Search Through Grants for the Arts in Michigan in the U.S.

Program Focus: American Heritage

Adolph and Ginger Meyer were significant collectors of Americana, especially the fine, handcrafted furniture and decorative items developed by early Americans. The Meyers appreciated these items because, to them, Americana expressed a sense of artistic freedom and was constructed or created with integrity and individuality.

Over the years, the Americana Foundation has supported organizations and institutions that preserve, protect, and promote expressions of America’s heritage as a bridge to understanding place and identity and as a means of celebrating the craftsmanship and creativity of early American artisans.

Our Current Focus

Our current priority in the American Heritage program area is to support projects and programs across the US that seek to broaden the inclusivity of early American art and the early American historical narrative to “tell the full story of” the American experience. We look to support organizations and projects that elevate those whose perspectives have been traditionally underrepresented, especially people of color, Indigenous people, and women. Furniture acquisitions and building restorations will not be a priority.

Example Projects

• Interpretation or reinterpretation of art, decorative arts, or other objects of early American material culture (“Americana”) and their placement on public display for the appreciation and understanding of present and future generations.
• Internships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and other career development opportunities for people interested in the curation, conservation, preservation, or restoration of Americana.

• Exhibits, visual media, interactive experiences, and other educational programs that contribute to better understanding or “tell the full story” of the American experience.

American Electric Power Foundation

The AEP Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and by providing support to help meet basic needs such as emergency shelter, affordable housing and eliminating hunger.

The Foundation also supports organizations whose mission and/or programming is committed to positive social justice outcomes. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, promote healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.

Focus Areas

The following focus areas will be eligible for consideration by the Foundation:

• Improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education, with an emphasis in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
• Providing basic human services in the areas of hunger and housing to assure that people have the necessities to build successful lives.
• Embracing change and equity through sustainable programs that move social justice forward.

Baiardi Family Foundation

The Founders, together with the Directors and Officers of the Baiardi Family Foundation, Inc., have set-out to fund a broad spectrum of philanthropic pursuits, primarily in Michigan, with concentrations in the Detroit Metropolitan Area Community and in Northwest Lower Michigan, specifically Emmet County.

Focus Areas

Our Mission remains to support and effect positive change within several main categories of giving.

Specifically:

• Health Care
• Education
• The Arts
• Environmental Stewardship
• Land Use and Conservation
• Catholic and Judeo-Christian Traditions and Values
• Community Resource

Guiding Principles

The Guiding Principles of the Foundation govern all grant requests and subsequent giving.

Guiding Principles:

• All giving is with the intent of accomplishing positive change. In other words, the Foundation aims always to do good.
• Each grant request will be examined individually on its merits and how it furthers the Foundation's Mission.
• Grant monies shall be utilized in an effective and efficient manner.
• Catholic and Judeo-Christian traditions and values are, and will be, the foundation of our organization.

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.

Check Your Grant Request Against These Standards

People

Will your project/program contribute to reducing poverty levels/ALICE numbers in Michigan through increased high school graduation rates; increasing the STEM/skilled labor talent pool; or supporting our most vulnerable residents and providing them with pathways to self-sufficiency?

Planet

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

Prosperity

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

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.

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.

Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation continues the legacy of two lifelong Southeast Michigan residents who were deeply committed to their community. Since 2008, the Foundation has awarded over $180 million to initiatives Fred and Barbara cared about most—supporting the environment, arts and culture, jazz education, sustainable business, and Alzheimer’s research.

In 2022, the Foundation made the strategic decision to spend down all assets by 2034, enabling bold investments in projects that address pressing needs and drive lasting change. It remains dedicated to working closely with its partners, fostering collaboration and continuing its commitment to meaningful progress.

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation envisions a flourishing, healthy, and resilient Great Lakes ecosystem and a culturally vibrant, sustainable Southeast Michigan. Toward this end, we strengthen the cultural and environmental organizations that share our vision to make this a reality for generations to come.

Grant Program Area: Great Lakes

Support people, organizations, and institutions working to achieve a flourishing, healthy, and resilient Great Lakes ecosystem at difference scales by:

• Building community leadership and agency to ensure that impacted communities are partners in—and benefit from— these efforts.
• Promoting effective public policies at all levels of government.
• Investing in organizational health and the next generation of Great Lakes leaders.

Strengthen efforts to address environmental harms and adapt to future challenges faced by Great Lakes communities and ecosystems by:

• Incorporating watershed health into land use and management by promoting best practices to protect the health of Great Lakes ecosystems.
• Equipping communities and policymakers to plan for and adapt to climate change and its impacts on the Great Lakes.
• Incorporating environmental justice into efforts to achieve a flourishing Great Lakes ecosystem.

Program Areas 

We have a passion for investing in four key program areas.

Building Community

As place-based funders, we are focused on building on the strength and vibrancy of our community. Our grantees prioritize listening to the lived experiences of our neighbors to understand the root causes of their challenges, learning what they need to thrive, and partnering to build new systems or approaches for a better future.

Our grantmaking priorities currently include: 

• Ensuring access to affordable housing for all
• Encouraging well-planned development to create strong city centers and vibrant neighborhoods
• Fostering public-private partnerships to leverage capital investments that enhance local and regional impact
• Supporting workforce development

Children & Families

Children are our community’s future. Their success is our community’s success. To raise tomorrow’s thinkers, creators, and problem solvers, our community needs a healthy, stimulating, and nurturing environment for all children and families living here today. We bring time, organization, partnership, and new pathways to these challenges, supporting those making systemic changes with an emphasis on early childhood care and education.

