Best Community Development Grants in Michigan

The Sam Noble Foundation Grant aims to uphold the philanthropic legacy of Lloyd Noble by funding agricultural research and supporting charitable initiatives that enhance health, education, and community strength. Geared towards 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S., the foundation prioritizes projects in Oklahoma and does not entertain multiyear commitments or funding for individuals or for-profit entities. The foundation seeks to address agricultural challenges while expanding educational and health services.

The Smart Growth Grants program, managed by the National Association of Realtors, aims to enhance community development through educational initiatives aligned with Smart Growth Principles. Available in three levels, the grants support REALTOR Associations in promoting sustainable land use, community planning, and stakeholder engagement. Maximum awards range from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the grant level. Note that the program is currently not accepting applications for 2025 and will reopen in January 2026.

The FY 2023 Disaster Supplemental grant aims to support communities affected by major disasters, such as Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, by funding both construction and non-construction projects. This initiative focuses on long-term economic recovery strategies to address the challenges faced in areas with federal disaster declarations. Additionally, the Economic Development Administration has launched the Economic Development Grants Experience (EDGE) platform to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the grant management process.

The CDV5 Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations, churches, and government entities that meet IRS 501(c)(3) requirements. This grant aims to nurture successful children, foster stronger families, and cultivate healthier communities. Through partnerships, the foundation provides resources to help individuals reach their full potential. Applicants may submit one request annually for operating, capital, or program support, while event sponsorships are also considered. The foundation encourages applicants to consider their budget and history with the foundation when requesting funding.

The .ORG Impact Awards, organized by the Public Interest Registry, honor individuals and organizations connected to .ORG domains for their impactful contributions in areas such as health, education, diversity, and environmental stewardship. Participants can receive up to $50,000 for their chosen non-profit and gain visibility through various promotional platforms. This initiative not only recognizes excellence but also fosters community support and encourages innovative solutions to pressing societal issues.

The Community Micro Grants by the Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) aim to enhance the quality of life in St. Joseph County, Michigan. These grants, up to $5,000, support smaller organizations or projects that directly benefit local residents. Funding is available year-round, ensuring timely assistance for initiatives in areas like education, health, and community development. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities, fostering a collaborative community spirit.

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) offers the Other Charitable Interest Funds to support a variety of charitable needs, including education, health, and community development. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities serving St. Joseph County, Michigan. SACF prioritizes sustainable and impactful projects that enhance the quality of life in local communities. Organizations with unmet charitable needs are encouraged to reach out for additional funding opportunities.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

The Albemarle Foundation Impact Grants support local 501(c)(3) organizations within 50 miles of Albemarle Corporation locations, offering up to $15,000 in funding for community programs. Open twice a year, these grants aim to enhance workforce development, promote economic vitality, and foster inclusive communities. Eligible applicants can receive funding only once per calendar year. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that do not discriminate based on race, gender, or other protected categories.

The 1st Source Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in communities by supporting established 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on social welfare, education, arts, and economic development, the foundation emphasizes partnerships with successful nonprofits to maximize impact. Applicants must provide financial documentation, including a recent 990 form. The foundation prioritizes proven organizations over new ones, seeking to ensure effective resource utilization and community benefit through collaborative efforts.

The Seeding Wayne County Grant Program, operated by Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, aims to combat poverty by providing funding to grassroots organizations in Wayne County. With a total allocation of $550,000 for the fiscal year 2026, grants range from $1,000 to $7,500. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities serving low-income residents and can apply for funding for direct services in areas such as education, health, and nutrition.

The BACF: Neighborhood Grants aim to empower Bay County communities by funding initiatives that promote neighborly relationships and enhance local pride. With grants of up to $1,000, this program encourages community-led projects that connect residents and nonprofit organizations to address shared concerns. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and local government entities, with a focus on projects that actively involve neighborhood residents. Applications are accepted monthly, fostering timely and impactful community engagement.

