Best Climate Change Grants in Michigan

Michigan industrial facilities and other eligible organizations can receive US $400,000 - US $1,000,000 to fund feasibility studies, assessments, and planning for near-term industrial decarbonization and deeper emissions cuts in Michigan. Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy supports renewable energy, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas reduction projects that advance the state’s clean energy and climate resilience goals.

Michigan climate and environmental justice organizations can access funding through the Joyce Foundation to advance climate solutions and Great Lakes and drinking water policy. Eligible national and regional groups working in Great Lakes states, especially on equitable decarbonization and clean, affordable water for impacted communities, may submit letters of inquiry on an invite-focused basis.

Universities and research organizations studying coastal climate resilience and environmental policy in Michigan and other eligible coastal and Great Lakes states can apply for National Sea Grant Law Center’s Coastal Resilience Program. Focus is on legal and policy research addressing sea level rise, flooding, storm surge, land use, and related climate change resilience and equity issues.

Michigan agricultural and forest producers seeking to improve conservation and climate resilience can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Stewardship Program. CSP offers more than US $4,000 in annual payments for whole-operation conservation plans that enhance soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and sustainable grazing or cropping practices on eligible working lands.

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Michigan can receive technical and financial help to implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, air, and wildlife habitat. Focused on climate resilience, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites Michigan land stewards to integrate climate-smart, resource-conserving practices through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Undergraduate and graduate students in political science or environmental studies in Michigan can receive approximately US $1,500 to support climate and sustainability-focused academic work. With a mission to advance higher education in climate change resilience and policy, Western Michigan University provides scholarships for students in its Political Science Department, Climate Change Policy and Management Certificate Program, and School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability.

Eligible tribal governments, community-based nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions in Michigan and other EPA Region 5 states can apply for The Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, up to US $150,000, for environmental and public health assessment and engagement. Funding supports climate resilience, environmental justice, and related work in disadvantaged Great Lakes communities.

Environmental and community organizations in Michigan working on Great Lakes climate resilience, watershed health, and environmental justice can access funding through the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation; awards are typically more than US $10,000. Grants support community leadership, policy advocacy, and organizational capacity to build a flourishing, healthy, and resilient Great Lakes ecosystem.

About

Mission

To protect Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land, and energy resources. 

Vision

A Michigan that respects people, treasures natural resources, and fosters thriving communities throughout our two peninsulas.

Renewables Ready Communities Award

The Renewables Ready Communities Award (RRCA) is a one-time payment that local governments can receive for hosting and/or permitting eligible large-scale renewable energy projects. Local governments can apply as soon as an eligible energy project is permitted, and award payment is made when construction on the project begins.

I-B Program Description

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) protects Michigan's environment and public health by managing air, water, land, and energy resources, and is focused on addressing climate change. In fiscal year (FY) 2026, EGLE will award up to $5,000 per megawatt (MW) to local governments that permitted and/or host eligible renewable energy projects.

• a. Increase the revenue available for local governments that enable eligible renewable energy projects and therefore contribute to Michigan's energy needs with community-led energy projects;
• b. Enable this revenue to apply towards any project of public benefit the local government deems fit, increasing the value of local permitting in parallel to the additional value involved in State permitting as per Public Act 233.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The WMU College of Arts and Sciences offers the Climate Change Graduate Research Scholarship to support graduate students conducting research on the environmental impacts of climate change. Funded by an anonymous donor, this scholarship requires recipients to present their findings to the Climate Change Working Group within a year of receiving the award. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in graduate programs, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and adhere to specific guidelines regarding funding and presentations.

Michigan 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate and clean energy policy or climate change education can access funding through Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation to reduce fossil fuel use and educate young adults. Eligible U.S.-based nonprofits may request general operating or program-specific support for research, advocacy, legal strategies, or curriculum development on climate change.

The Rural Climate Partnership Grant supports innovative, community-led climate solutions in rural America. With funding ranging from $20,000 to $150,000, it empowers organizations focused on rural leadership and equitable climate actions. The grant aims to strengthen rural economies and enhance climate resilience by providing critical resources and support to rural-serving entities. It prioritizes projects that benefit under-resourced communities and actively engage in addressing pressing rural issues, making a meaningful impact on local climate narratives.

The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) Grant supports US-based projects aimed at enhancing community resilience against climate change. With a budget of $1.5-2 million, grants typically range from $75,000 to $115,000. CSCI prioritizes projects that focus on historically disinvested populations facing climate vulnerabilities, emphasizing equity, nature-based solutions, and community capacity building. The initiative encourages collaboration between climate adaptation practitioners and local government entities to address climate impacts effectively.