Our grantmaking priorities currently include: 

• Ensuring access to high-quality child care and preschool programs
• Ensuring all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential
• Leveraging community systems that ensure students and schools are successful
• Partnering with parents to ensure families thrive

Community Arts

Arts and culture are key indicators of community health and powerful tools for self-expression. By partnering with organizations that focus on listening to our neighbors and supporting creatives with fresh approaches, we ensure the arts and cultural offerings are accessible and reflect the community.

Our grantmaking priorities currently include: 

• Supporting an arts and cultural community that is strong, diverse and valued by local residents
• Improving inclusion and access to high-quality arts and cultural experiences and education for under-resourced populations
• Supporting collaboration and capacity building for arts and culture organizations

Environment

From the Great Lakes to bike trails and greenways, Michigan’s natural resources are beloved by all who live here, yet they’re always under pressure. By bringing many voices to the table and supporting changemakers in this area, we can help balance everyone’s interests while protecting and connecting the wild places so important to our home.

Our grantmaking priorities include: 

• Preserving and restoring significant lakes and streams in Lake Michigan’s sub-watersheds
• Expanding and connecting regional trails and greenwaysl
• Protecting critical lands including farmland, parkland, and natural habitat areas

Inquiries are accepted by the foundation throughout the year. Once you have completed the online inquiry process, you can expect to hear from us within 30 days.

Fund for Community Good

With our Fund for Community Good (unrestricted) and field of interest fund assets, we seek out and respond to requests for resources from partners who share our commitment to becoming actively anti-racist.

Systemic and institutional racism is present in every issue our community faces. Thanks to the generosity of donor partners, we continue to provide financial support across a broad spectrum including education, the environment, health, the arts and social engagement, neighborhoods and economic prosperity.

In all instances, we continuously assess how we work and with whom we partner, in order to dismantle barriers to equity and justice.

Funding Priorities

Education

We strive for equitable educational attainment when race, ethnicity, and first generation status are not predictive of post-secondary enrollment, persistence, and degree or credential attainment.

Health

We invest in culturally effective solutions that lead to equitable health outcomes and well-being.

Neighborhoods

We seek to create greater access to housing prosperity for all who call Kent County home. We invest in the production and preservation of equitable, stable, quality, affordable housing in historically under-resourced neighborhoods.

Arts + Culture Engagement

We invest in opportunities that seek to sustain arts and cultural opportunities to advance equity and are led by or primarily reach communities of color. We also invest in leaders and networks that inspire, grow and connect movements aimed at advancing equity.

Economic Prosperity

We invest in workforce development that results in sustainable, living wage jobs with competitive benefits. We also seek to increase access to capital and opportunities for historically under-resourced entrepreneurs.

Environment

We invest in efforts led by those most affected by environmental injustice and that ensure equitable environmental benefit.

Providing grants and programs to children, youth and women to enhance their health, safety, and well being and provide development opportunities in the areas of education, art, literature and music to improve their quality of life.

Our Mission

Started in 2006, the Karen Colina Wilson Foundation has as its mission statement “Making a positive difference in the lives of woman and children.” Programs to enhance the health, welfare, safety and well-being of children, youth and women and for development opportunities of women and children in areas of education, art, literature and music are the primary focuses of this foundation. The geographic area of preference is the Southern and Western Wayne County (Michigan) area, with additional support in communities where trustees live. Typical grant amounts range from $500.00 – $10,000.00. We often offer matching grants, thereby encouraging groups to broaden their scope of funding.

Vision

To make a positive difference in the lives of children, youth and women.

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation will consider grants that seek to enhance the quality of life and promote a healthy, inclusive, collaborative, and diverse community in Northwest Ottawa County.

Arts & Culture

We believe that a community that embraces culture and the arts enriches all lives. We give priority to projects that:

• Bring regional and national art and cultural experiences and opportunities to the community ;
• Supports programs that deliver arts and cultural experiences to under-served populations of the community;
• Support the collaboration and growth of local arts and cultural organizations within the community.

Diversity & Inclusion

We believe that a community’s effectiveness is enhanced when individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives are engaged throughout the community.

We give priority to projects that: 

• Address equity, diversity, and inclusion within the community; 
• Involve and empower the inherent worth and dignity of all people;
• Promote and sustain a sense of belonging within the community.

Economic and Community Betterment

We believe that energetic, vibrant communities are vitally important to the livelihood of all residents of Northwest Ottawa County. We encourage projects that:

• Support cooperation among municipalities, especially in the areas of recreation, transportation, as well as consolidated planning;
• Support the revitalization and beautification of areas of commerce in our region.

Education

We believe that the youth of Northwest Ottawa County are our future. It’s important to us that we are serving all students of the community. Priority will be given to projects that:

• Address the barriers preventing students from pursuing post-secondary education opportunities;
• Improve student access to the necessary academic, social, and emotional resources required to reach their full potential;
• Support access to and participation in quality preschool programs, particularly those in under-served populations.

