The Foundation was established in 1978 as a tax-exempt community foundation. Gifts from individuals, families, and businesses are used for scholarships, community projects and other charitable purposes throughout our area.

All unrestricted donations to the Foundation are added to the General Fund. These unrestricted gifts provide the Foundation with flexibility in its charitable purpose, allowing the Board of Trustees to respond to innovative projects and changing community needs. Charitable organizations serving the residents of Wayne County are invited to apply for grants from the General Fund in the spring and fall of each year.

The Foundation's charitable grantmaking includes both capital and program grants which are awarded in the following categories: Arts, Culture, & Humanities; Civic & Community Affairs; Conservation & Environment; Education; Health & Wellness; and Human Services.

In order to make the best use of available funds, the Foundation looks for one or more of the following when reviewing proposal requests:

• The project is a well-planned approach to solving a problem and delivering services.
  
• The use of funds will be innovative and efficient.
  
• Foundation support is vital or catalytic to the success of the project.
  
• The proposed project is expected to continue and expand after the grant ends.
  
• Expenses will be reduced by sharing resources with other agencies or groups.

The Foundation normally does not approve grants from the General Fund to support:

• General operating expenses of well-established organizations including computers and office equipment;
  
• Deficit financing;
  
• Endowment funds;
  
• Annual appeals or membership contributions;
  
• Conferences, field trips, travel or recognition events;
  
• We're nonsectarian so we don't support religious organizations for religious purposes. We do support them for non-religious programs, like hunger centers or job training or childcare.

Grants are limited to activities and organizations benefiting the Greater Wayne County Area. Grants may not be used to carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation, participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office, or to conduct, directly or indirectly, any voter registration drive (within the meaning of Section 4945(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code).

The Foundation makes grants only to organizations that are recognized by the Internal Revenue Code as nonprofit, tax-exempt, charitable organizations; or to qualified governmental agencies. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals except through scholarship funds.

Organizations receiving grants are required to submit a report to the Foundation within one year of receipt of the grant.

Three copies of the Grant Application and three copies of all supporting documents must reach the Foundation no later than 12:00 noon on March 1, for a decision by June 1; and September 1, for a decision by December 1. The Foundation will not accept proposals through Fax or E-mail.