Search Through Food Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan in the U.S.

Who We Are

The Creag Foundation is a private grant making foundation established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington.

The founders of the Creag Foundation believe that meaningful change can only be achieved through hard work, creativity and passion. They also understand the practical mechanisms that allow charitable organizations to succeed and grow. As a group, Creag Foundation principals are dedicated to helping today’s most innovative programs improve the human condition in a wide variety of ways.

Our Focus

The broad purpose of the Foundation is to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations who are innovators in the field of human services. Our particular focus is on smaller organizations that are starting out or established organizations that are looking for funding to take their organization in a new direction.

What We Fund

/ What We Fund

The Creag Foundation is focused on innovation in the industry. We will consider proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that are finding new ways to address societal issues facing the nonprofit community. Applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for one year before submitting. If your organization has held 501(c)(3) status for over a year, and your believe that your organization has a new approach to an existing social problem or is addressing a previously unaddressed social issue, you are welcome to contact us and request that we consider your organization for a funding opportunity.

Program Overview 

The main objective of the foundation is to carry on the legacy of Joseph and Vera Dresner by supporting the work of organizations in our focus areas. It was the Dresner’s mission that the foundation would provide a channel to improve the lives of people and animals in their communities. 

The foundation’s approach empowers community members to benefit from the grant investments that we make. We partner with organizations that are committed to creating opportunities for the underserved in our communities. Those partners include a wide-range of entities, including hospitals, community centers, and other nonprofits. 

Our goal is to provide organizations with the necessary resources, so they can continue offering services to those most in need. We seek to test innovative approaches, determine lessons from current commendable activities, and promote the adoption of creative thinking on a broad scale through direct grant making and support for research and other ventures that advance community support. 

We Offer 3 Types of Support: 

• Project – Development of new programs, expansion of existing programs, or continuation of sustainable, recognized effective current programming. 
• Capital – Equipment purchase, acquisition, construction and/or renovation of facilities. 
• Funding for special circumstances, in support of existing grantee  programs, will be considered on a case by case basis. Please note the foundation will not accept unsolicited proposals for this type of support. 

Our Focus Areas Include: 

Health 

We fund projects that support institutions conducting medical research and clinical trials specifically related to Myelodysplastic Syndromes. We also fund projects that improve access to health care and health outcomes. Click here to view information about the Foundation's Myelodysplasia Research Grant.

- support for programs that improve the health outcomes of vulnerable people, particularly underserved, low-income individuals who don’t have adequate access to health care. 

The foundation is equally interested in efforts that have broad and meaningful impact and focus on intervention and prevention beyond the boundaries of any one disease. 

Therefore, we seek to support a network of hospitals and community-based organizations that work to improve the health outcomes of these individuals through enhanced access to health care.

Youth and Family 

It is critical that disadvantaged, underserved, and special needs children have access to programs that allow them to learn and foster important life skills. We help organizations develop and sustain programs that empower children and their families and offer opportunity to improve their lives. 

– support for youth programs that foster self-empowerment and self-esteem through academic, artistic, personal or social enrichment. 

Regardless, if a child lives in poverty or has a chronic disease, it is essential that they have access to programs that encourage self-expression and move their lives forward in a meaningful way. Therefore, we support organizations that empower children and optimize their development by providing access to programs that promote academic, artistic, personal and social enhancement opportunities. 

– support for programs that reinforce families. 

We are also interested in organizations that support youth through the provision of services that strengthen their families such as, but not limited to, workforce development, housing and family food assistance.

Animal Welfare 

We work with animal care organizations to make certain that they have the resources needed to ensure the best care and secure shelter for animals and offer corresponding public education initiatives.

– support for state-of-the-art facilities and services and corresponding public education initiatives.  

The foundation works with animal welfare organizations to make sure they have the resources they need to advance their work. We are interested in supporting state-of-the art facilities and services. Animal welfare efforts that the foundation will consider are, but not limited to, providing adequate treatment resources, upgrading equipment, improving and maintaining facilities, aiding in the shelter of animals in communities, and public education initiatives.

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute $40 million to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement

Tier 1 awards are one-year grants of up to $150,000 for assessment and engagement efforts that increase understanding of the breadth, depth, or impact of local environmental or public health issues. These grants are limited to capacity-constrained and entry-level applicants, as determined by the information you submit in the intake form. These grants will be paid on a milestone basis: 50% up front and 50% at the midway point, upon completion of agreed-upon milestones.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• GIS mapping
• Air quality sensor purchasing and siting
• Air, water, or soil sampling, testing, and monitoring
• Research, surveys, and studies
• Power mapping, public engagement, and public education to improve collective understanding of community challenges, needs, and opportunities.