Environment

We believe that effective outreach should extend not only to our social community, but to our physical community as well. Priority will be given to environmentally focused projects that:

• Center on the preservation of natural green space and “smart land use” planning;
• Address critical water quality issues, including: near shore health, sustainability of wetlands, and non-source pollutants. Lake Michigan, the Grand River Watershed, Spring Lake, and local creeks and streams are of special concern;
• Promote environmental sustainability through alternative energy initiatives and recycling projects.

Health & Human Services

We believe that a successful, inclusive, and collaborative community should provide opportunities for people to live healthy and fulfilling lives. We give priority to projects that:

• Support access to physical and mental health services;
• Promote healthy lifestyles and relationships for all ;
• Address priorities based on data gathered through Community Needs Assessments and Community Health Improvement Plans;
• Support local health initiatives that are endorsed by multi-sector collaboration;
• Address human needs for underserved populations.

About Us

The Foundation trustees seek to continue Dr. and Mrs. Towsley’s legacy of strengthening communities and improving lives through effective philanthropy. We hope to support those who offer creative and sustainable approaches to problems of the ever-changing world.

What do we fund?

• Arts & Culture (8%)
• Civic & Community (12%)
• Education (51%)
• Environmental (6%)
• Health & Human Services (23%)

Where do we fund?

• Southern Michigan (56%)
• Central Michigan (19%)
• Northern Michigan (6%)
• Upper Michigan (3%)
• National (16%)

Since 1960, the Foundation has provided more than $96 million, primarily to charitable organizations within Michigan.

Grants

We seek to partner with charitable organizations to accomplish common objectives for improving the lives of people and communities. Effectiveness, sustainability, strategic thinking, environmental awareness and collaboration are among the strengths we encourage in our grantees. Unfortunately, our limited financial resources do not allow the Foundation to support all the grant requests that it receives. Applicants should not view a letter declining support as a judgment on the merits of the proposal. The Foundation encourages financial sustainability and self-sufficiency.

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.

Community Builder Grants

Greater Toledo Community Foundation is a public charitable organization created by citizens of our community to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in our service area. The Foundation serves northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan with a particular emphasis on the greater Toledo area. Grants from the Community Builder grant program support a variety of services in the fields of education, social services, physical and mental health, neighborhood and urban affairs, natural resources, and the arts.

Emphasis is placed on programs that will: Create safe, positive living environments; Enable families to develop the skills/resources needed to support and nurture each member; and Foster the development of responsible young people who are capable of achieving their fullest potential.

The Community Builder grant program offers grants of up to $25,000 in the following three categories:

• to provide seed money for new, innovative programming that addresses unmet community needs,
• to expand successful programming in order to reach unique audiences, or
• to provide capacity building benefits to existing nonprofit organizations. 

Greater Toledo Community Foundation is a public charitable organization created by citizens of our community to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in our service area. The Foundation serves northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan with a particular emphasis on the greater Toledo area. Grants from the Community Impact grant program support a variety of services in the fields of education, social services, physical and mental health, neighborhood and urban affairs, natural resources, and the arts.

The Community Impact grant program provides seed money for new, innovative programming that addresses unmet community needs or expands successful programming to reach unique audiences.

Emphasis is placed on programs that will: Create safe, positive living environments; Enable families to develop the skills/resources needed to support and nurture each member; and Foster the development of responsible young people who are capable of achieving their fullest potential. 

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) supports initiatives for community and neighborhood development, health and human services, arts and culture, education and environment. The company matches its employees’ charitable giving to those initiatives and also conducts an annual workplace giving campaign for the United Way. Financial support is provided to the activities of nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations in communities served by WPS. Most of the charitable support is through the WPS Foundation, funded by stockholders of WEC Energy Group.

Contributions are made in the following categories:

• Arts & Culture: Arts and culture add to the richness of life in our communities. We support projects that promote diversity and make the arts accessible to all people. This includes theater, dance, music and museums.
• Community & Neighborhood Development: Communities become stronger when neighbors work together. We support nonprofit organizations dedicated to community improvement.
• Education: Lifelong learning helps ensure a strong future for our communities and their economies. We contribute to programs that complement our company's educational programs and philosophies, including opportunities for minorities and women. We support partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, career planning and youth mentorship.
• Environment: As a company, we protect and encourage the wise use of natural resources. We also support others' efforts for the betterment of fish and wildlife, water and air quality, forests, energy efficiency, renewable energy and recycling.
• Human Services & Health: The physical and emotional well-being of everyone in our communities is a measure of the health of the communities. We support programs that serve limited-income, senior and handicapped individuals, and those emphasizing wellness.

History

WPS Foundation was incorporated in 1964, funded with paper company stocks and bonds repurchased by WPS in the late 1920s. The transfer of the certificates, accomplished over a four-year period, gave the foundation a financial base of $2 million. The resulting tax credits increased the value of WPS stock by $.20 per share, and gave the company a consistent means of contributing to charitable, educational and scientific organizations. Over the past 30 years, the foundation's stocks and bonds were redeemed, and the money has been used to buy mutual funds.

The foundation is a strong supporter of capital projects, the United Way and start-up programs in communities served by the four energy companies in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan.

Each region the energy companies serve has a Contributions Committee of local employees from a cross-section of departments. Donation requests for a region are sent to the region's Contributions Committee, which reviews the requests based on the needs and issues in the community.

Michigan Gateway Community Foundation Grant

Hello, grantseekers! Thank you for considering Michigan Gateway Community Foundation (MGCF) as a potential partner for your work!