Nonprofit organizations running climate-focused projects in Michigan can receive US $200 - US $20,000 to support Indigenous rights, regenerative agriculture, climate justice, visionary futures, and youth climate activism. Earth Rising Foundation supports climate change resilience and equity efforts nationwide, with all funds disbursed through existing U.S.-based nonprofits that meet its priorities.

The Stray Dog Institute Grants aim to transform food systems by providing funding and support to nonprofits focused on animal welfare, environmental advocacy, and food justice. With grant amounts typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, the Institute prioritizes pragmatic solutions that foster dignity, justice, and sustainability. By addressing systemic issues in food production, they promote a compassionate approach that respects both people and animals. This initiative seeks to create a sustainable future for all stakeholders in the food system.

The NOAA Climate Program Office is inviting proposals for the FY 2027 grants competition aimed at leveraging Super Intelligence and Machine Learning to enhance Earth system science and hazard resilience. This initiative focuses on improving predictive capabilities, hazard resilience decision-support, and preparedness for extreme heat. Collaborating with various stakeholders, the program seeks innovative solutions to better forecast and respond to climate-related challenges, ultimately fostering safer and more resilient communities.

Nonprofit organizations addressing climate change, environmental justice, or related social equity issues in Michigan and nearby counties can apply for Toledo Community Foundation’s Sylvania Franciscan Foundation Fund, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000 for programs such as ecological education, sustainable lifestyles, and community engagement that reflect Laudato Si’ principles and climate resilience.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs in confidence-building, inclusion, or sustainability can access funding through Aerie Real Foundation’s Community Grant. Awards up to US $10,000 support projects for young women, inclusive communities, or local climate and environmental initiatives, including climate change resilience and equity efforts in the U.S. and Canada.

Michigan rural communities, tribes, governments, and other legal entities seeking to build broadband infrastructure can access funding through USDA Rural Development’s Community Connect Grants, awarding US $100,000 - US $5,000,000. Projects must serve rural areas lacking broadband, provide free access for key community facilities and centers, and can support climate resilience and equity through improved digital connectivity.

Undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers at U.S. institutions studying fungal roles in climate change can seek support for innovative, solution-oriented projects, including those based in Michigan. With a mission to advance mycology, Mycological Society of America provides US $10,000 for fundamental or translational fungal-climate research, including collaborative work with international partners led from the U.S.

Organizations worldwide working on climate change resilience and equity, inclusive economies, racial justice, governance, or pandemic-ready health systems can receive Skoll Awards funding to scale proven social innovations. Grants from the Skoll Foundation help Michigan climate-focused nonprofits, for-profits, and hybrids that are legally incorporated and creating systemic, transformational change on pressing global problems.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans with climate resilience, environmental justice, conservation, or related programs in Michigan and other U.S. locations can seek funding for projects. With a mission to empower women’s collective giving, Impact100 Global Veterans provides up to US $100,000 for new or expanding initiatives in defined focus areas benefiting veterans.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Genesee County, Michigan can seek $100,000 for projects in areas including climate action, environmental conservation, and community well-being. Grants from Impact100 Genesee County help Michigan groups advance environmental education, climate change resilience and equity, sustainable agriculture, parks and recreation, and related programs serving primarily Genesee County residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations based in Emmet or Charlevoix counties can seek US $100,000 from Impact 100 Little Traverse Bay for new or expanded programs or capital projects. Focus areas include environment, recreation, preservation, and climate change resilience efforts that restore or enhance local natural resources and community well-being in northern Michigan.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program offers federal funds aimed at reducing flood risks for buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. This initiative supports states, U.S. territories, and local governments in implementing various flood mitigation activities, thereby lessening the financial burden on the NFIP. FEMA prioritizes applications that enhance multistate or regional capabilities, contributing to a safer infrastructure and community resilience against flooding.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5427 - Advancing Actionable Climate Resilience Metrics for Water Supply Planning

Grant Information

• Catalog existing performance metrics that consistently drive water utility operational and capital decisions, assess their applicability to support future resilience-based decision making under nonstationary climate conditions, and identify adjustments or alternative metrics needed to support forward-looking, resilience-based decision making for water utilities.
• Determine the appropriate level of climate resilience analysis needed to evaluate and apply climate resilience metrics, with requirements scaled based on metric sensitivity to climate change, decision context, and utility characteristics.
• Develop guidance to integrate climate resilience metrics into planning and decision processes.