The Coca-Cola Foundation is our company's primary international philanthropic arm.

Since its inception in 1984, The Foundation has awarded more than $1.4 billion in grants to support sustainable community initiatives around the world.

Giving Back to Communities

The Coca-Cola Foundation, the independent philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, is committed to a charitable giving strategy that makes a difference in communities around the world. In 2021, The Coca-Cola Foundation contributed $109.2 million to approximately 350 organizations globally.

Read more about our priorities in the 2021 Business & Environmental, Social and Governance Report.

Hearst Foundations' Mission

The Hearst Foundations identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States have the opportunity to build healthy, productive and inspiring lives.

Hearst Foundations' Goals

The Foundations seek to achieve their mission by funding approaches that result in:

• Improved health and quality of life
• Access to high quality educational options to promote increased academic achievement
• Arts and sciences serving as a cornerstone of society
• Sustainable employment and productive career paths for adults
• Stabilizing and supporting families

Funding Priorities

The Hearst Foundations support well-established nonprofit organizations that address significant issues within their major areas of interests – culture, education, health and social service – and that primarily serve large demographic and/or geographic constituencies. In each area of funding, the Foundations seek to identify those organizations achieving truly differentiated results relative to other organizations making similar efforts for similar populations. The Foundations also look for evidence of sustainability beyond their support.

Culture

The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those which enable engagement by young people and create a lasting and measurable impact. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent.

Types of Support: Program, capital and, on a limited basis, general and endowment support

Education

The Hearst Foundations fund educational institutions demonstrating uncommon success in preparing students to thrive in a global society. The Foundations’ focus is largely on higher education, but they also fund innovative models of early childhood and K-12 education, as well as professional development.

Types of Support: Program, scholarship, capital and, on a limited basis, general and endowment support

Health

The Hearst Foundations assist leading regional hospitals, medical centers and specialized medical institutions providing access to high-quality healthcare for low-income populations. In response to the shortage of healthcare professionals necessary to meet the country’s evolving needs, the Foundations also fund programs designed to enhance skills and increase the number of practitioners and educators across roles in healthcare. Because the Foundations seek to use their funds to create a broad and enduring impact on the nation’s health, support for medical research and the development of young investigators is also considered.

Types of Support: Program, capital and, on a limited basis, endowment support

Social Service

The Hearst Foundations fund direct-service organizations that tackle the roots of chronic poverty by applying effective solutions to the most challenging social and economic problems. The Foundations prioritize supporting programs that have proven successful in facilitating economic independence and in strengthening families. Preference is also given to programs with the potential to scale productive practices in order to reach more people in need.

Types of Support: Program, capital and general support

NOTE: Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle, open from Feb 1 to the deadline above. Please note that applications will only remain active in our system for 90 days, and at the end of this period they will be automatically rejected.

Guidelines

Local Community grants range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $5,000. Eligible nonprofit organizations must operate on the local level (or be an affiliate/chapter of a larger organization that operates locally) and directly benefit the service area of the facility from which they are requesting funding.Organizations may only submit a total number of 25 applications and/or receive up to 25 grants within the 2019 grant cycle.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation was founded by Mrs. Eda U. Gerstacker in 1957, in memory of her husband. Its primary purpose is to carry on, indefinitely, financial aid to charities of all types supported by Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Gerstacker during their lifetimes. These charities are concentrated in the states of Michigan and Ohio.

More specifically, most charities are in Midland, Michigan, and Midland County, but also in greater Michigan. In Ohio, most grants are given to groups in Cleveland – the hometown of Rollin and Eda Gerstacker. Grants are also made to communities where major Dow operations are located.

Foundation Giving

The major share of Gerstacker Foundation giving in it’s 56-year history has gone to:

• Homes for the elderly
• Health care and research
• Research institutions
• Colleges and universities
• Youth work
• General community support

Granting Areas

Midland’s Downtown & Riverfront

To avoid the trend of downtown decline, the Gerstacker Foundation has taken a leading role in the renaissance of Midland’s downtown and riverfront. It and other contributors have realized a vision to transform downtown Midland into a vibrant hub of business and recreational activity. Attractions include the Tridge, Gerstacker Sprayground, Pere Marquette Rail-Trail, Riverside Place senior housing, Farmer’s Market, skate park, conference center and hotel, canoe livery and Currie Golf Course – all enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors every year.

Affordable Housing

For most people, growing old means less income and mobility, which is why many move into senior citizen housing – if it’s available. Thanks in part to Eda Gerstacker’s determination, Midland County has outstanding, affordable housing for the elderly – including The King’s Daughters Home, Washington Woods, Riverside Place and Pere Marquette Senior Estates in Coleman. Senior housing remains a cornerstone of Gerstacker Foundation giving and has led to the support of related activities, such as the Affordable Housing Alliance, Habitat for Humanity and Midland Area Homes.