In general, grants are made to projects that will benefit South Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan.

In making grants, the Community Foundation attempts to understand the specific objectives of each grant request and the long-term benefits the community will receive from the initiative. All eligible grant applications are carefully considered by review committees whose membership includes a broad representation of the community.

Successful applications will be for projects which:

• promote the development or strengthening of community assets,
• will have a positive long-term impact on program participants and/or the community,
• lead to the prevention of recurring needs,
• promote cooperation among area organizations with related or supportive missions, and
• will be financially sustainable without continuing grant funding.

Vision Statement:

Creating a strong, vibrant, caring community. 

Mission Statement: 

Fostering a community of philanthropy, for good, forever. 

In support of our mission, the Foundation seeks to: 

• Responsibly and wisely manage the Foundation’s resources by attracting and holding permanent endowments from a wide range of donors.
• Anticipate and address community needs by effectively distributing Foundation resources.
• Serve all donors through a variety of giving opportunities.
• Bring together diverse interests in search of common solutions.
• Dedicate the Foundation to fairness, objectivity, and responsiveness to all those seeking its philanthropic services.
• Seeks to improve the communities we serve through education, health & wellness, and culture.

Impact Areas

• Health & Wellness
• Education
• Arts, Culture, & Humanities

The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation was founded by Mrs. Eda U. Gerstacker in 1957, in memory of her husband. Its primary purpose is to carry on, indefinitely, financial aid to charities of all types supported by Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Gerstacker during their lifetimes. These charities are concentrated in the states of Michigan and Ohio.

More specifically, most charities are in Midland, Michigan, and Midland County, but also in greater Michigan. In Ohio, most grants are given to groups in Cleveland – the hometown of Rollin and Eda Gerstacker. Grants are also made to communities where major Dow operations are located.

Foundation Giving

The major share of Gerstacker Foundation giving in it’s 56-year history has gone to:

• Homes for the elderly
• Health care and research
• Research institutions
• Colleges and universities
• Youth work
• General community support

Granting Areas

Midland’s Downtown & Riverfront

To avoid the trend of downtown decline, the Gerstacker Foundation has taken a leading role in the renaissance of Midland’s downtown and riverfront. It and other contributors have realized a vision to transform downtown Midland into a vibrant hub of business and recreational activity. Attractions include the Tridge, Gerstacker Sprayground, Pere Marquette Rail-Trail, Riverside Place senior housing, Farmer’s Market, skate park, conference center and hotel, canoe livery and Currie Golf Course – all enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors every year.

Affordable Housing

For most people, growing old means less income and mobility, which is why many move into senior citizen housing – if it’s available. Thanks in part to Eda Gerstacker’s determination, Midland County has outstanding, affordable housing for the elderly – including The King’s Daughters Home, Washington Woods, Riverside Place and Pere Marquette Senior Estates in Coleman. Senior housing remains a cornerstone of Gerstacker Foundation giving and has led to the support of related activities, such as the Affordable Housing Alliance, Habitat for Humanity and Midland Area Homes.

Family Services

Today’s families face a growing number of social and economic challenges that can’t be resolved through government funding alone. To help address those challenges, the Gerstacker Foundation contributes heavily to organizations that unite families, prevent violence, address disabilities, stop substance and physical abuse, and promote educational opportunities. Examples include the Foundation’s support of three Midland-area community and family centers: the David Reece Memorial Fund, the Ten-Sixteen Treatment Centers and the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

Local Schools

Inspiring and maintaining a love for education is no easy feat. It’s made easier, however, with contributions from the Gerstacker Foundation, which has a long history of supporting K-12 education in Midland and other communities. Foundation funding enables the school system and teachers to initiate projects that would not otherwise be possible. These range from unique teaching activities and a new auditorium, to science additions, stadium upgrades and school renovations.

Higher Education

Eda Gerstacker, a teacher by profession, firmly believed in the value of a quality college education. In this spirit, the Gerstacker Foundation has supported more than 30 public and private colleges and predominantly African American colleges. Most college grantees are in Michigan and range from Albion, Alma and Northwood University to Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. Ohio colleges include Hiram and Wooster.

Faith-Based Initiatives

Although the Gerstacker Foundation is not affiliated with any single religious group, it applauds activities that benefit our communities and give our youth self-confidence and respect for others. It therefore supports several faithbased organizations that have similar goals, including the Salvation Army, SpringHill Camps, University of Michigan Hillel, Young Life, St. Brigid Catholic Church and the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Cleveland – an inner-city mission church that Eda Gerstacker attended.

Youth Activities

The work of the Gerstacker Foundation has always been focused on children, preparing them for lives of useful service. This has been done by funding activities that inspire leadership, and that also help troubled youth find the way. Examples include the Midland Soccer Complex, the Michigan 4-H Foundation, the Starr Commonwealth for Boys, Eagle Village,Big Brothers Big Sisters in the Heart of Michigan, and The ROCK Youth Center.

Health Care and Advanced Research 

Two areas of major support from the Gerstacker Foundation are health care and advanced, non-profit research. The Foundation believes immediate care for physically and mentally impaired people is just as important as innovative research for future cures and treatments. More than 30 diverse health care organizations benefit from Gerstacker funding. These range from its largest grantee, MidMichigan Health, to the Association for Children’s Mental Health, Neighborhood Clinic, Arthritis Foundation, National Parkinson Foundation and Alzheimer’s Association.

