Best Detroit Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII (MPS VII) Health Equity Fund

Help with healthcare costs for mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (health equity)

This TotalAssist Health Equity Fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

Health Equity Funds offer help to eligible patients living in areas identified as having increased social and financial needs, as well as higher rates of chronic conditions. Eligibility is determined in part by home address zip code.

Approved medications

Patient Advocate Foundation covers all the prescription medications for each diagnosis, including generic or bioequivalent drugs, that meet any of the following criteria: FDA-approved, listed in official compendia, and/or listed in published evidence-based or clinical guidelines. See approved medication list for this condition.

Patient Advocate Foundation verifies your diagnosis and treatment plan with your provider directly. We also automatically verify the income eligibility for every applicant. 

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship

Advancing the science and practice of supporting children to thrive

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is a global initiative supporting researchers working to deepen our understanding of how children thrive. Spanning disciplines from education and psychology to public health, data science, and humanitarian studies, the fellowship brings together early- and mid-career scholars whose work has the potential to generate evidence that matters for children’s lives.

Fellows receive three years of flexible support to pursue rigorous, practically relevant research, and join a cohort of peers working across the fellowship’s themes. In addition to funding research, the program fosters a community of scholars engaged in meaningful exchange with one another and with research, policy, and practice audiences.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, and administered by SSRC as part of its commitment to supporting scholars whose work bridges research and real-world impact.

Research themes

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship welcomes research proposals that advance understanding of children’s thriving through one of the following three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; and children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world. Applicants may explore the role of play where it is relevant to the research question. The consideration of play is optional and not a condition of eligibility.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Eosinophilic esophagitis

Help with healthcare costs for eosinophilic esophagitis

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a disorder of the esophagus and is increasingly recognized as a major cause of swallowing difficulties in children and adults. It is a chronic disease of the immune system and can be triggered by a food allergy, acid reflux, or an airborne allergy. An allergic trigger causes the immune system to overact which causes many white blood cells, or eosinophils, to collect in the esophagus. This causes the esophagus to become inflamed and not contract properly. The esophagus can also narrow and develop rings or abscesses. This condition can become worse over time.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Cushing’s disease or syndrome

Help with healthcare costs for Cushing's disease or syndrome

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

Cushing’s Disease or Syndrome, also known as Cushing’s Syndrome, hypercortisolism and hyperadrenalism, is a condition where the pituitary gland releases high levels of the hormone cortisol. It is a rare disease that affects the endocrine system.

Burger Family Foundatio

Our Mission

Inspired by our daughter Penelope and the powerful symbolism of the extra 21st chromosome, our foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Through direct financial assistance, therapy, community, and the healing power of ranch life, we’re building spaces that foster hope, purpose, and belonging.

Pens Pearls

Named after Penelope, Pens Pearls is the financial support arm of our foundation, providing direct assistance to families navigating the unique joys and challenges of raising a child with a disability. From therapy grants to life-changing opportunities, we’re here to lighten the load and ensure every child has the resources they need to thrive.

Through Pens Pearls, eligible families can apply for funding to help cover essential needs, services, or opportunities that make a meaningful impact in their lives. The Burger Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, and this program is one of the ways we work to create lasting change—one story at a time.

Qualifications for Pens Pearls Grant Program, are deemed by the strict bylaws of the Burger Family Foundation. Funds are paid directly to provider. 

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

SHM’s Awards of Excellence

SHM’s Awards of Excellence Program honors members who have made exceptional contributions to hospital medicine in a wide variety of categories: 

• Excellence in Research
• Excellence in Teaching
• Excellence as a Partner in Hospital Medicine
• Outstanding Service in Hospital Medicine
• Clinical Leadership for Physicians
• Clinical Leadership for Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants
• Excellence in Humanitarian Services
• Excellence in the Care of Vulnerable Populations
• Excellence in Teamwork

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

SHM’s Excellence in Teamwork Award

This award is presented in recognition of exemplary quality improvement initiatives in hospital medicine that engage the full patient care team. The award is intended to highlight outstanding team approaches to implementing interventions that improve patient care and safety but is particularly interested in projects related to the core competencies in hospital medicine and SHM’s quality improvement resource rooms. 

