The Bridge
The Bridge is a community of young adults in Barry County who want to build connections, strengthen our communities, and make a local impact. Through shared experiences, community conversations, and grantmaking, members work together to identify local needs and support projects that make a difference.
The Bridge Grant supports projects and programs that respond to needs and opportunities in Barry County. Each grant cycle, members select a community focus area and work together to identify and fund projects that align with that priority.
Eligible organizations may apply for grants of up to $1,000. Funding recommendations and awards are made by The Bridge members and submitted to the Barry Community Foundation Board of Directors for approval.
Grant Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum Grant Request | Up to $1,000 |
| Service Area | Barry County, Michigan |
| Eligible Applicants | Nonprofits, schools, municipalities, or groups associated with an eligible organization in Barry County |
| Application Opens | January 28 |
| Deadline | March 2 |
What This Program Funds
The Bridge considers projects and programs that align with the focus area selected by its members. Projects may address needs or opportunities related to:
- Arts & Culture
- Basic Needs
- Economy
- Education
- Environment
- Health
- Neighborhoods
Funding is intended to help local organizations create positive, meaningful change for Barry County residents. Projects should demonstrate a clear community benefit and align with The Bridge’s selected focus area for the grant cycle.
Grant Guidelines
Grant awards may be given to projects that meet the following requirements:
- Eligible applicants: Applicants must be, or be working in partnership with, a nonprofit organization, school, or municipality serving Barry County. Eligibility will be confirmed during the application process.
- Local impact: Projects or programs must benefit residents of Barry County.
- Focus area alignment: Proposed projects must align with the focus area selected by The Bridge members for the current grant cycle.
- Community benefit: Preference will be given to projects that address a demonstrated community need, create meaningful local impact, and encourage community connection or engagement.
- Funding restrictions: Grant funds may not be used for capital campaigns, endowment campaigns, or fundraising events.
The Bridge members will review eligible applications and determine how available grant funds are awarded. . Funding recommendations and awards are made by The Bridge members and submitted to the Barry Community Foundation Board of Directors for approval.
What This Program Does Not Fund
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?
Allison Cobb
Communications Manager
The Bridge
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