Environment and Conservation

The Gerstacker Foundation is a strong believer in progress, but not at the expense of the environment. For this reason, the Foundation supports more than a dozen programs that educate the public and preserve the environment for centuries to come. Programs range from the Chippewa Nature Center and The Nature Conservancy to a unique Wildlife Recovery program, the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative, Little Forks Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited and American Farmland Trust.

Arts & Culture

To encourage creativity and provide enriching experiences, the Gerstacker Foundation supports a number of cultural endeavors in Midland and other communities. These include the Midland Center for the Arts, Matrix:Midland, Tridge Summer Concerts, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Brazosport Fine Arts Council (in Texas), The Dairy Center for the Arts (Boulder), Chinese Cultural Ongoing Program (Midland) and Michigan Jazz Trail Festival.

Public Service

The men and woman in public service work hard to enhance their communities, sometimes putting their own lives at risk. To support public service and fill the gaps in limited budgets, the Gerstacker Foundation offers funding to many worthy groups and programs, including the Michigan State Police, Midland County firefighters, Midland County Law Enforcement Center, Midland County D.A.R.E. group and the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team.

Public Policy Intiatives

To preserve our democratic freedoms and way of life, the Gerstacker Foundation supports a variety of nonpartisan think tanks and other groups at the national and state levels. These organizations objectively evaluate public policy issues, and share their findings with decision makers and the public to help people make informed decisions. Grantees range from the American Enterprise Institute and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy to Economics America of Michigan, Chemical Heritage Foundation and the Heritage Foundation.

Our Mission

The Scherman Foundation invests in the economic, political, and cultural transformation necessary for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to reclaim and build power.

Our Strategic Framework

We believe that investing in cultural, political, and economic transformation together advances justice to realize our vision. We support organizations working at the intersections of these transformation areas inside our strategic framework. This framework is the foundation of our more specific and evolving program priorities.

• Economic Transformation
  • Our focus on economic transformation acknowledges that the root causes of economic inequity are linked to white supremacy and racial injustice and that the economic well being of BIPOC individuals and communities is critical for liberation.
  • We support organizations that focus on:
    • Strategies and models that provide BIPOC communities with greater access to capital, assets, and opportunities
    • Economic stability and security for BIPOC individuals and families
    • Advocating for more equitable economic systems through policy reform, institutional changes, and increased transparency
• Political Transformation
  • We believe that those who have been excluded must lead the way in dismantling current political structures and creating new, inclusive, and reflective democratic processes.
  • We support organizations that focus on:
    • Work and priorities that are driven by BIPOC communities
    • Forging multi-racial coalitions working toward racial justice
    • Reforming political structures and processes to make the political system more accessible and accountable to BIPOC communities
    • Increasing the participation of BIPOC communities in democratic processes and decision-making at all levels
• Cultural Transformation
  • Recognizing the crucial role of culture in advancing justice, we support organizations that harness storytelling, expression, and artistic activism to drive systemic change.
  • Our focus is on collaborative narrative change strategies, innovative storytelling frameworks, and equitable media accessibility.
  • We support organizations that focus on:
    • Public Narrative Change: Combating misinformation and harmful stereotypes through investments in journalism, local news outlets, and nonfiction narratives
    • Artistic Expression: Supporting the creativity and work of BIPOC artists and communities without imposing agendas or conditions and transforming the field to do the same
    • Artivism: Using art as a tool for organizing grassroots movements and collective action, including funding on-the-ground storytelling and public art projects

General Criteria

We consider the following general criteria in our grantmaking process.

• Organizations that are accountable to or directed by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.
  • While we prioritize BIPOC leadership, our main focus is on organizations where BIPOC communities have clear influence and decision-making power over the organization's strategy, direction, programmatic work, and finances.
• Organizations that are intersectional in their work and practices.
  • Intersectionality recognizes that individuals hold multiple identities, shaping their experiences with power. 
  • We look for organizations that demonstrate a deep understanding of intersectionality in their mission, programs, and practices; center the voices and experiences of those most affected by multiple forms of oppression; and address the interconnectedness of racial justice with economic status, gender, LGBTQ+, and/or disability justice as well.
• Organizations that work with others to build movements toward racial justice.
  • Movement-building is the long-term process of organizing and empowering individuals and organizations to collectively work towards systemic change and a shared vision.
  • We look for organizations and coalitions that reflect key characteristics of movement building including an authentic mass base; grassroots leadership; a shared ideology or narrative; broad coalition-building; and strategy to create and sustain structural change beyond specific organizations or campaigns.
  • The Foundation supports organizations focused on organizing and advocacy, while our Arts funding includes a wider range of approaches.

Democracy Program

The Democracy program is driven by the belief that a vibrant democracy requires consistent and meaningful political and civic participation by the vast majority of the population, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities that have long been excluded from power. To this end, we must protect and expand access to the right to vote, build strong inclusive civic engagement infrastructure and practices, strengthen democratic institutions, and reform democratic processes and systems to make them fairer, more accessible, and more accountable to a broader constituency, including BIPOC communities. A core tenet of our grantmaking will be to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities in their efforts to reclaim and build political power. 

State-level work is a key lever for building that power, and the Foundation will provide support to locally-based BIPOC and multi-racial groups that are rooted in their communities, are trusted sources of information, encourage year-round civic engagement in local, municipal, state, and federal elections, and build the power of BIPOC communities to achieve a reflective and responsive multi-racial democracy at the state level. Building state-level power and statewide civic engagement infrastructure will allow BIPOC communities to achieve more racially just democratic, economic, climate, cultural, and reproductive policies, create a pipeline for BIPOC leadership, and make state and federal institutions more accountable. 

The Berrien Community Foundation's "For Good" Grants

The “For Good” Grants will be open for two cycles per year and will be available in two sizes:

• the "For Good" Major, ($1,501-$15,000)
• the "For Good" Minor, (up to $1,500)

The "For Good" Minor has a shorter, simpler form geared toward organizations with a smaller request and the "For Good" Major is a more standard length grant application. Organizations can receive one grant per calendar year.

Grants are reviewed in the following areas each year: 

Arts

Arts & Humanities: Programming that opens opportunities for more residents to participate in and experience the arts in our community. Supports historical preservation programs and projects. 

Children

Nurturing Our Children: Programs that help provide nurturing to the young children of our community. 

Community Improvement and Special Needs

Community Development: Addresses emerging community needs and issues that will help aid in the long-term overall planning and development of Berrien County. 

Education

Quality Education: Programs to enhance and encourage continuing quality education.

Environment

Environmental and Animal Protection: Programs to protect and enhance understanding of our environment and for the humane treatment of animals.

Health

Healthful Living: Programs to enhance the health of Berrien County residents and educating people to make healthy choices. 

Seniors

Senior Empowerment: Programs to improve the quality of life for Berrien County senior citizens. 

Youth Leadership and Development

Youth Leadership and Development: Programs that enhance the quality of life for Berrien County youth while helping them to make positive life choices and encourage positive peer pressure. 

Youth Leadership and Development grants are reviewed by our Youth Advisor Committee TEAM (Teens Exhibiting Able Minds). These grant applications require a presentation to the committee. TEAM is most interested in programs that promote positive decision making skills and encourage positive peer pressure. Specifically, programs that address:

• Drug abuse and alcohol prevention and awareness
• Teen sex and pregnancy prevention
• Positive entertainment and recreation for youth such as
• Summer programs, Extra curricular programs, After-school programs
• Mental and physical health issues in youth such as
• Depression and suicide, Bullying, Obesity

Our Story 

Some people dream of success; others get up early and work to achieve it. Art and Mary Schmuckal spent their 53 years of marriage achieving success and supporting many others through their philanthropic endeavors. Their life was a balance of family, Church, work, play, public service, and, within their means, charitable giving.

Many organizations have not only been financial benefactors, but also benefactors of the volunteer time and talents of Art and Mary. The success of their business, Schmuckal Oil Company, and the value of real estate acquired during the lifetime of Art and Mary, presented the opportunity to “jump start” an organization whose purpose was solely dedicated to philanthropy. 

A family foundation is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Michigan. The Art and Mary Schmuckal Family Foundation is administered by a volunteer Board of Directors composed of the founder’s four children, three grandsons, and two non-family, long time family friends (an attorney and a CPA). 

As is true in every charitable organization, there has been a learning curve of how best to be good stewards of the assets entrusted to the Foundation. Wise investments help grow the funds and grants must be wisely awarded to organizations who make a difference in the lives of the community they serve. 

Art Schmuckal was actively involved in the Foundation for 12 years until his death in 2012. Art and Mary both had a positive impact on their local community during their lifetime. The Art and Mary Family Foundation is intended to remain in good standing in perpetuity and to be a lasting legacy to the Art and Mary Schmuckal Family. 

Make A Difference

The Art and Mary Schmuckal Family Foundation is a private family foundation established in September 1999 to support charitable tax-exempt organizations, including religious, health and educational organizations serving citizens in the greater Grand Traverse region.  The Art and Mary Schmuckal Family Foundation has an open grant application policy.

About GIG Fund

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs.

The GIG Fund provides flexible grants for nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists. GIG Fund grants help cover fees for touring or local artists. Funds may also be used for project costs such as accessibility accommodations and marketing. We work with a panel to help us review applications and distribute grants annually.

GIG Fund

Flexible support to help arts and culture organizations grow their capacity, fund artist engagements, and build community.

What is the GIG Fund?

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000-4,000 that supports creative projects and educational events in the Midwest. These funds help organizations present artists in their community by supporting programming and touring costs. The GIG Fund is a grant that supports Midwestern organizations that want to contract with a professional artist to offer activities to their community. 

Matching requirement

Organizations will be required to demonstrate matching funds on a 1:1 basis for the grant amount.

To demonstrate the match, your expenses should each be at least double your GIG Fund grant. Potential sources for the match include salaries and wages, in-kind contributions, volunteer hours, earned and contributed revenue (donations, ticket sales, other non-Federal grants), or cash from the applicant or partner organizations.

The Dedicated Grant Program is comprised of four Field of Interest Funds which each have their own unique purpose and geographic area covered within Washtenaw County. For 2025, AAACF will distribute over $60,000 in competitive grants to local nonprofits delivering services aligned with each Fund's purpose.

Funds included in the 2024 Dedicated Grant Program

African American Endowment Fund

This fund will award grants that seek to improve the physical, economic, social, and educational conditions that affect the quality of life for African Americans in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area.

