Best Professional Development Grants for Teachers in Michigan

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, development, and welfare programs in Michigan and beyond can seek funding for teacher and parent training, child advocacy, and related initiatives. The Dan Paul Foundation supports workshops, scholarships, environmental education, and services addressing homelessness, poverty, and refugee enrichment, with awards up to US $15,000.

Michigan arts and culture organizations and jazz education programs can access funding to strengthen professional development, youth jazz instruction, and audience development. Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County groups may be eligible for more than US $10,000 to build staff skills, improve operations, and enhance financial stability, which can include teacher and teaching-artist development initiatives.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology to advance education, economic empowerment, crisis response, or climate resilience in Michigan and beyond can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving mostly economically underserved communities, including those offering innovative teacher training or professional development initiatives.

Michigan educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits can seek Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants to support safety, community development, and education initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help teacher development and training efforts, including K–12 academic performance, STEM, and pathways for college and career success, which may include professional development for educators.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Michigan offering arts, science, or STEAM programs can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with awards of more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support. Organizations providing arts education or artist development for K–12 students and teachers may be especially competitive, provided they meet national-scale and budget requirements.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Michigan education and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for health, welfare, education, and community initiatives that may support teacher development and training. Focused on equitable care and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation backs programs like STEM education, healthcare access for underserved populations, food pantries, and healthy lifestyle initiatives.

Michigan nonprofit organizations offering teacher development and training, especially in early childhood education or community economic development, can access funding via PNC Foundation for programs in communities where PNC has a significant presence. Eligible 501(c)(3)s may support professional development for early educators, classroom programs, or related services benefiting low- to moderate-income children and families.

Accredited charities in Michigan working on humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or arts initiatives can access funding that supports sustainable, high-quality projects and engages corporate expertise and employees. Grants from La Roche help organizations worldwide, including Michigan, with programs in youth services, STEM education, primary health care, disaster relief, and cultural activities that fit its four focus areas.

Michigan teacher development and training organizations serving marginalized communities can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation to support health, education, and humanitarian services. Programs addressing healthcare access, child and women’s health, literacy, or disaster relief may be eligible, including initiatives that strengthen educators’ capacity to serve vulnerable populations in the U.S. and abroad.

Michigan 501(c)(3) educational, scientific, medical, and other charitable organizations can seek funding to support broad-impact programs that advance general welfare in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help eligible nonprofits strengthen well-managed services and initiatives; Michigan teacher development or training programs housed within such organizations may be eligible.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community development, basic needs, workforce readiness, arts, or environmental initiatives can apply for regional sponsorships that advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation supports U.S. organizations, and education or training programs for teachers that fit these priorities may be eligible under its sponsorship focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing education, youth, family, or related services in the Southern U.S. can seek program funding that creates tangible, meaningful impact. Robinson Foundation supports teacher development and training initiatives, among other efforts, for organizations active more than three years and serving communities below the Mason-Dixon line.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Michigan working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can seek support for their programs. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit schools or education-focused nonprofits incorporating teacher development, training, or related professional growth within these broader efforts.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment initiatives that serve communities near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing facilities. Focused on strengthening local well-being and sustainability, the Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites organizations within 30 miles of a GP community to apply for support that benefits residents and may include teacher development efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Michigan seeking support for teacher development or related programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to fund environmental, human services, or other initiatives. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help cover general operating or project costs, issued as unrestricted support, for U.S.-headquartered organizations.

U.S. nonprofit organizations running education, cultural, health, environmental, or community-based programs, including those serving teachers and students in Michigan, can apply for the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation’s grants, which range from US $1,000 - US $20,000. Funding can support schools, museums, training initiatives, and other programs where modest awards make a significant impact.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Michigan nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with funding support. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. serving Michigan residents through hunger relief, shelter, economic development, financial literacy, or adult job readiness programs may be competitive applicants, including those connected to schools or teacher-led community initiatives.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering education or teacher development programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation for one-year projects. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 support work in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts, with most awards going to U.S.-based applicants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in Michigan can seek storytelling support for education, teacher development, and training initiatives. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant funds projects that highlight real-world impact across its preservation, education, and wellness pillars, which may benefit professional development programs for teachers. Awards are more than US $50,000.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Michigan serving youth and families can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community, education, food security, and environmental programs. Teacher- and school-led initiatives that build academic success, leadership, or healthy habits for underserved youth may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations in Michigan with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors collaborations addressing significant social issues. U.S. nonprofits that engage public, private, or social sector partners as equal collaborators may be eligible for recognition and support through this annual competition.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those offering training or support that may benefit teachers or school communities in Michigan, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000. Grants support poverty alleviation, disability services, social services, and humanitarian relief for smaller organizations worldwide.