Through a noncompetitive process, we will also award grants of up to $75,000 to capacity constrained communities and community-based organizations under Tier One.

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 2: Community Education and Planning

Tier 2 awards are one- to two-year grants of up to $250,000 for community-focused efforts that design, inform, and highlight solutions to local environmental or public health priorities. Up to 50% of the grant can be used for relevant property acquisition. Grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis, with a small number of grantees eligible for one advance payment of up to 10% of the total grant.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Developing project plans
• Developing communications and outreach plans
• Conducting workshops and trainings
• Developing curricula, toolkits, or guidelines; developing social media content
• Producing videos or printed materials
• Hosting events and gatherings
• Building or strengthening partnerships and collaboration
• Creating local advisory committees
• Engaging in public review or comment periods
• Developing or updating disaster resilience plans, emergency preparedness plans, or other community planning and visioning efforts

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

The Minneapolis Foundation

The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. We cultivate generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities.

Great Lakes Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program

In partnership with the Midwest Environmental Justice Network, NDN Collective, and RE-AMP Network, the Minneapolis Foundation will award environmental justice grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region.

Grants will be awarded to community-based nonprofits and other eligible organizations in the following three tiers:

• Tier 1: Assessment and Engagement
• Tier 2: Community Education and Planning
• Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

We aim to distribute 30% of grant funding to federally recognized tribes and Native American organizations, 25% to rural communities, and 45% to urban communities. The partnership anticipates making 206 grants: 83 in Year 1, 85 in Year 2, and 38 in Year 3.

You may submit an application for multiple tiers at the same time, in any order.

Program Goal

The Great Lakes TCGM Partnership will distribute grants to organizations working in and for underserved communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The partnership was selected by the EPA as one of 11 grantmakers around the nation in its new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program.

The program’s goal is to lift up community-led innovation and strengthen community-based groups by breaking down barriers to federal funding. All grants will be given to environmental and public health efforts in underserved communities as defined by the EPA.

Issue Areas

Grants will support projects that focus on issues including, but not limited to:

• Environmental health
• Air, soil, and water quality
• Healthy homes
• Access to healthy food
• Stormwater and green infrastructure
• Emergency preparedness
• Disaster resilience
• Environmental job training

Tier 3: Project Development and Implementation

Tier 3 awards are one- to two-year grants of up to $350,000 to pilot or implement project plans. Projects may have educational and outreach components, but must focus on developing tangible community assets or providing environmental or public health benefits to one or more disadvantaged communities. Up to 50% of the grant can be used for relevant property acquisition or purchase. Grants will be paid on a reimbursement basis, with a small number of grantees eligible for one advance payment of up to 10% of the total grant.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Strengthening cumulative impact, public health, or environmental protections
• Increasing access to healthy food
• Reducing the use of pesticides or toxic substances
• Cleaning up contaminated sites
• Conducting healthy home assessments
• Increasing energy or water efficiency in homes or buildings
• Launching community energy or water efficiency programs
• Installing water filters; developing community gardens
• Creating community resilience hubs
• Installing green infrastructure projects
• Creating internships or implementing workforce development programs

You need not develop a new project to receive a grant. These one-time grants are well suited to support existing work that is currently not funded by another source or to complement other projects for which you already have funding. We also welcome proposals for high-priority new projects. 

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

Valero Energy Foundation 

Valero, its employees and the Valero Energy Foundation are committed to improving the quality of life in communities where we work and live, fulfilling a mission that was set from the beginning. We set the standard for corporate citizenship and promotes prosperity in our communities. 

The Valero Energy Foundation -- a public charity and Valero's philanthropic arm -- funds nonprofit agencies that serve predominantly disadvantaged children and families. In 2019, the Foundation contributed appoximately $40 million in assistance in the communities where Valero has major operations.

Four Pillars of Support

Our funding focuses on our four pillars of giving in communities where we have major operations.

• Basic Needs:  Valero gives assistance to agencies that provide basic needs of life, including shelter, food and clothing necessary for the development of a strong and safe community. 
• Health Care: We invest in the development of strategic community health resources and facilities that will support the needs of all members of our nearby communities, with major gifts going to children’s hospitals, university medical centers and service providers that offer specialized health care services and programs.
• Education: Valero is a strong advocate of education as it creates a necessary foundation for all children to thrive and for adults to lead productive lives. 
• Civic: We support civic and environmental initiatives directly related to the success of the communities where we live and work.

Are We a Match?

Do you envision a world where every child and family sees the road to success? Where a community’s future is determined by the people who live there?A world where:

• All kids receive nurturing early care and education.
• Health care for mothers, birthing people and babies is readily available where they live.
• Good food is a given, along with support for the people who grow it.
• Parents and caregivers land career pathways that sustain their family
•   And where everyone can heal from the harms of racism and contribute to a more equitable world.

