Application Information and Forms
Who can apply?
All applicants must be 501(c)3 designated non-profit organizations, or hold non-profit status such as schools, units of government. The Oleson Foundation serves primarily areas of Grand Traverse, Emmet, Charlevoix, Leelanau, Benzie, and Antrim Counties.
Funding Priorities
We are looking for sustainable, collaborative projects and programs that improve the quality of life for our area residents. The Foundation will NOT fund: grants to individuals, or grants for endowments, scholarships, camper scholarships, school or other trips, staff conferences or trips, or infrastructure projects that are basic taxpayer responsibility. Please contact us if you have a question about eligibility. Thank you!
Grant Application Process
The deadline for grant applications is April 1st each year. Applicants must submit a NARRATIVE with a detailed description of the project, including a clear purpose, dates, timelines, location, key staff, and number of people served. If the request is for items, please include bids or invoices for large equipment. Please utilize the Grant Application Cover Sheet and Project Proposal Budget along with the requested attachments. Notification of the decision of the Board of Trustees will be in mid-June.
PDF forms must be filled out and either saved and emailed, or printed and delivered by mail or hand delivery. Only ONE copy is needed. Grant requests must be in the Foundation office by April 1st. Requests arriving after the deadline will not be considered.
Applications must be received at the office at P.O. Box 904, Traverse City, MI 49685 no later than April 1. Applications may be emailed to kathy@olesonfoundation.org by April 1. If you are emailing your application, it must be sent no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 1. Those sent after 5:00 p.m. will not be considered. If you have many attachments please send a hard copy.
Forms and Reports
Reports
You can fill the following reports out online and then print them; you won’t be able to save the form on your computer. The Grant Application Cover has a check list of other documents you will need to provide, when submitting your application. You may need to download a newer version of Adobe Reader, follow this link: http://www.get.adobe.com/reader.