To receive and administer funds for artistic, charitable, educational, and scientific purposes in a manner that both promotes the spirit of philanthropy and meets the needs of the people of Hillsdale County.
Hillsdale County Community Foundation’s grantmaking is anchored by local scholarships, youth-led awards, and support for young farmers in Hillsdale County. Through its Edward L. Kunesh Young Farmer Grant, the foundation administers awards for agriculture-related equipment, livestock, infrastructure, crops, and agricultural education and training. It also runs a scholarship program for local students and residents pursuing higher education, using a single online application for multiple named scholarship funds. The foundation’s recent grants show a strong pattern of general support for community institutions and service providers. Hillsdale Community Schools received $114,646 for general support, and Hillsdale Hospital received $63,598 for health and wellness. Other large awards reached civic and youth-serving organizations, including the Hillsdale Rotary Club Project Fund, Jonesville Community Schools, and the Hillsdale County Probate Court. Beyond those core programs, the foundation supports youth-created projects through Y.O.U.T.H. grants and small Y.O.U.T.H. Mini Grants. Its stated purpose is to administer funds for artistic, charitable, educational, and scientific purposes in ways that meet the needs of Hillsdale County residents.
Education is a major part of the foundation’s work. Jonesville Community Schools received $53,487 for education, while Hillsdale College Goal Program received $29,005 for general support in 2025 and $28,430 in 2024. The scholarship programs also serve local students and residents pursuing higher education. Health and counseling appear in both institutional and direct-service grants. Hillsdale Hospital received $63,598 for health and wellness, and Catholic Charities of Jackson received $25,500 for health/counseling. Public safety is another visible area. The City of Litchfield received $50,000 for public safety, and Jefferson Township received $45,685 for public safety. In arts and culture, the Hillsdale Co Historical Society received $27,183 for arts & culture. The foundation also supports agriculture through the Edward L. Kunesh Young Farmer Grant, which funds agriculture-related equipment, livestock, infrastructure, crops, and agricultural education and training.
$645K
$34.6M
$4.1M
$1.9M
Most grants fall between $7K and $23K, with a median of $12K.
25th Percentile
$7K
Median
$12K
75th Percentile
$23K
SHARON BISHER
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Typical awards are mid-sized: the p25 grant size is $7,190, the median is $11,756, and the p75 is $23,480. The recent grant list also shows a wider range of larger community awards. Grantmaking is local and heavily concentrated in Michigan, with 95% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state. The foundation appears to make recurring awards to some organizations across multiple years. Hillsdale Hospital, Hillsdale College Goal Program, Reading Emergency Unit, and Hillsdale Co ISD each appear more than once in the recent grants list. The foundation is a community foundation, administers scholarship funds, and offers unsolicited applications through several active programs, including general grants, scholarships, Y.O.U.T.H. grants, and special project grants.
Grantmaking is concentrated in Hillsdale County communities, especially Hillsdale, Jonesville, Reading, and Litchfield. Hillsdale, MI appears repeatedly across the recent grants list, including awards to Hillsdale Community Schools, Hillsdale Hospital, the Hillsdale County Probate Court, and the Hillsdale County Historical Society. Other recurring recipient places include Reading, MI, which appears with Hillsdale Co Kimball Camp YMCA, Kimball Camp Outdoor Center, Reading Emergency Unit, and Kimball Camp YMCA Nature Center, and Jonesville, MI, which appears with Jonesville Community Schools. The recipient country distribution is entirely U.S.-based, with 111 grants in the United States.
Its grants go to local nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community-serving institutions in Hillsdale County. Recent recipients include Hillsdale Community Schools, Hillsdale Hospital, the City of Litchfield, Jefferson Township, and the Hillsdale Co Historical Society.
The active programs include general foundation grants, scholarships, Y.O.U.T.H. grants, Y.O.U.T.H. Mini Grants, the Edward L. Kunesh Young Farmer Grant, and special project grants. These cover education, youth leadership, agriculture, community development, health and wellness, arts, and local capacity-building.
Yes. It administers multiple scholarship funds for local students and residents pursuing higher education. The scholarship program uses a single online application for the annual cycle and includes named scholarships related to higher education, music and arts, vocational study, and academic support.
Typical grant sizes are $7,190 at the 25th percentile, $11,756 at the median, and $23,480 at the 75th percentile. The recent grants list also includes much larger community awards, such as $114,646 to Hillsdale Community Schools and $63,598 to Hillsdale Hospital.