That’s the world we want to see, too!

Where We Fund

Across the United States, with generational commitments in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans. We also fund in Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico and in central and southwest Haiti.

Perdue Farms is the family-owned parent company of Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness. Perdue Farms are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone we touch through innovative food and agricultural products.

Through Perdue Farms Perdue, Harvestland and Coleman Natural food brands; through Perdue Farms agricultural products and services; and through Perdue Farms stewardship and corporate responsibility programs, Perdue Farms are committed to making Perdue the most trusted name in food and agricultural products. At Perdue, Perdue Farms believe in responsible food and agriculture.What We Support

• We strive to strengthen our communities by focusing our efforts on agriculture and the environment, education, fighting hunger and poverty, health and social services, and public safety
• We also support organizations that celebrate the heritages and cultures of our communities
• We may give additional preference to organizations in which our associates have direct involvement, but the overarching consideration is the betterment of the community

Perdue Farms is a fourth-generation, family owned U.S. food and agricultural company. We were founded on trust—a value that carries through everything we do. Through our two operating divisions, Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness, we’re making steps every day toward our goal of becoming the most trusted name in food and agricultural products. Our path forward is about getting better, not just bigger.

We're Committed to Being Careful Stewards. Stewardship is one of our company's core values. Our stewardship platform, "We believe in responsible food and agriculture®," challenges us to continually improve. Learn more about the progress we've made in the areas of food, environment, animal care, people, community and our partners.

What we support

We believe in putting our resources where there is a direct benefit to a broad-based spectrum of the community.

• We strive to strengthen our communities by focusing our efforts on agriculture and the environment, education, fighting hunger and poverty, health and social services, and public safety
• We also support organizations that celebrate the heritages and cultures of our communities

Our Responsibility

• Food Producing: Quality Food
• Environment: Protecting the Environment
• Animal Care: Providing for the Welfare of Animals
• People: Caring About Others

Americana Foundation Grant

The Americana Foundation was established by Adolph and Ginger Meyer to support, through philanthropy, their varied personal interests. A Detroit area industrialist, Adolph Meyer believed in the American ideals of hard work and self-reliance and held a deep respect for early American farmers, craftsmen, and artists. Ginger Meyer was an avid gardener, award-winning floral arranger, and an active contributor of time and funds to a variety of charitable causes.

This dedication to education and agriculture includes preservation of their 160-acre historic farmstead in southeast Michigan, Tollgate Farm, which provides unique hands-on learning on a working farm in an urban setting. 

The Foundation provides its support mainly through financial grants. Some limited technical assistance in the form of consulting services to the board, staff and volunteers of recipient organizations is available. The technical assistance is provided to assist the recipient group in organizational management and strategic planning.

Our Mission

The Americana Foundation supports the sustainable development of agriculture and community food systems, the protection of natural resources, and an inclusive narrative of early American art and history.

Program Focus: Agriculture and Natural Resources

Adolph and Ginger Meyer believed that farmers were the backbone of America and that farming and the production of food “always will be a required function if any of us are to survive." The Meyers had a lifelong interest in honoring America’s agrarian traditions and were committed to ensuring that people in Michigan maintain a close connection with the land, and with farmers and other producers of our food.

Over the years, Americana has supported projects and programs designed to create rural and urban landscapes in Michigan where the community is connected to the food system, land, and nature; where agricultural producers are prosperous and focused on sustainability, and where agriculture and natural resources support public health, diverse business opportunities and livable communities for all.

Geographic Focus: Geographic Focus: Nonprofit organizations doing work that impacts Michigan are eligible to apply.

Our Current Focus

Our current priority in the Agriculture and Food Systems program area is to support projects and programs that work to transform food systems in Michigan so that they focus on growers, processors, and distributors and provide healthy and culturally appropriate food through ecologically sound and sustainable methods. The goal is for all Michiganders - rural and urban - to be connected to a sustainable local food economy. The program area seeks to benefit those who traditionally have lacked power over and resources to access healthy locally or regionally produced food.

Example Projects

• Connecting Michigan farms and food businesses with new markets, consumers, and communities.
• Empowering Michigan communities to shape the food systems that provide their food.
• Creating opportunities for small-scale and marginalized Michigan farmers and food businesses.
• Supporting systems designed to increase access to healthy, culturally appropriate, locally grown food for Michigan communities.
• Increasing the resilience of the food system in Michigan to the impacts of climate change.

