Supporting housing creation in Newaygo County
Like many areas of the country, Newaygo County is experiencing a housing shortage. In 2023, county commissioners approved $1 million to help create the Newaygo County Housing Partnership Fund at the Community Foundation. The Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees has earmarked an additional $3 million.
A committee including county officials, Community Foundation staff, and community representatives was formed to create grantmaking guidelines and review proposals. Grants from this fund will support local housing creation.
Since the first round of housing grants was awarded in fall 2023, 26 projects have received $1.85 million in funding. The projects were expected to create a total of 219 new housing units across all five Newaygo County communities. Several projects have already been completed and rented or sold.
Grant guidelines
- Housing developments must be located in Newaygo County to be eligible, and either be rented or sold to income-eligible households. Income eligibility is based on the number of people in the household. For example:
- One-person household with an annual income range at or below $68,880
- Four-person household with an annual income range at or below $98,280
- Grant funds can provide up to $30,000 per unit, $150,000 maximum per project
- Units must be newly created, not currently occupied
- Units must meet local code requirements to achieve a certificate of occupancy
Who can apply?
- Nonprofit and for-profit developers
- Applicants are encouraged to leverage additional funding sources and seek the support of local municipalities
For information on the application process, please contact Lindsay Hager at 231.924.5350.
