The Bridge
The Bridge Grant and Sponsorship Program supports efforts that help make Barry County a more welcoming, vibrant, and inclusive place to live.
Eligible organizations may apply for grants of up to $1,000 or sponsorships of up to $300. Funding recommendations are made by the committee and submitted to the Barry Community Foundation Board of Directors for approval.
Grant Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum Grant Request | Up to $1,000 |
| Maximum Sponsorship Request | Up to $300 |
| Service Area | Barry County, Michigan |
| Eligible Applicants | Nonprofits, schools, municipalities, or groups associated with an eligible organization in Barry County |
| Deadline | March 2 |
What This Program Funds
The Bridge program may support:
- Events and efforts that increase awareness and education
- Projects that improve the voice, visibility, or effectiveness of groups working to make Barry County more welcoming
- Programs that support a vibrant community for all
- Improvements that help spaces better accommodate people
- Training and learning opportunities related to culture, access, and belonging
- Artistic projects that improve public spaces through art, culture, and approachable beauty
- Projects that encourage community culture, engagement, and local impact
What This Program Does Not Funds
The Bridge funds do not support:
- Capital campaigns
- Endowment campaigns
- Fundraising events
How to Apply
Applicants should clearly explain how their program, project, event, or space improvement benefits Barry County residents and contributes to a more welcoming community.
Questions About This Grant?
Please consult the board member listed below or contact the Barry Community Foundation ahead of submission if you need clarification on eligibility, application guidelines, or project alignment.
Haili Trowbridge
Youth Program Officer
The Bridge
Contact Information
Barry Community Foundation
231 S. Broadway St.
Hastings, MI 49058
Explore Other Grant Opportunities
Barry Community Foundation offers additional grant opportunities that support local organizations, schools, youth, health access, community development, arts, and other Barry County needs.
S.C. Blood Family Fund
Focus Area: Agriculture and Community Heritage
The S.C. Blood Family Fund supports projects that celebrate Barry County’s agricultural heritage, strengthen the legacy of family farms, and honor the close-knit communities that make Barry County unique.
Application Deadline: July 15
BCF Community Grant
Focus Area: Community Development
The BCF Community Grant supports projects that respond to local needs and strengthen Barry County across the Seven Elements of a Healthy Community.
Application Deadline: October 15
Barry Health Access
Focus Area: Health and Wellness
Barry Health Access supports efforts that increase access to health care for underserved and underinsured people in Barry County.
Application Deadline: March 15
Wilson H. Craig, Jr.
Focus Area: Education and Youth
The Wilson H. Craig, Jr. Grant supports educational opportunities for K-12 students in astronomy, math, science, engineering, technology, inventiveness, critical thinking, and creativity.
Application Deadlines: April 30 and October 31
Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Grants
Focus Area: Youth Leadership
Youth Advisory Council grants represent the voices of Barry County youth and support projects that improve the lives of young people today and for future generations.
Grant Deadlines: March 15 and October 15
Mini Grant Deadlines: Available throughout the year
Delton Kellogg Education Foundation (DKEF) Grants
Focus Area: Health and Wellness
Barry Health Access supports efforts that increase access to health care for underserved and underinsured people in Barry County.
Application Schedule: Available throughout the year
Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation (TAEF) Grants
Focus Area: Community Enrichment
The Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation supports projects that cultivate a strong community in the Thornapple area, now and for the future.
Application Deadline:
- Requests from $50 - $300, available throughout the year
- Requests from $301 - $5,000, deadline October 1
GFWC: Gun Lake Area Martin Public Schools Classroom Grant
Focus Area: Education and Schools
The GFWC Gun Lake Area Martin Public Schools Classroom Grant supports classroom projects and educational opportunities for Martin Public Schools.
Application Schedule: Applications accepted during the school year
GFWC: Gun Lake Area Visual and Performing Arts Grant
Focus Area: Arts and Education
This grant supports visual and performing arts opportunities for students at Delton Kellogg, Martin, Thornapple Kellogg, and Wayland Union High Schools.
Application Deadline: May 15
Healthy Youth and Healthy Seniors Grant
Focus Area: Health and Wellness
The Healthy Youth and Healthy Seniors Grant supports programs that promote health, prevent health crises, and help young people and older adults in Barry County. Supported programs must assist with smoking cessation.
Application Deadline: August 15
Barry County Bar Association Community Improvement
Focus Area: Community Improvement
The Barry County Bar Association Community Improvement Grant supports projects that improve local communities and give back to the people of Barry County.
Application Deadline: March 15
Belonging in Barry
Focus Area: Belonging and Inclusion
The Belonging in Barry Grant supports projects and programs that help create a welcoming, vibrant community where people feel they belong.
Application Schedule: View program details for current availability
Grant Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a grant and a sponsorship?
Grant requests may be up to $1,000. Sponsorship requests may be up to $300. The Foundation should provide separate application instructions if the requirements differ.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be, or be associated with, an eligible nonprofit, school, or municipal group located in Barry County.
Can a fundraising event receive The Bridge funding?
No. The program does not support fundraising events, capital campaigns, or endowment campaigns.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is March 2. Check the page for the current application status.
