Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Michigan can receive technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. Focused on environmental conservation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites Michigan land stewards to address soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Michigan’s Menominee County can seek project-based support for arts and culture, education, environment, health and human services, and community development programs. Wisconsin Public Service Foundation funds charitable initiatives within its service area, so Michigan nonprofits there may benefit even if they are primarily seeking operating support.

Michigan 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt nonprofits seeking operating, project, or occasional capital support for education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation grants. Based in the greater Chicago area, the foundation typically awards US $2,000 - US $10,000, with occasional larger grants for especially promising initiatives.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive scholarship support through the American Water Works Association. Focused on actionable research for current water industry challenges, this US $3,000 award may benefit students in Michigan whose work connects to sanitation, clean drinking water, and related environmental fields.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government agencies serving Crawford, Ogemaw, or Oscoda Counties can seek funding for future charitable projects, including health, education, environment, and community improvement. Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan supports youth and senior health, mental health, substance abuse, child care, trails, clean water, and more, with awards up to US $2,500.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits 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. Focused on strengthening communities, Walters Family Foundation invites Michigan organizations to submit a brief project description as the first step in its multi-stage application process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in Michigan’s Menominee County can seek project or program funding for community development, education, environment, health, and arts initiatives. Wisconsin Public Service Foundation supports specific projects, capital campaigns, and event sponsorships that benefit residents in its energy service area, which includes parts of Michigan as well as Wisconsin and Minnesota.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, Honda provides Michigan nonprofits and schools with programmatic funding for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscal sponsor projects, and eligible schools serving Michigan communities can apply for US $25,000 - US $100,000 for qualifying environmental initiatives.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Michigan working on community development, education, workforce readiness, or financial literacy can apply for KeyBank Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support their programs. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen affordable housing, small business growth, academic success, and job creation in eligible communities, with an emphasis on measurable, sustainable impact.

Nonprofit organizations and public entities in Michigan communities where Weyerhaeuser operates can seek grants supporting affordable housing, education and youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, civic and cultural growth, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund awards more than US $1,000, with applications accepted year-round and a 2025 deadline of September 30.

Nonprofits, schools, governments, and religious organizations doing community projects in Michigan’s Berrien County can seek “For Good” grants supporting arts, education, health, environment, youth, seniors, and community development. With a mission to strengthen local quality of life, Berrien Community Foundation provides up to US $15,000 for innovative, sustainable programs addressing critical local needs.

Nonprofit organizations in Michigan serving women and children with self-sufficiency, humanitarian aid, or child welfare programs can apply for funding up to US $750,000. The Father's Table Foundation provides support for projects such as homelessness services, education, job readiness, food security, health care, and anti-trafficking that build long-term resilience and sustainability.

Michigan agricultural and forestry producers seeking support to enhance conservation practices can access funding through USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Michigan. The Conservation Stewardship Program provides five-year contracts with annual payments to maintain and improve stewardship on entire operations, supporting sustainable agriculture, forest management, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience on eligible working lands.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Michigan conducting small-scale biomedical research can apply for funding to enhance research experiences for students and strengthen their research environment. The National Institutes of Health provides support across areas like public health, neuroscience, genetics, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related fields, with awards up to US $375,000.

Michigan nonprofits, government units, and religious or educational institutions serving Northwest Ottawa County can seek funding for programs enhancing quality of life and community well-being. Grand Haven Area Community Foundation prioritizes projects in arts and culture, diversity and inclusion, education, environment, health and human services, and economic and community betterment that demonstrate sustainability and regional impact.

Early-career medical and health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for NIH Emerging Global Leader Awards to support mentored clinical research careers. Grants from US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health help build long-term research capacity, which may benefit Michigan nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits with projects in education, environmental conservation, or healthy and vibrant communities can seek program funding that supports local Cleveland-Cliffs communities. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help organizations near its Michigan operations expand STEM education, restore land and water, improve public health, and strengthen community services and revitalization efforts.

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Grant

The Perrigo Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and global communities by supporting programs and organizations that promote health, well-being, and education. We aim to prepare students and young adults for the workforce, providing accessible career pathways that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. The Foundation is proudly funded by Perrigo Company plc.

Mission Statement

To provide financial support to non-profit organizations that promote our commitment to enhancing the health, well-being and education of individuals and families in the communities in which Perrigo operates. 

Vision Statement

To help improve and positively impact communities by improving access to quality health services, creating educational opportunities, and supporting the needs of the under-served.

Giving Back to Our Communities

Healthcare

We are providing program stability and capacity building for key community agencies, supporting local nonprofits to improve the quality and accessibility of services, and increasing the quality of mental health services, especially for children and families. 

Education

 Education, post-secondary scholarships, and support for first-generation and low-income students primarily focused on a STEM career, advancement for STEM curriculum, and resources in the K-12 classrooms. 

Supporting the Underserved

Community engagement and well-being, ensuring access to basic human necessities such as food, housing, end-of-life support, and necessary social services.

Michigan university-based researchers working on Great Lakes and coastal ecosystem science can access funding through Michigan Sea Grant for two-year core research projects. Awards up to Up to US $220,000 support studies in areas like freshwater conservation, fisheries, and coastal conservation that can inform management, policy, or conservation decisions in Michigan’s coastal communities.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving communities in Michigan can seek program-specific funding for community services, affordable housing, and economic and community development initiatives. Focused on improving self-sufficiency and equity, Huntington National Bank invites discussions about partnerships through its local Community Development Relationship Managers.

Impact100 Detroit provides high-impact grants of up to $100,000 to support local nonprofits in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. The program focuses on five key areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Family & Individual Support, Health & Wellness, and Revitalization & Environment. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, have a proven financial history, and demonstrate innovative approaches that address community needs and serve underserved populations.

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

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.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations.