Best Grand Rapids Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Schreiber Foods Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations addressing food insecurity and basic needs in Wisconsin. Open year-round, it encourages nonprofits in Brown, Calumet, and surrounding counties to apply for funding, which typically ranges from $1,000 to $100,000. The foundation prioritizes innovative solutions that enhance community quality of life, promote self-sufficiency, and foster partnerships. Notably, it does not fund religious activities, individuals, or debt retirement, ensuring a focus on impactful community projects.

The Aim High Jerry Clay Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports full-time students from certain Michigan counties studying Welding or Welding Technology at GRCC or Ferris. This scholarship aims to remove barriers to education, ensuring that local students can pursue their academic and career aspirations. With a mission to foster an inclusive economy, the foundation provides significant financial assistance, with awards typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.

Graduate students in Kent County, Michigan pursuing an MBA or MPA at Grand Valley State University or Calvin University can access funding through the Lobbestael Frederick Family Scholarship. Administered by Grand Rapids Community Foundation, this need-based award favors applicants with significant financial need, a minimum 3.3 GPA, and preferences for students of color and women.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities in Grand Rapids, Michigan can seek funding for arts and culture, education, environment, and community health and wellbeing programs. Grants from Wege Foundation help Greater Grand Rapids groups, with environmental projects also eligible statewide, especially those serving under-resourced residents and meeting LEED standards for capital campaigns.

Missionary children pursuing Christian higher education in Grand Rapids, Michigan and select partner campuses can receive scholarship support for undergraduate study. The Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation assists students at Calvin University and other listed Christian colleges, with renewable awards and potential additional help for those continuing on to medical school.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Kent County, including Grand Rapids, can apply for Cascades donations and sponsorships to support amateur sports, education and entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and local community initiatives. Eligible projects should operate where Cascades has facilities or nearby and may receive cash, product donations, or volunteer support rather than individual assistance.

About MEDC Community Development

MEDC's Community Development Team

The Community Development unit focuses on creating vibrant, sustainable and unique places by providing economic development services and programs to attract and retain talent in Michigan communities.The global economy has drastically shifted how municipalities and regions establish and maintain a competitive advantage. Success is determined by the ability to attract and retain the best people and ideas. These "knowledge workers" balance job opportunities with lifestyle, seeking more than just employment when deciding where to live. The concept of placemaking considers cultural and natural amenities, resources and social and professional networks.

MiPlace is a website dedicated to community development and placemaking in Michigan. Content on this site is relevant for communities, developers and individuals interested in topics ranging from redevelopment and brownfield tools to crowdfunding. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @miplacenews to find updates and latest news.information on the availability of place-based resources.

Build MI Community Grant Initiative

Program Overview & Goals

The Build MI Community Grant is an initiative designed to promote private investment in Michigan communities. Administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on behalf of the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), this tool provides access to real estate development gap financing and technical assistance for small scale, incremental redevelopment projects.

The Build MI Community Initiative has been established to re-activate underutilized or vacant space into vibrant areas by promoting capital investment into redevelopment projects being taken on by developers and property owners with limited real estate development experience and familiarizing them with the development process in order to position them to potentially undertake more complex projects in the future.

Assisting Our Neighbors In Need

We are investing in what’s most important to Michigan – its people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. We award grants for capital funding and innovative projects and campaigns that align with our priorities for each.

Grant seekers are encouraged to review our priorities and ensure projects/programs align with the outcomes we seek. Metrics related to outcomes will be requested within the grant application.

What type of projects does the Consumers Energy Foundation fund?

The Consumers Energy Foundation funds capital projects and provides program and operation support in alignment with our commitment to Michigan’s people, planet and prosperity. Our priorities include reducing poverty levels/ALICE numbers in Michigan by focusing on basic needs, education and workforce readiness; protecting/preserving Michigan’s land, water & air; and economic development by focusing on neighborhood revitalization, job growth, and arts and culture.

Check Your Grant Request Against These Standards: People; Planet; and Prosperity

Grant Priorities: Prosperity

Will your project/program contribute to Michigan’s economy by creating safe, desirable neighborhoods, supporting job growth and entrepreneurs, or attracting visitors?

Growing Our Local Economy and Resources

The Consumers Energy Foundation is dedicated to ensuring Michigan businesses and communities are growing and have world-class cultural resources. We’re deeply involved in community development efforts across the state. We award grants supporting our economic development priority to improve the welfare of whole communities, with a focus on funding projects with long-term benefits on Michigan’s economy. 

Assisting Our Neighbors In Need

We are investing in what’s most important to Michigan – its people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. We award grants for capital funding and innovative projects and campaigns that align with our priorities for each.

Grant seekers are encouraged to review our priorities and ensure projects/programs align with the outcomes we seek. Metrics related to outcomes will be requested within the grant application.

What type of projects does the Consumers Energy Foundation fund?

The Consumers Energy Foundation funds capital projects and provides program and operation support in alignment with our commitment to Michigan’s people, planet and prosperity. Our priorities include reducing poverty levels/ALICE numbers in Michigan by focusing on basic needs, education and workforce readiness; protecting/preserving Michigan’s land, water & air; and economic development by focusing on neighborhood revitalization, job growth, and arts and culture.

Check Your Grant Request Against These Standards: People; Planet; and Prosperity

Grant Priorities: Planet

Will your project/program protect/preserve or restore land, freshwater bodies, or air quality in Michigan?

Land, Water & Air

The Consumers Energy Foundation is dedicated to ensuring Michigan has world-class natural resources by funding programs and organizations that strengthen environmental stewardship, preserve the natural beauty of Michigan and reduce environmental impact when natural resources are used.  

501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, government units, and churches serving youth in Grand Rapids, Michigan and greater West Michigan can apply for the Coopersville Area Youth Grant to expand local youth programming and opportunities. Larger youth-focused projects may be co-funded by the Grants Committee and the Youth Advisory Council of Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Foundation

The Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation’s purpose is to build strong, healthy communities by investing in the arts, education, and community well-being.

Our purpose is to build strong, healthy communities by investing in organizations that positively impact our culture.

Apply

The Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation receives hundreds of requests each year from worthy organizations.

Due to the high volume of requests, the foundation primarily focuses its support on partners closely aligned with our three areas of focus and largely serves the greater Grand Rapids community. Requests can be submitted at any time. They are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the process generally takes three to four months from application submission to notification.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events or fundraisers in Grand Rapids, Michigan can apply for Old National Bank sponsorships to support activities that improve quality of life. Eligible events often serve underrepresented or low-to-moderate income communities, with preference for organizations aligned with Community Reinvestment Act priorities in Kent County, Michigan.

The GM Corporate Giving Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on STEM education and transportation initiatives. Applications are accepted from January to September, with a requirement to submit requests at least three months before the program’s start date. GM emphasizes charitable contributions in the communities where it operates, ensuring that organizations align with its values. The grant amount is not limited and is assessed based on the proposed program's merit and needs.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Grand Rapids, Michigan working on safety, youth development, social services, or environmental stewardship may be eligible for Enbridge’s community grants. Focused on safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities, Enbridge invites groups near its operations to apply for US $1,000 - US $10,000 in donations, sponsorships, or in-kind support.

The Pitney Bowes Foundation Grant, established in 2005, focuses on enhancing education within communities where Pitney Bowes operates. Annually, the foundation allocates around $1.8 million to support literacy, STEM, and job training initiatives, emphasizing early childhood education and mentoring programs. Grants are designed to foster measurable outcomes that address educational disparities, particularly for underserved populations, ensuring a brighter future for the workforce.

High school seniors and first-year college students from Michigan counties where sugarbeets are grown can receive up to US $2,500 for college costs through academic scholarships. With a mission to support future sugarbeet growers, Michigan Sugar Company provides awards for those who have completed its Youth Sugarbeet Project, including eligible students from the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.

FCU Foundation for Our Communities

People helping people…one smile at a time.

Frankenmuth Credit Union is proud of the active role its staff and board have played in impacting the communities we serve through volunteer hours, wage donations and civic group participation. We believe in “people helping people”. That’s why the Frankenmuth Credit Union Foundation for Our Communities was formed, to provide grants to promote the betterment of local communities…one smile at a time. It’s our simple gift of friendship, our act of kindness and our pledge of devotion to friends and neighbors.

To date, over $4.6 million funds have been donated since 2014 with over $438,300 donated in 2025 alone to over 400 worthy community causes.

Foundation Grant

The Frankenmuth Credit Union Foundation for Our Communities is a source of grants to promote the betterment of all of our communities.

Amway Impact Grants support non-profit organizations in Kent County, Michigan, focusing on Health + Wellbeing and Empowerment. Grants are awarded to projects that improve access to healthy foods, provide nutritional resources, and foster mental wellbeing. Additionally, they promote workforce education, youth mentorship, and support for underserved populations. Applications are accepted annually from February 1 to October 1. Collaboration on projects is encouraged, and priority is given to proposals that demonstrate community need and clear outcomes.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

Grand Rapids, Michigan first responder agencies needing safety equipment, training, or safety education programs can access funding through Enbridge’s Safe Community First Responder Program, with typical awards of US $1,000 - US $10,000. Eligible organizations must serve communities within 10 miles of Enbridge operations and include fire, EMS, emergency management, 9-1-1, ambulance, and law enforcement services.

K-12 and youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Grand Rapids, Michigan can seek funding for educational, cultural, environmental, health, and human services programs for children and families. Keller Foundation provides Grand Rapids, Michigan nonprofits with US $2,500 - US $50,000 to support tutoring, after-school enrichment, literacy, arts access, parenting programs, and other innovative core-city youth initiatives, mainly in Kent County.

The Whitecaps Community Foundation supports certified 501c3 non-profit organizations, focusing on youth and community enrichment in West Michigan. Founded in 2012, it has a significant annual impact and aims to provide access to educational and recreational programs. Donation requests must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the event. Events benefiting individuals or families are not eligible, ensuring a broader community impact. Prioritization is given to local organizations and those benefiting youth.

The Frey Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community well-being through initiatives in four key areas: Building Community, Children & Families, Community Arts, and Environment. The foundation supports projects that ensure access to affordable housing, quality child care, and cultural experiences while preserving Michigan’s natural resources. Eligible organizations must meet specific guidelines and can expect a response within 30 days of their inquiry. Funding is available for collaborative projects that promote inclusivity and address community needs.

The Horizon Bank Community Grant Program aims to enhance local communities by funding initiatives in education, arts, and economic development. With grants starting at $5,000, the program supports 501(c)(3) organizations addressing housing needs for low- to moderate-income families. Applications are accepted annually, with a strong emphasis on corporate citizenship and community involvement. However, grants are not available for political activities or organizations that discriminate. This commitment reflects Horizon Bank's dedication to fostering community growth and responsibility.