Recipients of the Excellence in Teamwork in Quality Improvement Award receive recognition at SHM Converge 2026 and complimentary registration for up to 4 team members.

Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation

The Foundation was established in September 1977 by Dr. Arnold O. and Mrs. Mabel Beckman to give back to the scientific community.

“The mission of the Foundation is to support leading edge research, in the fields of chemistry and life sciences, broadly interpreted, and particularly to foster the invention of methods, instruments, and materials that open up new avenues of research and application in these sciences and related disciplines. My preference is to favor young investigators, new ideas, and a variety of projects rather than fund large, established ones of long duration.”

Current Foundation Initiatives

Today, the Foundation continues according to the vision laid out by Dr. and Mrs. Beckman:

• Supporting Young Scientists: through our annual grant programs, focused on the most promising young scientists
• Community Support activities: that promote science education and excellence in our local community
• Streamlined operations: so that we don't "spend money to give money away"

"Beckman Family" Awardee Community Support Grants

The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation’s "Beckman Family" Awardee Community Support Grants are open to all current and former Foundation grant awardees and Executive Committee members, specifically from the Beckman Scholars Program, Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship, Beckman Young Investigator, and Instrument Grants programs.

As a current or former Beckman awardee or Executive Committee member, if you are actively engaged as a volunteer or Board member in a youth STEM or STEAM organization in your local area, you may apply to this program for funding for a particular project with that organization.

Funding Priorities

Projects should be aligned with the Foundation’s aim of “supporting young scientists today for tomorrow’s breakthrough discoveries” and oriented toward achieving positive outcomes in at least one of the Foundation’s current funding priorities:

• Engaging youth in hands-on science and math activities to encourage curiosity and student-driven exploration and learning.
• Using technology to engage youth in STEM/STEAM.
• Promoting the Beckmans’ legacy of technology innovation and leadership amongst youth.

In addition, the following considerations should be addressed in a proposal for funding:

• Where possible, the Foundation’s contribution to a project or activity should help to build capacity within the nonprofit organization to continue the activity beyond the one-time grant.
• The Awardee/Executive Committee member should discuss how the program will increase access to STEM/STEAM opportunities for the target audience.
• The costs associated with the request should relate to a stand-alone STEM/STEAM project, event, or activity and not part of a broader program, event, or target audience outside the Awardee’s or Executive Committee member's local area.
• Youth registration to participate in the STEM/STEAM project, event, or activity should be open to all in the local area, when possible.

Process & Timeline

Grant funds are directly issued to the organization by the Foundation and include for acknowledgement an indication that the gift was made because their volunteer or Board member is a Beckman Awardee or Executive Committee member.

Requests must be submitted by the Beckman Awardee on behalf of a U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3), or equivalent, organization exclusively serving youth in their local community. As a matter of policy, the Foundation does not provide grants to non-U.S. organizations or institutions. This program defines the terms “youth” and “youths” as individual(s) 17 years of age or younger.

Batten Disease Support, Research, and Advocacy (BDSRA) Foundation

BDSRA is dedicated to funding research for treatments and cures, providing family support services, advancing education, raising awareness, and advocating for legislative action. Founded in 1987, by parents seeking to build a network for those diagnosed with Batten disease, BDSRA is now the largest support and research organization dedicated to Batten disease in North America. BDSRA believes that to effectively unravel the mysteries of Batten disease, the worlds of medical science, research, and families must work together toward a common goal: discover treatments and cures while assuring a better quality of life for those living with the disease.

Batten Family Help Grant

The BDSRA Foundation is committed to supporting families of all CLN types in all aspects of their fight against Batten, including the financial challenges they face. BDSRA understands that families in our community caring for people with Batten disease are often faced with financial challenges that further interfere with their well-being.