Ameriprise Financial Grantmaking

At Ameriprise Financial, giving back is deeply rooted in our culture. We’ve initiated positive change in the communities where we live and work for more than 120 years. We believe our community involvement enables us to actively live our values. Through grant making, volunteerism and employee and financial advisor gift matching programs, we support a diverse group of over 6,000 nonprofits across the country.

Focus Areas

Awarding grant dollars to nonprofits is one way we strengthen our communities and help individuals on a path to financial independence. To ensure we're meeting the needs of our communities and making an even greater collective impact, we focus on three key giving areas when awarding grants.

Volunteer engagement is a priority across all focus areas:

The engagement of Ameriprise employees and financial advisors is a critical component of our philanthropy. Whether it’s serving on a nonprofit board, engaging friends, clients and community members in volunteering or providing skills-based support, our relationships with nonprofits go deep. For this reason, we give priority across all focus areas to applications where there is active volunteer engagement of Ameriprise advisors and employees. 

Meeting Basic Needs

At Ameriprise Financial, we help clients achieve financial security and peace of mind. That’s satisfying, meaningful work. We also help the people in our neighborhoods who struggle to meet basic needs such as where their next meal comes from, where they’ll sleep tonight or how they’ll find a higher wage job. We’re here to help them through the three platforms of our Meeting Basic Needs focus area.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Hunger
• Food banks, food shelves and food pantries, daily meal programs or meal services for the homebound
• Hunger-relief programs targeted to meet the special needs of children, ethnic populations or veterans
• Food programs run by nonprofits where hunger is not their sole focus, for example a youth meal program at the YWCA or a backpack program run by a Boys & Girls Club
• Shelter
• Emergency shelter, including youth homelessness
• Transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and efforts to end chronic homelessness
• Housing-first models (programs quickly providing housing and then addressing needed services)
• Achieving and maintaining home ownership, repair and maintenance efforts helping keep seniors, veterans and other populations in their homes 
• Adult Self-Sufficiency: Programs serving adults age 21 and older that help address the following areas:
• Basic hard and soft skills that help adults achieve economic and family stability
• Basic financial and budgeting skills
• Increase employability and wages, including work readiness and job transitions
• Employment of disabled adults

Supporting Community Vitality

We believe communities should be strong, healthy and resilient. We want livable places for all, where neighbors look out for one another, cultural events are well-attended and people pull together in times of crisis and joy. We work to create economic vitality and cultural enrichment through the following areas of focus.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Community Development
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Economic development
• Strengthening and supporting small businesses and nonprofits through technical expertise
• Cultural Enrichment
• Arts education
• Access for underserved populations
• Diverse artists and performances that spark topical community conversations 

Volunteer Driven Causes: Ameriprise employees and financial advisors are outstanding volunteers who serve in teams and also as individuals bringing personal skill-sets to nonprofits. Volunteering is part of the culture at Ameriprise and we are proud to support communities through contributions of both service and financial resources. 

Funding for Volunteer-Driven Causes is determined by current Ameriprise volunteerism. In general, funding is in proportion to the size of the Ameriprise volunteer team supporting a nonprofit. A team may include employees, financial advisors and/or staff or a combination of any Ameriprise volunteers. 

The Pokagon Fund History

The Pokagon Fund has its roots in an agreement made on March 13, 2000 (as amended), between the City of New Buffalo, New Buffalo Township, and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. This agreement called for the establishment of a nonprofit entity to receive and distribute a percentage of the net win from certain games at the Four Winds Casino Resort – New Buffalo, which is owned by the Pokagon Band.  

Our Beliefs

The founders of The Pokagon Fund believe that encouraging the development of the communities bordering the Band Trust Land Consolidation sites is a wonderful opportunity to create a better place for all residents to thrive.

The Fund provides strategic grant support to initiatives that help reduce the burden of poverty, strengthen our local schools and student achievement, enhance the success of our residents, and provide vital support to our rural communities.

Focus Areas

Education

The Pokagon Fund’s commitment to education is reflected in the awarding of more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships to the New Buffalo and River Valley school systems — more than 10% of the $23 million that has been awarded by the fund to date. Consistent with its belief that education is an area of greatest need for residents, one of our key goals is to help our youngest children have a successful educational experience.

Poverty Reduction

Statistics reveal the rates of poverty in Berrien County for both the overall population (17.7%) and for children (26.2%) exceed state and national levels. Approximately one in five local families is food insecure, and over 10% of the households in Berrien County have annual incomes of less than $15,000. The Pokagon Fund has committed to using its resources to provide food to the needy and help reduce the overall poverty rate by supporting community resource and referral services.

Community Vitality

Fostering community vitality involves improving the quality of life, lifting the spirits and increasing the happiness of a community. The Pokagon Fund contributes to large and small projects that enrich and enhance the lives of Harbor Country® residents. These may range from larger, collaborative efforts with our local municipalities to build parks and expand conservation areas to smaller projects that enhance the local capacity.

Pokagon Band Grants

The Pokagon Fund’s Grants for Communities surrounding Band Trust Lands (“Band Grants”) are awarded for projects that directly benefit the following communities or their residents: Hartford, Michigan; Dowagiac, Michigan; or South Bend, Indiana.

The Pokagon Fund History

The Pokagon Fund has its roots in an agreement made on March 13, 2000 (as amended), between the City of New Buffalo, New Buffalo Township, and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. This agreement called for the establishment of a nonprofit entity to receive and distribute a percentage of the net win from certain games at the Four Winds Casino Resort – New Buffalo, which is owned by the Pokagon Band.

Our Beliefs

The founders of The Pokagon Fund believe that encouraging the development of the communities bordering the Band Trust Land Consolidation sites is a wonderful opportunity to create a better place for all residents to thrive.

The Fund provides strategic grant support to initiatives that help reduce the burden of poverty, strengthen our local schools and student achievement, enhance the success of our residents, and provide vital support to our rural communities

Pokagon Fund Discretionary Grants

The Pokagon Fund’s Discretionary grants are awarded for projects that directly benefit the residents of the following Michigan communities: the City of New Buffalo; the Townships of New Buffalo, Three Oaks or Chikaming; or the Villages of Three Oaks, Grand Beach or Michiana. Collectively, these communities are known as “Harbor Country.”

Focus Areas

Education

• The Pokagon Fund’s commitment to education is reflected in the awarding of more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships to the New Buffalo and River Valley school systems — more than 10% of the $23 million that has been awarded by the fund to date. Consistent with its belief that education is an area of greatest need for residents, one of our key goals is to help our youngest children have a successful educational experience.

Poverty Reduction

• Statistics reveal the rates of poverty in Berrien County for both the overall population (17.7%) and for children (26.2%) exceed state and national levels. Approximately one in five local families is food insecure, and over 10% of the households in Berrien County have annual incomes of less than $15,000. The Pokagon Fund has committed to using its resources to provide food to the needy and help reduce the overall poverty rate by supporting community resource and referral services.

Community Vitality

• Fostering community vitality involves improving the quality of life, lifting the spirits and increasing the happiness of a community. The Pokagon Fund contributes to large and small projects that enrich and enhance the lives of Harbor Country® residents. These may range from larger, collaborative efforts with our local municipalities to build parks and expand conservation areas to smaller projects that enhance the local capacity.

Community Grant Fund

Grant decisions will be made by our employee Community Grant Councils (CGC) based in each of the regions in which MGM Resorts International operates domestically. Each CGC meets and evaluates grant proposals from nonprofit agencies in its respective region to determine how the community grant funds will be allocated.

Funding Areas

The Program will give priority to funding for agencies/projects/programs that provide services in the following focus areas:

• Affordable Housing
• Economic Opportunity/ Workforce Development
• Education K-12
• Family Services
• Food Insecurity
• Health and Wellness
• Homelessness
• Services for Seniors
• Services for Veterans and Military Families

MGM Resorts Foundation grants are for a one-year period and do not automatically renew.

About the Foundation

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations. We believe that impact is best accomplished through partnerships with local organizations that know the people and communities they serve. We invest in and support efforts to protect the environment, further conservation and preservation initiatives, and save historical architecture that preserves community heritage. We also support initiatives that promote wellness and mental health and organizations seeking to provide and further education for all communities.

Annual Grant Focus

Each year, we seek to partner with and support non-profit organizations making an impact in the focus areas listed here.  The focus areas for 2025 are:

• Animal Wellbeing: We are dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations that nurture compassion and respect for all living animals. We must have animal-focused organizations that advocate for animal rights and provide humane treatment across all spectrums.
• Early Childhood Education: We are looking for schools that are providing young children with a creative and balanced approach to education. Things we love in early childhood curriculums:
  • Life Skills
  • Collaboration With Their Peers and Teachers   
  • Having Fun   
  • Montessori Teachings   
  • Project Based Teachings   
  • Diversity   
  • More Time Outside   
  • Less Screen Time
• Teachers: Teachers are essential to providing children with the best possible education. We must invest in their future and are always looking for teams that help them succeed in educating future generations.
• Get Outside: Being outside can improve memory, fight depression, lower blood pressure, and more! We support organizations that facilitate and encourage more outdoor activities that help create healthier communities. 

