Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region. With a focus on underserved communities, grants will total $40 million over three years, aiming to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes and organizations with limited budgets, fostering inclusive community engagement and sustainable development. Eligible projects include environmental assessments, public health initiatives, and job training.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on community transformation in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With a spend-down structure by 2035, the foundation prioritizes collaborative investments in key areas like active lifestyles, success preparation, caregiver support, and economic development. Emphasizing urgency and innovation, it seeks to create lasting impacts by fostering partnerships and supporting visionary projects that address significant community needs.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Grantmaking

Funding Rooted in Relationships

Our grantmaking supports the work that helps people, families, and neighborhoods build healthy, equitable communities, across generations. It is strategic, relationship-centered, grounded in trust, and shaped by ongoing learning with our community partners.

We focus on work that addresses root causes, strengthens community-led solutions, and builds long-term capacity in Kalamazoo County.

Strategic Pillars

Our strategic pillars are based on what we’ve learned from community, nonprofit and elected leaders. We all share the vision for a Kalamazoo County that includes:

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative offers up to $1,000,000 for the acquisition of private forest land in the Lake Superior Basin. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribes, local governments, and nonprofits. Projects must focus on forested properties over five acres, addressing threats of conversion to non-forest uses while enhancing community benefits. Proposals demonstrating significant public benefits and community engagement will be prioritized, especially those contributing to habitat connectivity and resilience for local ecosystems.

Michigan humane societies, animal welfare nonprofits, spay/neuter clinics, wildlife centers, and educational institutions can seek project funding to improve the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust supports initiatives like adoption and fostering programs, humane and wildlife education, medical and wellness care, spay/neuter services, equipment, and other animal care projects.

The Mullick Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on education, community impact, culture, and health. Based in Saline, Michigan, it aims to build intergenerational pathways to success. Organizations must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3) to apply. The board reviews inquiries quarterly, potentially inviting promising applicants for further discussions. This grant offers a unique opportunity for nonprofits to enhance their impact in the community.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The CRCF Youth Grants support initiatives that benefit teens aged 12-18 in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, Michigan. With a focus on pressing issues like substance abuse, mental wellness, and violence, the grants are awarded through the Youth Advisory Council, consisting of local high school students. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and governmental entities. This program aims to empower youth and address critical challenges they face in today's society.

The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, established in 1957, supports various charitable causes primarily in Michigan and Ohio. Focused on education, health care, affordable housing, and community development, it funds initiatives like local schools, family services, and environmental conservation. The foundation emphasizes projects that positively impact communities and ensure long-term sustainability. With a commitment to preserving the environment and fostering cultural activities, it remains a key player in enhancing the quality of life for residents in its service areas.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

The Mud Hens-Walleye Transportation Fund supports schools and nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan by providing transportation grants for attending Toledo Mud Hens baseball and Toledo Walleye hockey games. With awards up to $1,000, the fund aims to eliminate financial barriers for educational field trips to these events. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and adhere to specific guidelines regarding the use of funds for transportation services.

The Toledo Walleye Transportation Fund offers grants to accredited schools and nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, facilitating transportation to Toledo Mud Hens baseball or Walleye hockey games. Aiming to eliminate financial barriers, the fund provides awards up to $1,000 for eligible applicants. Schools and nonprofits can receive one transportation award for each game annually, promoting enriching experiences for students and communities.

The Louise Tuller Miller Trust Grant offers funding exclusively for charitable organizations in Metropolitan Detroit and Traverse City, Michigan. This private grant supports various program areas including education, religious initiatives, scientific research, and animal welfare. To qualify, organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. Note that individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant, ensuring support is directed solely to nonprofit entities.

Community Foundation of Monroe County

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Greater Milan Area Community Foundation

The Greater Milan Area Community Foundation (GMACF) was born in 2005 from a powerful vision shared by three dedicated residents – Isabelle Schultz, Donald Harkness, and Millard Phillips. Their mission: To improve the cultural, economic, educational and environmental quality of life in the Milan, Michigan area. 

As a geographic affiliate of the Community Foundation of Monroe County, GMACF combines local leadership with proven charitable infrastructure, ensuring Milan-area residents have direct access to grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities focused exclusively on this community’s unique needs and aspirations.

