Best Transportation Grants in Michigan

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

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.

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Transportation.

Facility Improvement & Equipment

Facility Improvement & Equipment funding is designed to assist organizations with both facility improvements and/or the purchase of equipment related to the arts and culture programming, services, and/or activities the organization provides to its audiences and communities. Organizations may request any combination of facility improvement and/or equipment needs up to the maximum request amount. Organizations applying for Facility Improvement needs must have proof of ownership of the building or evidence of a long-term lease.

• Allowable Expenses:
  • Expansion, renovation, or construction of applicant-owned cultural facilities
  • Facility structure or system maintenance of applicant-owned cultural facilities
  • Feasibility studies, architectural drawings/fees, and design fees
  • Construction and project management costs
  • Purchase of equipment directly related to the organization’s arts/cultural production 

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Transportation.

Field Trips

Field trip funding is designed to assist organizations that have a need to transport participants in “field trip” style events to engage in arts and cultural programming/services/activities. The transportation costs may be associated with both in-state and out-of-state travel. The transportation funding may be related to (or may be separate from) any other project applied for within this Experience Support grant application.

The funding may be used in one (or both) of the following ways:

• Transporting a group of participants to the applicant’s venue to participate in the applicant’s arts and cultural programming/services/activities.
• Transporting a group of the applicant’s participants to a different organization’s venue to participate in arts and cultural programming/services/activities. 

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Field Trips.

Project Support

Project Support funding is designed to support the production, presentation, and creation of arts and culture experiences for Michigan communities. Projects may range anywhere from a single, one-day event to a program that takes place over the entire grant period. Experience opportunities resulting from grant funds must be open to the public. Grant funds can only be used for the specific arts and culture related project that is awarded (cannot be used for any of the organization’s non-arts and culture-related programs).

• Allowable Expenses:
  • Fees related to hiring artists and/or culture bearers such as wages, honoraria, and residencies
  • In-state travel expenses including transportation of equipment and lodging for artists/culture bearers
  • Staff time directly related to the project
  • Production supplies
  • Marketing expenses
  • Fees related to renting a facility for the project

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.

Duly registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Michigan can seek support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding for charitable initiatives, and Michigan groups working to improve communities or protect the environment may be eligible to apply.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities in Michigan communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment initiatives. Focused on strengthening GP communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites applicants whose projects enhance long-term well-being and sustainability within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community.

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.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.