We offer grants to help cover the costs associated with battling Batten disease, such as emergency travel, loss of employment, hospital bills, and other challenges our families might face.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Emergency Grants 

Emergency Grants are aimed at assisting with unforeseen events which cause financial hardship on the family. Limit for this grant is $750.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Travel Grants

Travel Grants are aimed at assisting with costs of travel for family members to memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, anniversary events, events surrounding the 31. Limit for this grant is $1500.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Lifestyle Grants

Lifestyle Grants are aimed at improving health and lifestyle via physical fitness, nutrition, holistic treatment, etc. Limit for this grant is $1500

NASA's Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute Cooperative Agreement Notice-5 invites multi-institutional proposals aimed at advancing human exploration of the Moon and Mars. This initiative focuses on innovative research to address critical scientific questions and develop technologies for future missions. The program emphasizes community development, training the next generation of scientists and engineers, and fostering partnerships to integrate science with exploration goals.

The DARRP Restoration Implementation Grants aim to enhance marine and coastal habitat restoration through collaboration between NOAA and non-federal partners. These grants address oil spills and hazardous substance releases by supporting restoration activities authorized under various environmental laws. Eligible applicants will implement projects that promote sustainable fisheries, recover endangered species, and boost local economies. Through careful planning and evaluation, recipients will contribute to effective restoration strategies that align with NOAA's mission and the needs of coastal communities.

The ROSES 2025: A.16 Cryosphere program by NASA focuses on the vital role of Earth's ice within the global climate system. It aims to enhance understanding of cryospheric processes through satellite and airborne observations, addressing the challenges posed by the remoteness of icy regions. The program supports research on Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets, glaciers, and Arctic sea ice to monitor changes and their impacts on sea level rise, ocean biology, and climate feedback mechanisms.

The Professional Formation of Engineers: Research Initiation in Engineering Formation (PFE: RIEF) program aims to foster research in the Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE) while expanding the community of researchers in this field. It targets early-career Principal Investigators (PIs) with limited experience in social science or education research, enabling them to develop expertise in engineering education research and address critical challenges in engineering formation.

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program aims to enhance the library and archival workforce by addressing community information needs and strengthening institutional capacities. It supports innovative projects that explore alternative pathways into library services, advance continuing education, and foster recruitment and retention of future professionals. By focusing on diverse training and development, the program seeks to cultivate a new generation of library leaders equipped to meet evolving challenges.

The Native American Library Services Basic Grant (NAB) aims to enhance library services for Native Communities. By supporting the acquisition of materials, programming, and staff training, the program empowers Tribal libraries to adapt to evolving information needs. This initiative fosters knowledge centers that contribute to community wellness and cultural preservation. Through targeted project activities, the NAB program ensures that libraries effectively meet their users' diverse needs, promoting accessibility and engagement across the nation.

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance library services across the nation. By supporting projects that promote adult reading, health and financial literacy, and effective use of new technologies, this initiative fosters community prosperity and builds partnerships among libraries, archives, and museums. The grants ensure that libraries can respond effectively to public needs and enhance their contributions to education and information access.

The Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aids Native Communities in enhancing library services. It empowers Tribal libraries to adapt to evolving information needs and serve as vital resource centers. By addressing the unique priorities of each community, this initiative fosters knowledge sharing and supports the overall wellness of Tribal members, ensuring they have access to essential information and resources.

The Native Hawaiian Library Services Grants (2027) aim to enhance library services for Native Hawaiian communities. Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, this program empowers organizations to adapt to evolving information needs, promoting wellness and knowledge sharing. By supporting unique priorities across various islands, it fosters stronger community resource centers that serve the cultural and informational needs of Native Hawaiian users effectively.

