Early-Stage Operations and Planning Fund

The Steelcase Foundation’s Early-Stage Operations and Planning Fund is a three-year, multi-component grant program designed to support emerging nonprofit organizations in Kent County, Michigan. This competitive grant opportunity provides $150,000 per organization over three years, alongside significant technical assistance, coaching, and professional development to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, strategic direction, and sustainability. The fund supports 501(c)(3) organizations that are founder-led, in operation for one to eight years, have an operating budget under $500,000, and have demonstrated at least $50,000 in fundraising (grants, sponsorships, donations) over the past two years. These organizations must be mission-aligned with the Steelcase Foundation and committed to delivering place-based services aimed at social change. Priority is given to groups relying heavily on in-kind resources and looking to build stronger infrastructure and sustainability strategies. Participants engage in quarterly work sessions to create tactical plans, develop programs and outcomes, build fund development and governance capacity, and collaborate with peer organizations. Sessions are facilitated by SIDE-Strategies and supported by expert consultants. Applications open April 1, 2025, with a due date of April 30, 2025. Semi-finalists are interviewed in early June, and final cohort selections are announced by mid-June, pending board approval in July. Key program milestones include an orientation in August 2025, followed by quarterly work sessions through 2026. The program emphasizes collaboration, sustainability, and leadership development, and has already supported two successful cohorts.