Frequently Asked Questions

We wanted the new name to reflect the need for and fulfillment in sharing one’s good fortunes, time and talent to help others in need in our surrounding community to have better tomorrows and we feel Shared Tomorrows Community Foundation does exactly that.

Community foundations like Shared Tomorrows Community Foundation are public 501(c)(3) grantmaking nonprofits dedicated to improving the quality of life within a defined geographic area. They play a vital role in identifying and addressing the community’s evolving needs and opportunities.

By bringing together the charitable resources of individuals, families, and businesses, community foundations create lasting impact by supporting local nonprofits through grants and scholarships. They serve as a trusted philanthropic partner, providing a platform for those who want to invest in the causes and programs that strengthen their community and improve the lives of friends, neighbors, and future generations.

The nonprofit landscape has changed – many nonprofit organizations are struggling to access funds to carry out their mission, and this evolution is an essential step in ensuring the long-term viability of our communities. The cost of education is soaring, and students need support to pursue the next stage of their educational journey. Shared Tomorrows Community Foundation will have the opportunity to address these community needs through grantmaking and scholarships to those most in need. Shared Tomorrows

For donors, contributions to a local community foundation that has the knowledge and is focused on the critical needs of our geographic area are a great resource and avenue for giving. For Donors

Shared Tomorrows Community Foundation’s mission is to strengthen and uplift surrounding communities through grantmaking and mentorship to area nonprofits who support education, wellness and cultural causes, as well as to provide scholarships for local students pursuing education beyond high school in Michigan. Shared Tomorrows

Our primary focus is providing grants to emerging and established small- and medium-sized nonprofits serving communities within a 10-mile radius of central Birmingham. Beyond grantmaking, we will strengthen nonprofit organizations through educational seminars and mentoring opportunities. Many local nonprofits providing essential services face ongoing funding challenges. By combining grants with mentoring, we can help strengthen their organizations and expand their impact throughout the community.  For Nonprofits

Additionally, we will award scholarships to local students who want to pursue higher education and training in Michigan colleges, universities or trade schools. Student Scholarships

There are approximately 18 cities and 250 qualifying nonprofit organizations within a 10-mile radius of central Birmingham, who we welcome to apply for grants and/or sign up for educational seminars and mentoring. For Nonprofits Graphic, Calendar

Nonprofits who meet the grant criteria and support a cause that Shared Tomorrows supports, will be considered for a grant by our Grant Committee. For Nonprofits

Basic criteria to fill out a scholarship application is for students who have either graduated from or have an equivalent high school diploma in Michigan, and are applying for a scholarship to attend a Michigan college, university or trade school. Student Scholarships

Shared Tomorrows will give particular focus to supporting smaller nonprofits that may otherwise be overlooked or underfunded by the existing nonprofit ecosystem. The Community House Association supported many Greater Birmingham area nonprofits for more than a century. The creation of the Shared Tomorrows Community Foundation is about generating a more lasting and meaningful impact to support nonprofits in the surrounding community and adopting a model that will be able to help others significantly more.

We welcome all qualifying nonprofits to submit a grant request through our grant application process. For Nonprofits

Shared Tomorrows has an excellent Executive Director, guided and supported by a Board of Directors with a passion for our mission, and the experience and knowledge to oversee Shared Tomorrows to responsible and continued growth. Our Team

Initially, Shared Tomorrows will make grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000; as well as provide educational seminars given by experts on how to apply for a grant, essentials needed to start a nonprofit; and eventually strategic, business planning and business operations. For Nonprofits

Shared Tomorrows will proudly host the Birmingham House Tour annually. In addition to educational seminars for both nonprofits and donors throughout each year, we will invite people to join us in celebrating nonprofits receiving grants and students receiving school scholarships held at various locations in the Greater Birmingham area.

Our mailing address is: 1221 Bowers St., #220, Birmingham, MI 48009. As with many organizations, we offer the benefit of working remotely, and will travel to meet with nonprofits and donors throughout the greater Birmingham area. Contact Us