Application Information and Forms
Who can apply?
All applicants must be 501(c)3 designated non-profit organizations, or hold non-profit status such as schools or units of government. The Oleson Foundation provides support to organizations located in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Emmet, Charlevoix, Benzie, and Antrim Counties.
Funding Priorities
We are looking for sustainable, collaborative projects and programs that improve the quality of life for our area residents.
The Foundation will NOT fund:
grants to individuals
endowments
scholarships
camper scholarships
school or other trips
staff conferences or trips
infrastructure projects that are basic taxpayer responsibility
general operations
Please contact us if you have a question about eligibility.
Grant Application Process
The deadline for grant applications is April 1 at 5:00 PM. Applicants must complete a grant application through the online grant portal at the link provided below. If the request is for items, please include bids or invoices for large equipment. Notification of the decision of the Board of Trustees will be in mid-June. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Rustem at stephanie@olesonfoundation.org.
Forms and Reports
Grant Budget Form
Please use the link below to access the Oleson Foundation Grant Budget form.
Reports
2024 Reports: You can fill the following reports out online and then print them; you won’t be able to save the form on your computer. The Grant Application Cover has a check list of other documents you will need to provide, when submitting your application. You may need to download a newer version of Adobe Reader, follow this link: http://www.get.adobe.com/reader.
2025 Reports: Grant reporting for 2025 grants will be completed in the grant application portal.