Best Grants for Capital Funding in Michigan

The Consumers Energy Foundation Grant aims to assist Michigan communities by funding innovative projects that enhance people's lives, protect the environment, and promote economic prosperity. Eligible applicants must align their initiatives with the foundation's focus areas, which include reducing poverty, environmental preservation, and economic development. Notably, the foundation primarily supports tax-exempt organizations based in Michigan, while also considering projects that significantly benefit the state. Applicants are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and grant standards before applying.

The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation supports organizations in Southeast Michigan and Metropolitan Denver focused on improving lives through health, youth, and animal welfare initiatives. They offer grants for project development, capital expenses, and unique circumstances. The foundation prioritizes innovative solutions that address underserved community needs, ensuring sustainable impact and enhanced access to essential services. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and demonstrate non-discriminatory practices in their operations.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering sustainable business growth in Southeast Michigan. With a commitment to environmental stewardship, the Foundation supports initiatives that leverage funding to create favorable conditions for small businesses. By promoting networking and resource sharing, and diversifying industries, they aim to enhance regional resilience. Since 2008, over $180 million has been awarded to initiatives aligned with their mission, with plans to spend down all assets by 2034 to facilitate impactful investments.

The Frey Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community well-being through initiatives in four key areas: Building Community, Children & Families, Community Arts, and Environment. The foundation supports projects that ensure access to affordable housing, quality child care, and cultural experiences while preserving Michigan’s natural resources. Eligible organizations must meet specific guidelines and can expect a response within 30 days of their inquiry. Funding is available for collaborative projects that promote inclusivity and address community needs.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

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.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The WBD Opportunity Funds support nonprofit organizations that foster small business development in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. With investment amounts ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, the fund emphasizes job creation and community growth. Applications for funding are accepted year-round, but early submission is advised, especially by August 15 for consideration in the current fiscal year. WBD is committed to a diverse array of projects aimed at enhancing economic development.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust offers grants aimed at enhancing the lives of animals in the Ohio/Great Lakes region. It prioritizes projects that foster animal adoption, behavior training, and humane education. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare. The Trust seeks innovative, collaborative initiatives that significantly improve the well-being of animals, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring a high quality of life for both individual animals and larger populations.

The Capital Region Community Foundation offers Impact Grants to enhance the long-term effects of organizations serving Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties in Michigan. These grants focus on projects that foster collaboration among nonprofits, address the needs of under-served populations, and create sustainable community change. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and other qualified entities. Applications require a preliminary submission and a 1:1 cash match, emphasizing transformative initiatives rather than ongoing operational support.

The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation offers Local Community Grants to support initiatives that enhance community development, health, arts, education, and the environment. Nonprofit organizations in the service areas are eligible for funding. The foundation emphasizes partnerships that promote educational opportunities and community improvement. With a history of providing financial support since 1964, the foundation encourages projects that engage local residents and foster collaboration among diverse groups. Preference is given to specific programs or projects that align with their mission.

Background

The Access grant program provides funding to increase access to the Great Lakes for shore-based angling and tribal fishing. The request for proposals (RFP) is planned for release every other year in the summer on even number years (e.g., 2022, 2024, 2026, etc.). Funding is limited to sites within the state of Michigan and geographic priority will be given to sites within the Lake Michigan basin, although the GLFT will consider projects throughout the state.

Discover angling sites throughout Michigan using an interactive map of locations that have been improved, renovated, or developed through grant-funded projects.

Funding Priorities

The Trust’s priorities for the Access grant category are:

• Capital improvement and renovation of existing access sites, previously funded by the GLFT or other funding sources, that have exceeded or are nearing the end of their planned lifecycle.
• Development of new high-value sites that fill a gap in access. Eligible sites may be located on the Great Lakes or on tributaries below the lowermost barriers.

Additional project-specific considerations, priorities, and requirements are provided in the Policies and How to Apply sections.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Wege Foundation Grant aims to support organizations in Western Michigan, particularly in Grand Rapids. Focused on arts, environment, education, and community health, it prioritizes tax-exempt entities and encourages collaboration. The foundation emphasizes flexibility in funding and aims to enhance local initiatives that align with its mission. With a commitment to LEED certification and aiding marginalized communities, it seeks to maintain a significant impact on the region's development.

The Towsley Foundation Grants support initiatives that enhance community welfare and sustainability, focusing on diverse fields such as education, health, and the arts within Michigan. With a commitment to effective philanthropy, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate creativity and strategic impact. Eligible organizations must operate in Michigan and adhere to specific funding guidelines, fostering financial sustainability. Grants are allocated based on project merit and organizational capacity, reinforcing the foundation's mission to improve lives through thoughtful partnerships.

The Gerber Foundation supports youth programs in West Michigan, focusing on projects benefiting children from birth to 18 years. Emphasizing health, nutrition, literacy, and education, grants typically are under $10,000, with an average size of less than $5,000. Collaborative programs are encouraged. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance the quality of life for young children, particularly those in Lake, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties.

The Glacier Hills Legacy Fund Golden Opportunities grant program, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the well-being of vulnerable older adults in Washtenaw County. By addressing pressing issues such as housing stability, food security, healthcare access, and transportation, the program seeks to reduce inequities faced by this demographic. Funding will support innovative solutions and partnerships to ensure older adults can thrive in their communities.

The AAACF Community Grantmaking Program aims to promote equity in education and reduce racial and economic disparities in Washtenaw County. Established in 1963, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation supports nonprofits and scholarships, focusing on literacy for marginalized youth, mental health services, and empowering programs. By engaging community-based organizations, AAACF fosters impactful partnerships to enhance the quality of life and build a sustainable future.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Creators of Culture Grants, initiated by CultureSource, aim to enhance access to funding for grassroots arts organizations in Southeast Michigan. Grants ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will support projects that intersect art with community wellbeing, focusing on issues like mental health and food justice. Eligible applicants include small creative organizations and returning grant recipients located in specific counties. This initiative encourages collaboration with cross-sector partners to foster a diverse and equitable arts ecosystem.

The Capital Region Community Foundation offers Mini-Grants of up to $5,000 to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations and eligible entities for projects benefiting residents of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, Michigan. Emphasizing diversity, the Foundation seeks applications from small and mid-size nonprofits that promote equitable access to services. Eligible projects include programming, operations, or ongoing initiatives, with a focus on underserved communities. Licenses may be required for solicitation, and certain ineligible requests apply.

The CRCF Youth Grants support initiatives that benefit teens aged 12-18 in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, Michigan. With a focus on pressing issues like substance abuse, mental wellness, and violence, the grants are awarded through the Youth Advisory Council, consisting of local high school students. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and governmental entities. This program aims to empower youth and address critical challenges they face in today's society.

The Scherman Foundation's Democracy Program champions the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It focuses on enhancing civic engagement, safeguarding voting rights, and reforming democratic processes to ensure inclusivity and accountability. By supporting locally-rooted organizations in key states, the foundation aims to build a more equitable democracy where diverse voices are heard and political power is reclaimed by those historically marginalized. This program is pivotal for advancing racial justice and fostering systemic change.

The Andersons Fund Supporting Organization aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, particularly in the greater Toledo area. It supports nonprofit organizations with grants for programs in education, social services, mental health, urban affairs, natural resources, and the arts. The Fund prioritizes capital projects and evaluates the financial stability and operational issues of requesting organizations.