Barden Family Fund for Enhancing Community

This fund will award grants that support efforts by Washtenaw County organizations serving veterans and their families; programs for aviation education, awareness and promotion; activities that carry out the Catholic ideals of service and social justice; and/or efforts at building community, including service clubs.

Dexter Community Fund

This fund will award grants that work to enrich the quality of life within the Dexter community (services/programs for seniors, mental health services for youth and adults, improved outdoor recreational opportunities, services/programs for teens, services/programs for people who are homebound, programs to enhance arts and culture).

Jr. League of AA/Parke Davis Pharmaceutical Research Domestic Violence & Dating Prevention Fund

This fund will award grants to nonprofits in Washtenaw County that work to end violence against women and children by supporting early intervention and prevention programs in the areas of domestic and dating violence.

The Wege Foundation’s main focus is Western Michigan, mainly in Grand Rapids. Peter M. Wege, founder of the family foundation, feels strongly about keeping the mission local because it honors the wishes of his father Peter Martin Wege, who created the Foundation’s resources. Peter Martin Wege founded Metal Office Furniture, today’s Steelcase, in 1912.

Program Areas We Fund

The Wege Foundation’s Grants Policy, as amended on April 23, 2020, established four “pillars” and established target grantmaking allocations for each of these topics of interest:

• Arts & Culture (20%)
• Environment (35%)
• Education (25%)
• Community Health & Wellbeing (20%)

In addition, The Wege Foundation has long embraced certain cross-cutting themes applicable to all four pillars, such as requiring LEED certification for capital grants and a commitment to helping the under-resourced and marginalized. The Foundation has clarified these cross-cutting themes and developed results-oriented goals for each of the pillars to focus its grant making, provide better guidance to potential applicants and enhance evaluation.

As with the grantmaking allocations among the pillars, these themes and goals are intended as “targets” to guide the Grants Committee and staff in recruiting and reviewing grant applications. The Foundation will continue to be flexible and strategically opportunistic in funding initiatives that forward Mr. Wege’s goal that Grand Rapids become “the best medium-sized city in the United States ” and that export effective programs from Grand Rapids to other communities.

Our Mission

We created the Walters Family Foundation to build a legacy of family stewardship. Our family believes in the relationship between our communities and our natural environment and we are committed to supporting projects that encourage and preserve their mutual, lasting vitality.

The Walters Family Foundation seeks to strengthen Michigan communities through:

• Conserving our natural environment
• Celebrating arts and culture
• Advancing economic vitality
• Empowering people to reach their full potential through innovative learning initiatives

Walters Family Foundation Fund

Funding Priorities

• Natural Environment: Investing in projects that improve the vitality of Michigan’s lakes, rivers and waterways, as well as regional and community efforts to preserve our shared water resources.
  • Priorities:
    • Protecting and restoring Michigan’s watersheds, wetlands and shorelines.
    • Preserving and restoring Michigan’s rivers and streams.
    • Developing green stormwater infrastructure.
• Learning Initiatives: Expanding and enriching learning opportunities for underserved children and youth that prepares them for academic achievement and career success.
  • Priorities:
    • Broadening access and improving opportunities for high-quality infant, early care and learning.
    • Creating and supporting innovative programs for students to learn more effectively and boost their overall achievement.
    • Supporting creative pathways to college and career success.
• Economic Vitality: Building economically vibrant communities by funding innovative initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, advance projects of publicprivate partnerships and enable underserved young adults to advance from lower-skilled jobs or unemployment. 
  • Priorities:
    • Developing sustainable, market-driven models that build opportunities and networks for aspiring entrepreneurs.
    • Advancing workforce development efforts that position underserved young adults ages 18-35 to successfully find midlevel skilled jobs.
    • Initiating or completing challenging projects through creative public-private alliances
• Arts and Culture: Broadening access to arts and cultural initiatives for underserved children, youth and families that stimulates and inspires overall achievement and life success.
  • Priorities:
    • Generating greater student and parent engagement in the arts to boost achievement.
    • Developing critical life skills and/or improving academic performance through innovative arts programming within institutions, organizations and neighborhoods.
    • Supporting collaborations between arts and cultural institutions that deepen learning.

Funding

A minimum grant request of $25,000

About

The Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation was created in 2010 to provide philanthropic support to help make the world a better place. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, our mission is to help further Jewish ideals in the areas of education, science and the arts. 

Since our beginning, we’ve funded projects from New York to California, Michigan to Florida. We have helped teachers educate, helped children learn, helped feed the hungry, helped people earn a living, helped provide work for the unemployed, and helped find new ways to treat illness and improve quality of life. If you are engaged in any of these activities, let us hear from you.

Our logo, the Tree of Life, is a universal symbol of growth and re-growth, providing benefits to the present and future. The circle represents unity and continuity within our communities and our lives.

Guidelines

The Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation (rtbcf) was created to help achieve the Jewish Ideals of improving the world through Science, Education and the Arts.

We do not have minimum or maximum grant amounts. Grants are made based on our evaluation of your project, the number of grants we are considering, and the amount of funds we have to distribute.

ABOUT ROOTED IN JUSTICE

“Rooted in Justice” is a funding program designed to help amplify youth voices and actions in the environmental and food justice movements.  Rooted in Justice supports community-based organizations and groups that manage established, youth-led, urban greening programs within a justice framework as a core part of their work, with two-year grants of $25,000/year.  

