Community Impact Grants (formerly known as Sturgis Competitive Grants) are made from the unrestricted pool of resources at the Sturgis Area Community Foundation. Grant decisions are intended to support the mission of the Community Foundation — to enrich the quality of life for all people in the Sturgis area.
Grant committees review requests for proposals on a quarterly basis. Grant application deadlines for committee review are July 1, October 1, January 1, and April 1.
Effective June 2021, the following areas of emphasis are selected for Community Impact Grants to improve the quality of life in the Sturgis area:
Educational Attainment and Career Readiness
These are initiatives that enhance our local education system, improve kindergarten readiness, contribute to a well-educated workforce, and drive upward social mobility for future generations.
Examples include, but are not limited to, projects supporting:
Early Childhood Development & Education
K-12 Career Awareness & Exploration
K-12 Internship & Apprenticeships
Support for parents and vulnerable populations
Why Educational Attainment and Career Readiness?
A strong education system is a critical part of building a strong community. In fact, it’s the foundation for almost everything that will happen in the future.
When we do a good job teaching the children in our community, we are training tomorrow’s workforce. A well-educated workforce is good for local businesses. Many studies show that that well-educated workers are more likely to be productive, high-performing, law abiding, and healthy.
Well-educated communities attract investment. Businesses looking to set up shop or relocate favor communities with high graduation rates.
A strong education system creates upward social mobility. Children who want to go to college or enter the workforce will be prepared to succeed.
A whole community of well-educated, thriving citizens attracts development and good jobs, which in turn attracts more educated, thriving citizens.
Community Development and Engagement
These are initiatives that enhance quality of place, engaging residents, and visitors.
Examples include, but are not limited to, projects supporting:
Vibrant downtowns
Arts and cultural activities
Parks and trails
Why Community Development and Engagement?
Engaging people to love where they live creates long-term economic and social benefits for the entire community.
Quality-of-place is essential for economic growth and community prosperity.
Additionally, the Community Foundation will consider requests for initiatives in the areas of neighborhood revitalization and housing, and talent attraction and retention.