS, AND GUIDELINES GRANT RESOURCES: Program Grant Budget Operational Grant Budget Sample Financials 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: July 6, 2026 at 5PM APPLICATION 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: September 30, 2026 at 5PM or until all funds are spent. APPLICATION 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 $35,000 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. Grant Amount: up to $3,000 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: August 25, 2026 at 5PM APPLICATION 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: August 25, 2026 at 5PM APPLICATION 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). The MiPHY survey is administered to 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students every other year. This county-wide survey showed youth mental health is a top concern, so YAC dedicates its yearly grant round to funding mental health projects for Jackson County youth. 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 Next Grant Round: December 2026 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 fund 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 Next Grant Round: September 2026 To Apply: Email mnorris@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. Grant Amount: Up to $20,000 Deadline: Currently not accepting applications. Check back in July 2026. *For Program Budget, Operational Budget, and Sample Financials, please see Grant Resources above. APPLICATION

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Explore scholarship and grant opportunities in Jackson, MI. The Jackson Community Foundation connects you with local non-profit organizations for support. JCF COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIPS CLOSED UNTIL FALL 2026 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. OPEN OPEN 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: Closed until Fall 2026 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 until Fall 2026 Required Documents: Two Letters of Recommendation Transcript JAMES L. AND MARY L. GEISMAN FUTURE LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP TRADES PROGRAMS 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 April 1st - May 15th at 5PM. READ MORE Congratulations 2025 Scholarship Recipients! Check out this year's recipients here!

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Support local non-profit organizations and community endowment funds in Jackson, MI. Your donation helps create scholarship and grant opportunities for all! Secure Credit Card Donation DONATE IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS: DO NOT ADD A DOLLAR SIGN ($) IN TH E "AMOUNT". Use the "Description Box" to indicate Fund name. If you would like your gift designated to be In Memory or In Honor of someone, add IMO or IHO in the description box and we will email you for details. ATTN: FUND REPRESENTATIVES We have a new Donate portal with more information about your fund. While we made every effort to accurately show the intent of your fund, we understand you may like changes to your fund's display. If you would like to discuss different options, please email lmcdaniel@jacksoncf.org Mail in Donation To pay by check, complete the gift designation form and mail to: 100 S. Jackson Street, Ste 200, Jackson, MI 49201 Mail in gift designation form Looking for other ways to give? Learn more in our Gift Acceptance Policy. The policy is to serve the best interests of the Jackson Community Foundation (JCF), its donors, and the community at large by providing guidelines for accepting various types of gifts for various types of funds, and in establishing funds. Given the increasing popularity of a wide range of gifts as well as an equally wide range of planned giving options, JCF recognizes the value of carefully crafted policies and procedures that will allow us to effectively work with donors to ensure that their gift results in the greatest value to JCF, the Donor, and the community we serve. To request a copy, email jcf@jacksoncf.org

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