Mini Grants
Mini grants address the top priorities identified in the 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and the Health Equity Council objectives of mental health and community safety. During the 2025 funding cycle, 11 organizations were awarded a total of $105,000. The five organizations listed below are receiving mini grant funding in 2026 and will implement project activities through July 31.
Access to Healthy Foods
Flat River Outreach Ministries
Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM) is a community hub that strives to provide equitable access and opportunities to meet basic yet fundamental human needs for neighbors in the Lowell Area School District who make less than 300% of the poverty level. FROM supports the CHNA priority of increasing access to healthy foods through the delivery of six food programs that prioritize the provision of affordable, healthy food options with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables. Increased need for food in the community, combined with increasing prices for food have left significant gaps in the amount of fresh produce that FROM is able to offer their food pantry customers. FROM has been awarded a $10,000 mini grant to purchase fresh produce to help close this gap and advance access to healthy, affordable food.
Revive and Thrive Project
The Revive & Thrive Project (RTP) is dedicated to providing medically supportive meals to individuals and families facing a health crisis, while empowering the next generation through hands-on volunteering and community engagement. Since its inception, RTP has delivered nourishing food to disadvantaged communities, supporting local food systems, and improving health outcomes. The $10,000 mini grant will expand existing programming to serve an additional 10-20 clients and their household members and ensure that every new client receives a comprehensive nutrition care plan.
Housing
Family Promise of West Michigan
For nearly 30 years, Family Promise of West Michigan (FPWM) has supported families with children who are experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness by providing emergency shelter, homelessness diversion and prevention, stabilization services, early childhood supports, and flexible financial assistance that removes barriers to safe housing. The $10,000 mini grant will expand FPWM’s client assistance for housing access program, which helps cover rental application fees, security deposits, rental arrears, utility payments, and short-term rent support.
Disability Advocates of Kent County
With $15,000 in mini grant funding, Disability Advocates of Kent County is expanding its successful Rapid Response Housing Fund (RRHF), a program designed to help individuals with disabilities overcome housing barriers and maintain stable housing. The funds will be used to provide flexible, short-term financial assistance for various needs, including rent, security deposits, application fees, and moving costs. The RRHF serves individuals with disabilities who are at risk of eviction or homelessness, addressing urgent needs before they lead to long-term instability. By providing quick financial support with minimal requirements, the program helps individuals stay housed and promotes independent living.
AYA (As You Are) Youth Collective
AYA Youth Collective supports youth ages 14-24 experiencing housing instability to achieve their full potential by creating community and belonging. More specifically, AYA facilitates youth development opportunities through low-barrier access to mental health, workforce development, housing, crisis stability, case management support, community referrals, financial literacy training, access to medical and dental care, vital document recovery, and much more. This $11,500 mini grant will be used for staffing support to expand the organization’s ability to educate youth on supportive and affordable housing options in the community, provide linkages to community resources and navigation of affordable housing options, and provide support with obtaining housing.
