RCCF’s 2026 Grant Cycles

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) is proud to announce our 2026 grant cycles, designed to be responsive, transparent, and impactful for the organizations and students we serve across Roscommon County. These opportunities reflect our continued commitment to strengthening local nonprofits, responding to urgent community needs, and investing in the future of our residents.

Our 2026 Grant Approach: Responsive, Flexible, and Community‑Centered

At the Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF), our grantmaking has always been guided by one simple question:

What does our community need right now?

Over the past year, we’ve listened closely…to nonprofit partners stretched thin, to families facing unexpected hardship, and to community members who care deeply about their neighbors. What we heard was clear:

The challenges facing Roscommon County don’t always align neatly with traditional timelines, and moments of need—especially during the winter months—often require compassion, flexibility, and timely support.

Beginning in 2026, RCCF is reshaping its grantmaking to better meet our community where it is. We will move from Spring and Fall grant cycles to a single annual Competitive Grant Cycle, which will be enhanced by expanded funding through the Give365 Fund, while opening two immediate grant opportunities—Urgent Needs and Food Insecurity Rapid Response—to respond to the most urgent needs across Roscommon County.

Read the details of each cycle below to learn more.

Urgent Needs Grant – NOW OPEN

In response to government funding shortages and increasing strain on local service providers, RCCF has reactivated the Urgent Needs Fund. This fund is designed to support nonprofit organizations that are responding to immediate and unexpected needs affecting individuals and families across Roscommon County. While RCCF cannot provide aid directly to individuals, we proudly support local nonprofit partners who are on the front lines of crisis response.

Focus Areas

Grants from the Urgent Needs Fund may support organizations providing:

• Access to food and basic hygiene items
• Gas, utility, and transportation assistance
• Other essential needs resulting from federal or state funding lapses

Food Insecurity Rapid Response Grant – NOW OPEN

Food banks, pantries, and safety net organizations are experiencing unprecedented demand as food insecurity rises across our county. Federal funding cuts have intensified these challenges, leaving many providers stretched beyond capacity. To support organizations responding to this crisis, RCCF is offering a Food Insecurity Rapid Response Fund, focused on strengthening existing operations and programming.

Eligible Uses of Funds

Funding may be used to reinforce or expand ongoing efforts, including:

• Infrastructure improvements (shelving, storage, refrigeration, packaging)
• Communications strategies to help individuals understand changing federal requirements and maintain access to food resources
• Food delivery system enhancements and coordination with vendors
• Staff capacity increases to manage higher demand or adapt to policy changes
• Food diversion and rescue efforts to redirect surplus food to pantries
• Technology upgrades that improve program efficiency
• Program modifications to better serve children, older adults, and other vulnerable populations

Note: Funds may not be used to purchase large equipment, including vehicles.

Direct Assistance Allocation

Recognizing the urgent need for immediate relief, up to 25% of the requested budget may be allocated to direct assistance, such as food, gift cards, or other essential items provided directly to families.

Scholarship Application Status

The scholarship application is currently OPEN and will CLOSE on March 1st, 2026

Before You Apply

Applicants are encouraged to prepare in advance by reviewing the following requirements:

• Draft your responses in a Word document or Google Doc to copy and paste into the application
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 or a GED score of 145 or higher
• Submit a copy of the Eligibility Overview from your completed FAFSA
  • Do not upload FAFSA form answers
• Answer all application questions
• Include all required documents (no exceptions)

For more information about FAFSA, visit fafsa.gov.

To explore available scholarships and eligibility criteria, visit www.MyRCCF.org/funds/.

Summer Enrichment Scholarship Application Status

The scholarship application is currently OPEN and will CLOSE on March 17th, 2026

Before You Apply

Review the Eligibility for each Summer Enrichment Scholarship on our website.

Competitive Grants – OPENS June 1st

Our Competitive Grant program supports projects that strengthen Roscommon County through education, health and human services, arts and culture, community development, and more.

2026 Competitive Grant Timeline

• June 1 – Applications Open
• October 1 – Applications Due
• October – Grant Review Process
• October–November – Funding Decisions and Grant Announcements

By moving to a single annual competitive grant cycle, we are creating a more predictable and accessible process—giving organizations the time and space to develop thoughtful, mission-driven proposals that clearly demonstrate their impact in our community.

To further strengthen this cycle, RCCF has developed additional funding support through the Give365 Fund. Give365 is a community-powered initiative that allows community members to participate in grantmaking and expand the resources available for competitive grants, particularly for projects that may otherwise fall outside the limits of the annual grant budget.

Updated guidelines and application materials will be available soon on our website, and our team is always happy to connect with you as you prepare.

With gratitude for the work you do,
The RCCF Team