Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in Michigan

The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation, established in 1962, focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, environmental protection, and community health in the regions it operates. As a leading steel manufacturer, Cleveland-Cliffs is committed to sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship. The foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations that address key challenges in education, the environment, and community well-being, ensuring impactful investments that help communities thrive across North America.

The Morley Foundation Grant, established in 1948, supports nonprofit organizations in Saginaw County, Michigan, focusing on welfare, health, education, and civic improvement. Committed to community stewardship, the foundation invests in initiatives that enhance the quality of life, prioritizing local needs over broad issues. Grants are granted quarterly, with multi-year commitments generally reserved for capital projects. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and provide detailed financial and organizational information.

The Joseph E. Beauchamp Charitable Trust Grant supports religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, particularly focusing on Protestant and non-sectarian agencies. Funded exclusively for nonprofit organizations under IRS section 501(c)(3), it emphasizes community development, education, and animal welfare. Notably, individuals cannot apply for these grants. Organizations are encouraged to align their initiatives with the trust's mission to promote the prevention of cruelty to children and animals.

The Makulinski Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofit and charity organizations, emphasizing sustainable community development. With a commitment to lasting change, MFF actively matches investments to amplify their impact, ranging from 10:1 to 1:2 based on beneficiary needs. The foundation welcomes proposals from various regions, including Ohio, Michigan, and South Carolina, and encourages applications that align with their mission. Interested parties can access the grant request form to submit their proposals.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

The Frank and Virginia Such Memorial Scholarship, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, honors two community pillars known for their dedication to education and family. This scholarship is aimed at local students pursuing a college education in teaching or education, with a focus on financial need. Eligible candidates must be at least juniors at a Michigan college, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. The application process is streamlined, allowing students to apply for multiple scholarships at once.

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

The History Internship Scholarship at Western Michigan University supports exceptional history and public history students undertaking internships. This scholarship helps cover relocation costs for students required to move temporarily for their internships. Applicants must provide a resume, transcript, project description, budget proposal, and faculty mentor support. The application deadline is March 15, and the scholarship amount varies. Interested students should submit their applications to the department chair.

The WMU Department of History offers a renewable $1,000 History Fellowship Award for newly admitted full-time freshman students majoring in history or related fields. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 high school GPA and maintain the same GPA while enrolled. The fellowship is renewable for up to four years, ensuring continued support for students who maintain their academic standing. Applications are due by March 15, and underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel Scholarship

The Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel is made up of approximately 1,000 retired Saginaw County school workers, including teachers, administrators, librarians, custodians, cafeteria workers and secretaries.

The Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel established the Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel Scholarship in 1995 to assist a graduate of any Saginaw County public high school who plans to pursue a career in education at an accredited college or university in Michigan.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

The Detter Family Foundation Leaders in Mathematics and Science Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Allendale Public Schools pursuing post-secondary education in math or science. Emphasizing financial need, this scholarship also considers leadership qualities and extracurricular involvement. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate a commitment to their educational and career goals, ensuring a competitive selection process.

About Us

Making a Difference, Together

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.

Women Educators Endowed Fund

The Women Educators Scholarship Fund supports applicants pursuing a degree in the field of education with a completion of at least 48 undergraduate credit hours at an accredited Michigan college of education or an institution with a reciprocal agreement.

The Baiardi Family Foundation (BFF) awards grants primarily in Michigan, focusing on the Detroit Metropolitan Area and Emmet County. Their mission is to foster positive change through various giving categories, including healthcare, education, the arts, and environmental stewardship. They emphasize the importance of Catholic and Judeo-Christian values in their grant-making process. Note that they do not provide grants to individuals, and all requests are evaluated based on merit to align with their guiding principles.

The CEHD Student Resilience Fund at Western Michigan University offers financial assistance to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students facing unexpected challenges that hinder their academic success. With a lifetime cap of $3,500, the fund addresses urgent needs such as textbooks, technology, and housing. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional resources before applying, as the fund is reliant on donations and does not provide support for anticipated educational costs.

The P. Joann Womble Dehring Memorial Education Endowed Scholarship supports full-time undergraduate and graduate students at Western Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Development. This scholarship encourages those enrolled in teacher education, counseling education, or counseling psychology programs to apply, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 required. Renewable for eligible students, it aims to foster academic success and dedication in future educators and counselors.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The Lucille Abbott Nobbs and Alpha Beta Epsilon Endowed Scholarship supports full-time junior, senior, or graduate students at Western Michigan University, prioritizing ABE WMU Sorority members and those in teacher education. Applicants must provide proof of eligibility and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. The award covers tuition, fees, and books, and may be renewable for up to two consecutive years if criteria are met and funding allows.

The Kelly Carman Memorial Scholarship supports full-time junior, senior, or graduate students at Western Michigan University College of Education and Human Development, particularly those pursuing early childhood or elementary education. Eligible candidates must be U.S. residents, enrolled full-time, and can renew the scholarship for a maximum of two consecutive years. Special consideration is given to non-traditional students, ensuring diverse applicants benefit from this scholarship opportunity.

The Bess L. Stinson Scholarship supports students enrolled in any program within the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, although a GPA of 2.5 may be accepted with a faculty recommendation. This scholarship may be renewed upon reapplication, provided that the eligibility requirements are still met and funding is available.

The Arkansas Audubon Society Trust Grants support conservation, research, and education projects focused on Arkansas bird species and their habitats. Established in 1972, the trust offers grants ranging from $100 to $1200, prioritizing projects within the state but considering broader initiatives as well. Eligible applicants include individuals, students, educators, and nonprofits. Proposals are accepted biannually, with meetings held to discuss funding decisions, fostering a community dedicated to avian conservation.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The PHSA Community Foundation offers Community and Youth Grants to enhance life in Emmet County. With two application cycles each year, the foundation has distributed over $300,000 per cycle, averaging $7,800 per grant. They welcome requests of all sizes and offer support from various funds. This initiative is designed to meet diverse local needs, ensuring that community projects receive the necessary funding to thrive.

The Horizon Bank Community Grant Program aims to enhance local communities by funding initiatives in education, arts, and economic development. With grants starting at $5,000, the program supports 501(c)(3) organizations addressing housing needs for low- to moderate-income families. Applications are accepted annually, with a strong emphasis on corporate citizenship and community involvement. However, grants are not available for political activities or organizations that discriminate. This commitment reflects Horizon Bank's dedication to fostering community growth and responsibility.

The Duncan Aviation Family Trust Grant supports organizations that enhance public school education and improve community quality of life, particularly in Lincoln, Nebraska, Battle Creek, Michigan, and Provo, Utah. Established in 2004 by the Duncan family, this grant prioritizes education, human services, and aviation-related initiatives. With over $1 million contributed annually, the trust is now investing in an endowment plan to ensure sustainable support for impactful donations in the future, while also addressing immediate community needs.