Over eleven million dollars has been given back to the Greenville area and Montcalm County in the form of grants and scholarships from the GACF and its affiliates – the Greenville Youth Advisory Council (GYAC), the Lakeview Area Community Fund (LACF), the Lakeview Youth Advisory Council (LYAC), and the Montcalm Panhandle Community Fund (MPCF).
Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations (under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code), schools, municipalities and other government entities that serve a charitable purpose in the greater Greenville area are encouraged to apply for grants to fund programs or projects that address the community’s educational, health, human service, environmental, and recreational concerns. Applicants are encouraged to call the GACF office for help in understanding the grant process, and the various sources of funding.
How to Apply
Select your Grant cycle
GACF and affiliates offer eight unique grantmaking cycles. View the cycle criteria and priorities, then apply to the cycle that best fits your program or project.
Create an Account
Applications are submitted online through Go apply. Please register an account in GOapply. The User Guide offers step-by-step instructions. You will be notified via email when you have access to GOapply.
COmplete your application
GACF staff is available for assistance while completing the grant application. Please allow at least 10 days before the deadline if you would like staff to review your application before submitting.
Upcoming Grant Cycles
For Greenville area nonprofits with programs or projects that fall within the identified needs of area youth.
Application Deadline: January 29, 2026
Decision: February 2026
Funding Available: Late March 2026
FORMS & DOCUMENTS
For Greenville area nonprofits that have programs with a strong education component.*
Application Deadline: February 12, 2026
Decision: April 2026
Funding Available: Late April 2026
*Note: If you are on staff at Greenville Public Schools, the grant deadline is January 30, 2026. Please contact Ashley Ray for instructions specific to GPS . Here is an outline of the process for GPS employees and signature form.
This cycle is specifically for Fred Meijer Trails in Montcalm County (Fred Meijer Heartland Trail, Fred Meijer Flat River Trail, Fred Meijer River Valley Trail, and Fred Meijer White Pine Trail) with projects that need financial support.
Application Deadline: April 2, 2026
Decision: May 2026
Funding Available: Late May 2026
FORMS & DOCUMENTS
For all area nonprofits with equipment, programs, or projects that need financial support. Education focused requests will be considered but are encouraged in the education cycle.
Application Deadline: August 13, 2026
Decision: October 2026
Funding Available: January 2027
FORMS & DOCUMENTS
This grant cycle supports grants that provide healthcare services, including education services, to economically disadvantaged children living within the Montcalm County area. These applications will be reviewed by a special Advisory Committee with recommendations made to the GACF Board of Trustees for final approval.
Application Deadline: August 13, 2026
Decision: October 2026
Funding Available: January 2027
FORMS & DOCUMENTS
Budget Template for Application
For all area nonprofits in the greater Lakeview community that have programs or projects that address the community’s cultural, educational, social, health, environmental and recreational concerns.
Application Deadline: August 13, 2026
Decision: October 2026
Funding Available: January 2027
FORMS & DOCUMENTS
LACF Budget Template
For all area nonprofits in the Montcalm County panhandle area that have programs or projects that address the community’s cultural, educational, social, health, environmental and recreational concerns.
Application Deadline: August 13, 2026
Decision: September 2026
Funding Available: January 2027
FORMS & DOCUMENTS
For all area nonprofits collaborating on programs or projects that address the strategic areas of Arts & Culture, Children, Youth & Families, and Community Development. Click here to see the grant cycle details.
Application Deadline: October 30, 2025
Decision: December 2025
Funding Available: January 2026
FORMS & DOCUMENTS
For further information, contact Laura Montoye, Director of Community Investment, at Laura@gacfmi.org, or call the Greenville Area Community Foundation office in Greenville at 616-754-2640.
GACF BOARD VARIANCE POWER: The GACF Board shall have the power to modify any restriction or condition on the distribution of funds for any specified charitable purposes or to specified organizations if in the sole judgment of the Board (without the approval of any trustee, custodian, or agent), such restriction or condition becomes, in effect, unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment, or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community or area served. (See Article III, Section 1(D) of the community foundation Bylaws.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Contact us for grant assistance.
Laura Montoye
Director of Community Investment
Nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations (under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code), schools, municipalities and other government entities that serve a charitable purpose in the greater Greenville area are encouraged to apply for grants to fund programs or projects that address the community’s educational, health, human service, environmental, and recreational concerns.
Decisions are unique to each cycle. GACF will contact you as soon as possible.
