fbpx
(616) 772-6212
Regular Hours
M-F: 8am-4pm
Office Hours
(616) 772-2001
After Hours Emergency
REPORT A PROBLEM

Community Grant Program

About Our Community Grant Program
We are dedicated to ensuring that Zeeland thrives for generations to come and are pleased to support the Zeeland community in numerous ways. Therefore, Zeeland BPW offers grant funding up to $25,000 annually (subject to approval) to invest in projects and strategies such as:

  • Water and energy efficiency, conservation, and education
  • Environmental education
  • Safety education
  • Utility career opportunities
  • Arts and culture
  • Health and wellness
  • Parks and recreation
  • Improvement and enhancement of the community served by the Zeeland Board of Public Works

 

Information About Applying
Generally, applications open on or near April 1st and close on or near May 1st. Grant applications are reviewed and approved by the Board of Commissioners of the Zeeland Board of Public Works (Board). The Board will meet in July (subject to change) to vote on applications. Applicants are notified of the Board’s decision by email within thirty (30) days after the board meeting. If selected to receive grant funding, the applicant shall submit a final report at the conclusion of the project. The completed project must identify the Zeeland Board of Public Works as a project sponsor. This is a reimbursement grant.

Additional details are provided in the downloadable Community Grant Program Policy document (.pdf).

Grant Specifics

Eligibility

Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations that are tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, schools, municipalities and other governmental entities served by either the electric or water utility of the Zeeland Board of Public Works.

Requests for the following purposes are eligible for consideration:

Capital – Funding for purposes of constructing new facilities, remodeling, expansions of existing facilities or equipment purchases
New programs for one-time or ongoing expenses – Funding for organizations to implement specific programs for the first time, including startup costs and costs that will occur repeatedly
Existing programs for one-time expenses – Funding for investments in specific ongoing programs that will not need to be made on a regular basis such as equipment, furnishings and other reusable materials

Not Eligible

Requests for the following purposes are not eligible to apply for funding through the Community Grant Program:

Operating support – Funding for the day-to-day costs of running organizations
Existing programs for ongoing expenses – Funding for the day-to-day operating costs of existing programs
Capital projects outside of the Zeeland Board of Public Works service area
Emergency requests for ongoing expenses – Funding for repeatedly occurring organizational or program costs that have experienced a sudden or unexpected loss of funding from another source
Funding for individuals, individual scholarships, political organizations or campaigns, labor or veterans’ programs, fraternal orders, social clubs, debt-reduction, sports tournaments, talent or beauty contests, loans for small business, or religious programs that advocate specific religious doctrines or do not serve the broader community
Free electric or water services or relocation of utility infrastructure.

Requirements

If selected to receive grant funding, the applicant shall submit a final report at the conclusion of the project. The completed project must identify the Zeeland Board of Public Works as a project sponsor. This is a reimbursement grant.

To Apply

Complete the Community Grant Program Application online or printed form and submit by the published deadline via email to info@zeelandbpw.com, indicate “Community Grant Program” in the subject line, OR via USPS or drop-off to:
ZEELAND BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
ATTN: Community Grant Program
350 E. Washington Avenue
Zeeland, MI 49464

Past Grant Recipients

2023

Zeeland Historical Society
Dekker Huis Museum Renovations

 

Zeeland Christian School
Sledding Hill Lights

2022

City On A Hill
Burning Bright Capital Campaign

2021

Innocademy
Community Natural Play Structure and Exploration
 
Zeeland Recreation (Zeeland Public Schools)
Gymnastics and Swim Equipment

2020

Zeeland Recreation (Zeeland Public Schools)
Huizenga Park Little League Softball Diamond Sponsorship
 
Zeeland Charter Township
Equip Fire Rescue Off-Road Vehicle

2019

Zeeland Public Schools
Electric Bus Charging Stations

2018

City of Zeeland
Elm Street Park Development

2017

City of Zeeland
Elm Street Park Development
 
City of Zeeland
Fire Rescue Paramedic Cart Sponsorship

2016

West Michigan Airport Authority
Energy Efficient Windows
 
Zeeland Charter Township/Drenth Grove Community Association
Playground Equipment and park enhancements

2015

City of Zeeland
Splashpad

Before 2015

2014 – City of Zeeland
Splashpad
 
2013 – City of Zeeland
Splashpad
 
2012 – City of Zeeland
Centennial Industrial Park Land Purchase
 
2010 – Holland Charter Township
Helder Park Improvements
 
2010 – Zeeland Charter Township
Gordon J. Ellens Park Gazebo
 
 
 
 
2009 – City of Zeeland
Lawrence Street Park Lights
 
2008 – City of Zeeland
Vande Luyster Square Fountain Restoration
 
2007 – Zeeland Public Schools
New Groningen School Improvements
 
Zeeland Public Schools
Wind Turbine at Zeeland High School
Macatawa Greenway Trees
Huizenga Park Pavilion
Michigan Street Tot Lot