Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs, including those in Michigan, can seek support for new or unaddressed social issues. Creag Foundation considers proposals from smaller or evolving organizations across areas like health, community development, literacy, safety, environment, arts, and animal welfare, beginning with a letter of inquiry and invitation-only application process.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Michigan and beyond can seek up to US $100,000 to scale innovative, early-stage solutions. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving mostly economically underserved communities, with overhead generally at or below 25 percent, through a year-round LOI-based application process.

Nonprofits and local governments in Michigan can access grants to create and distribute customized recycling education materials for residents. Grants from Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy help small communities with under 10,000 households use The Recycling Partnership’s bilingual templates for mailers, info sheets, cart tags, and signage at no cost.

Michigan nonprofits hosting community events or fundraisers can access funding through Old National Bank to support sponsorships that improve quality of life. Eligible activities include one-time events, galas, tournaments, and other special events, with priority for programs serving underrepresented groups or advancing economic development, workforce readiness, affordable housing, small business services, and financial education.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies serving Detroit youth in Michigan can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 for small, one-time projects and pilot programs. The Skillman Foundation’s President’s Discretionary Fund supports efforts in education, youth services, health, housing, and juvenile justice, including occasional event sponsorships, rather than ongoing operational support.

Nonprofit organizations and tax-exempt intermediaries in Southeast Michigan can seek funding for youth sports, parks and trails, education and job readiness, caregiver support, and entrepreneurship and economic development projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation provides Michigan nonprofits with support for bold, collaborative initiatives addressing significant local needs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Michigan seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical work can apply for funding that must be used in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help well-managed organizations expand services with broad impact, materially benefiting their target populations and contributing to general welfare.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community sponsorships, basic needs, workforce development, housing, or cultural initiatives can apply for this national program. Bank of America Foundation supports U.S. organizations preserving neighborhoods, addressing hunger and emergency shelter, advancing arts and culture, protecting the environment, and promoting diversity and inclusion through regional sponsorships that strengthen local economic and social life.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Michigan nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural microenterprises can access funding through the USDA to capitalize microloan revolving funds and provide training and technical assistance. Awards up to US $500,000 combine loans and grants to help very small rural businesses with working capital, debt refinancing, equipment, and real estate improvements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and municipal entities working on sustainable agriculture, food systems, or natural resources in Michigan can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support their programs. Grants from Americana Foundation help Michigan groups connect communities to local food, support small and marginalized farmers, and build resilient, healthy food systems.

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.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits with annual budgets under $200,000 seeking programming, operations, or project support in Michigan—specifically benefiting Clinton, Eaton, or Ingham County residents—can apply for Capital Region Community Foundation mini-grants of up to US $5,000. These grants prioritize organizations serving underserved and diverse communities and are available to other eligible charitable entities as well.

Michigan 501(c)(3) public charities running programs in affordable housing, workforce development, economic development, or financial empowerment can apply for Old National Bank Foundation grants of approximately US $15,000. Eligible nonprofits must be located within the bank’s footprint and prioritize underrepresented or low- to moderate-income communities with measurable, sustainable outcomes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on education, poverty reduction, community vitality, or related services in Michigan’s Hartford or Dowagiac, or in South Bend, Indiana, can apply for The Pokagon Fund’s Band Grants, with awards up to US $7,500. Funding supports charitable projects that directly benefit residents of these communities.

Nonprofit organizations serving Harbor Country communities in Michigan can receive up to US $10,000 to support education, poverty reduction, and community vitality projects. The Pokagon Fund provides Michigan nonprofits with discretionary grants for initiatives like early childhood education, food security, community development, and parks or public spaces that directly benefit residents of New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Chikaming, Grand Beach, and Michiana.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies building free, public skateparks can receive up to US $25,000 for concrete skatepark construction and environmental design in eligible Michigan counties. With a mission to expand youth play and active lifestyles, Tony Hawk Foundation and The Skatepark Project support small community projects serving low- to middle-income and at-risk youth.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Michigan serving seniors can receive grants for programs benefiting elderly communities, including medical care, residential support, food and transportation, and enrichment activities. The Mary Thompson Foundation provides small grants to aid and assist the elderly through services such as nursing care, entertainment, animal companionship, and other supportive programs.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Eligible rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Michigan can access USDA: Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $500,000 for small business technical assistance and community economic development. Funds may support training, feasibility studies, facilities and equipment, revolving loan funds, business incubators, and other rural development projects benefiting small rural businesses.

Small to mid-sized arts and culture nonprofits in Michigan can apply for the Inclusive Arts Fund to expand access to arts experiences and strengthen organizational capacity. Focused on inclusive, community-rooted arts, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan offers US $15,000 - US $25,000 to organizations serving Southeast Michigan counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, universities, and government entities in southeast Michigan serving children and youth (Pre-K–12) can apply for Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan’s Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund; awards US $10,000 - US $50,000 for specific projects. Eligible programs include education, health, arts, and youth services across seven southeast Michigan counties.

K–12 art teachers in Emmet County or Wolverine, Michigan can receive up to US $250 for visual art supplies to use in classroom projects during the current school year. With a mission to improve local quality of life, Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation supports small education and visual arts initiatives through this fund.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds aim to provide enduring support for initiatives that resonate with Mr. Wilson's passions, including caregiving, design, youth sports, and Grosse Pointe community assets. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with some up to $50,000 for specific funds. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities located in the five Grosse Pointe communities of Michigan, fostering local development and enrichment.

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.