Best Grants for International Development in Michigan

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Athens Area Community Foundation

Established in 1994 in Athens, Michigan – For good. Forever. For all.

Mission: To build permanent endowment funds that enrich and enhance the quality of life and support services in the Athens area.

Grants

The Athens Area Community Foundation supports nonprofit organizations who impact the organizations and residents in the greater Athens area. Organizations that are recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and serve the greater Athens area residents, are eligible to apply for grants.

The following are the current areas of focus for AACF grants:

• Arts & Culture
• Community/Economic Development
• Education
• Environment
• Health & Wellness
• Human Services
• Youth

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, education, and workforce readiness can apply for Consumers Energy Foundation’s People grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $50,000. Grants from Consumers Energy Foundation help Michigan organizations reduce poverty and ALICE rates through K-12, early learning, higher education, STEM, and job readiness programs that build economic security.

Michigan 501(c)(3) organizations with projects that protect or restore land, freshwater, or air quality can apply for Consumers Energy Foundation’s Planet grants, offering US $5,000 - US $50,000 for capital, program, or operational support. Grants from Consumers Energy Foundation help Michigan environmental groups, including those with international development components, strengthen stewardship and reduce environmental impact in communities they serve.

Michigan 501(c)(3) organizations working on economic development, neighborhood revitalization, job growth, or arts and culture can apply for Consumers Energy Foundation’s Prosperity grants; awards US $5,000 - US $50,000 for capital projects, programs, or operations. International development nonprofits with Michigan-based initiatives that strengthen local economies may be eligible.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Michigan can apply for Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation support to fund health access, youth and family programs, or animal welfare projects. Grants may cover new or expanded programs and some equipment needs, benefiting underserved and vulnerable residents in Southeast Michigan communities.

Michigan 501(c)(3) and public institutions seeking funding for education, arts, human services, conservation, recreation, and other community projects in Bay County can apply for support from the Kantzler Foundation. The foundation prioritizes tangible community assets and facilities that benefit large population segments and demonstrate broad financial backing and long-term sustainability.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Michigan counties where Penn National Gaming operates can apply for the Penn National Gaming Foundation’s community-focused grants to support local development, education, human services, health, cultural programs, and veterans services. Eligible organizations must be physically located in a host community and serve residents’ broad needs through local projects and programs.

Michigan nonprofits and governmental entities working on nutrition education, training, or research can access funding through Allen Foundation for projects that improve human nutrition and link diet to health. U.S.-domiciled 501(c)(3)s, hospitals, clinics, schools, and community organizations may be eligible for support that advances sustainable, self-sufficient nutrition programs.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving communities in Menominee County with projects in community development, education, environment, health, or arts and culture can apply for support through Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. Focused on community and neighborhood improvement, the foundation invites program, project, or capital requests that benefit residents in its Michigan service area and may complement international development efforts.

Nonprofits and other eligible entities in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties seeking to strengthen internal systems can apply for capacity-building support, including board development, fundraising planning, and leadership development. Focused on organizational sustainability and effectiveness, Capital Region Community Foundation invites Michigan organizations with 501(c)(3) status or a qualified fiscal sponsor to partner on tailored capacity-building plans.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations and public institutions conducting pediatric research on environmental hazards affecting infants and young children can apply for Gerber Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $350,000. Projects should generate practical, applied solutions that improve health, nutrition, or developmental outcomes, including assessing exposures or methods to lessen their effects, and may benefit Michigan-focused international development programs with related research components.

The Gerber Foundation provides research grants focused on enhancing the health and nutrition of infants and young children, particularly those aged 0-3. The foundation seeks innovative projects that address critical health issues and improve developmental outcomes. Grants support applied research, diagnostic tools, and treatment regimens that promise significant advancements in pediatric health. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations, emphasizing a commitment to projects with a direct impact on children's well-being in the U.S.

The Gerber Foundation provides research grants focused on pediatric nutrition, aiming to enhance the health and well-being of infants and young children. Key areas of interest include applied research on nutritional issues, benefits of specific nutrients, and innovative treatment regimens. The foundation prioritizes projects that promise significant advancements in health outcomes for children from birth to age three, ensuring that grant dollars effectively address critical development challenges.

501(c)(3) organizations serving communities near Band Trust Lands in Michigan and Indiana can apply for The Pokagon Fund’s Pokagon Band Grants, with awards up to US $7,500 for charitable projects. Funding supports education, poverty reduction, food security, community development, parks, and related services that strengthen local residents and rural communities.

Schools and affiliated nonprofits in Michigan can fund active transportation programs that help K–12 students walk, roll, and bike safely to school. With a mission to improve student travel safety and reduce traffic and pollution, Michigan Department of Transportation provides grants up to US $15,000 per school, including support for program coordinators or personnel.

Nonprofit organizations providing human services in Michigan can apply for MGM Resorts Foundation’s Community Grant Fund to support affordable housing, economic opportunity, K–12 education, family services, food security, health and wellness, homelessness, senior services, and veterans programs. Eligible agencies must serve communities where MGM Resorts employees live and work and comply with diversity and inclusion policies.

Nonprofit public charities, faith institutions, public entities, and schools serving youth in the greater Albion area of Michigan can seek approximately US $10,000 for local youth needs and development projects. With a mission to strengthen community assets, Albion Community Foundation provides funding that may benefit Michigan organizations working on youth-focused international development education or engagement locally.

Nonprofits and government entities in Michigan improving mental health and substance use disorder care can seek one- or two-year project grants from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund’s Behavioral Health RFP, ranging from US $50,000 - US $500,000. Funding supports innovative, collaborative, and tech-enabled care models, especially for children, older adults, and foster or adopted youth.

With a mission to strengthen community life, nonprofits, 501(c)(3) organizations, and individuals in Troy, Michigan can receive $250 - $2,000 for arts and culture, health and recreation, youth and senior services, and city beautification projects. The North Woodward Community Foundation supports charitable initiatives that enhance opportunities, wellness, and the overall environment for Troy residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering affordable housing, financial education, or workforce development programs in Detroit or Charlotte can seek support to advance economic mobility. Ally Charitable Foundation supports these efforts in Michigan by funding programs that expand quality housing access, build financial literacy, and create college and career pathways for underserved communities.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Michigan nonprofits, schools, and public agencies can apply for Community Impact funding from the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan; awards up to US $2,500 support charitable projects in Crawford, Ogemaw, and Oscoda Counties. Organizations working on health, education, community improvement, environment, or youth arts programming may be eligible, including initiatives with an international development component.

Michigan nonprofits working on environmental conservation, youth learning, arts access, or economic vitality can access funding through Walters Family Foundation for projects serving local communities. 501(c)(3) organizations with at least two years of operating history may be eligible for grants of more than US $25,000, which could support internationally focused development efforts based in Michigan.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek Horizon Bank funding for education, arts, economic development, community services, and housing efforts, including work based in or benefiting Michigan. Horizon Bank provides U.S. community-focused nonprofits with more than US $5,000 for one-time or one-year projects, including building programs and initiatives that leverage matching funds.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools running manufacturing workforce education programs in Michigan and other eligible states can apply for Honda’s Education Pillar Award, offering US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programmatic support. Grants from American Honda Motor support hands-on training in design, data analytics, AI, automation, and related technical skills that may benefit international development-focused initiatives.