Battle Creek Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10,884,271 (2024)
• Total Assets: $128,945,978 (2024)
• Grant Range: $1,500 - $12,240+ (varies by program)
• Average Grant: $5,000 - $10,000 (General Grants); $12,240 (2025 competitive round average)
• Geographic Focus: Calhoun County, Michigan (Battle Creek area)
• Decision Time: Mid-May and Mid-November (competitive rounds)
• Accepts Applications: Yes, through online portal
• Charity Navigator Rating: 96% (Four Stars)

Contact Details

Address:
32 West Michigan Avenue, Suite 1
Battle Creek, MI 49017

Phone: 269-962-2181

Email: bccf@bccfoundation.org

Website: www.bccfoundation.org

Office Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Social Media:

• Facebook: facebook.com/bccfound
• Instagram: @battlecreekcommunityfounda5817
• YouTube: Battle Creek Community Foundation

For Grant Inquiries:
Contact foundation staff to discuss proposals before applying. Key staff include Jennifer VanValkenburg (Senior Program Officer) and Kyra Hargrove (Program Officer).

Overview

Founded in 1974, the Battle Creek Community Foundation has served as a vital philanthropic hub for Calhoun County, Michigan. The foundation operates as a public charity that pools charitable resources from individuals, families, and businesses to support local nonprofits and community initiatives. With total assets exceeding $128 million and annual giving of nearly $11 million, BCCF has established itself as a cornerstone institution in Southwest Michigan.

Under the leadership of President & CEO Mary Muliett (who assumed the role in March 2024 following Brenda Hunt's 30-year tenure), the foundation adheres to strategic, data-informed, trust-based philanthropy. The foundation successfully meets National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, representing the highest measure of accountability and transparency in philanthropy. The foundation employs approximately 80 staff members and operates under the guiding principle: "For Good. For Ever. For All."

In 2024, BCCF distributed over $10.8 million through 80 grant awards, supporting critical work in education, health and well-being, and livable communities. The foundation manages over 270 scholarship funds and offers a spectrum of grant programs designed to meet diverse community needs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Competitive General Grants

• Amount: Typically $5,000 - $10,000+ (average $12,240 in 2025 round)
• Timing: Two grant rounds per fiscal year (spring and fall)
• Process: Two-stage application beginning with Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
• Spring Round: LOI opens late February, decisions by mid-May
• Fall Round: LOI opens late August, decisions by mid-November

Mini Grants

• Amount: Up to $1,500
• Timing: Rolling basis, reviewed ongoing
• Application Window: Apply 30-60 days before program begins
• Purpose: Fast, flexible funding for small but important community needs

Neighborhood Grants

• Purpose: Grassroots-level funding for individuals and groups to improve neighborhoods
• Structure: Three levels including "Small Things Matter" and "Engage in Change"
• Process: Shorter applications with quicker decisions

Donor-Advised Newsletter Grants

• Timing: Two cycles per year
• Purpose: Additional funding opportunities through donor-advised funds

Special Programs:

• Junior League of Battle Creek Nonprofit Leadership Capacity Fund (through January 2027)
• Various scholarship programs (over 270 funds)

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses investments on three core areas critical to sustainability, vitality, and social equity:

Education

• Early childhood through adult learning
• Boosting access, persistence, and completion
• STEM programming
• HBCU college tours and career readiness
• Educational capacity building
• Support for students to reach full potential

Health & Well-Being

• Removing barriers to physical, mental, and social health care
• Promoting wellness and supporting thriving families
• Fresh food access for vulnerable populations
• Healthy aging programs
• Emergency assistance and basic needs

Livable Communities

• Neighborhood development and improvement
• Arts and cultural programming
• Safety initiatives
• Housing accessibility
• Equity and social fabric strengthening
• Economic mobility and wealth building
• Community celebrations and cohesion

Cross-Cutting Values:

