Nokomis Foundation Grants List

Click here for a list of the grants we've awarded from 1998-1999.

Click here for a list of the grants we've awarded from 1995-1997.

Applying for a Grant
The Nokomis Foundation primarily funds grants in the West Michigan area. However, we are open to proposals with a state or national focus, providing they include a West Michigan component. We are particularly interested in pilot programs, and give priority to organizations that do not have access to traditional funding sources.

What We're
Looking For
In reviewing proposals, Nokomis looks for these characteristics:
Evidence of innovative
thinking and creative
problem-solving
Organizational values
similar to our own (e.g.
respect for diversity)
Intent to foster
collaboration among
groups sharing similar
goals
Intent to accomplish
long-term social
change (multi-year
projects are welcomed)

We do not provide funding to individuals or to religious organizations for religious purposes. In addition, we do not normally fund scholarships, fellowships, medical research, capital requests, endowments, or attendance at conferences. Further, we rarely provide support for capital expenditures (e.g., building renovations, new equipment, or endowments).

"I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor easy."
--Marie Curie, chemist and Nobel winner

The Best Way to Begin
The best way to begin the process is to send Kym Mulhern, Executive Director, a concise letter or email (no longer than two pages) describing your proposed project and your need for funding. We will review you letter promptly, and indicate whether you should proceed with submitting a detailed proposal to our Board of Advisors. In some cases, we may require more information or a site visit to be able to evaluate your request. Naturally, not all projects meet the foundation's priorities and guidelines, and a refusal at this point should not be taken as a negative comment on your work.

How to Submit a Formal Proposal
Although we have no application deadlines, formal proposals are reviewed by our Board of Advisors, which meets quarterly. If you receive a favorable response to your letter of intent, you should send a detailed proposal (no more than five pages) that includes these five elements:
1. Description of the sponsoring organization and the population it serves
2. History of the organization and its accomplishments in the community
3. Explanation of the issue or social problem the project addresses
4. Description of the method that will be used to address the problem (i.e., measurable objectives, desired results, time frame, strategies to achieve objectives)
5. Evaluation plan

In addition, these documents should be attached to the proposal:
Itemized current-year
budget for the proposed
project and the
sponsoring organization
Proof of tax-exempt status
List of Board members
with their addresses and
phone numbers
List of current and project
foundation and corporate
support
List of staff members,
along with the resumes of
those responsible for the
proposed project
Latest annual financial
statement (audited, if
possible)
Completed IRS Form 990
for most recent calendar
or fiscal year

Finally, we believe that our responsibility to our grantees does not end once a grant has been made. Our staff is pleased to act as resource for additional fundraising and organizational development assistance.