Grantmaking public charity · EIN 38-2853785
Southwest Michigan First Corp
Kalamazoo, MI
Southwest Michigan First Corp is a public charity that makes grants based in Kalamazoo, MI. On its Form 990 (Schedule I) for tax year 2025, it reported $4.12M in grants paid across 14 grants, with $12.7M in total assets. Its largest grants went to City of Kalamazoo, Village of Lawton and City of Sturgis.
How to request funding
Its Form 990 lists the grants it made but not how it chooses recipients. Check Southwest Michigan First Corp's website or contact it to ask whether it considers requests.
How it makes and monitors grants (Schedule I, Part IV)
The organization issued grants on behalf of the michigan economic development corporation (medc). the medc allocated funds to regional economic development organizations for various economic development initiatives such as placemaking and industry 4.0 grants. southwest michigan first was the fiduciary responsible for allocating funds to small businesses in southwest michigan. the organization regularly follows-up with the grant recipients to determine if the funds have been used in accordance with the respective grant agreements.
Grants as reported on its Form 990 for tax year 2025; the application guidance above is general for this type of funder. Requirements change; confirm with the organization before applying.
Mission
To serve as a regional economic development organization for southwest michigan.
As stated on its Form 990.
Largest grants, tax year 2025
Historical data · not a prediction| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Kalamazoo | Kalamazoo, MI | Revitalization and Placemaking Grant (MEDC) | $1,391,155 |
| Village of Lawton | Lawton, MI | Revitalization and Placemaking Grant (MEDC) | $811,341 |
| City of Sturgis | Sturgis, MI | Revitalization and Placemaking Grant (MEDC) | $769,092 |
| Kalamazoo Institute of Arts | Kalamazoo, MI | Revitalization and Placemaking Grant (MEDC) | $331,171 |
| Battle Creek Unlimited Inc | Battle Creek, MI | Strategic Site Readiness Program (MEDC) | $249,461 |
| Village of Marcellus | Marcellus, MI | Revitalization and Placemaking Grant (MEDC) | $170,501 |
| Covert Township | Covert, MI | Revitalization and Placemaking Grant (MEDC) | $134,002 |
| JCR Offroad Inc | Portage, MI | Industry 4.0 (MEDC) | $25,000 |
| One Well Brewing LLC | Kalamazoo, MI | Industry 4.0 (MEDC) | $25,000 |
| Spencer Manufacturing Inc | South Haven, MI | Industry 4.0 (MEDC) | $25,000 |
| Research Consultants International FDI Inc | Montreal | CDC Grant Funding (MEDC) | $20,000 |
| Cornerstone Alliance | Benton Harbor, MI | CDC Grant Funding (MEDC) | $11,000 |
| Market One | Benton Harbor, MI | CDC Grant Funding (MEDC) | $11,000 |
| Hibshman Screw Machine Products Inc | Union, MI | Industry 4.0 (MEDC) | $8,765 |
Names and purposes as reported to the IRS.
Where its grants went
Quick answers
Does Southwest Michigan First Corp accept grant applications?
Its Form 990 lists the grants it made but not how it chooses recipients. Check Southwest Michigan First Corp's website or contact it to ask whether it considers requests. Form 990 does not report an application process, so confirm with the organization.
How much does Southwest Michigan First Corp give each year?
For tax year 2025, it reported $4,115,604 in grants paid (14 grants). Giving can change from year to year.
What organizations has Southwest Michigan First Corp funded?
Its largest grants in tax year 2025 went to City of Kalamazoo (MI), $1.39M, Village of Lawton (MI), $811K, City of Sturgis (MI), $769K, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (MI), $331K and Battle Creek Unlimited Inc (MI), $249K.