City Submits Request for 2027 Foundation for Excellence Funding
Published on October 01, 2026
The City of Kalamazoo has submitted its proposed 2027 funding request to the Foundation for Excellence (FFE), including $5,003,363 in aspirational investments for programs and projects focused on housing, youth, neighborhoods, infrastructure, public safety, recreation, and community services.
The proposed aspirational investments include both continued support for established programs and several new initiatives for 2027. The FFE Board received its initial review of the request at its September 28 meeting. No action was taken at that meeting.
Major investments in housing and housing stability
Housing-related programs represent one of the largest areas of proposed aspirational investment.
The request includes $1.568 million for the Housing Development Fund, which provides gap financing to support new housing and affordable housing opportunities. Proposed funding could support the rehabilitation of six blighted properties for affordable rental or home ownership and provide financing toward at least 60 residential units.
Additional proposed investments include $85,000 for critical homeowner repairs, $60,000 for foreclosure prevention, and $150,000 for demolition of dangerous or blighted structures.
The request also proposes $500,000 to support shelter solutions during extreme weather, including day and overnight shelter services and coordination to help residents access shelter, case management, and other resources.
Together, these proposed investments represent more than $2.3 million for housing, housing stability, shelter, and related neighborhood conditions.
Continued investment in Kalamazoo youth
The proposed 2027 funding would also continue significant investment in programs that provide young people with recreation, mentorship, employment experience, transportation, leadership development, and career exploration.
More than $765,000 is proposed across programs including Super Rec, All Things Possible, KRESA Career Connect, the Police Athletic League, Counselor in Training, the Youth Action Council, and the Youth Mobility Fund.
In 2026, Super Rec served 332 youth and provided more than 8,300 meals. All Things Possible reported that 49 of 52 participants completed program requirements and became eligible for free driver training.
The Youth Mobility Fund would continue helping high school students access educational, employment, social, and cultural opportunities, with more than 40,000 rides anticipated.
Investments across the community
The proposed request also includes $500,000 for sidewalk improvements, with funding intended both to fill gaps in the pedestrian network and repair damaged or non-ADA-compliant sidewalks.
Several new initiatives are proposed for 2027, including a $350,000 Citywide Operational Program Review and Performance Assessment, support for the Brush the Block Mural Festival, street outreach and violence intervention, emergency management equipment, sports court and trail surface maintenance, continued neighborhood-building work in the Douglas Neighborhood, and a new Imagine Kalamazoo Academy.
Next steps
The September 28 FFE Board meeting was the first Board review of the City’s proposed 2027 request. The next scheduled milestones are:
- October 5: FFE Finance and Executive Committees review the 2027 budget and grant.
- October 26: FFE Board reviews and votes on the 2027 budget and grant.
- November 9: Annual City of Kalamazoo Budget Work Session
- November 16: City Commission holds Public Hearing on 2027 budget
- December 7: The Kalamazoo City Commission is scheduled to consider adoption of the 2027 budget and grant at its final meeting of 2026.
The City’s overall proposed 2027 grant from FFE is $27,657,599, including funding for tax reduction, budget stabilization, and aspirational investments.