Family Services

Today’s families face a growing number of social and economic challenges that can’t be resolved through government funding alone. To help address those challenges, the Gerstacker Foundation contributes heavily to organizations that unite families, prevent violence, address disabilities, stop substance and physical abuse, and promote educational opportunities. Examples include the Foundation’s support of three Midland-area community and family centers: the David Reece Memorial Fund, the Ten-Sixteen Treatment Centers and the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

Local Schools

Inspiring and maintaining a love for education is no easy feat. It’s made easier, however, with contributions from the Gerstacker Foundation, which has a long history of supporting K-12 education in Midland and other communities. Foundation funding enables the school system and teachers to initiate projects that would not otherwise be possible. These range from unique teaching activities and a new auditorium, to science additions, stadium upgrades and school renovations.

Higher Education

Eda Gerstacker, a teacher by profession, firmly believed in the value of a quality college education. In this spirit, the Gerstacker Foundation has supported more than 30 public and private colleges and predominantly African American colleges. Most college grantees are in Michigan and range from Albion, Alma and Northwood University to Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. Ohio colleges include Hiram and Wooster.

Faith-Based Initiatives

Although the Gerstacker Foundation is not affiliated with any single religious group, it applauds activities that benefit our communities and give our youth self-confidence and respect for others. It therefore supports several faithbased organizations that have similar goals, including the Salvation Army, SpringHill Camps, University of Michigan Hillel, Young Life, St. Brigid Catholic Church and the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Cleveland – an inner-city mission church that Eda Gerstacker attended.

Youth Activities

The work of the Gerstacker Foundation has always been focused on children, preparing them for lives of useful service. This has been done by funding activities that inspire leadership, and that also help troubled youth find the way. Examples include the Midland Soccer Complex, the Michigan 4-H Foundation, the Starr Commonwealth for Boys, Eagle Village,Big Brothers Big Sisters in the Heart of Michigan, and The ROCK Youth Center.

Health Care and Advanced Research 

Two areas of major support from the Gerstacker Foundation are health care and advanced, non-profit research. The Foundation believes immediate care for physically and mentally impaired people is just as important as innovative research for future cures and treatments. More than 30 diverse health care organizations benefit from Gerstacker funding. These range from its largest grantee, MidMichigan Health, to the Association for Children’s Mental Health, Neighborhood Clinic, Arthritis Foundation, National Parkinson Foundation and Alzheimer’s Association.

Environment and Conservation

The Gerstacker Foundation is a strong believer in progress, but not at the expense of the environment. For this reason, the Foundation supports more than a dozen programs that educate the public and preserve the environment for centuries to come. Programs range from the Chippewa Nature Center and The Nature Conservancy to a unique Wildlife Recovery program, the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative, Little Forks Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited and American Farmland Trust.

Arts & Culture

To encourage creativity and provide enriching experiences, the Gerstacker Foundation supports a number of cultural endeavors in Midland and other communities. These include the Midland Center for the Arts, Matrix: Midland, Tridge Summer Concerts, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Brazosport Fine Arts Council (in Texas), The Dairy Center for the Arts (Boulder), Chinese Cultural Ongoing Program (Midland) and Michigan Jazz Trail Festival.

Public Service

The men and woman in public service work hard to enhance their communities, sometimes putting their own lives at risk. To support public service and fill the gaps in limited budgets, the Gerstacker Foundation offers funding to many worthy groups and programs, including the Michigan State Police, Midland County firefighters, Midland County Law Enforcement Center, Midland County D.A.R.E. group and the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team.

Public Policy Intiatives

To preserve our democratic freedoms and way of life, the Gerstacker Foundation supports a variety of nonpartisan think tanks and other groups at the national and state levels. These organizations objectively evaluate public policy issues, and share their findings with decision makers and the public to help people make informed decisions. Grantees range from the American Enterprise Institute and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy to Economics America of Michigan, Chemical Heritage Foundation and the Heritage Foundation.

NOTE: All interested applicants must attend an Information Session to learn about the Dedicated Grant Program prior to applying. Due to the time it takes to receive login credentials, all organizations must submit their request no later than the 'pre-proposal' deadline above. All interested applicants must attend an Information Session on the 'Letter of Inquiry" deadline above.

Grants & Scholarships

We support local community nonprofits on innovative and effective solutions to community-wide issues. We are also dedicated to supporting college education for local students.

Competitive Grants

Funding from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation is awarded to nonprofit organizations through competitive grant cycles. Our grant programs are based on extensive research on national grantmaking practices and local community needs, as well as the philanthropic priorities of our donors.

Dedicated Grant Program

AAACF is pleased to announce it is now accepting application for the Dedicated Grant Program. This grant program is comprised of numerous Field of Interest Funds with an array of funding priorities, each Fund having its own dedicated purpose. We will distribute over $70,000 in competitive grants to local nonprofits delivering program and services in Washtenaw County aligned with each Fund's purpose.

The Dedicated Grant Program is comprised of the following funds. Please be sure to read through each fund description prior to attending an information session and submitting a proposal.  

