Best Transportation Grants in Michigan

Nonprofit organizations in Michigan that are 501(c)(3)s and run programs for children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support through Costco Foundation. The foundation reviews requests year-round, prioritizing demonstrated community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support for the proposed program budget.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions can receive in-kind intermodal transportation services and donated railroad equipment to reduce freight and materials costs. Grants from CSX Foundation help organizations serving military members, community first responders, or broader community needs within its rail network communities, including Michigan and other listed U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage independent nonprofits and impact-first for-profits in Michigan tackling social or environmental challenges with scalable transportation or mobility solutions can apply for support, including up to US $300,000 over three years. Focused on bold, systems-level change, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation invites organizations serving underserved communities to grow proven, measurable-impact models toward large-scale reach.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Michigan and across the U.S. can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million may seek program, capital, or limited general and endowment support, especially for youth engagement and artist development.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on early childhood education or community and economic development can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant to support programs serving low- and moderate-income residents. PNC Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, small business support, job training, arts and cultural enrichment, and related community services in PNC-served communities.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Michigan working on community development, housing, jobs, hunger, or related basic needs may be eligible for sponsorship support that can complement transportation initiatives. Bank of America Foundation also considers programs in arts and culture, environment, workforce education, and diversity and inclusion across U.S. communities.

Michigan public agencies, schools, tribal governments, nonprofits, and other eligible entities in Michigan can seek funding for pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure, transit access, trails, and historic transportation facilities. The Michigan Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives Program requires at least a 20% local cash match and favors community-driven projects with strong engagement and clear construction readiness.

Michigan schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits needing help with transportation for Toledo Mud Hens or Toledo Walleye game field trips can receive US $100 - US $1,000 for bus or charter costs. Eligible organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan can access this support via the Toledo Community Foundation’s Mud Hens-Walleye Transportation Fund.

Accredited schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan can receive up to US $1,000 to cover bus transportation for field trips to Toledo Mud Hens baseball or Toledo Walleye hockey games. Focused on recreation and sports, Toledo Community Foundation supports organizations facing financial barriers to group transportation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving older adults in Michigan’s Washtenaw County can seek funding to improve transportation access, along with housing stability, food security, and healthcare navigation. Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation’s Glacier Hills Legacy Fund Golden Opportunities program backs services like rides to medical appointments, food access, and senior centers to reduce inequities for vulnerable older adults.

Michigan environmental and justice-focused organizations working on climate policy, clean energy, or Great Lakes and drinking water issues can access funding through the Joyce Foundation. Grants support policy and advocacy efforts on carbon-free electricity, freshwater protection, and equitable water systems across Great Lakes states, with a focus on communities most impacted by environmental harms.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Rural communities and land-based industry partners in Michigan can seek funding to expand and sustain agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas, tourism, and related infrastructure. Focused on rural development, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development invites projects improving transportation, energy, communications, water, wastewater, and worker training, with awards up to US $100,000.

Organizations and community groups in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula seeking health-related equipment, including items that improve transportation for residents, may be eligible for grants of US $500 - US $10,000. Superior Health Foundation supports purchases that enhance service delivery, accessibility, treatment processes, and program expansion to improve the health and well-being of U.P. communities.

Psychology graduate students interested in multiple sclerosis clinical care can receive US $3,000 for a four-week, full-time mentorship experience in Michigan and other sites. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society program offers supervised exposure to diagnosis, neurocognitive and psychosocial management, and rehabilitation, and may benefit students focused on transportation-related access and mobility issues for MS patients.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, and religious or educational institutions serving Northwest Ottawa County in Michigan can apply for Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s Community Impact Grants to support transportation, recreation, and broader community development projects. Funding may benefit public transportation and mass transit, economic and community betterment, environmental sustainability, and health and human services initiatives in the region.

Nonprofits, Native nations, schools, and local governments serving northwest Michigan can seek funding to develop or expand community assets, including public transportation and multi-modal transit projects, through Rotary Club of Traverse City’s Assets for Thriving Communities grants, offering up to US $50,000. Eligible initiatives must be well-planned, widely accessible, and grounded in strong community engagement and partnerships.

Schools serving grades K–12 and affiliated nonprofits in Michigan can seek Michigan Department of Transportation mini grants to support safe walking, biking, and rolling to school. With a mission to strengthen transportation safety, MDOT provides funding up to US $15,000 per school for active transportation programs and coordination personnel.

Out-of-school time and youth sports programs in Michigan serving ages 5–18 can seek grants up to US $100,000 to expand equitable, youth-driven activities and remove participation barriers like transportation, food, and materials. Michigan Afterschool Partnership supports youth development and leadership by prioritizing youth voice, safety, tangible supports, and future readiness in Southeast Michigan communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Michigan serving seniors can seek grants to provide aid, assistance, and services to the elderly, including transportation support. Mary Thompson Foundation provides Michigan senior-service nonprofits with funding for medical care, food programs, transportation, entertainment, and other programs that enhance comfort, dignity, and quality of life for older adults.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support, including those serving Michigan communities. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports programs addressing hunger, homelessness, job readiness, health access, and related community needs where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Eligible rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Michigan can receive US $10,000 - US $500,000 to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses. USDA Rural Development funding can also back rural transportation improvements, community and technology-based economic development, revolving loan funds, and business incubators in qualifying rural areas.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.