WHAT WE FUND

Projects that will have a long-term impact on the quality of life in the Michigan communities of Plymouth, Livonia, Northville and Redford.

Projects that that encourage an interest in car collecting and transportation history, as well as projects that encourage students to pursue careers in the automobile industry.

GRANT LIMITATIONS AND GUIDELINES

The Margaret Dunning Foundation makes grants to 50l(c)(3) public charities. The Foundation does not award grants to individuals. Grants will typically not be made to governmental units (excluding school districts) or for travel, publications, conferences or seminars. Secondary school automotive technology programs interested in submitting an application should contact us as a first step to discuss a special application process.

Grants may support new programs and services being offered or developed by the grantee, for capital programs and for endowment. Grants for operating support will be made only in exceptional circumstances.

GRANT SIZE

The Foundation’s grants typically range from $5,000 to $100,000, although grants outside this range have been awarded when special circumstances have arisen.

HOW TO APPLY

A written application with the following information should be submitted to the Foundation:

one

Organizational information

  • Name, address and telephone number for the applicant organization and the name of the main contact for the proposal
  • Mission and brief background of the applicant organization
two

Program description

  • Definition of the issue the proposal is addressing
  • Description of the need for the proposed project
  • Basic objectives of the proposed project and its potential impact
  • Description of persons or groups who will benefit
  • Detailed work plans and time frame for accomplishing the project’s objectives
  • Indication as to whether the proposed activity is new, expanded or an ongoing part of the organization’s programming
  • Evaluation plan including criteria for judging the effectiveness of the proposed activity, as well as any information on whether the applicant has evaluated similar efforts by other organizations
  • Relevant qualifications and experience of the organization and the principal staff
  • Description of the expected outcome and impact of the proposed project
three

Financial information

  • Dollar amount of grant support requested and the proposed time period for payment of the funds, if awarded
  • Detailed budget for identifying the proposed use of the grant and any additional support anticipated from other funders, or the applicant’s provisions for future project funding beyond the initial grant period
  • Time limits of the proposed activity and length of time for which the Foundation’s support is needed
four

Supporting material

  • The cover letter should be signed by the executive director or president of the applicant organization
  • Copy of most recent Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) federal tax-exemption letter
  • List of current board of directors, trustees or governing board, with individuals’ affiliation
  • Resumes of principal staff, if applicable
  • Organization’s operating budget for current year
  • Copy of most recent certified financial audit
  • Copy of most recent annual report

DEADLINES

Applicants who submit a proposal by:Will typically hear back from the Foundation
by the end of:
December 1March
March 1
June
June 1September
September 1December

Email your application to [email protected]