West Michigan Youth Programs

As the birthplace of the Gerber Foundation, the foundation supports a variety of youth programming within a 4-county area that includes Lake, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties in West Michigan.

Grants are geared towards projects serving youth from 0-18 years of age. A special emphasis is placed on projects focused on:

  • Health, Nutrition and Dental issues
  • Early childhood services and Literacy
  • Parenting Education
  • Education (including Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts/Agriculture, and Math)
  • Life Experiences (camp scholarships, Ag Science Education, 4-H and FFA)

Agencies must be located in or directly serving youth from one of the 4 counties indicated above.

Grantees must be a public non-profit (with a 501c3 determination letter from the IRS) or governmental entity in order to apply. Programs that are collaborative and that have support from the broader community are encouraged.

Although typically under $10,000, grants may range from $100 to $20,000. Grants are generally limited to one-year commitments.

Applicants may contact the Foundation office to discuss their project with Foundation staff at any time throughout the year.