Best Transportation Grants in Michigan

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions can receive in-kind intermodal transportation services and donated railroad equipment to reduce freight and materials costs. Grants from CSX Foundation help organizations serving military members, community first responders, or broader community needs within its rail network communities, including Michigan and other listed U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

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 Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on early childhood education or community and economic development can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant to support programs serving low- and moderate-income residents. PNC Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, small business support, job training, arts and cultural enrichment, and related community services in PNC-served communities.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Michigan working on community development, housing, jobs, hunger, or related basic needs may be eligible for sponsorship support that can complement transportation initiatives. Bank of America Foundation also considers programs in arts and culture, environment, workforce education, and diversity and inclusion across U.S. communities.

Michigan public agencies, schools, tribal governments, nonprofits, and other eligible entities in Michigan can seek funding for pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure, transit access, trails, and historic transportation facilities. The Michigan Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives Program requires at least a 20% local cash match and favors community-driven projects with strong engagement and clear construction readiness.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving older adults in Michigan’s Washtenaw County can seek funding to improve transportation access, along with housing stability, food security, and healthcare navigation. Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation’s Glacier Hills Legacy Fund Golden Opportunities program backs services like rides to medical appointments, food access, and senior centers to reduce inequities for vulnerable older adults.

Michigan environmental and justice-focused organizations working on climate policy, clean energy, or Great Lakes and drinking water issues can access funding through the Joyce Foundation. Grants support policy and advocacy efforts on carbon-free electricity, freshwater protection, and equitable water systems across Great Lakes states, with a focus on communities most impacted by environmental harms.

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Transportation.

Facility Improvement & Equipment

Facility Improvement & Equipment funding is designed to assist organizations with both facility improvements and/or the purchase of equipment related to the arts and culture programming, services, and/or activities the organization provides to its audiences and communities. Organizations may request any combination of facility improvement and/or equipment needs up to the maximum request amount. Organizations applying for Facility Improvement needs must have proof of ownership of the building or evidence of a long-term lease.

• Allowable Expenses:
  • Expansion, renovation, or construction of applicant-owned cultural facilities
  • Facility structure or system maintenance of applicant-owned cultural facilities
  • Feasibility studies, architectural drawings/fees, and design fees
  • Construction and project management costs
  • Purchase of equipment directly related to the organization’s arts/cultural production 

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Transportation.

Field Trips

Field trip funding is designed to assist organizations that have a need to transport participants in “field trip” style events to engage in arts and cultural programming/services/activities. The transportation costs may be associated with both in-state and out-of-state travel. The transportation funding may be related to (or may be separate from) any other project applied for within this Experience Support grant application.

The funding may be used in one (or both) of the following ways:

• Transporting a group of participants to the applicant’s venue to participate in the applicant’s arts and cultural programming/services/activities.
• Transporting a group of the applicant’s participants to a different organization’s venue to participate in arts and cultural programming/services/activities. 

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Field Trips.

Project Support

Project Support funding is designed to support the production, presentation, and creation of arts and culture experiences for Michigan communities. Projects may range anywhere from a single, one-day event to a program that takes place over the entire grant period. Experience opportunities resulting from grant funds must be open to the public. Grant funds can only be used for the specific arts and culture related project that is awarded (cannot be used for any of the organization’s non-arts and culture-related programs).

• Allowable Expenses:
  • Fees related to hiring artists and/or culture bearers such as wages, honoraria, and residencies
  • In-state travel expenses including transportation of equipment and lodging for artists/culture bearers
  • Staff time directly related to the project
  • Production supplies
  • Marketing expenses
  • Fees related to renting a facility for the project

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Rural communities and land-based industry partners in Michigan can seek funding to expand and sustain agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas, tourism, and related infrastructure. Focused on rural development, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development invites projects improving transportation, energy, communications, water, wastewater, and worker training, with awards up to US $100,000.

Organizations and community groups in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula seeking health-related equipment, including items that improve transportation for residents, may be eligible for grants of US $500 - US $10,000. Superior Health Foundation supports purchases that enhance service delivery, accessibility, treatment processes, and program expansion to improve the health and well-being of U.P. communities.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Psychology graduate students interested in multiple sclerosis clinical care can receive US $3,000 for a four-week, full-time mentorship experience in Michigan and other sites. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society program offers supervised exposure to diagnosis, neurocognitive and psychosocial management, and rehabilitation, and may benefit students focused on transportation-related access and mobility issues for MS patients.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, and religious or educational institutions serving Northwest Ottawa County in Michigan can apply for Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s Community Impact Grants to support transportation, recreation, and broader community development projects. Funding may benefit public transportation and mass transit, economic and community betterment, environmental sustainability, and health and human services initiatives in the region.

Nonprofits, Native nations, schools, and local governments serving northwest Michigan can seek funding to develop or expand community assets, including public transportation and multi-modal transit projects, through Rotary Club of Traverse City’s Assets for Thriving Communities grants, offering up to US $50,000. Eligible initiatives must be well-planned, widely accessible, and grounded in strong community engagement and partnerships.

Schools serving grades K–12 and affiliated nonprofits in Michigan can seek Michigan Department of Transportation mini grants to support safe walking, biking, and rolling to school. With a mission to strengthen transportation safety, MDOT provides funding up to US $15,000 per school for active transportation programs and coordination personnel.

Michigan schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits needing help with transportation for Toledo Mud Hens or Toledo Walleye game field trips can receive US $100 - US $1,000 for bus or charter costs. Eligible organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan can access this support via the Toledo Community Foundation’s Mud Hens-Walleye Transportation Fund.

Accredited schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan can receive up to US $1,000 to cover bus transportation for field trips to Toledo Mud Hens baseball or Toledo Walleye hockey games. Focused on recreation and sports, Toledo Community Foundation supports organizations facing financial barriers to group transportation.

Out-of-school time and youth sports programs in Michigan serving ages 5–18 can seek grants up to US $100,000 to expand equitable, youth-driven activities and remove participation barriers like transportation, food, and materials. Michigan Afterschool Partnership supports youth development and leadership by prioritizing youth voice, safety, tangible supports, and future readiness in Southeast Michigan communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Michigan serving seniors can seek grants to provide aid, assistance, and services to the elderly, including transportation support. Mary Thompson Foundation provides Michigan senior-service nonprofits with funding for medical care, food programs, transportation, entertainment, and other programs that enhance comfort, dignity, and quality of life for older adults.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Michigan working on youth development, basic needs, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs that improve access and opportunity for underserved youth and families, including those tied to community or transportation initiatives, may be competitive.

Eligible rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Michigan can receive US $10,000 - US $500,000 to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses. USDA Rural Development funding can also back rural transportation improvements, community and technology-based economic development, revolving loan funds, and business incubators in qualifying rural areas.