• Equity and removing systemic barriers
• Collaboration between organizations
• Community-driven solutions
• Building resident capacity and wealth
• Programs serving Calhoun County residents

What They Don't Fund

Specific funding exclusions are not publicly listed on the foundation's website. Applicants should:

• Ensure projects serve the greater Battle Creek/Calhoun County area
• Verify 501(c)(3) status or secure fiscal sponsorship
• Contact foundation staff to discuss project fit before applying
• Note: Organizations cannot receive more than one grant for the same program/project within a 12-month period
• Two general competitive requests for the same project cannot run concurrently

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Mary Muliett, LMSW - President & CEO
Assumed leadership in March 2024, bringing a commitment to community listening and relationship building. Muliett emphasizes the importance of "lifting voices and bringing the community together" and helping residents "realize their potential."

Key Quote: "I'll need to really hear from our community about what they need, lifting voices and bringing the community together to understand. I want to know what folks' hopes and desires are and what they envision for themselves."

Elizabeth Schultheiss - VP of Fund Administration & Development
Recently selected as one of 80 fellows for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's WKKF Community Leadership Network.

Angela Myers - Director of Corporate Compliance & Talent

Senior Staff

Philanthropic Services:

• Lynn Ward Gray - Senior Development Officer & BCPSEF Administrator
• Danni Heddinger - Donor Engagement Manager
• Liam Watson - Fund & Donor Services Manager

Community Grantmaking:

• Jennifer VanValkenburg - Senior Program Officer
• Kyra Hargrove - Program Officer
• Amber Perry - Program Manager

Educational Services:

• Joann Farnham - Senior Program Officer & Executive Director of BCCAN
• Celia Compton - Scholarship Program Officer

Finance:

• Danielle May - Finance Officer
• Taylor Ganton - Finance Manager

Board of Trustees

Officers:

• Robert Ridgeway - Chairperson
• Christopher Baldwin - Vice Chairperson
• Pastor Kjersten Sullivan - Second Vice Chairperson
• Amy Bauman - Treasurer
• Benjamin R. Duval - Secretary
• John Banks - Past Chairperson

Trustees:

• Madison Cole - Youth Trustee
• Emerald Diamante
• Rev. Dr. Monique French
• Michelle Fuller
• Stanley H. Horn
• Hannan Lehman - Youth Trustee
• Michael J. Larson
• Joe Miller

The board represents diverse community leadership and includes two designated Youth Trustees, demonstrating commitment to intergenerational governance.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Pre-Application Consultation
Prospective grant applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Community Foundation staff to discuss proposals before applying. Staff meet with grant seekers to discuss ideas and develop proposals. Call 269-962-2181 or email bccf@bccfoundation.org.

Step 2: Create Account
Access the BCCF Grant Portal at www.bccfoundation.org/grantopportunities to create an account in the Online Grants Manager. Applications can be saved as drafts and edited before submission.

Step 3: Letter of Inquiry (Competitive Grants)
For general competitive grants, submit a Letter of Inquiry during the open application window. This two-stage process helps applicants gauge fit before investing in full applications.

Step 4: Full Application
If invited, complete the full application through the online portal within the specified timeframe.

Application Windows:

Spring Competitive Round:

• LOI Opens: February 23
• LOI Closes: March 11
• Full Application Deadline: April 8
• Decision Notification: Mid-May

Fall Competitive Round:

• LOI Opens: August 24
• LOI Closes: September 9
• Full Application Deadline: October 7
• Decision Notification: Mid-November

Mini Grants:

• Submit at any time on a rolling basis
• Apply 30-60 days before program begins
• Ongoing review process

Decision Timeline

Competitive Grants: Applications are evaluated by volunteer grant review committees using materials that support equitable, transparent decision-making. Grant recommendations are forwarded to the Board of Trustees for final approval. Total process takes approximately 6-8 weeks from application deadline to decision notification.

Mini Grants: Reviewed on an ongoing basis with faster turnaround times.

