Community Grant Program
What is the Community Grant Program?
Zeeland BPW offers grant funding up to $25,000 annually (subject to approval) to invest in projects and strategies that will ensure that Zeeland thrives for generations to come. Grants are awarded for projects 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
How To Apply
Applications open in early April and close in early May.
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 will 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.
Applications Open
The application deadline for our Community Grant has passed. Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the community grant?
What projects can be funded by the grant?
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
What kind of projects are not eligible?
The Community Grant is not meant to provide funding for the following types of projects
- 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
What requirements exist for those who receive funds?
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.
What is a reimbursement grant?
For projects funded by this grant, the recipient will spend their own funds on eligible project expenses and then submit proof of these expenditures (invoices, receipts, etc.) and will be reimbursed. Essentially, the organization or individual completes the project or makes the purchase, and afterward, they get reimbursed up to the amount approved by the grant.
What will the grant application include?
Who do I contact with further questions?
Reach out to our office at info@zeelandbpw.com or 616-772-6212
Past Grant Recipients
2024
Compassionate Heart Ministries
Improving Building Infrastructure
ZeeBus
Providing Access to Books to Students in the Summer
Outdoor Discovery Center
Zeeland Community Rainscaping Program
City on a Hill
CitySpark Campaign
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
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
2014
City of Zeeland
Splashpad
2013
City of Zeeland
Splashpad
2012
Centennial Industrial Park Land Purchase
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