Graymont Community and Economic Development Fund

Introduction

In March of 2015 the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) approved a land transaction request from Graymont through direct purchase and exchange. As part of the land transaction Graymont agreed to establish a Community Development Fund. The fund is established in cooperation with organizations in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan to provide opportunities for enhanced economic growth and support for regional initiatives and projects which can benefit those living and working in the communities in and around the State Land by providing funding to organizations for small business support, assistance for schools and educators, human services, road and infrastructure improvements, conservation and the enhancement of recreational opportunities, health and wellness.

Lake Superior State University is administering the fund for Graymont.

Management

Lake Superior State University (LSSU) administers the Community Development Fund (CDF) through a separate fund contributed to by Graymont. LSSU will assign an administrator for the fund who may at their discretion engage LSSU students, faculty or staff in the marketing of the program and ranking of projects to be presented to the coordinating committee. LSSU will establish a separate coordinating committee that will develop the definitions, guidelines, procedures, application, evaluation criteria etc., to be followed by the LSSU administrator. The coordinating committee will also review and select applications for funding. This coordinating committee will consist of seven to nine persons having expertise or experience in grants administration, education, finance, and/or public service. Graymont may have a member on the coordinating committee. They, along with all coordinating committee members, are encouraged to provide input into deliberations on any and all applications. The coordinating committee will retain final authority for all CDF grant awards. Graymont entities or employees cannot receive a refund of contributions, grants, loans or other disbursements form the Fund.

Geographic Service Area

The purpose of the CDF is to address community development opportunities for local municipalities, schools and other social agencies, located in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. LSSU, at the recommendation of their coordinating committee, may develop additional guidelines which may provide priority funding for those projects that are closest to the mine.

Sustainability / Matching Dollars

For some projects, the issue of sustainability will be implicit. The CDF committee may consider sustainability in applicable project proposals. Applications reflecting matching dollars may also be given priority consideration by the CDF coordinating committee. The CDF coordinating committee may apply additional priorities. Matching dollars can come from townships, schools, county, state or federal or other sources.

Application Directions

Applications can be accepted from municipalities, units of government, social agencies and other organizations, small business and members of the local community, provided that all grants shall be in accordance with applicable law. Grants received after the closing date will not be considered.

Next grant round:

  • Opens: February 1, 2024
  • Closes: May 31, 2024
  • Award Announcement: July 15, 2024

A minimum of one grant round will be conducted annually. All grant applicants will be notified that their application has been received and all grant requests will be acted upon, providing written notice of either acceptance or rejection, within 60 days of the closing of the grant application round.

Grant applications can be submitted via mail or email to .

Mail to: Lake Superior State University
Administration Bldg. Rm. 205
650 West Easterday Avenue
Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783

Questions can be directed to the Office of Sponsored Programs at or 906-635-2272