African American Endowment Fund: This fund will award grants that seek to improve the physical, economic, social and educational conditions that affect the quality of life for African Americans in the greater Ann Arbor area.

E. Daniel Long Endowment Fund for Excellence in Music Education: This fund will award grants that support music education in the Ann Arbor area.

The Junior League of Ann Arbor/Park Davis Endowment Fund: This fund will award grants that work to end violence against women and children by supporting early intervention and prevention programs in the areas of domestic and dating violence.

The Dexter Community Fund: This fund will award grants that work to enrich the quality of life within the Dexter community.

Barden Family Fund for Enhancing Community: This fund will award grants that support efforts by organizations serving veterans and their families; programs for aviation education, awareness, and promotion; activities that carry out the Catholic ideals of service and social justice; and/or efforts at building community, including service clubs. 

Gerald O. Mildred Bahnmiller Endowment Fund: This fund will award grants that support organizations and programs that benefit the residents of Saline.

Washtenaw Fitness Endowment Fund: This fund will award grants to programs that help to meet the fitness needs of the Washtenaw County community, with a particular focus on programs that address the needs of varied populations such as homeless mothers and their children, disabled adults, latch-key kids, older adults.

Environmental Protection and Preservation: This fund will award grants to programs that work to support environmental protection, preservation efforts/awareness in the Ann Arbor area. 

At any time, if you have questions, please contact Christopher Lemon, Senior Community Investment Officer, at [email protected]

With a funding contribution from Toyota in connection with the launch of the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition, NEEF is seeking projects that will help make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for Americans of all abilities together with their families and friends. Through the Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands and waterways; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities together with their families and friends.

NOTE: The 'Pre Proposal' deadline above is the deadline to register in Fluxx, if you are not already registered.

Purpose

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds were created to provide permanent, endowed support for programs and initiatives that reflect the personal passions of Mr. Wilson. Those areas of support are: Caregiving, Design & Access, Youth Sports, and Grosse Pointe Community Assets.

Background

On November 18, 2015, The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced a series of grants to fund projects and initiatives that reflect the personal passions of the late Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., a Detroit native and the founder and longtime owner of the Buffalo Bills professional football team.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of southeastern Michigan and western New York, reflecting Mr. Wilson’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and the people of greater Buffalo, home of his Bills franchise. Among the grants announced were funds to create the permanent Legacy Funds at the Community Foundation, to align with some of the key priority areas of the Foundation in perpetuity.

The Community Foundation is honored that The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation trustees, as part of their investments, have chosen to work with the Community Foundation in this way, to permanently support organizations and causes that Mr. Wilson cared about so deeply. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Funds support grants in separate key areas that honor the lifetime interests of Mr. Wilson:

• Youth Sports Fund: support for projects in southeast Michigan that bring high-quality sports programs to youth. Grants will support specific program activities and small-scale capital needs such as equipment or field and stadium needs.

Key Facts

• Individual grants from each of the funds will typically range between $10,000 – $25,000. Grants from the Access and Design Fund may be up to $50,000.
• Most grants will be for a 12-month period. However, applicants may identify other time frames that would be more beneficial to spend the grant over. For example, if it is more beneficial to the proposed project to spread the grant over an 18- or 24-month period, please simply state that in the application.
• Specific to the Caregiving Fund:
• The current goal of the Fund is to improve support for caregivers – whether paid or voluntary – through efforts that provide needed skills, resources, education and respite.
• Caregivers are those who look after dependent individuals such as children with special needs, disabled adults and older adults who require caregiving.
• Projects supported through this fund should have a direct impact on caregivers.
• In addition, the Fund will consider grants to programs that provide emotional care and supportive services to cancer patients as well as their caregivers.
• Specific to the Design & Access Fund:
• Support will be considered for pre-planning, development and /or construction costs of projects related to increasing the walkability and bikeability of local communities and/or increasing outdoor recreational activities within the region.
• This purpose aims to increase the health and quality of life of local residents of all ages. Waterways and greenways as well as recreation corridors are of interest.

General Grantmaking Guidelines

The Community Foundation is a public charity organized as a collection of permanent endowments. The income from these endowed funds is awarded through a grant application process to provide charitable funding to nonprofits classified by the IRS as 501(c)(3) organizations and other eligible entities (such as municipalities, schools and faith-based organizations), for projects that predominantly benefit residents of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties, Michigan.

Youth Action Committee (YAC) Grants

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of high school students from across the tri-county capital region. The YAC makes grants from the Youth Fund to support programs that help teens age 12-18, based on the most recent youth needs assessment survey.

Youth grant proposals must predominantly benefit teens in the tri-county Capital region of Michigan.

Criteria

The Youth Advisory Council is especially interested in proposals that provide teens with skills to handle with the most pressing issues which currently are:

• Teen Mental Wellness (Depression, anxiety, academic stress)
• Violence
• Gender/Sexual Identity

Inclusion/Equity: The Capital Region Community Foundation values projects and agencies that promote inclusiveness and that do not discriminate in hiring staff or providing services on the basis of race, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.