The Chelsea Community Foundation (CCF) has awarded $91,800 in grants to seven local nonprofits as part of its 2026 grant cycle. The funded projects span CCF’s four focus areas: Arts & Culture; Health, Wellness & Aging; Trails, Parks & Transportation; and Youth & Education.
Among this year’s recipients are two first-time grantees, Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan and Herbert J. McKune Post No. 31 American Legion, joining five returning community partners. Together, these initiatives reflect CCF’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and community-driven solutions that improve the quality of life for residents across the Chelsea School District. Since its founding in 1995, CCF has awarded more than $2.3 million in grants to organizations making a lasting difference in the Chelsea community.
2026 Grant Recipients
Ballet Chelsea – $10,000 to support the Adaptive Dance Program (ADP), which brings movement arts opportunities to individuals ages 3 to 93 with physical, developmental, cognitive, or neurological challenges. Each class is tailored to participants’ unique abilities and focuses on improving coordination, balance, endurance, flexibility, self-confidence, and teamwork. In addition to studio classes, specially trained instructors bring programming directly to schools, residential facilities, and senior communities throughout the region.
Chelsea School District – $16,700 to renovate and expand the Beach Middle School resource room into the Bulldog Life Lab. In this dedicated, hands-on environment, students with disabilities can learn and practice essential life skills in preparation for greater independence in middle school, high school, and adulthood.
City of Chelsea – $15,000 to transform Veterans Park and Pierce Park into STEM-focused learning environments that encourage curiosity, exploration, and environmental stewardship among residents of all ages. The project will bring together community partners, residents, and scientific experts to create interactive educational experiences throughout the parks.
Faith in Action – $7,600 to support a comprehensive website redesign and updated printed materials. These improvements will enhance accessibility, help residents connect with services more easily, improve communication and education, and strengthen volunteer and donor engagement.
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan – $7,500 to strengthen and expand Girl Scout opportunities for girls and families in Chelsea. Funding will help reach more girls, enhance local programming, and improve access to a high-quality, research-based leadership experience.
Herbert J. McKune Post No. 31 American Legion – $10,000 to install an Elan Straight Stairlift, providing safe and reliable access to both floors of the facility. The improvement will ensure veterans and community members with mobility challenges can fully participate in programs and events while expanding opportunities for community gatherings.
Main Street Park Alliance – $25,000 to support continued development of the Holmes Family Park in downtown Chelsea. The 2.8-acre park will provide accessible recreation and gathering spaces for all ages and abilities while connecting residents to nearby neighborhoods, schools, the Chelsea District Library, downtown businesses, and the Border-to-Border Trail. The park is anticipated to be transferred to the City of Chelsea and open to the public in mid-July 2026.
The next Chelsea Community Foundation grant application deadline will be in December 2026 (exact date to be determined) for calendar year 2027 grant awards. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to visit Chelsea Community Foundation’s website chelseafoundation.org or contact Erin Marie McDonald at [email protected] for grant guidelines and application information.
The Chelsea Community Foundation is a permanent charitable endowment totaling $3.5 million created through gifts from generous individuals, families, and businesses who care about Chelsea. The Chelsea Community Foundation has granted $2.3 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that address community needs and opportunities, thereby improving the quality of life in the City of Chelsea and its surrounding areas. The Chelsea Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.