The National Leadership Grants for Museums, offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, support innovative projects addressing critical needs in the museum sector. These grants aim to enhance museum services for the public by fostering the development and replication of effective practices, tools, and collaborations, particularly leveraging new technologies. Eligible projects can significantly advance the professional field, ensuring museums remain vital community resources.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Reese Naylor Joy Fund

The purpose of the Reese Naylor Joy Fund is to provide funds to qualified individuals with a chronic or terminal illness to cover expenses of an event or experience that will bring joy and happiness to the child and their family. Grant requests will be considered for children up to the age of 21.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Sadie Jones Fund

The original focus of the Sadie Jones Fund was to provide for vision and hearing needs for individual children in Lyon and Chase counties. While the purpose has expanded, individual children are still eligible to receive assistance.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Team Schnak Strong Fund

The purpose of the Team Schnak Strong Fund is to provide funds to qualified individuals to cover expenses related to the treatment of childhood Type I Diabetes. Grant requests will be considered for children up to the age of 21. Full time students at Emporia State University or Flint Hills Technical College are eligible until the age of 24.

About the IP Law Foundation

For nearly two decades, the Foundation—originally established as the American Intellectual Property Law Education Foundation—has championed expanded access and opportunity in the intellectual property (IP) law profession. In 2020, reflecting the growth and impact of its mission, the organization adopted a new name: the Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law. This change accompanied an expansion of its long-standing programs to attract, support, and empower students committed to careers in IP law.

In 2025, to further clarify its mission and identity, the Foundation streamlined its name to what it is today: The IP Law Foundation.

Jan Jancin Award – AIPLA Past Presidents Award

The Jan Jancin Award is a merit-based award that honors Jan Jancin, who served with extraordinary distinction in numerous IP bar leadership roles throughout his career, including both as president of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) and as the chair of the Section on Intellectual Property Law of the American Bar Association. The Jan Jancin Award is made possible through the generosity of AIPLA and the ABA IPL Section. The AIPLA Past Presidents Award is a merit-based award that is made possible through the contributions to the Foundation each year by past presidents of the AIPLA.

Award

The winner of the Jan Jancin Award receives a $5,000 cash honorarium, as well as reasonable travel expenses to attend the presentation of the award in person, which is made each year during either the AIPLA Annual Meeting or a meeting of the ABA IPL Section. The winner of the AIPLA Past Presidents Award receives a cash honorarium of $2,500, and is invited to attend the presentation of the award in person at the AIPLA Annual Meeting.

Nomination Process

The dean (or another appropriate faculty member) of a law school has the opportunity to select and recommend a single 2L or 3L student as the law school’s nominee for both the Jan Jancin Award and the AIPLA Past Presidents Award. The recommending faculty member must provide a description, based on personal knowledge of the nominee, of the nominee’s relevant achievements, using criteria such as (1) best grades in IP courses overall, (2) outstanding achievement in specified IP courses, (3) best IP paper written by a student, (4) faculty consensus, and (5) leadership in student IP organizations.

Hispanic Heritage Foundation

Established by the White House in 1988, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—continues to advance its mission through award winning programs that adapt to the needs, aspirations, and vision of our community while delivering a strong value proposition for the country.

HHF’s mission and programs have been recognized by The White House, US Congress, Fortune 500 Companies, US Army, other nonprofits, and even the Government of Mexico, in five areas of focus: education, workforce development, societal impact, and leadership, with culture serving as the cornerstone of its mission.

Youth Awards

The 28-year-old Youth Awards have recognized thousands of high school students from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., for their achievements in the classroom, community, and focus on career paths in STEM fields, entrepreneurship, media, public service, and other categories.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze recipients are selected in each category and receive a one-time innovation grant to fund their college education or support a community service effort addressing a social issue. Additionally, one national awardee is selected in each category.

Once selected, recipients are celebrated in virtual ceremonies and become part of the LOFT (Leaders On Fast Track) Network, a collective of 300,000+ students and young professionals with access to mentors, resources, networking opportunities, workshops, symposia, summits, internships, and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies.