Best Genesee County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Otis Smith Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, provides non-renewable scholarships of up to $3,000 for single parent mothers pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Established to honor Otis M. Smith's mother, the program aims to empower women in southeastern Michigan, particularly those demonstrating financial need and strong academic potential. Applications are open until February 12, 2025, and recipients may use funds for tuition or educational expenses.

The CIRI Foundation offers the Career Technical Education Scholarship to support Alaska Native beneficiaries pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship provides up to $9,000 per year for educational expenses, including tuition and required supplies. Eligible applicants must be CIRI original shareholders or descendants, possess a high school diploma or GED, and maintain a minimum GPA. The foundation aims to promote self-sufficiency and the cultural legacy of Alaska Natives through education.

The CIRI Foundation, established in 1982, promotes education and economic self-sufficiency for Alaska Natives through scholarships like the Cap Lathrop Scholarship. This award offers up to $2,000 to full-time students pursuing degrees in fields such as business, engineering, and media. Eligible applicants must be Alaska Native shareholders or descendants, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and intend to work in Alaska's broadcast industry. The scholarship supports both educational and personal expenses.

The Achievement Annual Scholarship, offered by the CIRI Foundation, supports Alaska Native students pursuing higher education. This merit-based scholarship awards up to $8,000 for one academic year, covering direct educational costs and personal expenses. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and be enrolled full-time in a 4-year undergraduate or graduate program. The scholarship aims to promote academic excellence and career development while honoring the cultural legacy of Alaska Natives.

The Vascular Care for the Underserved Project Grants, funded by the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation, aim to address disparities in vascular care for women. With a grant of $20,000, this initiative focuses on enhancing access, inclusion, and gender-specific research in vascular health. It supports innovative projects that aim to improve care delivery to underserved women and ensure equitable representation in vascular research, ultimately aiming to advance health outcomes and address historical exclusions in clinical studies.

The Veterans and Dependents Scholarship offered by WMU supports military members and their dependents with financial assistance. This needs-based scholarship requires applicants to be admitted to WMU and to provide proof of military status. There are no restrictions on majors or military branches, allowing for a diverse group of applicants. The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs also offers guidance and support for transitioning service members and their families, enhancing their academic and career opportunities.

The Brad Older Memorial Military Scholarship, offered by the WMU Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, supports military members and their dependents pursuing higher education. Named in honor of Bradley Dean Older, a dedicated U.S. Coast Guard veteran and WMU student, this merit-based scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.3 and completion of an essay. It reflects a commitment to honoring service and supporting the academic goals of military families.

The WMU Office of Military and Veterans Affairs offers the Calhoun County Veteran Affairs Scholarship for military students attending Western Michigan University. This merit and needs-based scholarship is aimed at those who have served in the military and are residents of Calhoun County. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. The scholarship provides essential support to help veterans transition successfully into academic life.

The Arden J. Elsasser Memorial Award, established by the League of Women Voters of Kalamazoo, honors the legacy of Arden J. Elsasser for his service to the community. This award is open annually to both graduate and undergraduate students, aiming to recognize their dedication to community service. Applicants must submit a statement detailing their studies and career goals, reflecting on how their activities embody the values of Arden Elsasser. Key deadlines are February 1 for nominations and March 1 for all applications.

The Peter J. Schmitt Endowment for Experiential Learning at WMU supports diverse learning experiences that connect history with the arts and nature. Eligible applicants include all members of the WMU community, with a focus on undergraduate and graduate students. Grants of up to $500 will be awarded annually for activities like workshops, field biology, and traditional crafts, enhancing personal insights into historical contexts and environmental interrelationships.

The Margaret MacMillan Writing Award, presented by the WMU Department of History, recognizes exceptional undergraduate papers up to 4000 words. Judging criteria include mastery of writing skills, thoughtful interpretation of historical information, and clarity of expression. Submissions are open to all historical subjects, with a deadline of March 15. The award winner receives a stipend of $350, encouraging high-quality scholarship in history.

The WMU Department of History offers the History Undergraduate Fellows Emeriti Grant Program to support undergraduate history majors and minors in scholarly pursuits beyond the classroom. Grants ranging from $50 to $500 can be utilized for research, internships, volunteer work, or travel to conferences. Applicants must submit an application, resume, transcript, project description, budget, and faculty mentor support. Deadlines are November 15 for spring projects and March 15 for summer and fall projects.

The History Internship Scholarship at Western Michigan University supports exceptional history and public history students undertaking internships. This scholarship helps cover relocation costs for students required to move temporarily for their internships. Applicants must provide a resume, transcript, project description, budget proposal, and faculty mentor support. The application deadline is March 15, and the scholarship amount varies. Interested students should submit their applications to the department chair.

