Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Michigan

Michigan environmental justice and environmental policy organizations can access funding through the Joyce Foundation to advance climate solutions and Great Lakes and drinking water priorities. Eligible national or regional groups working in Great Lakes states on carbon-free power, clean drinking water, and water equity for communities of color may be considered, with most support focused on Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Eligible community-based nonprofits, tribes, local governments, schools, and higher education institutions in Michigan and other EPA Region 5 states can apply for The Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for assessment and engagement projects. Funding supports environmental health, pollution, climate resilience, and related public health efforts in disadvantaged communities.

Environmental and community organizations in Michigan working on Great Lakes ecosystem health and environmental justice can access funding through Fred A And Barbara M Erb Family Foundation. Grants support watershed and freshwater conservation, climate resilience, equitable environmental policy, community leadership, and developing the next generation of Great Lakes leaders, with awards of More than US $10,000.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits using community organizing to advance progressive social, racial, economic, or environmental justice can seek approximately US $12,000 in mostly general support. Focused on grassroots leadership and local power-building, the Abelard Foundation East prioritizes smaller, early-stage groups, which may include environmental justice and advocacy organizations.

The Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas (MCFA) supports environmental initiatives across the Americas, focusing on biodiversity conservation, environmental education, justice, and sustainable development. They prioritize programs that align with these aims, particularly those involving 501(c)(3) organizations. MCFA seeks to empower marginalized communities, promote ecological stewardship, and encourage sustainable economic practices, ensuring that environmental burdens are shared equitably across all communities.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

Patagonia supports environmental organisations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change.

We support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. We focus on places where we’ve built connections through outdoor recreation and through our network of retail stores, nationally and internationally.

We believe local battles to protect a specific stand of forest, a stretch of river, an indigenous wild species or a community from a polluting refinery build public support and confront larger, more complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental justice.

We encourage work that brings underrepresented communities to the forefront of the environmental movement and defends communities whose health and livelihoods are threatened by environmental exploitation.

We support multipronged campaigns that push for greater environmental protections and force the government to abide by its own laws.

We fund work that:

• builds an equitable, inclusive and diverse environmental movement
• confronts systemic bias, discrimination and injustice in environmental policy or outdoor spaces
• is action-oriented
• focuses on root causes
• has a clear strategy
• identifies specific goals and objectives that can be effectively measured to evaluate success
• builds public involvement and civic engagement

Patagonia believes that the most direct path to real change is through building grassroots momentum.

Our funding focuses on organisations that have or can create a strong base of support. Because we’re a privately held company, we have the freedom to fund risk-taking, off-the-beaten-track groups, and that’s where we believe our small grants are most effective.

Midland Area Community Foundation provides Michigan environmental justice and environmental health organizations with up to US $30,000 for community projects and programs. Schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and units of government in Bay, Midland, and Saginaw Counties may apply for initiatives improving quality of life, STEAM education, or workforce development that align with Hemlock Semiconductor’s values.

Michigan environmental justice and advocacy organizations can access funding through Jackson Community Foundation for program and short-term operational support in Jackson County. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, and governmental entities may receive up to US $20,000 for initiatives advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and related community needs, including environmental health and justice efforts.

Indigenous-led frontline and grassroots groups, organizations, Tribes, and individual Indigenous organizers in Michigan working on non-violent direct action and movement-building can apply for NDN Collective’s Community Action Fund, with awards up to US $15,000 for supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel. Eligible applicants must be within U.S. borders and focused on defending Indigenous rights and protecting land, air, water, and natural resources.

Conservation districts, state and territory conservation associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Michigan can apply for National Association of Conservation Districts technical assistance grants; awards Approximately US $18,000,000 for added staff capacity. Funding supports conservation outreach, education, technical assistance, and land stewardship benefiting producers and communities, including environmental justice and resilience efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations based in Charlevoix or Emmet counties can seek US $100,000 for new, expanded, or collaborative initiatives in environmental restoration, recreation, or preservation. Focused on community impact, Impact 100 Little Traverse Bay also funds related arts, education, family, and health projects that serve local residents and use all funds within the two counties.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving veterans through environmental justice, conservation, recreation, or related initiatives can seek up to US $100,000 for new or expanding projects. With a mission to empower women’s collective giving, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large, transformative grants that may benefit Michigan organizations advancing environmental equity for veterans.

Environmental justice and advocacy artists in Michigan can seek support for solution-focused projects addressing climate and other pressing issues through grants from the Puffin Foundation. With a mission to open doors for underrepresented artistic voices, Puffin provides funding to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, and arts organizations prioritizing projects based in the U.S.

Youth leaders ages 13–23 in Michigan with environmental justice or other kindness-driven social impact projects can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, which awards up to US $5,000 for project expenses. Eligible U.S. citizens or DACA recipients receive a 12‑month leadership fellowship, coaching, mentorship, and peer support, partnering with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor or school.

