The Pokagon Fund Incorporated
The Pokagon Fund is a private foundation based in New Buffalo, MI that supports communities surrounding Pokagon Band trust land and the New Buffalo area. The site lists grants and scholarships, municipal and discretionary grant programs, a vision program with downloadable applications, and contact details. It is funded by revenue from the Four Winds Casino Resort and publishes governance documents and recent grant guidelines.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A municipal government, school district, or local nonprofit based in or serving the New Buffalo / southwest Michigan region with projects in arts, education, environment, recreation, health, or human services and a clear local community impact plan.
Good Fit
- • Project or program serves communities surrounding Pokagon Band trust land or New Buffalo area.
- • Request aligns with arts, education, environment, recreation, health, or human services.
- • Request size fits the foundation's common ranges (many grants under $25K, with some larger municipal awards).
- • Ability to apply through the online portal and meet published quarterly deadlines.
- • Local municipal or school partnerships for infrastructure or community improvement projects.
- • Clear operational or program budget; many recent grants are for general operations or discrete community projects.
Geography
Observed giving is heavily concentrated in Michigan (about 93% of dollars in 2024), focused on New Buffalo and nearby municipalities despite a handful of out-of-state grants.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows a broad recipient set (101 grants to 67 distinct recipients) with many small awards across diverse local programs, indicating a wide institutional spread for the foundation's size.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of applicant turnover is available: 43 new recipients appeared in the latest year and the foundation publishes quarterly application deadlines and an online portal, so unfamiliar local applicants appear likely to access funding.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
