Best Climate Change Grants in Michigan

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Early-career social science faculty researching U.S. economic mobility, inequality, or related issues can apply for US $35,000 - US $50,000 in one-year project funding from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on topics like climate change resilience and equity, the program invites Michigan-based and other U.S. scholars to propose innovative, data-driven studies that address systemic barriers and opportunity gaps.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate change resilience and equity in Michigan can seek support for innovative, non-duplicative projects. Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation funds climate initiatives alongside rare disease research, Jewish heritage, elder care, and intellectual freedom, for organizations with clear objectives, strong community engagement, and realistic, detailed budgets.

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.

5416 - Innovative Approaches to Extend Lifetime and Minimize O&M for Nature-based Installations

Grant Information

• Identify and evaluate innovative design, construction, and management approaches that extend the functional lifetime of nature-based installations and reduce ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements.
• Develop practical guidance on key factors affecting nature-based solution (NbS) longevity, including hydraulic optimization, engineered media selection and replacement, plant selection, sediment management, and construction-phase best practices.
• Survey utilities and other NbS owners to document current maintenance practices, costs, and hours, and establish benchmarks to inform targets for improvement.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is inviting proposals for projects that enhance coastal flood protection through public-private partnerships, innovative insurance products, and improved sediment management. This initiative aims to utilize natural infrastructure to bolster flood preparedness and resilience. Funding of up to $2,000,000 is available for selected projects, supporting research teams that collaborate with regional stakeholders. Proposals must be submitted via Grants.gov, ensuring accessibility to critical resources and information.

Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund

2026-2027 Request for Proposals

Recognizing the need for a coordinated, public-private approach to addressing the stormwater, habitat, and public-use issues in the Southeast Michigan region, seven corporate, foundation and government funders have joined together to create the Southeast Michigan Resilience Fund (Fund). The Fund will award grants to help increase the resilience of communities and natural resources in Southeast Michigan by reducing the impact of stormwater, improving water quality, enhancing habitat, and increasing the usability of public space and natural areas. Grants will be awarded in three categories: 1) expanding nature-based solutions and access to nature, 2) improving habitat quality and connectivity, 3) activating restored habitats and natural areas.

Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the Fund is a public-private partnership among the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the USDA Forest Service. 

The Fund was created to provide financial resources that benefit Southeast Michigan communities and wildlife habitats by supporting voluntary conservation investments. By investing in nature-based stormwater solutions, the Fund seeks to reduce flooding while also creating safe, dynamic, and enjoyable public natural spaces that improve habitat values for wildlife and quality of life for residents. By restoring the region’s unique natural areas, the Fund seeks to enhance the quality and connectivity of habitat for wildlife, improve the ability of these habitats to withstand and absorb the impact of environmental stressors, and make nature more accessible for everyone.