Rooted in Justice recognizes the importance and undeniable right of every young person to have the ability to develop their own relationship with the environment, be it through growing food, spending time with nature, creating community green spaces, or becoming environmental stewards. Rooted in Justice also honors the power and possibilities that arise when young people collectively work to be change-makers in their communities.

Rooted in Justice supports organizations, groups, collectives, and programs that work with young people between the ages of 12 to 20 in youth-led programming for communities or cultures which have historically or currently experience:

• A lack of access to land or nature;
• Agricultural oppression and/or neglect;
• Food apartheid; and/or
• Other forms of injustice based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics and disability.

Rooted in Justice awards a small number of grants each year with applications due in the fall and decisions made the following spring. Final grant decisions are recommended to the Cedar Tree board via a participatory grantmaking process with outside reviewers who have experience in youth-led urban greening, as well as food or climate justice programming. So far the program has awarded multi-year grants to 21 organizations and one-time grants to 10 additional organizations since 2021. 

Definitions

Rooted in Justice grants support organizations or programs that include all four of the elements described below: social justice, youth-led, urban greening, and cohort-based youth work. We articulate our understanding of those terms below in an effort to provide a guide for prospective organizations to use in determining whether their program is a good fit. However as we continue our work towards questioning and dismantling some of our preconceived notions, we recognize that these are not finite definitions and encourage prospective applicants who still feel their work may be a good fit to describe in their proposals why this is the case.  

Social Justice-Based Programs

Programs dedicated to creating equitable outcomes for communities directly affected by different aspects of injustice by:

• Sharing and redistributing power and resources;
• Amplifying voices and leadership;
• Tackling root problems through ongoing engagement and collaboration to find solutions, organize against oppression of all kinds and create mechanisms for change; and
• Developing a critical analysis with youth and community members.

Youth-Led

The development of youth leadership skills is a core part of programs funded by Rooted in Justice. Young people have the opportunity to play a role in the planning and decision-making for their program and may help shape the internal workings of the organization. Examples of youth-led programs include programs where participants: 

• Managing a portion of their programming budget;
• Co-facilitating program activities, meetings and gatherings;
• Shape their own programming and/or organizational strategic planning;
• Have regular and end-of-program opportunities to provide program feedback and evaluation; and
• Have opportunities for personal and/or professional growth within the program and organization.

Urban Greening

For the purpose of this grant we define “urban greening” as any activity that creates a mutually beneficial relationship between city dwellers and their environments. Programs that are a strong fit for Rooted in Justice will have many opportunities for youth to be outdoors.  Project settings can include, but are not limited to: 

• Urban and aquaponic farms
• Greenhouses and rooftop gardens
• Community gardens, green spaces, and rain gardens
• Composting sites
• Land conservation efforts
• Urban forests
• River or other water restoration  

Cohort-Based Youth Works

Rooted in Justice looks to fund organizations that build community with cohorts of youth through intentional, recurring programming. This grant is intended to support programs that offer youth significant learning and leadership opportunities as a group and as individuals. Priority will be given to organizations that have program infrastructure that supports a cohort of youth over time.  Drop-in programming, one-time conferences, or individual internships are not a good fit for Rooted in Justice.  

Youth Budgeting

As part of grant proposal, all Rooted in Justice grantees must share a plan to allocate a portion of the grant funds for youth participants to manage. What do we mean by this? We ask applicants to specifically set aside some amount of grant funds for youth to allocate to priorities of their choosing.  For example, youth participants can use their allocated funding to:

• Fund an entrepreneurial endeavor;
• Design the brand or swag for their group;
• Hire a speaker or outside expert to teach a new skill;
• Purchase supplies for a community-based art project;
• Host a celebration for their families, friends and neighbors;
• Pay for transportation to programming, special events, or conferences; and/or
• Any other youth-led activity the group may find beneficial.

Use of Funds

Rooted in Justice funding must be used for project support of existing youth led, urban greening, social justice work and associated general operating expenses. Operating expenses can include anything from program costs like staff salaries and youth stipends to organizational sustainability needs like major equipment purchases and leadership/staff training. If your organization’s entire mission is youth led, urban greening, social justice work, the Rooted in Justice grant can be general support. 

Funding

Two Year Grant

• Rooted in Justice Grant awards are two-year grants of $25,000 per year.
• After the initial two year grant, grantees may be eligible for a third year of funding at the same or lower level through a simple renewal process.
• In the 2025-2026 grant cycle, the Cedar Tree Foundation expects to support 4 organizations with multi-year grant awards.

Funding for Professional Development

• Each Rooted in Justice grantee organization also has access to an additional $6,000 to support professional development opportunities identified by each organization.  Half of these funds must be used to directly support the professional development of youth. 
• Rooted in Justice grantees can request reimbursement from this professional development fund to attend conferences, hire consultants, purchase equipment or software that increases organizational capacity, or participate in any activities that strengthen youth programming or justice practice of program providers in support of their youth development programming. The funds set aside for youth professional development can be used for youth exchanges or youth participation in conferences and other professional development opportunities directly for youth.  

Community Professional Development Calls

• Cedar Tree works with grantee partners to assess their professional development interests and facilitates on-line gatherings of staff or youth for skill shares, trainings, and networking opportunities.
• These network calls will likely happen 2-3 times per year.