Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of status and innovative approaches to social problems can seek funding to advance human services programs, including in Michigan. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations testing new solutions, which may include leadership or organizational development tied to innovative service delivery.

Michigan arts and culture nonprofits focused on professional development and organizational resilience can access funding through the Erb Family Foundation; awards more than US $10,000. Eligible organizations in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties may strengthen staff skills, leadership, financial management, operations, and audience development, including support for jazz education and mentorship in Detroit.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology to tackle crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Michigan and beyond can seek up to US $100,000 in Global Impact Cash Grants. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving predominantly economically underserved communities pilot or scale innovative, tech-enabled solutions rather than general operations.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Michigan offering arts, culture, or science programming can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with awards of more than US $100,000 for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s with audited expenses over $2 million, especially those providing arts education or artist development, may benefit.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, social, science education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects in Michigan and worldwide can seek support for high-quality, sustainable initiatives. Grants from La Roche help organizations that engage local partners and staff, use Roche expertise and logistics, and operate within the same country as a Roche affiliate office.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, or environmental programs can apply for sponsorship funding that advances economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation’s U.S. regional sponsorships may also benefit organizations offering staff or volunteer professional development within these mission-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Southern U.S. can seek funding for programs in education, poverty relief, health, families, veterans, animal welfare, conservation, disaster relief, and religious or spiritual work. Robinson Foundation supports single-year, program-focused projects with tangible impact; Michigan-based nonprofits may be eligible if serving populations below the Mason-Dixon line.

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Transportation.

Facility Improvement & Equipment

Facility Improvement & Equipment funding is designed to assist organizations with both facility improvements and/or the purchase of equipment related to the arts and culture programming, services, and/or activities the organization provides to its audiences and communities. Organizations may request any combination of facility improvement and/or equipment needs up to the maximum request amount. Organizations applying for Facility Improvement needs must have proof of ownership of the building or evidence of a long-term lease.

• Allowable Expenses:
  • Expansion, renovation, or construction of applicant-owned cultural facilities
  • Facility structure or system maintenance of applicant-owned cultural facilities
  • Feasibility studies, architectural drawings/fees, and design fees
  • Construction and project management costs
  • Purchase of equipment directly related to the organization’s arts/cultural production 

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Transportation.

Field Trips

Field trip funding is designed to assist organizations that have a need to transport participants in “field trip” style events to engage in arts and cultural programming/services/activities. The transportation costs may be associated with both in-state and out-of-state travel. The transportation funding may be related to (or may be separate from) any other project applied for within this Experience Support grant application.

The funding may be used in one (or both) of the following ways:

• Transporting a group of participants to the applicant’s venue to participate in the applicant’s arts and cultural programming/services/activities.
• Transporting a group of the applicant’s participants to a different organization’s venue to participate in arts and cultural programming/services/activities. 

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Field Trips.

Professional & Organizational Development

Professional/Organizational Development funding is designed to assist an organization in providing arts and culture-related educational opportunities that increase the knowledge and skills of the organization’s personnel. Only staff members, contracted employees, board members, and/or volunteers may be selected to participate in the organization’s Professional/Organizational Development request.

• Allowable Expenses:
  • Registration fees directly related to an in-person or virtual professional development opportunity including conferences, training, or certification
  • Consultant fees directly related to organizational development opportunities including strategic planning, coalition building, fundraising planning, needs assessment, grant writing, and board governance
  • Travel (in OR out-of-state) including meals and lodging
  • Materials directly related to the professional development opportunity

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Field Trips.

Project Support

Project Support funding is designed to support the production, presentation, and creation of arts and culture experiences for Michigan communities. Projects may range anywhere from a single, one-day event to a program that takes place over the entire grant period. Experience opportunities resulting from grant funds must be open to the public. Grant funds can only be used for the specific arts and culture related project that is awarded (cannot be used for any of the organization’s non-arts and culture-related programs).

• Allowable Expenses:
  • Fees related to hiring artists and/or culture bearers such as wages, honoraria, and residencies
  • In-state travel expenses including transportation of equipment and lodging for artists/culture bearers
  • Staff time directly related to the project
  • Production supplies
  • Marketing expenses
  • Fees related to renting a facility for the project

Nonprofit community organizations in Michigan can receive up to US $50,000 to develop or implement community health programs and evaluate measurable outcomes. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation supports population-led, evidence-based initiatives that address community-identified health needs, which may include staff training or capacity-building components for nonprofits seeking professional development support.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, out-of-school supports, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. TJX Foundation supports these efforts, and organizations offering staff or volunteer training tied to these services may be eligible under its education and training priorities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Michigan nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with support for hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and arts access. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must serve U.S. communities, show measurable outcomes and financial stability, and may receive priority if Ameriprise volunteers are actively engaged.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Michigan 501(c)(3) public charities working on affordable housing, workforce development, economic development, or financial empowerment can apply for Old National Bank Foundation grants of approximately US $15,000. Eligible organizations must be based in the bank’s footprint and serve local communities, and may include staff training or capacity-building tied to these community impact priorities.

Focused on community quality-of-life, Alger Regional Community Foundation invites Michigan nonprofits serving Alger County residents to apply for project-specific grants up to $2,500. Funding supports charitable programs in areas like education, youth, health, environment, culture, recreation, and community development, and may include training or professional development components tied to these initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Michigan working on youth education, family services, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Awards support impactful community programs, which may include leadership development and growth opportunities for staff and volunteers.

Michigan public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations preserving battlefields, viewsheds, or related historic structures can access funding through the National Trust for Historic Preservation; awards US $2,500 - US $10,000 support planning and education efforts. Eligible uses include professional planning services, organizational capacity building, and public preservation education and outreach.

Nonprofit corporations, rural public entities, higher education institutions, tribes, and rural cooperatives in Michigan can receive US $10,000 - US $500,000 to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. USDA Rural Development funds activities like business counseling, leadership and entrepreneur training, feasibility studies, and long-term strategic planning that can strengthen staff skills and organizational capacity.