Grant Programs

Supporting the nonprofits and programs that strengthen Marinette and Menominee Counties.

Where Giving Grows

Grants

Every year, MMACF awards grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve quality of life across Marinette and Menominee Counties. Our grantmaking is guided by community relationships, local knowledge, and a commitment to the people and programs that make our region stronger.

  • Funding spans basic needs, youth development, health, arts, and emergency services
  • Grants are awarded through competitive cycles guided by the priorities of each open fund
  • First-time applicants are encouraged to connect with our team before applying

Grant Applications Are Closed - Opening August 28

Applications for the grant applications for this cycle are no longer being accepted. Our grant cycle will re-open on August 28, you can also sign up for our newsletter which includes details on upcoming grant cycles.

Grant Cycle

Applications for the 2026 MMACF Grant Cycle will be accepted from August 28 through September 28, 2026. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations serving Marinette and/or Menominee Counties whose programs align with the priorities of our open funds.

Application Open

August 28, 2026

Application Deadline

September 28, 2026

Application Review Period

October - November

Awards Announced

November 2026

Grant Period  Begins

January 1, 2027

Who Can Apply?

The M&M Area Community Foundation awards grants to organizations that are working to strengthen Marinette and Menominee Counties.

Eligibility Requirements

Nonprofit Status

Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in good standing with the IRS, or apply through a fiscal sponsor that meets this requirement.

Service Areas

Programs and services must primarily benefit residents of Marinette County, Wisconsin and/or Menominee County, Michigan.

Organizational Capacity

Applicants should demonstrate the organizational capacity to implement the proposed program and manage grant funds responsibly.

Alignment with Impact Areas

Proposals should align with one or more of the Foundation's current funding priorities. Organizations are encouraged to review the Impact Areas page before applying.

Previous Grant Compliance

Organizations that have received prior MMACF grants must be in compliance with all previous grant requirements and reporting obligations to be eligible to apply.

Note: Eligibility does not guarantee funding. All applications are reviewed competitively by the Foundation's grants committee.

How to Apply

Applying for an MMACF grant is designed to be as straightforward as possible. Rather than requiring organizations to identify and apply to individual funds separately, we use a single unified application for all open funds during the grant cycle.

Once your application is submitted, the Foundation's team reviews it alongside the priorities and criteria of each open fund to determine the best fit. This means your organization spends less time navigating multiple applications and more time focused on the work that matters.

1

Review Eligibility & Funding Priorities

Before applying, confirm your organization meets the eligibility requirements and that your proposed program aligns with one of our open funds. If you're unsure whether your project is a good fit, reach out before beginning your application.

2

Connect With Our Team

We strongly encourage first-time applicants — and organizations with new or evolving programs — to schedule a brief conversation with our staff before submitting. This helps ensure your proposal is as strong as possible.

3

Access the Grant Portal

When the grant cycle opens, applications are submitted through our online Grant Portal. You will be asked to create or log in to an account to begin. If you have applied in a previous cycle, use the same login credentials to access your history.

4

Submit Before the Deadline

Applications must be submitted through the grant portal by the published deadline. Late applications are not accepted. We recommend submitting several days in advance to allow time for any technical issues.

Important Note: Grant applications are not made available until the grant cycle opens on August 31, 2026. We encourage all interested organizations to connect with our team prior to applying.

Funds Open in the 2026 Grant Cycle

The following funds are open for the 2026 MMACF Grant Cycle. You do not need to select a fund when applying — our team will review your application against the priorities of each open fund to identify the strongest match.

Issue Specific Funds

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Fund

This fund supports efforts to prevent the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs in Marinette and Menominee Counties.

Community Health Care Fund

This fund works to maintain and improve healthcare access and quality for all residents of Marinette and Menominee Counties.

Homelessness Prevention Services Endowed Fund

This fund supports innovative programs working to prevent homelessness in Marinette and Menominee Counties.

Mike and Jamie Glish K-12 Music Opportunity Fund

This fund supports and enhances K–12 music education programs in Marinette and Menominee Counties.

Timmie Riley Fund for Fixin’ Cats

Dedicated to reducing cat overpopulation through humane spay/neuter programs, this fund supports healthier cat communities — indoors, outdoors, and everywhere in between.

Twin Counties Emergency Service Providers Fund

This fund supports emergency service providers in Marinette and Menominee Counties with equipment, training, and the resources they need to keep our communities safe.

Women’s Giving Circle Fund

This restricted endowment fund supports programs and causes that address issues of importance to women and girls in Marinette and Menominee Counties.

Regional Funds

Crivitz Area Giving Fund

This fund supports philanthropy and charitable initiatives that benefit the greater Crivitz community.

Peshtigo Area Community Endowment Fund

This endowment fund promotes and supports charitable activities in the Peshtigo area.

Unrestricted Funds

Community Impact Fund

This Community Impact Fund is an unrestricted endowment fund that provides flexible support for charitable organizations across Marinette and Menominee Counties.

Philanthropy Fund

This fund provides grants to organizations and agencies making a difference throughout Marinette and Menominee Counties.

Youth Funds

Youth Advisory Council Endowment Fund

This endowment fund improves quality of life for area youth by supporting social, educational, and recreational programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the grant cycle open?

The MMACF grant cycle typically opens in September and closes in October. Exact dates are published each year on this page and shared through the Collaborative Newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter to be notified when applications open.

How much can I apply for?

There is no fixed maximum grant amount. Awards are made based on available funding, community need, organizational capacity, and the strength of the proposal. Historically, grants have ranged from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Requesting an appropriate and justified amount relative to your program budget is encouraged.

Can I apply for multiple programs or projects in the same cycle?

Organizations may submit one application per grant cycle. If your organization has multiple programs that could benefit from funding, we encourage you to identify the highest-priority request and focus your application there. Contact our team if you have questions about this policy.

Can a new organization apply?

Yes. First-time applicants are welcome. We encourage new organizations to connect with our team before applying so we can help you understand the process and assess whether your program is a good fit for the current cycle.

What if my organization is not a 501(c)(3)?

Organizations that are not independently tax-exempt may be eligible to apply through a fiscal sponsor that holds 501(c)(3) status. Please contact us to discuss whether this option is appropriate for your situation.

How are grant decisions made?

All applications are reviewed by the Foundation's grants committee, which evaluates proposals based on eligibility, alignment with impact areas, organizational capacity, budget reasonableness, and anticipated community benefit. All decisions are final.

Will I receive feedback if my application is not funded?

We do our best to provide brief feedback to organizations that are not funded. We encourage all applicants—whether funded or not—to reach out to our team after decisions are announced. We are always happy to talk through your proposal and discuss opportunities for future cycles.

I received a grant last year. Do I need to reapply?

Yes. MMACF grants are not automatically renewed. Organizations that received funding in a previous cycle must submit a new application and be in compliance with all reporting requirements from prior grants to be eligible.

Questions

We are here to help

Kaitlin Deschane
Program & Operations Director
906-864-3599