Best Kent County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

June M. and John C. Vandervelde Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of June M. and John C. Vandervelde, who established the June M. and John C. Vandervelde Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Vandervelde's are both long-time Muskegon residents. Many Muskegonites will recognize the name "Vandervelde Furniture" which was located on Broadway in Muskegon Heights for many years. Generations of people bought their furniture from Vandervelde's. June is a long active volunteer for many community organizations, and both have a strong belief in and recognize the importance of a college education. This scholarship fund will assist Muskegon County students as they pursue that education.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Foundation for MCC - William H. Young Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by an anonymous donor, who established the William H. Young Memorial Scholarship of the Foundation for Muskegon Community College of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship provides assistance to an associate degree-seeking student who demonstrates academic excellence based on either a high school or college academic record, with preference to students interested in the Social Service discipline.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Julie Herrick Easterly Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family and friends of Julie Herrick-Easterly, who established the Julie HerrickEasterly Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Julie Herrick-Easterly, an only child and part of an established family tradition of journalism, worked as a copy editor for various newspapers across the country. Her father, Robert Herrick, was editor of the Muskegon Chronicle for 17 years. At age 34, Julie died from a terminal illness. Following Julie's death, her parents established this scholarship in her memory. Awards from the scholarship are given to a Muskegon area graduating senior who plans to pursue a career in journalism. The award represents an acknowledgment of the student's past achievements in this area of study. To the credit of the Herricks, Julie's love for journalism will always be remembered, and the family tradition will be perpetuated through the lasting gift of education.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

John Jurkas Law Enforcement Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family and friends of John Jurkas, who established the John Jurkas Law Enforcement Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. John Jurkas served the City of Muskegon Police Department for 34 years, during which he established the reputation as a detective with the shrewd ability to solve crime. Mr. Jurkas completed his distinguished career as investigator for the Muskegon County Prosecutor. Following his death in 1991, family and friends established this to assist young people who wish to continue this tradition of excellence in law enforcement. The fund provides awards to Muskegon County students pursuing careers in law enforcement. These scholarships ensure that John Jurkas will continue to promote excellence in the field of law enforcement through the lasting gift of education.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Merrie Schmiege 4-H Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family of Merrie Schmiege, who established the Merrie Schmiege Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship has been established by Maxine and Don Schmiege in memory of their daughter, Merrie, who died in a tragic automobile accident. Merrie was an active member of 4-H, received many local and state equestrian awards, taught horseback riding, and owned many horses. On account of her enthusiasm for equestrian activities and the programs of 4-H, Mr. and Mrs. Schmiege chose to create a Scholarship that provides financial support to young men and women who actively participate in these excellent programs. To the credit of the Schmiege's, Merrie's zeal and love of life will endure through the lasting gift of education.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon County Bar Association Law Education Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon County Bar Association of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Attorneys in Muskegon, have long recognized the need to enhance educational opportunities such as Law to Teens, Law Day Awards, and scholarships to encourage students to become attorneys. James Kobza, former President of the Muskegon County Bar Association, initiated the concept of an endowment fund after learning that other communities had done so. The Bar Association, along with contributions from individual attorneys, established this fund to provide programs that will educate and advance the public's understanding and awareness of legal issues.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon Community College Faculty Association Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon Community College Faculty Association (MCCFA), who established the Muskegon Community College Faculty Association Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship is awarded to students continuing their education at Muskegon Community College, or pursuing an education at another college or university.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Mary A. Eyke, who established the Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Mary A. Eyke has been described as friendly and independent, “a rock,” by her family, but Mary was more than that. She was a dedicated Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing who taught OB/GYN and pediatrics nursing at Mercy School of Nursing at Mercy General Health Partners for 30 years…and she was a philanthropist! At her death, after a life of 92 years, her wish was to establish the Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship. Her passion was helping her students become good nurses. The Mary A. Eyke Nursing Scholarship will provide financial assistance to students who have dedicated themselves to the nursing profession Mary loved so very much.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the members of the Mona Shores Optimist Club, who established the Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Mona Shores Optimist Club is committed to making a difference in the lives of others with the money that they raise! In 1994 this active service club established the Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship to benefit graduating seniors from Fruitport, Holton, Mona Shores, Montague, Muskegon Catholic, Muskegon Heights, Muskegon, North Muskegon, Oakridge, Orchard View, Ravenna, Reeths-Puffer, West Michigan Christian and Whitehall high schools. Three scholarships are awarded each year on a rotating basis between the 14 high schools. The Mona Shores Optimist Club is to be commended for spreading its good works all around Muskegon County. 