Youth environmental leaders ages 13 to 22 in Michigan working on environmental justice and related issues can receive US $3,000 plus leadership development support. Earth Island Institute’s Brower Youth Awards honor six North America-based youth each year whose projects show strong leadership, innovative approaches, and significant, scalable impact in their communities.

Youth leaders pursuing environmental projects in Michigan and across the U.S. can seek microgrants to grow their initiatives and bring new ideas to life. Grants from Earth Island Institute’s New Leaders Initiative help youth-led efforts in environmental justice, conservation, sustainability, pollution, stewardship, and leadership development move to the next level of impact.

Filmmakers creating short documentaries on climate change and environmental justice can access funding through Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Bloomberg Green Docs Contest. Eligible creators worldwide, including those highlighting Michigan communities, may compete for a US $25,000 grand prize for films under 10 minutes that explore urgent climate impacts, restoration efforts, or zero-carbon futures.

Scientists and engineers interested in environmental policy and justice can apply for the Science Policy Fellowship, a 1–2 year placement with the American Chemical Society’s Government Affairs team. Focused on federal research funding, STEM education, green chemistry, and environmental and regulatory policy, this opportunity may benefit Michigan professionals seeking deeper engagement in environmental justice advocacy.

Environmental and environmental justice nonprofits in Michigan working on grassroots, direct-action campaigns to protect habitats and frontline communities can apply for Patagonia Org’s Grassroots Collaborative Program, with awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Grants support action-oriented efforts that address root causes, build inclusive movements, and increase public involvement and civic engagement.

Michigan environmental justice and youth-led climate groups can access funding through Climate Group’s Youth Climate Justice Fund for organizing, advocacy, and socio-environmental work. Eligible collectives are led by people 35 and under and based in regions including North America, with grants up to US $40,000 supporting inclusive, community-rooted, non-partisan movements.

Levine Impact Lab

The Levine Impact Lab powers equitable transformation by investing in nonprofit leadership, building community organizations’ capacities, and building their capacity to accelerate positive social and environmental change.

We combine venture-capital expertise and inspired philanthropic thinking to radically amplify the value of giving.

Levine Impact Lab Operational Support Program

The Levine Impact Lab’s Operational Support Program is an 18-month, high-engagement operational partnership designed to help environmental organizations move strategic and financial priorities forward.

At the core of the program is hands-on operational support: our team works side-by-side with your leaders to drive progress on a critical project, whether it’s strengthening your financial infrastructure, increasing earned revenue, or planning for growth.

This is a working partnership. The grant funding and peer-learning community are designed to support and accelerate your momentum.

We are the best fit for organizations that:

• Operate at the intersection of environmental impact and social enterprise
• Are past the startup phase but still in a critical growth stage
• See LIL as a thought partner in unlocking strategy, scale, and sustainability
• Show up with clear goals and a commitment to moving the work forward

More information about participation commitments here.

What is Operational Support?

To get the most out of this program, organizations must come prepared with a specific project, workstream, or organizational challenge they want to tackle over the 18 months with operational support. 

Potential Area(s) of Support: 

• Financial strategy and planning
• Fundraising, development and donor engagement strategy
• Cost structure analysis
• Program development or expansion
• Corporate partnership strategy 
• New location or geographic expansion
• RFP support/capital planning
• Strategic planning
• Board engagement

Find examples of what past cohorts have worked on here.

People

The success of this program relies on having the right organizational leaders at the table. Each organization must commit two senior staff members who are equipped to make key decisions, drive implementation, and stay closely involved throughout the 18-month engagement. These leaders must:

• Have clear decision-making authority and/or strong backing from the Executive Director or CEO
• Be directly involved in the project or challenge the organization is addressing
• Be able to commit time, energy, and focus to move the work forward

There will also be opportunities to include additional staff members in operational projects, as needed, to ensure the right voices and expertise are present. 

Who this might include: Executive Director and Finance Director, Business Development Manager and Operations Lead, or Marketing Manager and Development Director, depending on the nature of your project.

What We Offer

• Tailored 1:1 operational support and strategic advising
• A national cohort of up to 10 organizations
• Peer network of strategic thought partners
• Virtual and in-person workshops and events
• Private Slack channel
• Exclusive alumni programming
• Grant funds over two years
• Supportive peer-learning community
• Accelerated organizational growth and momentum through strategic partnership with LIL

View Program Flyer here.

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

The Fund for Wild Nature Grant empowers small non-profit organizations in Canada and the U.S. that prioritize the preservation of native species and ecosystems. With a biocentric approach, this grant supports innovative initiatives combating environmental degradation. Organizations must be tax-exempt and can only submit one proposal annually. Grants do not exceed $3,000, ensuring funding is directed to impactful projects addressing ecological issues often overlooked. Join the Fund in investing in the future of wild nature!

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program provides crucial financial support to Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations impacted by mining in the U.S. and Canada. With over $200,000 distributed annually in $4,000 grants, the program aims to address mining-related environmental and health issues. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a direct impact on affected communities, particularly Indigenous-led initiatives, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.