Greater Milan Area Community Foundation Grants

The Greater Milan Area Community Foundation supports projects that strengthen the cultural, economic, educational, and environmental quality of life in the Milan area. Grants are available for initiatives that respond to local needs, build community connections, and benefit residents of the Greater Milan Area.

The MI Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program, funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, aims to maintain existing ORV trails, develop new trails, and restore damaged natural resources. Eligible applicants include government agencies and non-profit organizations, focusing on public access facilities. Key projects involve seasonal maintenance, special repairs, and restoration efforts on public lands affected by illegal ORV use. This program ensures sustainable outdoor recreation while preserving Michigan's natural landscapes.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

About Us

The Kresge Foundation is a private, national foundation that works to expand equity and opportunities in America’s cities through grantmaking and social investing in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services and community development, nationally and in Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans and Fresno. In collaboration with our partners, we help create pathways for people with low incomes to improve their life circumstances and join the economic mainstream.

Detroit Parks Coalition 2026 Summer Parks Programming Grants (2026-05-13)

Thank you for your interest in funding opportunities from The Kresge Foundation. We make grants through seven Programs and a Social Investment Practice. Each Program has established specific objectives to advance strategic goals. These objectives are called Focus Areas. It is through Focus Areas that grant opportunities are made available to grantseekers. You can learn more about each focus area in the Our Work section under each program.

We use an array of flexible grantmaking and social investing tools. Kresge awards single and multiyear grants for general operating support, projects and planning. We also use social investing tools such as program-related investments, guarantees and equity.

The Detroit Program’s Kresge Innovative Projects: Detroit Plus initiative is launching its first-ever Cultural Heritage round, with up to $1.25 million available for community-led projects that preserve, celebrate and activate the cultural identity of neighborhoods across Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. In partnership with Co.act Detroit and Michigan Community Resources, the program will award 10 to 15 grants of up to $100,000 each for storytelling, oral history, public art, cultural events, neighborhood signage and placekeeping work.

What this round supports

KIP:D+ Cultural Heritage is designed for projects that honor the past, care for important places and imagine the future of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. Both physical and nonphysical projects are eligible.

Examples include:

• Storytelling and oral history projects
• Archiving efforts that preserve community memory
• Public art or permanent installations
• Exhibitions
• Neighborhood signage
• Cultural events and celebrations
• Activating community spaces
• Placemaking and placekeeping work

Projects should strengthen belonging, preserve stories and places, and be shaped by community voice. Applicants should be prepared to begin work soon after receiving funding and complete their projects within a 24-month grant period.

The Lula Wilson Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Pontiac and Oakland County, Michigan, focusing on education, scientific research, religious activities, civic initiatives, and health services. This grant is exclusively for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, ensuring that individuals cannot apply directly. Applications are welcomed from institutions dedicated to enhancing community welfare and promoting social good within the specified areas.

The Rural Business Development Grants program in Michigan aims to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas, focusing on entities with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in revenue. Grants can be used for various purposes, including business development and feasibility studies, without a maximum amount, although smaller requests are prioritized. This initiative fosters local economic growth and enhances community sustainability.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. The intent is to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Michigan provide vital support for rural communities facing water emergencies. Eligible entities can apply for grants to construct or repair water infrastructure, ensuring safe drinking water access. This program responds to various disasters, including droughts and chemical spills, helping communities recover and maintain essential water services. With funding up to $1 million, the initiative fosters partnerships and sustainable practices, ultimately enhancing public health and environmental resilience.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Michigan provides essential funding for the development and enhancement of drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and stormwater drainage in eligible rural areas. This program supports qualified applicants, including local governments and nonprofits, who struggle to secure commercial credit. Funds can be used for various activities, from construction to legal fees, ensuring clean and reliable services for communities.

The Sturgeon River Pottery Fund for Education in the Visual Arts provides grants up to $250 to K–12 art teachers in Emmet County and Wolverine, Michigan. Established by Steve and Karen Andrews in 1999, the fund supports the purchase of visual art supplies that foster creativity in classrooms. This initiative has awarded over $25,000 to promote artistic expression among local youth, aligning with the foundation's mission to enhance community quality of life through the arts.