Sustaining Leaders Initiative

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals are eligible for grant funding consideration if your organization is a current or previous grant-funded partner (in the last 2 years), including any of the following:

• A registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
• A registered religious organization or governmental agency.
• Operating with a registered 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor.

Additionally, applicants must be leaders of color in Kalamazoo County. Leaders of color are defined as any individuals overseeing and guiding people or an organization regardless of position or title (including community organizers), and who identify as (specifically but not limited to):

• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Asian
• Black or African American
• Hispanic or Latino
• Middle Eastern or North African
• Southwest Asian
• Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

Prioritization Factors

• First time applicants
• LGBTQ+
• Leader has a disability
• Leader is new to their role or in a co-leadership model
• Leader is from a grassroots organization
• Leader identifies as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or is undocumented
• Leader has lost employment or been significantly impacted by changes in federal funding or policy (examples include reduced work hours, moved to a different position, etc.)