Yes. Several active programs accept unsolicited applications, including general foundation grants, scholarships, Y.O.U.T.H. grants, Y.O.U.T.H. Mini Grants, the Edward L. Kunesh Young Farmer Grant, and special project grants.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Hillsdale County Community Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), an educational institution, or a governmental unit. Projects must benefit Hillsdale County; applicants may be located outside the county if a significant number of people served reside within Hillsdale County. Applicants must contact HCCF before submitting.
Deadline: Applications are due May 1 and November 1 each year.
Who can apply: Projects must be developed by youth ages 5–19 in grades K–12 and benefit youth. The applying organization must be a 501(c)(3), educational institution, or governmental unit. An organization may apply no more than once per year and a project may only be funded once.
Deadline: Applications are due at 4:00 p.m. on September 1, October 1, December 1, January 1, February 1, and March 1.
Who can apply: Projects must benefit youth in Hillsdale County and involve youth in planning and implementation. Applicants must be a 501(c)(3), educational institution, or governmental unit. Applications are generally completed by youth of the applying organization, with limited exceptions for very young children.
Deadline: Applications are due April 1 and November 1 each year.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST PETER'S FREE CLINIC INC | HILLSDALE, MI | $110,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HILLSDALE ASSEMBLY OF GOD | JONESVILLE, MI | $80,034 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| JONESVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS | JONESVILLE, MI | $59,064 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| SALEM MENNONITE CHURCH | WALDRON, MI | $46,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HILLSDALE COMMUNITY THEATRE | HILLSDALE, MI | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CITY OF HILLSDALE | HILLSDALE, MI | $24,545 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| GREATER HILLSDALE HUMANE SOCIETY | OSSEO, MI | $24,050 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HILLSDALE COLLEGE GOAL PROGRAM | HILLSDALE, MI | $22,803 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HOSPICE OF HILLSDALE COUNTY | HILLSDALE, MI | $18,025 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HELPING HANDS PRC | HILLSDALE, MI | $17,333 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HILLSDALE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS | HILLSDALE, MI | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION | HILLSDALE, MI | $14,375 | 2026 | PUBLIC SAFELY |
| SHARE THE WARMTH OF HILLSDALE CO | HILLSDALE, MI | $12,379 | 2026 | MEALS AND SUPPLIES |
| HILLSDALE TWNSHP FIREFIGHTERS ASSOC | HILLSDALE, MI | $12,000 | 2026 | — |
| ST ANTHONY FAMILY CENTER | HILLSDALE, MI | $12,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| LOVE INC OF HILLSDALE COUNTY | HILLSDALE, MI | $11,100 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HILLSDALE COUNTY ISD | HILLSDALE, MI | $11,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| DOMESTIC HARMONY | HILLSDALE, MI | $10,450 | 2026 | HOUSING/SHELTER |
| FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH | LITCHFIELD, MI | $10,235 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| THE SALVATION ARMY | HILLSDALE, MI | $10,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SOUTH MICHIGAN FOOD BANK | BATTLE CREEK, MI | $10,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| LITCHFIELD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY | LITCHFIELD, MI | $10,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ANSWERS IN GENESIS | HEBRON, KY | $10,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HILLSDALE CO SENIOR SERVICES CENTER | HILLSDALE, MI | $10,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| READING COMMUNITY SCHOOLS | READING, MI | $8,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SPRING ARBOR UNIVERSITY | SPRING ARBOR, MI | $7,500 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| CITH OF READING | READING, MI | $7,500 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| EXCHANGE CLUB OF HILLSDALE | HILLSDALE, MI | $7,315 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HILLSDALE FIRST UNITED METHODIST | HILLSDALE, MI | $7,004 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HILLSDALE COUNTY PARK COMMISSION | HILLSDALE, MI | $6,500 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| LITCHFIELD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH | LITCHFIELD, MI | $6,000 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| POSTIVE ACTION FOR CHRIST | WHITAKERS, NC | $5,017 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BANCROFT GOSPEL MINISTRY | KINGSPORT, TN | $5,008 | 2026 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HILLSDALE HOSPITAL | HILLSDALE, MI | $63,598 | 2025 | HEALTH AND WELLNESS |
| JONESVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS | JONESVILLE, MI | $53,487 | 2025 | EDUCATION |
| CITY OF LITCHFIELD | LITCHFIELD, MI | $50,000 | 2025 | PUBLIC SAFELY |
| JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP | OSSEO, MI | $45,685 | 2025 | PUBLIC SAFETY |
| KIMBALL CAMP OUTDOOR CENTER | READING, MI | $37,600 | 2025 | BUILDING UPGRADES |
| READING EMERGENCY UNIT | READING, MI | $31,599 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HILLSDALE COLLEGE GOAL PROGRAM | HILLSDALE, MI | $29,005 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HILLSDALE CO AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY | HILLSDALE, MI | $28,713 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HILLSDALE CO ISD | HILLSDALE, MI | $28,600 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HILLSDALE CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY | HILLSDALE, MI | $27,183 | 2025 | ARTS & CULTURE |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON | JACKSON, MI | $25,500 | 2025 | HEALTH/COUNSELING |
| DOMESTIC HARMONY | HILLSDALE, MI | $18,760 | 2025 | HOUSING/SHELTER |
| HOSPICE OF HILLSDALE COUNTY | HILLSDALE, MI | $18,600 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| GREATER HILLSDALE HUMANE SOCIETY | OSSEO, MI | $17,645 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HELPING HANDS PRC | HILLSDALE, MI | $15,706 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| EARLY PREGNANCY LOSS ASSOCIATION | HILLSDALE, MI | $13,150 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CITY OF HILLSDALE | HILLSDALE, MI | $13,000 | 2025 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
ST PETER'S FREE CLINIC INC
$110,000GENERAL SUPPORT
HILLSDALE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
$80,034GENERAL SUPPORT
JONESVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
$59,064EDUCATION
SALEM MENNONITE CHURCH
$46,000GENERAL SUPPORT
HILLSDALE COMMUNITY THEATRE
$25,000GENERAL SUPPORT
CITY OF HILLSDALE
$24,545GENERAL SUPPORT
GREATER HILLSDALE HUMANE SOCIETY
GENERAL SUPPORT
HOSPICE OF HILLSDALE COUNTY
$18,025GENERAL SUPPORT
HELPING HANDS PRC
$17,333GENERAL SUPPORT
HILLSDALE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
$15,000GENERAL SUPPORT
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
$14,375PUBLIC SAFELY
SHARE THE WARMTH OF HILLSDALE CO
$12,379MEALS AND SUPPLIES
HILLSDALE TWNSHP FIREFIGHTERS ASSOC
$12,000ST ANTHONY FAMILY CENTER
$12,000GENERAL SUPPORT
LOVE INC OF HILLSDALE COUNTY
$11,100GENERAL SUPPORT
HILLSDALE COUNTY ISD
$11,000GENERAL SUPPORT
DOMESTIC HARMONY
$10,450HOUSING/SHELTER
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
$10,235GENERAL SUPPORT
THE SALVATION ARMY
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
LITCHFIELD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
HILLSDALE CO SENIOR SERVICES CENTER
$10,000GENERAL SUPPORT
READING COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
$8,000GENERAL SUPPORT
SPRING ARBOR UNIVERSITY
$7,500EDUCATION
CITH OF READING
$7,500GENERAL SUPPORT
EXCHANGE CLUB OF HILLSDALE
$7,315GENERAL SUPPORT
HILLSDALE FIRST UNITED METHODIST
$7,004GENERAL SUPPORT
HILLSDALE COUNTY PARK COMMISSION
$6,500GENERAL SUPPORT
LITCHFIELD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
$6,000GENERAL SUPPORT
POSTIVE ACTION FOR CHRIST
$5,017GENERAL SUPPORT
BANCROFT GOSPEL MINISTRY
$5,008GENERAL SUPPORT
HILLSDALE HOSPITAL
$63,598HEALTH AND WELLNESS
JONESVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
$53,487EDUCATION
CITY OF LITCHFIELD
$50,000PUBLIC SAFELY
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP
$45,685PUBLIC SAFETY
KIMBALL CAMP OUTDOOR CENTER
$37,600BUILDING UPGRADES
READING EMERGENCY UNIT
$31,599GENERAL SUPPORT
HILLSDALE CO AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
$28,713GENERAL SUPPORT
HILLSDALE CO ISD
$28,600GENERAL SUPPORT
HILLSDALE CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
$27,183ARTS & CULTURE
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON
$25,500HEALTH/COUNSELING
DOMESTIC HARMONY
$18,760HOUSING/SHELTER
HOSPICE OF HILLSDALE COUNTY
$18,600GENERAL SUPPORT
GREATER HILLSDALE HUMANE SOCIETY
$17,645GENERAL SUPPORT
HELPING HANDS PRC
$15,706GENERAL SUPPORT
EARLY PREGNANCY LOSS ASSOCIATION
$13,150GENERAL SUPPORT
CITY OF HILLSDALE
$13,000GENERAL SUPPORT