How and Why Giving Back to Communities is Important to O’Reilly

From O’Reilly Auto Parts’ inception, O’Reilly co-founder C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly instilled the culture of maintaining high standards for every endeavor, including the area of building civic pride. With Chub’s good example to guide them, all four of his children adopted a business and family philosophy of “giving back” to the community as the Company grew and prospered. Supporting a large number of charitable organizations in all communities in which we operate has long been a focal point for O’Reilly Auto Parts. In order to make an even greater impact, the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation was established in 2020.

O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc.

Impact

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation complements O’Reilly Auto Parts’ role as the Friendliest Parts Store in Town. The Foundation serves as an additional conduit to connect with, support, and strengthen the communities in which O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work. The Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the O’Reilly family as dependable community partners, seeking to support critical services in times of need to build stronger communities.

Mission

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation strives to have a lasting, positive impact in the communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work by supporting organizations and programs which address issues critical to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families. In particular, the Foundation will concentrate its giving in support of organizations and programs addressing economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief.

Economic Stability and Mobility

Advocating for and endowing programs which provide assistance with issues including hunger, homelessness, and poverty for the economic betterment of the communities in which we operate.

Workforce Development

Promoting programs which aid in workforce readiness, technical training, and literacy, including children’s literacy, to ensure the continuance of an educated society and a capable, innovative workforce.

Health and Social Services

Championing and prioritizing matters of health, including mental and behavioral health, access to basic needs such as medical and dental care for underprivileged communities, and providing funding for organizations focused on childhood development and children’s advocacy as well as care and support for victims of domestic violence.

Disaster Relief

Providing funding and visibility to organizations specializing in providing relief from natural disasters and state of emergency, including providing temporary shelter, food, water, and hygiene or sanitation products to those affected and aiding in cleanup efforts.

Application Requirements

We will consider three principal types of grants:

Project Support Grants support specific projects or programs aligned with our mission. These requests may include some funds earmarked for the overhead costs associated with running a project.

General Operating Support Grants provide limited general operating support for the core operations or organizations whose missions and activities are aligned with our mission. These grants will often help the grantee build organizational, programmatic, and fundraising capacity. Operating support is not intended to help organizations in fiscal crisis. Applicants must have a current strategic or business plan that clearly outlines the organization’s goals and presents a plan for achieving results. Operating support grants must not exceed 15% of an organization’s total agency budget.

Capital Support Grants provide limited support for capital campaigns to fund the acquisition and construction of facilities, existing property renovation, or the purchase of major equipment. The program has a comprehensive approach to funding capital initiatives, which also includes funding for increased program capacity. A feasibility study may be required for capital initiatives to be considered.

History

The Mary Thompson Home for Old Ladies was founded in 1876 by Mrs. David Thompson and a group of 31 philanthropic Detroit area women. Its purpose was to provide a home for ladies 60 or older – a residence for their “golden years.” The building, designed by George Mason and built in 1884, still stands at the corner of Hancock and Cass Avenue. It had 40 rooms and was able to house 31 residents, who were able to furnish their own rooms for their comfort. There was an infirmary, and common sitting rooms on each floor. Annual expenses per resident were about $1500. The Home was also supported by an endowment fund and donations.

Activities were arranged, such as travel talks, musical programs, hymn singing, and religious services. Meals were provided and residents could invite guests. Funeral expenses of residents were paid by the Home.

The Board of Trustees and the staff made great efforts to make the Thompson Home a warm and secure place for the ladies who resided there, and worked to provide a homelike, non-institutional environment. A past President wrote, “Let us try to make this home a place where love, beauty, and joy will abide always, and where our ladies may live their lives comfortably, with pride and dignity.”

In the 1970s, the Board decided to close the doors of the Home, and the remaining residents moved to other senior communities in the Detroit area. The building was donated to Wayne State University, and the present-day Mary Thompson Foundation was created in 1979. Today the Foundation’s purpose is to provide aid, assistance and services to the elderly through funding.

Our Mission

The Mary Thompson Foundation is an organization consisting of a Board of Trustees which allocates small grants to other organizations in need. We abide by our Mission Statement which states that we provide aid and assistance to the elderly through our funding, mostly throughout the Michigan area.

Impact

Over the years, the Mary Thompson Foundation has donated many different types of grants to organizations, all of which benefit our senior communities in several diverse ways.

Some of these include: 

• Medical (hospital programs, nursing care, etc.) 
• Church programs, libraries, universities, centers, cemeteries, etc.
• Entertainment (music, theaters, symphonies, etc.)
• Food programs and transportation
• Animals (comfort/companionship to seniors)
• Accounting aids

The Mary Thompson Foundation is proud to be a beneficial part in giving comfort and aid to our seniors.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

General Grantmaking Guidelines

The Community Foundation is a public charity organized as a collection of permanent endowments. The income from these endowed funds is awarded through a grant application process to provide charitable funding to nonprofits classified by the IRS as 501(c)(3) organizations and other eligible entities (such as municipalities, schools and faith-based organizations), for projects that predominantly benefit residents of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties, Michigan.

Impact Grants

Impact Grants are meant to increase the long-term impact of an organization or program, increase the organization’s ability to reach under-served populations, or enable two or more nonprofits to work collaboratively to create transformative and sustainable community change.

: We will consider leadership gifts at the beginning of capital campaigns to help leverage other giving. Please contact us for more information.

Impact Projects must meet at least one of the following Impact Criteria:

• Significantly increase the long-term impact of an organization or program, not provide for ongoing operations (routine expenses such as ongoing programming, occupancy, administration, etc.) For example, Impact Grants will not purchase food for a pantry; however, we might purchase equipment that help a pantry stock healthier options to impact the health of their clients.
• Significantly increase an organization’s ability to reach under-served populations, rather than simply serve more people. For example, Impact Grants are not designed to increase the number of people utilizing an existing program, but rather to help expand a successful program to have greater impact to a new, high-need population.
• Enable two or more nonprofits to work collaboratively to create transformative and sustainable community change. We welcome applications where two or more organizations are collaborating to implement a solution to a critical community issue.

Mini-Grants for Nonprofits Promoting or Providing Oral Health Care

The Delta Dental Foundation's (DDF) Mini-Grants Program is evolving to better meet the needs of our community partners. This year, the DDF will offer grants up to $10,000 to community organizations and programs that promote or provide oral health care and initiatives that align with our strategic aims in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

Community Mini-grants:

The DDF evaluates each application on its own merit. Careful consideration is given to each request, and requests are reviewed in terms of general eligibility and conformity with grant guidelines, funds available and the amount needed to achieve the desired results and program priorities.

Also taken into consideration are programs and activities in which the requesting organization is engaged; the number and type of constituencies served; services offered; accountability and fundraising practices; availability of other funding sources; and past successes. In addition, grants should be:

• Limited to a maximum of $10,000.
• Dedicated to local nonprofit programs designed to promote or provide oral health in Michigan, Ohio or Indiana.
• Designed to align with our strategic aims: access to care, advocacy, education, emerging initiatives and workforce development.

Our Purpose

More than 50 years ago, residents established the foundation as a permanent source of community capital in Washtenaw County. Think of us as a savings account for the community, with proceeds from our endowed funds distributed as grants for local nonprofits and scholarships.

Our Services

Meeting Charitable Goals: We work with donors and their professional advisors to help them meet their charitable goals. The combination of donors’ resources and philanthropic intentions with our financial expertise creates meaningful, lasting impact in our community.

Building Healthy Endowments: Our Board of Trustees, Finance & Investment Committee, and professional investment consultants work to protect our endowed funds to ensure their long-term growth, stability and permanence.

Leading Positive Change: Using hard work, research, and an array of community partnerships, we craft grant and scholarship programs that maximize the positive impact of our community’s resources.

Glacier Hills Legacy Fund Golden Opportunities

The Glacier Hills Legacy Fund Golden Opportunities grant program supports organizations and services providing solutions to reduce inequities for vulnerable older adults in Washtenaw County.

The Glacier Hills Legacy Fund (GHLF) Advisory Committee at the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) is looking to address the following priorities in Washtenaw County related to the needs of older adults. 

Housing

Housing stability continues to be a growing concern for many older adults in our community. Increased costs of living are bringing financial concerns to those living on a fixed income. 

• Provide eviction prevention programs to keep older adults in their homes
• Home modification programs that address key issues that will allow older adults to age in place in their own homes.

Food Security

Recent cuts in federal funding and a growing number of older adults in need of food assistance programs continues to elevate food security as a priority issue within Washtenaw County. 

• Offer services that provide consistent access to food for older adults. These can be food pantry’s, meal delivery services, etc. Funding will go to support existing programs, creation of new programs, or expansion of existing programs.
• Culturally specific meal programs that work to provide food options that are reflective of the diverse community of older adults within Washtenaw County.

Access to Health Care

Concerns over potential or signaled cuts to Medicare have service providers and community members concerned over the impact on access to health care our older adults could encounter moving forward.

• Pop-Up health clinics within communities across all of Washtenaw County that support older adults
• Medical services that go to the homes of older adults OR to congregate sites like senior centers where older adults have a better chance of accessing services.
• Interventions that address key barriers preventing the access of health care services
• Programs that help older adults navigate key issues such as signing up for a health plan, navigating how new changes to policies impacts their ability to access services, identifying supportive services near them, etc. 