Nonprofit public charities in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties can seek up to US $100,000 for high-impact community development and revitalization projects through Impact 100 Detroit. Eligible projects serve local residents, fit focus areas like community development, education, health, or basic needs, and must be new or expanding initiatives with total budgets of at least $100,000.

Nonprofit organizations focused on education, workforce preparation, or community development in Michigan counties where KeyBank operates can seek event-based or general operating support through these community sponsorships. With a mission to prepare individuals for thriving futures, KeyBank provides flexible funding to bolster local fundraising events and strengthen community-focused programs.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects can receive funding for financial literacy, technology education, and vibrant community initiatives from Affirm Cares, including organizations serving Michigan. Grants support community development efforts such as housing insecurity, homelessness, civic engagement, neighborhood revitalization, small business development, and related enrichment programs, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Michigan community development and human services nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, or those using a qualified fiscal sponsor, can seek Advancing Lives Grants to support programs that improve lives and drive progress. Focused on community development and revitalization, Advia Foundation funds organizations within its credit union membership area, including several Michigan counties, plus parts of Illinois and Wisconsin, with awards up to US $50,000.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or empowering communities can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s local funding. Grants support economic mobility and community development for low- and moderate-income residents, including working families, youth, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and those impacted by the criminal justice system.

Nonprofit organizations serving Kalamazoo County in Michigan can receive multiyear general operating support to advance community development, housing, education, health, safety, and neighborhood vitality. Kalamazoo Community Foundation offers three-year commitments ranging from US $75,000 - US $525,000 total, with awards typically between $25,000 and $175,000 per year for aligned community impact priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in Michigan working in Kalamazoo County on wealth, housing, education, or neighborhood vitality can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 for projects, programs, or general operations. Kalamazoo Community Foundation provides one-year Annual Responsive Grants that may benefit community development efforts and related equity-focused initiatives.

Kalamazoo County nonprofits and community organizations in Michigan seeking capital support for community development can receive large grants for building renovations, new construction, land acquisition, and equipment purchases. Kalamazoo Community Foundation prioritizes projects that advance wealth, affordable housing, education, vibrant neighborhoods, health, safety, and racial and economic justice, with awards of more than US $100,000 and potential multiyear commitments.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations running programs in Michigan can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding to support community development, economic mobility, sustainability, and stronger communities. Eligible initiatives may include financial literacy, workforce readiness, environmental conservation, and other community development and revitalization efforts benefiting local residents.

National Main Street Center Inc.

Main Street America (MSA) leads an inclusive, impact-driven movement dedicated to reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through place-based economic development and community preservation. We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Main Street America was founded in 1980 as the National Main Street Center®, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Over the past 40 years the MSA network has helped to generate over $115.27 billion in local reinvestment, rehab 345,801 buildings, create 815,894 new jobs, and start 181,647 new businesses in over 2,000 communities. 

Great American Main Street Awards

Main Street America celebrates communities whose successes serve as a model for comprehensive, preservation-based revitalization efforts in their historic downtowns and commercial corridor districts with the Great American Main Street Awards (GAMSA).

Winners represent the diversity of communities in the Main Street America network — small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts from every region in the country — and demonstrate the power of the Main Street Approach™. Since the inception of the Great American Main Street Awards in 1995, 118 Main Street programs have been honored.

Selection Criteria: Semifinalists and winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation. Criteria for winning GAMSA include: strength of the Main Street program in spurring community transformation, commitment to historic preservation, innovative programming, implementation of cross-sector partnerships, community outreach and stakeholder engagement, and ensuring their downtown districts are for everyone. 

Accolades & Ceremony: Semifinalists are promoted through Main Street America’s digital channels and receive media relations support. Winners also receive a short documentary film, a plaque, communications and media relations support, prominent placement on the Main Street America website for two years, and recognition at the 2027 Main Street Now Conference in Detroit, Michigan.