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Mike and Lillian & Charles and Anne Boonstra Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lillian Boonstra, who established the Mike and Lillian & Charles and Anne Boonstra Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Lillian was born and raised in Muskegon. She married Mike Boonstra, who, along with his brother Charles, owned the Boonstra Brothers Coal Co. on Western Ave for many years. Mike was one of the originators of radio station WMUS, a well-known country music radio station. Mike died a tragic death in 1981. He and Lillian were childless but always had candy for the neighborhood children. They were affectionately known as the candy lady and man. Not only was the Community Foundation a beneficiary of Lillian’s generosity, but also her church and others. The Boonstra Fund will be used to assist students attending any college, university or technical degree program, in addition to those pursuing careers in Christian vocation and service.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Marie VanderVoort Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Marie VanderVoort, who established the Marie VanderVoort Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Marie VanderVoort was born in the Netherlands, came to the United States at age 14 and died in 1997 at the age of 100. Marie attended Hackley School of Nursing, graduating in their second class of students in 1922. She did private duty work at both Hackley and Mercy Hospitals until her retirement. She traveled extensively and loved exploring the diverse areas of the world. Marie enjoyed her family, particularly her nieces and nephews. One of her nieces, Maxine Hooper, as well as several others, encouraged her to leave a bequest to the Community Foundation to provide nursing scholarships in her name. 

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Leigh T. Prettyman Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the friends and family of Leigh T. Prettyman, who established the Leigh T. Prettyman Scholarship of the Muskegon County Community Foundation . Leigh Prettyman was a prominent and successful insurance executive at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. Scholarships from this fund are awarded to worthy Muskegon students planning to attend a four- year college. This ensures that Leigh Prettyman's dedication to his community and its youth will endure through the lasting gift of education.

ASPCA PRO

ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.

ASPCA Research Grants

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.

This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:

• Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research
• Applied Behavior Research
• Cruelty Research
• Farm Animal Welfare Research
• Psychological Trauma Research
• Shelter Research

Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in. 

Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research

Proposals that address AVC for cats, dogs, and equines from any angle (e.g., medical, legal, impact, program delivery, community engagement, veterinary engagement). Ideally, the research will establish tools or guidelines that professionals and organizations can use to improve access to veterinary care.

Proposals that include a shelter-researcher partnership aspect are especially encouraged. Examples include, but are not limited to, inclusion of both shelter and academic staff on the study team, the creation of a shelter-facing deliverable, an implementation prospectus that includes a feasibility assessment and identified partner shelter.

Aimee Melissa Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund

Graduating senior from a high school within Travis, Williamson or Hays counties.

Awards

• (1) $5,000.0

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Peter and Huberdina Weller Scholarship

• Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student from a high school within the greater Community Foundation service area
• Enrolling/enrolled at an accredited post-secondary school within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Intention to pursue educational opportunities and a career in horticulture or the biological sciences with an emphasis on botany
• All other qualifications being equal, tie-breaking consideration will be given to students of color
• Previous recipients of the award are encouraged to reapply.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Randy Boileau Storyteller Scholarship

• Graduating senior who resides within the primary service area of the Community Foundation or in Hamilton
• Enrolling at Aquinas College, Calvin University, Ferris State University, Hope College, or Grand Valley State University
• GPA of 3.5 or greater
• Majoring in marketing, advertising, public relations, journalism, video production, graphic design, or a related subject
• 1,200-character or less answer to this question: How might you use narrative to create understanding and build community in your future career?

