Best Grants for Journalism in Michigan

Michigan journalism organizations, especially nonprofits, can access funding through the Joyce Foundation to support independent, nonpartisan investigative reporting on key issues in the Great Lakes region. Grants may fund projects, reporting positions, local and community news efforts, nonprofit journalism network strengthening, and programs for early-career journalists, particularly journalists of color.

Michigan journalism and civic organizations working on voting rights, fair representation, or census data accuracy can access funding through the Joyce Foundation for research, policy development, litigation, and public engagement. Grants of US $25,000 - US $125,000 support projects influencing state and local public policy in Great Lakes states, including Michigan, with a focus on equitable democratic participation.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Congressman Mark Foley Scholarship for Journalism Education Fund

Must be enrolled in a program with a major in Journalism.

College-bound or current students from Conotton Valley or Carrollton High Schools pursuing journalism, writing, media, music, history, or related fields can receive scholarship support through Stark Community Foundation. This renewable award offers more than US $500 based on financial need and may benefit Michigan-focused journalism students who meet these specific school and field criteria.

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in journalism, literature, communication, or related fields at accredited U.S. institutions can receive need-based tuition support through this fellowship, including those from Michigan. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund help eligible Tribal members and verified descendants cover academic-year costs based on institutional financial aid information.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) Seventh-day Adventist publications, universities, academies, and independent media covering Adventist issues can receive funding for journalism projects, including travel, technology, stipends, training, and major reporting. Versacare supports ethical Adventist-focused journalism, and Michigan organizations meeting these criteria may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $15,000 awarded each March and September.

Journalism outlets and freelance reporters producing U.S. health care affordability coverage can apply for the National Institute for Health Care Management Television and Audio Journalism Award, including those serving Michigan audiences. With a mission to spotlight impactful reporting, the foundation provides a US $20,000 prize for outstanding television, audio, streaming, or podcast work that informs key health stakeholders.

Local journalism outlets in Michigan producing stories on U.S. health care affordability and access can apply for the National Institute for Health Care Management Local Media Award, which offers a US $15,000 prize. Eligible entries include locally focused newspaper, magazine, or nonprofit news pieces or series published in 2025.

Journalism outlets and nonprofit news organizations in Michigan and nationwide can apply for NIHCM Foundation’s Investigative and General Reporting Award, offering US $20,000 for outstanding health care reporting. Grants from NIHCM Foundation help journalism projects that advance new insights on U.S. health care affordability, access, and quality for policymakers, health plans, and consumers.

Journalists and specialty publications in Michigan covering U.S. health care affordability and access can apply for the NIHCM Foundation Trade Journalism Award, which offers US $15,000 for outstanding reporting. Eligible entries are 2025 stories or series for specialty audiences that provide new insights for health plans, policymakers, and related stakeholders.

Journalists and media professionals in Michigan covering forestry and natural resources can receive more than US $500 through the Outstanding Forestry Journalism Award for impactful reporting. Society of American Foresters offers an honorarium, convention registration, and travel support for print, television, radio stories, documentaries, or books that advance public understanding of forestry issues.

Students interested in journalism who can provide samples of their journalistic work may be eligible for scholarship support that can benefit those in Michigan and beyond. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region offers the Gene Robb Journalism Scholarship, recognizing the former Times Union publisher’s contributions and helping high school and college students pursue higher education in journalism.

High school seniors interested in journalism and needing financial assistance can access scholarship support through the Michael Hurewitz Scholarship. With a mission to empower meaningful giving, the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region provides funding for Greater Capital Region students pursuing higher education in journalism, which may benefit those exploring journalism pathways similar to programs in Michigan.

Journalists and media outlets producing investigative or commentary work can receive monthly recognition and US $1,000 awards from the Sidney Hillman Foundation for pieces published in the U.S., including Michigan. Focused on journalism that advances social justice and the common good, all mediums are eligible and nominations may be submitted by creators or others.

Michigan journalists covering technology and society can access funding through the Omidyar Network Fund’s Tech Journalism Fund; awards US $5,000 - US $25,000 for intensive reporting projects. Freelancers, staff reporters, editors, and teams based in the U.S. may receive support for travel, research, data access, fact-checking, multimedia, and reporting time.

Michigan institutions serving K-12 students and educators with large-scale global health education projects can access funding through the Pulitzer Center; awards up to US $1,500 support initiatives using Pulitzer-supported journalism. Eligible applicants include schools, libraries, museums, community centers, bookstores, and afterschool organizations that reach at least 500 learners and explore journalism’s role in public health.

Michigan journalism students pursuing college or graduate studies can access funding through Maine Community Foundation for majors in journalism or closely related media fields. Awards range from US $1,000 - US $60,000 and are renewable, but applicants must be graduates of Maine high schools or home-schooled in a Maine community.

Students pursuing creative writing from Chelan or Douglas County in Washington can receive scholarship support for high school or higher education studies, including journalism. Grants from Community Foundation of North Central Washington help eligible writers with at least a 3.0 GPA who submit an original short writing sample and describe their chosen writing focus, such as novels, poetry, or journalism.

Students pursuing journalism or communications degrees can receive tuition and education expense support through the Express-News Charitable Foundation Scholarship Fund, open to residents of specified South Texas counties attending accredited U.S. colleges full-time. With a mission to build community, San Antonio Area Foundation provides renewable scholarships that may benefit future journalists beyond Michigan as well.

Muslim undergraduate and graduate students in journalism, media studies, or related writing fields in the U.S., including Michigan, can receive US $3,000 - US $5,000 to support their studies. Islamic Scholarship Fund provides Michigan journalism students with scholarships plus mentorship and career support to advance American Muslim representation in media and public discourse.

The Robert Sr. and Mary Churchwell Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors the legacy of Robert Churchwell, Sr., a pioneering African American journalist, and Mary Elizabeth Buckingham Churchwell, a dedicated educator. This scholarship supports journalism students who demonstrate commitment and excellence in their field. Eligible candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA and submit an essay on the role of journalism today. The fund aims to empower future journalists to reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

The San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in Journalism or Communications. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and college students from specific Texas counties or those attending schools in San Antonio. The scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities and promote diversity in media, helping students achieve their career goals in the communications field.

The Liz Colantuono & Mark Sanz Endowment Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, provides need-based financial support to Native American students and adult refugees enrolled or accepted at accredited U.S. four-year institutions. With a focus on those facing financial challenges, this scholarship aims to empower students who demonstrate a commitment to education in STEM, education, accounting, or journalism, thereby fostering future leaders in these fields.

The Rhoden Fellowship, supported by ESPN and administered by the United Negro College Fund, is a year-long program designed to empower students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Participants will serve as correspondents, creating multimedia content for Andscape, covering major sports events, and producing a bi-weekly podcast. This opportunity not only fosters journalistic skills but also promotes engagement with the HBCU community, paving the way for future leaders in journalism.

The Jerry and Martha Taylor Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from Rock Island County pursuing post-secondary education. With awards of up to $1,000, this scholarship is not renewable and is open to applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Preference is given to students majoring in journalism, theater arts, or special education, or those attending accredited trade schools.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Curtis Wachter Scholarship Fund

For a current year graduating senior who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County or Greene County school district, who intends to study photography, photojournalism, or a related discipline.

Journalism and communication students pursuing full-time higher education, including those from Michigan, may be eligible for this renewable scholarship supporting undergraduate juniors, seniors, or graduate students. Grants from Marshfield Area Community Foundation help journalism-focused students cover educational costs, with one Marshfield Lions Club Edward W. Heller Memorial Scholarship awarded each year.