Best Aging Grants in Michigan

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities in Michigan working in AEP’s service territory can seek funding for STEM education, basic needs like hunger and housing, and social justice initiatives. Grants from American Electric Power Foundation may benefit senior-focused programs that address basic human services or equity for older adults.

Michigan 501(c)(3) organizations serving vulnerable people, youth, families, or animal welfare can apply for Dresner Foundation grants to support programs and services. Funding is available for new or expanded projects that improve health access, empower disadvantaged children and families, or enhance animal care and shelter; organizations should submit a Letter of Inquiry first.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies partnered with a 501(c)(3) can seek funding for Historic Structure Reports on significant historic sites in Michigan and other Midwest states. Grants from Jeffris Family Foundation help cover 50% of report costs with US $5,000 - US $50,000, requiring a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

Nonprofit and community organizations working on senior services and aging in Michigan can receive up to US $2,500 per person from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to attend health-related conferences, trainings, and workshops. Current or past Health Fund grantees and key partners can use awards for registration, travel, lodging, and incidentals within the U.S.

The Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

Michigan nonprofits and government entities working on nutrition education, training, or research can access funding through Allen Foundation for programs that improve human nutrition and connect diet and health. U.S.-domiciled 501(c)(3)s, hospitals, clinics, schools, and community organizations may be eligible, including those serving older adults through senior-focused nutrition initiatives.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits and similar entities providing community or senior services that benefit residents of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties in Michigan can seek mini-grants up to US $5,000 for programming, operations, or projects. With a mission to strengthen inclusive local services, Capital Region Community Foundation especially encourages requests from smaller organizations serving underserved or diverse communities.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, student groups, and government entities serving teens can seek funding for youth programs in Michigan, including the tri-county capital region. Capital Region Community Foundation provides up to US $5,000 for projects that predominantly benefit ages 12–18 in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, which may complement intergenerational or family-focused aging initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions conducting pediatric environmental health research can apply for Gerber Foundation funding, with awards up to US $350,000. Projects should generate practical, applied evidence on how environmental hazards affect infants and toddlers or how to lessen these exposures, which may interest Michigan researchers serving families across the early childhood continuum.

The Gerber Foundation provides research grants focused on enhancing the health and nutrition of infants and young children, particularly those aged 0-3. The foundation seeks innovative projects that address critical health issues and improve developmental outcomes. Grants support applied research, diagnostic tools, and treatment regimens that promise significant advancements in pediatric health. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations, emphasizing a commitment to projects with a direct impact on children's well-being in the U.S.

The Gerber Foundation provides research grants focused on pediatric nutrition, aiming to enhance the health and well-being of infants and young children. Key areas of interest include applied research on nutritional issues, benefits of specific nutrients, and innovative treatment regimens. The foundation prioritizes projects that promise significant advancements in health outcomes for children from birth to age three, ensuring that grant dollars effectively address critical development challenges.

School districts and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in southeast Michigan can receive US $2,500 - US $20,000 to run youth-led programs that build leadership and give young people a voice in their communities. Grants from Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan may benefit organizations whose aging-related work also engages youth around critical local issues.

Nonprofit and governmental agencies serving youth ages 0–18 in Lake, Muskegon, Newaygo, or Oceana Counties can seek funding for health, nutrition, education, and life-experience programming. Gerber Foundation supports these West Michigan initiatives with up to US $10,000, which may benefit organizations whose work with aging populations also includes intergenerational or family-focused services.

Michigan senior-serving organizations and health partners seeking to improve older adults’ health, wellness, and independence in Michigan can access funding through Michigan Health Endowment Fund; awards up to US $750,000. Projects may address dementia, elder justice, caregiver support and respite, access to care, and community-based or rural health models for older adults and caregivers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering programs in Detroit, Michigan can seek funding for affordable housing, financial education, or workforce development initiatives that advance economic mobility. Ally Charitable Foundation supports efforts that expand access to quality housing and provide financial and career pathways, which may benefit organizations serving older adults in Michigan communities.

Nonprofit organizations and government subdivisions serving Delta County residents in Michigan can apply for Community Foundation of the Upper Peninsula’s grants, with awards up to US $2,000 for charitable, project-based needs. Senior services or aging-focused programs that benefit the local community may be eligible alongside other community initiatives.

Michigan senior-serving nonprofits benefiting Alger County residents can seek project funding in areas like health, social services, recreation, culture, and community development. Focused on community quality of life, Alger Regional Community Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities to propose charitable, one-time projects that enhance opportunities for older adults alongside other residents.

Out-of-school time and youth sports programs serving ages 5–18 in Southeast Michigan can apply for up to US $100,000 to expand youth development and leadership activities. Michigan Afterschool Partnership supports programs that elevate youth voice, ensure equitable access, and provide safe, engaging learning environments outside the traditional school day.

Michigan nonprofits, schools, and public agencies serving seniors or youth health can apply for Community Impact grants supporting health, education, community improvement, environment, and youth arts projects. Organizations must benefit residents of Crawford, Ogemaw, or Oscoda Counties, be 501(c)(3) or public entities, and seek up to US $2,500 for future, project-based work.

Governmental agencies and nonprofit behavioral health providers in southeast Michigan can seek two-year grants of US $50,000 - US $75,000 from the Ethel & James Flinn Foundation to implement evidence-based mental health programs for children, adolescents, and young adults. Organizations serving families that include older adults may be eligible when programming supports youth mental health in Michigan communities.

Michigan 501(c)(3) public charities with at least two years of operating history can seek more than US $25,000 for projects in environmental conservation, learning initiatives, economic vitality, or arts and culture. Michigan senior services or aging-focused programs may be eligible if they fit these priorities and serve local communities. Walters Family Foundation uses a multi-step, invitation-only application process.

Michigan nonprofits providing children’s, health, or human and social services can access funding through the Aa Van Elslander Foundation to support charitable, community-benefiting programs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities based in Michigan, non-discriminatory in policy and practice, and not private foundations, schools, governments, or individual-focused efforts; senior-focused services may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kent County, Michigan can receive funding to advance community health, nutrition, and empowerment programs. Amway provides Michigan community and senior-serving organizations with support for healthy eating, mental wellbeing, active lifestyles, and workforce or life-skills education, which may benefit programs reaching older adults alongside children, families, and underserved populations.

With a mission to improve community health, Michigan nonprofits, schools, governments, and tribal organizations can receive $500 - $3,000 for programs benefiting youth and seniors from the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. Funding supports health, nutrition, mental health, chronic disease prevention, caregiving, and related services in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties or the Grand Traverse Band.

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.