Transportation

The AAACF recognizes that transportation is a critical part of service delivery within Washtenaw County for older adults. The AAACF is looking to support transportation programs that connect older adults with key supportive services.

• Trips to health care appointments, physical therapy, etc.
• Transportation efforts to access food or to congregate sites such as community centers or senior centers.

Amway Impact Grants

At Amway, we use the best of our business and the passion of our people to impact communities around the world. Amway is committed to providing community grants in support of non-profit organizations and the programs that focus on Health + Wellbeing and Empowerment. The Amway grant program is currently available to organizations in Kent County, Michigan.

Grant Focus Areas

Funding focus areas:

• Increase access to fresh, healthy foods
• Provide supplemental nutritional resources to families and children facing food insecurity
• Support optimal health for kids and their families through healthy eating education and training opportunities.
• Community Infrastructure and Programming support designed to encourage healthy and active lifestyles.
• Promote practices that strengthen mental wellbeing and foster a resilient, healthy mindset

Target audiences:

• Children
• Families and single parent households with school-aged children
• Rural and urban communities
• Traditionally underserved populations

Funding focus areas:

• Workforce & Entrepreneurship skill education
• Livelihood Education: Training and Development of life skills that support individuals to thrive (ex. financial literacy or basic management skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, etc.)
• Youth mentorship
• Youth leadership development
• Support addressing the individual and contextual barriers that hinder economic empowerment of marginalized and underserved populations

Target audiences:

• Women and girls
• Youth
• Traditionally underserved populations

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.

Helping Build Better Futures

Our mission is to deliver great value to our customers every day. For over four decades, our deep commitment to the principles of providing value and caring for others has helped define our culture. It extends beyond the walls of our stores, distribution centers, and offices, and into our local communities around the world. The intersection of these principles defines our global community mission:

Deliver great value to our communities by helping vulnerable families and children access the resources and opportunities they need to build a better future.

Our Social Impact Areas

We bring our community relations mission to life around the world by focusing our giving on four social impact areas where we believe we can have the most impact and are critical to helping families and children succeed and thrive.

Basic Needs

We are passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations that help fill critical basic needs such as a warm meal, clean clothing, and a safe place to sleep for vulnerable families.

Education & Training

Our efforts have focused on quality enrichment and extracurricular programs that provide skills, resources, and opportunities to support school and career success for children, teens, and young adults.

Patient Care & Research

We support organizations that deliver services to families and children facing health challenges and life-threatening illnesses.

Empowering Women

We support programs that provide services ranging from help for those fleeing domestic violence, to others that offer education, training, and job placement resources.

Honda Corporate Funding

Honda’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) vision is to help people fulfill their life’s potential. We do this by supporting the communities where we live and work through financial contributions and the volunteer efforts of Honda associates.

Honda offers funding opportunities for programmatic support and community event sponsorships.

Programmatic Support

Honda and the Honda USA Foundation provide funding to nonprofit organizations and schools to support programs that align with our pillar award categories.

Year-over-year certain pillar award categories may not always be open for funding, are subject to change, and in some cases, Honda may extend invitation-only opportunities to select community partners.

Environment Pillar Award:

Honda is working to reduce our environmental impact, which is central to our sustainability vision. Our approach focuses on three key areas: decarbonizing our products and operations, using clean energy, and using natural resources efficiently. Through education, awareness, and infrastructure programs, we are seeking to support programs within our communities that share our mission to protect the health of our planet.

Creators of Culture

Improving access to capital for small-scale arts activity in Southeast Michigan

Creative activity of all scopes and scales can contribute to the vitality of communities. With this as a core belief, the Creators of Culture program launched in 2019 as an annual funding opportunity to support people, groups, collectives, and entities that do not traditionally receive philanthropic support but contribute greatly to our creative ecosystem in Southeast Michigan.

Creators of Culture aims to nurture a more equitable, diverse ecosystem of regional arts activity, specifically as a counterbalance to the access to resources possessed by large, established nonprofits.

We are excited to announce that the next iteration of Creators of Culture will focus on arts groups working with cross-sector partners and initiatives.

Program Structure

Grants of $2,000-$3,000 will be dispersed to grassroots arts organizations and artist-led collectives and groups who are interested in deepening their work in community wellbeing. For this program, we are framing community wellbeing as prosperous initiatives that impact or address mental health, food justice, cultural exchange, policy change, water quality, water, or other ideas and issues related to wellbeing.

The Opportunity:

To support small, creative organizations throughout Southeast Michigan, whose programming intersects art with community wellbeing. Applying groups should facilitate the first step in exploring work across sectors: having a meeting with a prospective partner. Potential grantees should submit one application per group.