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Ruth Westerman Oren Nursing Scholarship

• Recent graduate of an Ottawa County high school or technical school or Ottawa County adult resident making a career transition to nursing
• Pursuing a nursing degree to become a Registered Nurse (RN) through an accredited nursing program within the United States
• Priority given to past recipients who have a strong performance record in their nursing studies

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Samuel Meengs Scholarship

• Graduating senior from one of the following high schools: Black River, Calvary Schools of Holland, Holland Christian, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West
• Enrolling at Hope College
• Financial need, a consideration (encouraged to submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 4.0 or greater
• Involvement in high school sports, music, or the arts preferred
• This scholarship is potentially renewable and supports one student at a time.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Shelley Speet-Mills Creative Arts Scholarship

• Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation
• Enrolling at an accredited post-secondary school within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Planning to pursue a career in the arts
• Recommended by applicant’s high school art teacher
• This scholarship is potentially renewable and supports one student at a time. 

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Slotman Family Scholarship

• Graduating senior or non-traditional student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Hamilton, Holland Christian, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West
• Enrolling/enrolled in a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within Michigan
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 2.5 or greater
• Answer the following two-part question in a 3,400-character or less essay: What is your motivation for attending college and how are you being supported in this endeavor? What barriers to completing your education do you anticipate and how will you overcome them?
• Top priority given to first-generation college students.
• Priority given to students of color
• Potentially renewable for three additional years. Top priority given to first-generation college students. Priority given to students of color
• This scholarship is potentially renewable and supports one student at a time.

The Gloria Anderson Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, honors a beloved music teacher and the founder of the Singing Dutchmen Men’s Chorus. This scholarship, amounting to approximately $1,000, is available to high school seniors pursuing degrees in music education or performance, particularly those from areas served by the Singing Dutchmen. It reflects the Foundation's commitment to supporting local students in their educational endeavors.

The IUE-CWA Local 88502 Union Scholarship, established by union members, supports students pursuing vocational studies. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors with a parent or grandparent who are union members or retirees. Candidates must be enrolled in a post-secondary vocational degree or certification program and submit an essay explaining their career aspirations. The award amount is determined annually, reflecting the commitment to fostering vocational education within the community.

The Austin Education Foundation Scholarship, established by a committee from the Austin School District, aims to support local high school seniors in their pursuit of post-secondary education. With an estimated total award of $3,500 over four years, the scholarship is designed to honor the legacy of Austin High School Alumni. To be eligible, applicants must belong to the Austin School District and submit an activity resume, facilitating a pathway for deserving students to achieve their educational dreams.

The Cooley, Dearing And Rinker Foundation Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports graduates from public schools in Winchester, Frederick, Rappahannock, and Warren Counties. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and show commitment to their college education. Award amounts typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, helping students pursue their academic goals. The foundation has a strong history of addressing community needs since its establishment in 2000.

ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.

ASPCA The Rescue Effect Campaign Grants

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) is offering up to $2 million in grants to support adoption at shelters and rescues during the 2026 “The Rescue Effect”, a nationwide campaign that highlights the positive chain of events that occurs when people adopt, foster, volunteer, advocate and donate.

The Rescue Effect will run through the months of August, September, and October 2026, during which grantees must offer a minimum of two (2) fee-waived adoption days/events each month. 

Restrictions and Parameters

Grant funds may be used for any of the following:

• make-ready costs for cats/dogs available for adoption during the Campaign months covered by the grant term (e.g., s/n surgery, microchips, vaccinations, testing, dewormer, flea-tick treatment, heartworm preventative, bloodwork)
• marketing/advertising costs (e.g., adoption promotions, volunteer/foster recruitment)
• waived adoption fees for adoptions occurring during the Campaign months covered by the grant term
• foster program expansion/ramp up
• operating costs related to supporting participation in The Rescue Effect campaign

South James River Foundation Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this scholarship fund is to provide financial support of $1,000 per recipient to 10 high school seniors in Buckingham planning to attend an accredited two or four-year college/university, community or junior college, vocational technical, or trade school.