Notification: All applicants are notified of decisions via email. The foundation maintains transparent communication throughout the process.

Success Rates

In the first round of 2025 competitive grants:

• 25 organizations received funding out of applicants
• 56% (14 organizations) received full funding
• Majority received at least 75% of requested amount
• Average award: $12,240
• Total awarded: $305,975

Historical data shows:

• 2024: 80 grants awarded totaling $10,884,271
• 2023: 94 grants awarded
• 2022: 96 grants awarded

These statistics suggest a competitive but accessible process, with strong funding rates for quality proposals aligned with foundation priorities.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may apply for more than one grant per year as long as requests are for different purposes. An organization cannot receive more than one grant for the same program/project within a 12-month period.

For funding the same project in consecutive years, organizations can request this, but two general competitive requests for the same project cannot run concurrently. The original grant must be completed with final grant reports submitted before a second request can be submitted.

No explicit waiting period exists for unsuccessful applicants to reapply. Applicants are encouraged to contact staff for feedback and discuss future applications.

Application Success Factors

Foundation's Stated Priorities for Strong Applications

1. Geographic Alignment
Projects must serve the greater Battle Creek area or directly benefit residents of Calhoun County. The foundation prioritizes local impact and community connection.

2. Collaboration and Coordination
Grant proposals are thoroughly screened to ensure collaboration between area organizations. The foundation values partnerships that prevent duplication and maximize community impact. Demonstrate how your project connects with or complements other local efforts.

3. Credible Programming with Community Input
Applications must demonstrate credible programming delivered to Battle Creek residents. The foundation emphasizes community-driven solutions and wants to see evidence that communities have been consulted about their needs rather than having solutions imposed on them.

4. Alignment with Trust-Based Philanthropy
BCCF uses strategic, data-informed, trust-based philanthropy. This means:

• Showing data and evidence of community need
• Demonstrating trust in community expertise
• Transparent reporting and relationship building
• Focus on equity and removing barriers

5. Clear Connection to Priority Areas
Explicitly articulate how your project advances one or more of the foundation's three focus areas: Education, Health & Well-Being, or Livable Communities. Use language that reflects the foundation's stated values around equity, sustainability, and vitality.

Evidence from Recent Grantees

The 2025 grant recipients reveal what succeeds with BCCF:

Diverse Organization Types Funded:

• Established nonprofits (Binder Park Zoo, Samaritas)
• Grassroots community groups (Art and Culture Collective)
• Fiscally sponsored initiatives (Battle Creek Latin-American Heritage Initiative)
• Faith-based organizations (Washington Heights United Methodist Church)
• Schools (Battle Creek Public Schools)

Successful Project Types:

• Cultural celebrations and arts programming (Hispanic Heritage celebration, Color the Creek festival)
• Youth development and mentorship (R.I.S.E. Corp, Burma Center THRIVE program)
• Access and equity initiatives (Home accessibility ramps, refugee resettlement)
• Education and workforce development (HBCU tours, career readiness)
• Health and basic needs (fresh produce for diabetic patients, foster care support)
• Community building (neighborhood carnivals, advocacy training)

Funding Range Reality: Recent grants ranged from smaller awards to the $12,240 average. The majority of recipients received 75-100% of requested amounts, suggesting realistic budgets are valued.

Strategic Advice

Pre-Application Engagement Is Valued
The foundation explicitly encourages prospective applicants to contact staff before applying. This consultation can help shape stronger proposals and ensure alignment. Don't skip this step.

Demonstrate Equity and Barrier Removal
CEO Mary Muliett emphasizes "helping alleviate barriers" and supporting residents to "realize their potential." Applications should explicitly address how projects remove systemic barriers and advance equity.

Show Community Voice
Muliett's leadership philosophy centers on "lifting voices" and understanding what communities "envision for themselves." Strong applications will demonstrate authentic community engagement and leadership in project design.