About Us

Harbor Freight is America’s #1 Tool Store with more than 1600 locations nationwide. Founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt, the company began as a small mail-order tool business in North Hollywood, California. Over 75 million customers have come to Harbor Freight for our unmatched assortment of quality tools at an unbeatable value, including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools, and much more.

Harbor Freight Tools Gift Card Donation Requests

If you are a Harbor Freight Associate and have been affected by an unexpected, unavoidable crisis and are in financial need, please apply to our Employee Emergency Relief Fund (EERF). To apply, go to www.myHFT.com to review our FAQs, guidelines, eligibility requirements and application form.

For all other donation requests, please note that we have recently updated our criteria. You can find the current eligibility requirements below.

All donations are given in the form of Harbor Freight Store gift cards. We do not provide cash donations, event sponsorships or support for individuals.

Harbor Freight Tools proudly supports the following:

Skilled Trades Education

• Skilled trades classes that emphasize the expert use of tools and materials to build, repair and maintain products and structures. Fields include Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Advanced Manufacturing, Plumbing, Transportation Mechanics and Repair, and Welding
• Donation requests must be submitted by a K-12 public-school teacher for their own school/classroom. Harbor Freight store gift cards are given directly to the school/teacher requesting one. We do not provide donations to outside organizations, clubs or third parties.

Barry Community Foundation

Established in July of 1995, the Barry Community Foundation bridges community needs with donor interests, granting dollars to programs, projects and organizations that fit our vision- to be a trusted resource for positive change.

The Barry Community Foundation is an accredited community foundation that as of 2025 manages over $67 million in charitable assets spread across over 400 different funds that have been established by individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in Barry County.

Barry County Bar Association Community Improvement

The Barry County Bar Association is a group of attorneys who practice in Barry County and desire to give back and improve their communities.

T7 Social Impact GrantsThe T.D. Jakes Foundation (TDJF), in partnership with Wells Fargo, is proud to launch the Social Impact Grant Challenge, a transformative funding opportunity designed to identify, support, and amplify nonprofit organizations creating meaningful change in communities across the United States.

Designed around the T.D. Jakes Foundation's pillars of service (Educational Access & Workforce Readiness, financial inclusion, and community transformation and well-being), the Challenge seeks innovative nonprofit organizations that are addressing critical social issues through impactful, scalable, and sustainable solutions.

Finalists selected through this process will have the opportunity to showcase their organization through a live presentation at the inaugural Thriving Seven (T7) Summit, taking place November 12 –14 in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to competing for grant funding, finalists will gain national visibility for their work and connect with nonprofit leaders, funders, and changemakers from across the country.Grant Funding: A total of $1,500,000 in grant funding is anticipated to be awarded: 

• One (1) - $500,000 grant
• One (1) - $250,000 grant
• Two (2) - $100,000 grant
• Eleven (11) - $50,000 grant

Mission: A non-profit, charitable, Private Foundation established in 1959 by the Long family to support local charities, schools, education events and general community needs.

Grants

Our approach to grant requests focuses on fostering local neighborhood vitality and excellence. The John F. Long Foundation supports local non-profit organizations that promote this objective. The Foundation looks for groups who are working to help themselves, help their own communities, and help others like themselves through self-empowering, community organizing efforts. To be eligible for consideration, the grant request must meet the following criteria:

• Funds’ use must have measurable benefits
• Your organization must have good management, a solid financial background, well-established administration policies and Board of Directors
• The grant request must be precise and complete, providing necessary detail
• The Foundation Questionnaire is to be completed in its entirety
• The grant request amount and time frame must be clearly communicated, i.e. one-time grant, ongoing support, or special project
• If your request is for a particular event or program, providing a budget is always helpful
• Requests for grants of $1,000.00 or more, as well as groups we have not funded within the past two years, must: (i) Provide financial reports/statements for past and current fiscal year; (ii) Provide a list of past donors going back no more than two years.