The WMU Department of History offers a renewable $1,000 History Fellowship Award for newly admitted full-time freshman students majoring in history or related fields. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 high school GPA and maintain the same GPA while enrolled. The fellowship is renewable for up to four years, ensuring continued support for students who maintain their academic standing. Applications are due by March 15, and underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

The WMU Department of History offers the History Alumni Travel Award to support undergraduate history majors and minors in their scholarly pursuits outside the classroom. This award is designed to fund research, internships, volunteer experiences, and travel to scholarly conferences. The grant amount varies, and applications are due by March 15. Interested students should submit their applications to the department chair to take advantage of this opportunity.

The Dr. H. Nicholas Hamner Undergraduate Support Fund at Western Michigan University offers financial assistance to undergraduate students in the Department of History. Established through a generous gift from Dr. Hamner, this endowed fund covers educational expenses, including tuition, fees, and books. Applications are due by March 15 and should be submitted to the department chair, providing vital support for students pursuing their academic goals.

The Dr. Dale P. Pattison Endowment supports undergraduate students in the WMU Department of History. Managed by the department chair, it provides grants for research, internships, travel to conferences, and other professional activities. The application deadline is March 15, with scholarship amounts variable up to $500. This fund encourages scholarly engagement and enriches the educational experience of history students.

The Cheryl Lyon-Jenness Writing Award at Western Michigan University honors outstanding undergraduate research papers exceeding 4,000 words. Open to diverse historical topics, it evaluates mastery of writing, analytical thought, and language use. Eligible submissions include senior theses and critical reviews prepared during recent semesters. The award recipient receives a stipend of $350, recognizing their exceptional academic work and contribution to historical scholarship.

The Wan Chen and Ming Li Scholarship for International Study at WMU's College of Education and Human Development supports undergraduate and graduate students in non-English based study abroad programs. Applicants must be U.S. residents, enrolled in CEHD, and submit proof of acceptance into an international program along with a proposal outlining the experience's benefits for their academic and career goals. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and make studying abroad more accessible.

The Rural Climate Partnership Grant supports innovative, community-led climate solutions in rural America. With funding ranging from $20,000 to $150,000, it empowers organizations focused on rural leadership and equitable climate actions. The grant aims to strengthen rural economies and enhance climate resilience by providing critical resources and support to rural-serving entities. It prioritizes projects that benefit under-resourced communities and actively engage in addressing pressing rural issues, making a meaningful impact on local climate narratives.

The See, Test & Treat Grants, offered by the College of American Pathologists Foundation, aim to enhance community health by providing free breast and cervical cancer screenings. Since 2011, nearly 9,000 women have benefited from these programs, which will expand in 2026 to reach more underserved populations. This initiative empowers pathologists to reduce healthcare disparities through accessible screenings and follow-up care, ensuring prompt results and comprehensive health education for participants.

The E. C. Lloyd & J.C.U. Johnson Scholarship Fund, established by Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Johnson, supports full-time students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees at accredited institutions in the U.S. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years for both undergraduate and graduate studies, contingent on maintaining eligibility standards. It can cover tuition, housing, supplies, books, and fees. However, awards depend on available assets, and future funding is not guaranteed.

The Mary Katherine "Katy" Williamson Scholarship Fund honors the memory of Katy Williamson, established by her family after her passing in 2005. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in healthcare, both human and animal, at accredited institutions in the U.S. Recipients may renew the award annually for up to four years, contingent on maintaining eligibility. The fund reflects Katy's love for animals and nature, aiming to empower future generations to contribute positively to society.

The Juliette P. Doster Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Mrs. Doster, who dedicated forty years to improving healthcare in Calhoun County. This renewable scholarship supports students pursuing associate's or bachelor's degrees, as well as approved workforce training programs. Awarded yearly for up to four years, recipients must maintain academic standards. Funding varies based on the Community Foundation's annual income, and the award covers tuition, housing, supplies, and other educational expenses.

The NSF STEM K-12 program supports transformative research to enhance STEM education across various settings. Focusing on innovative projects, it aims to improve teaching and learning through the integration of emerging technologies, including AI. Proposals may address any STEM field, fostering collaboration between research and educational practice. By generating new knowledge and tools, this initiative seeks to strengthen the U.S. position in global STEM innovation and improve educational outcomes for learners of all ages.

The John E. Mayfield ABLE Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors who are participants in the ABLE program, enabling children with disabilities to excel in post-secondary education. Established by John Mayfield, this scholarship encourages individuals to pursue their educational dreams, fostering independence and productivity within the community. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, with over 30 years of philanthropic experience, administers the fund to ensure resources are directed where they can make the greatest impact.

The Jerry Newson Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports Davidson County residents pursuing education at accredited four-year colleges or universities. This fund honors Jerry Newson Jr., who valued the transformative power of education. Prioritizing students majoring in social sciences, it aims to empower individuals to give back to their communities. With over 30 years of community engagement, the Foundation fosters positive change through collective philanthropy.