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The Ann Arbor Awesome Foundation is the Ann Arbor chapter of the Boston-based micro-philanthropic organization known as the Awesome Foundation. We award a $1,000 grant every month to a group or individual working to make an impact in our community. These micro-grants come out of the pockets of the chapter's "trustees" – awesome individuals just like you who want to see Michigan become even awesomer than it already is! Grants are given on a no-strings-attached basis. We fund one project per month from what can be a large pool of applicants, so don't be discouraged if your project isn't funded and feel free to apply again for future projects!

Anyone can apply. Yep, even you! Don’t worry if you’ve never applied for a grant.

HOW WE WORK

Every month trustees review applications submitted from the previous month. As a result, it may take up to six weeks for us to consider and respond to grant applications. We then come together to discuss applications. We look through photos, follow shared links, and give impassioned speeches about which awesome application is most awesomest. We then vote on the spot and our local dean follows up soon after with the winner to issue the grant. No reporting is required, but we always love updates!

WHAT WE FUND

-Where: While we consider applications from across Michigan, we prioritize projects in Southeast Michigan and even more in our stomping grounds of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

-Topics: We support projects and causes of all types including: art, culture, music, community, education, environment, animal welfare, human rights, diversity, and community events.

-Impact: We favor grant proposals with a clear articulation of how the money will be used to make an impact in your community. Especially if it is something that would not be possible without this funding, rather than our grant being just a small contribution to a larger fundraising campaign. It's a big help to us when an applicant can clearly articulate what our mini-grant would make possible.

-Who: We’ve funded individuals, collectives, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations, regardless of formal nonprofit status.

WHAT WE DON’T FUND

-Business costs - there are a lot of seed funding opportunities out there.

-Personal creative projects - sorry, we can’t fund your novel.

-Rent, bills, travel, supplies, stipends, or limited scholarships.

-Individual education or training.

-General operating funds for nonprofits.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

-Be sure to describe how your project will make your community more awesome.

-Break down how you will spend the grant. Is this budget part of a larger fundraising effort OR will $1,000 get your project off the ground?

-Have partners? Let us know if you’re working with anyone to make your awesome project possible.

-We prefer to support projects where our $1,000 makes a difference - either enabling a project that might not otherwise happen, or supporting an individual or group that may otherwise be overlooked or not fit within more traditional funding and grant opportunities.

-Finally, equity and inclusion aren’t just words for us. We’re committed to supporting those on the ground working to make their communities more fair and just.

Questions? Email us at annarbor@awesomefoundation.org