Quality Over Speed for Competitive Grants
While the LOI-to-decision process takes time, this allows for thorough vetting and committee review. Invest time in a well-crafted application rather than rushing.

Consider Mini Grants for Quick Needs
For time-sensitive or smaller-scale projects, mini grants offer faster, more flexible funding up to $1,500 on a rolling basis.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Engage Early: Contact foundation staff at 269-962-2181 before applying. Pre-application consultation is encouraged and can significantly strengthen your proposal.

2. Demonstrate Collaboration: BCCF prioritizes projects that coordinate with other organizations and prevent duplication. Show your partnerships and how you fit into the broader community ecosystem.

3. Center Equity and Community Voice: Frame your proposal around removing barriers, advancing equity, and ensuring community members have shaped the solution. This aligns with both CEO Muliett's philosophy and the foundation's trust-based approach.

4. Be Realistic About Funding: Average general grants are $5,000-$10,000, with the 2025 competitive round averaging $12,240. Most recipients received 75-100% of requested amounts, suggesting realistic budgets perform better than inflated requests.

5. Geographic Focus Matters: Your project must directly serve Calhoun County residents. Clearly articulate the local benefit and connection to Battle Creek.

6. Use Foundation Language: Incorporate terms like "sustainability," "vitality," "social equity," "removing barriers," "community-driven," and "building capacity" to demonstrate alignment with BCCF's values.

7. Choose the Right Grant Type: Don't apply for competitive general grants if mini grants ($1,500 or less) would serve your needs. The rolling mini grant process is faster and more flexible for smaller projects.

8. Quality Applications Succeed: With 56% of 2025 spring recipients receiving full funding and most getting at least 75%, well-prepared applications have strong success odds. Invest time in a thorough, well-articulated proposal.

9. Timing Considerations: Two competitive rounds per year mean you have options. If you miss spring, fall is only months away. Plan ahead for the LOI submission windows.

10. Follow-Through Matters: Organizations must complete grants and submit final reports before requesting additional funding for the same project. Strong reporting builds relationships for future applications.

References

• Battle Creek Community Foundation Official Website: https://bccfoundation.org (Accessed February 11, 2026)
• Battle Creek Community Foundation Grant Opportunities Page: https://bccfoundation.org/grant-opportunities/about-our-grants/ (Accessed February 11, 2026)
• Battle Creek Community Foundation About Page: https://bccfoundation.org/about/ (Accessed February 11, 2026)
• Battle Creek Community Foundation Contact Page: https://bccfoundation.org/contact/ (Accessed February 11, 2026)
• Battle Creek Community Foundation Board of Trustees: https://bccfoundation.org/about/board/ (Accessed February 11, 2026)
• Battle Creek Community Foundation Team: https://bccfoundation.org/about/team/ (Accessed February 11, 2026)
• "Battle Creek Community Foundation distributes first round of 2025 grants totaling $305,975": https://bccfoundation.org/grants-totaling-30k/ (Accessed February 11, 2026)
• GuideStar Profile - Battle Creek Community Foundation: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/38-2045459 (Accessed February 11, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Battle Creek Community Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/382045459 (Accessed February 11, 2026)
• Cause IQ - Battle Creek Community Foundation: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/battle-creek-community-foundation,382045459/ (Accessed February 11, 2026)
• Charity Navigator Rating - Battle Creek Community Foundation: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/382045459 (Accessed February 11, 2026)
• Second Wave Media, "New Battle Creek Community Foundation CEO Mary Muliett grateful to now work where she lives": https://www.secondwavemedia.com/southwest-michigan/features/New-Battle-Creek-Community-Foundation-CEO-Mary-Muliett-now-works-where-she-lives.050924.aspx (Referenced February 11, 2026)
• Council of Michigan Foundations - Battle Creek Community Foundation Profile: https://www.michiganfoundations.org/profile/org/2271 (Accessed February 11, 2026)