How to Apply for Funding

Small Grants Make Big Impact!

Small Grant Funding Opportunities

The Komen Southwest Michigan Affiliate is currently offering grants up to $5,000 to support breast health education projects, conference, and travel scholarships.

Important Dates

Small Grants Applications are accepted throughout the year.  However, requests for support of travel scholarships, conferences, or other events must be received at least six weeks prior to the event.

Eligibility

Applicants and institutions must conform to the following eligibility criteria to be considered for funding:

• Applicants must ensure that all past and current Komen-funded grants or awards are up-to-date and in compliance with Komen requirements.
• Institutions must be located in or providing services to one or more of the following locations:  Southwest Michigan counties include, Allegan, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren.
• Project must be specific to breast health and/or breast cancer
• The applicant must be a non-profit organization with federal tax exemption.  Individuals may not receive grants.
• Funding requests should not be for projects that provide direct services such screening, diagnostics, or treatment and would normally go through the yearly peer-reviewed Komen Grant process.

Allowable Expenses

Funds may be used for the following types of program expenses:

• Educational materials
• Meeting Costs
• Supplies
• Travel
• Other direct program expenses
• Equipment for educational purposes

Funds may not be used for the following purposes:

• Salaries and fringe benefits
• Clinical services or patient care costs
• Medical equipment
• Medical or scientific research
• Scholarships or fellowships
• Indirect costs
• Construction or renovation of facilities
• Political campaigns or lobbying

Educational Grants

Purpose: To raise awareness of breast cancer and increase the capacity of effective breast health programs

Amount: Up to $5,000

Recognition requirements: The Southwest Michigan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure^® must be recognized in all materials.

Travel Scholarships

Purpose: To assist grantees, health care professionals and advocates to attend, participate in and/or present at meetings, conferences or symposia that would increase the community knowledge of breast cancer and facilitate the exchange of ideas and communication between the scientific and lay public.

Amount: Up to $2,000 per individual. Travel scholarship recipients must submit original receipts and a final report in order to be reimbursed.

Submission Requirements

To apply for a Small Grant, send a type-written letter up to two pages on plain, white, single-sided 8 ½ x 11 paper using 12-point font.  Four copies (one original and three duplicates) should be submitted.  No special packaging (binders, plastic covers, etc.) or additional material (videotapes, annual reports, brochures, etc.) should be included. 

The letter must contain the following information:

• A short description of the program or activity
• Measurable goals/objectives
• How this grant will further Komen’s mission
• Amount Requested
• Total Project Budget and other sources of funding
• Concise budget justification (explanation of how funds will be spent)
• For conferences only - anticipated number of participants, description of target participants, description of conference format including specific topics to be covered and speakers, if known.
• Other participating organizations

The letter should be signed by the organization’s signatory, usually the President or Executive Director.  Please attach proof of non-profit status.

The letter should be addressed and mailed as follows: