Read the Grant Application Guidelines here
In our Grant Application Guidelines you can read about eligibility, timeline and the application questions. Click here to read.
Somos Comunidad Fund
Centering community voice
Somos Comunidad Fund, led by community volunteers, was established to support Latinx focused and driven initiatives. Informed by Latinx communities in Kent County, the advisory committee strives to create an adaptable approach to balance support for immediate needs while addressing root causes of inequity. Support this cause today by contributing to Somos Comunidad Fund. Your gift will support the fund's endowment, as well as provide resources for immediate grantmaking. This ensures your giving will help now and in the future.
2024 Grant Partnerships
Grant Applications In Review
Somos Comunidad Fund accepted applications for funding from community organizations through October 28, 2024. Up to $100,000 will be awarded for programming that serves Latinx communities. Detailed information about focus areas for these funds, eligibility criteria, and the application process are in our grant guidelines.
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Information Session about the Application
On October 7 we hosted an informational session about the grant application and how community listening informed our current grantmaking process, you can view those sessions below. Viewing the session is not a requirement to apply.
2024 Grantmaking Timeline
Somos Comunidad Fund
September 9
Grant Applications Opened
October 7
Informational Session About Grant Application
On October 7 we hosted an informational session about the grant application and how community listening informed our current grantmaking process, you can view those sessions below. Viewing the session is not a requirement to apply.
Oct 28 at 5 pm
Grant Applications Closed
Somos Comunidad Fund grant applications closed on October 28, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
November 4 - 19
Advisory Committee Reviews Applications
Somos Comunidad Fund's advisory committee reviews all grant applications and may request additional information from applicants while they make decisions about grant awards.
December 9 Week
Grant Projects in Progress: 2024-2025
Grant Round Debrief
Grant Awards Announced
All applicants will be notified about funding decisions the week of December 9, 2024.
Jan 13, 2025
Community Gathering for Feedback
Community is invited to come and hear a review of the grantmaking and funding decision process, share feedback from their experience in this initial round of grantmaking, and identify future engagement touchpoints and strategies.
2023 Grant Awards
Recipient
Amount
Date
Purpose
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Code on Wheels
$9,725
This grant supports the running of an afterschool programming club for middle and high school students. The club aims to expose students to technology, game programming, and game asset creation, and provide a fun and engaging way for them to learn about these subjects. This grant was made possible through additional support from the Cherry (Mrs. James) Carpenter Fund for Children.
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Grand Rapids Area Mutual Aid Network
$15,000
To provide mutual aid and direct giving support to Latinidad communities, especially those who are under-documented.
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Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities
$10,000
To support Latinx youth in bilingual settings in our three core after school programs: After School Arts, Cook Library After School, and Teen Leaders
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Hispanic Center of Western Michigan
$15,000
To remove barriers for Latino community including language, documentation status, etc. to create access to legal services and basic needs.
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Immigrant Assistance Center of West Michigan
$10,000
Provide equitable, accessible, and professional reduced-fee legal services to vulnerable populations in immigration with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the National Visa Center.
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Movimiento Cosecha GR
$10,000
Cosecha GR will acquire a large reliable community vehicle to safely transport members and materials to events and it will display the Cosecha campaign theme.
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No Surrender Running Club
$9,000
To build organizational capacity and enhance delivery of culturally responsive programming by offering stipends to bilingual Latina/o/é/x youth practice leaders. This grant was made possible through additional support from the Cherry (Mrs. James) Carpenter Fund for Children.
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Puertas Abiertas
$15,000
Latinx Youth Program - Using a combination of support groups, counseling, and community activities, the program seeks to support children who have experienced violence heal from their trauma.
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Puerto Rican Cultural Committee
$10,000
The Puerto Rican Cultural Committee has been providing cultural and educational experiences for the Puerto Rican community and its allies since 2014. This grant was made possible through additional support from the Charles Evenson Fund for the Environment.
2023 Grant Awards
Somos Comunidad Fund accepted applications for funding from community organizations that serve Latinx communities in Kent County for their 2022 grant round. Learn more about the factors that influenced their grant process and decision making.
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Read the Grant Application Guidelines here
In our Grant Application Guidelines you can read about eligibility, timeline and the application questions. Click here to view. ¿Prefieres leer esto en español? Haga clic aquí.
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Visualization of Feedback from Community Engagement
See an infographic, artistic demonstration of the feedback given at the community engagement sessions. Click here to view.
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Brigham Consulting Report
Our 2022 grantmaking process and priorities were informed by feedback gathered at community engagement sessions. Brigham Consulting detailed the process and themes from those sessions. See the whole report here.
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Information Session about the Application
On November 9 we hosted an informational session about the grant application and how community listening informed our current grantmaking process, you can view those sessions below. Viewing the session is not a requirement to apply.
Info Session in English: view here
Info Session in Spanish: view here -
Community Debrief Session
After grant awards were announced, the committee hosted a community debrief session. During this session, staff and volunteers explained the process, the award decisions and invited feedback about the process. Read a summary by clicking here.
I am looking forward to two to three decades from now, when people will look at this as the beginning of a different way of doing philanthropy.
Carlos Sanchez, former Somos Comunidad Advisory Committee chairperson
Somos Comunidad Fund Donors July 1st, 2022-June 30th, 2023
- Anonymous (2)
- Mr. David A. Baker
- Amanda Berry
- Ms. Bonnie L. Blandford
- Brett Bradshaw
- Kaylee Moreno Burke
- Milinda Ysasi Castanon and Rafael Castanon
- Soyla Castillo
- Tom C. Clinton
- Huey G. and Mary Copeland
- Evelyn Esparza-Gonzalez
- Giuliana and Aaron Estrada
- Frey Foundation
- Terry Gates
- Mike and Rachel Goorhouse
- Megan Grimaldi
- Kevin and Laura Harmelink
- David Hill and Elizabeth Kidd
- Win and Kyle Irwin
- Matthew and Keri Jaynes
- Sharnita Johnson
- Marta Johnson-Ebels
- Lucy Dyer Joswick and Scott Joswick
- Marlene Kowalski-Braun
- Mr. and Mrs. William J. Lawrence III
- Lettie Lundman
- Janis Lunquist and Michael May
- El Granjero Mexican Grill
- Mark Miller and Patsy Allen
- Mr. Marc Mitchell and Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell
- Ciciley and Louis Moore
- Juan and Mary Olivarez
- Terry McGovern and Carol Paine-McGovern
- Cynthia Pimm and Vicki Poleni Pimm
- Claudia and Joe Pohlen
- John and Ann Puckett
- Ms. Lupe Ramos-Montigny
- Alexis and Brandon Reame
- Laci Reséndiz
- Rogelio Rodriguez
- Leslee Rohs
- Elizabeth Rosario Law, PLC
- Celeste Sanchez-Lloyd and Robert Lloyd
- Mary Scanlan and Alain Gadeau
- Shaun and Ruth Shira
- Ryan and Emily Slusarzyk
- Lisa Sostecke DDS
- Ms. Stacy Stout
- Jan Strait
- Jenine and Jose Torres
- Betsaida Valdivia
- Erika VanDyke
- Andy and Tracy Van Solkema
- Danielle Veldman
- Lynn Verdusco
- Larry and Lee Nelson Weber
- Michael and Mary Alice Williams
- Marilyn and Garrett Zack