The Community Foundation is a public charity organized to provide charitable funding through a grant application process, predominantly benefiting residents of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, Michigan. It operates by managing a collection of permanent endowments whose income supports 501(c)(3) organizations and other eligible entities like municipalities, schools, and faith-based organizations in their charitable projects.
The grant program strives to support projects that benefit residents of the tri-county Capital region in Michigan, specifically focusing on the needs of teens aged 12-18. It encompasses a wide range of causes, including but not limited to, enhancing teen mental wellness, combating violence, and addressing issues related to gender and sexual identity. The Youth Advisory Council (YAC), composed of high school students from the region, plays a pivotal role in making grants from the Youth Fund based on the priorities identified through youth needs assessment surveys. Furthermore, the Foundation values inclusivity and equity, directing its resources towards projects and organizations that uphold these principles in their operations and services.