Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

Better World Scholarship Fund

The scholarship encourages women to acquire a degree in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) field. The donor’s bachelor’s degree is in mathematics, followed 15 years later with a master’s degree in business administration. Her degree in mathematics provided opportunities for jobs in software development and application, medical research, technical documentation, organizational education and training, scientific research, and business. Her career was challenging, dynamic, encouraged creativity, never boring, offered schedule flexibility that allowed her to parent her four children, provided career choice independence, and was lucrative. Go STEM Girls!

Award Amount:

• Minimum $1,000

The NSF Geosciences Core Research program funds innovative projects across atmospheric, geospace, earth, and ocean sciences. It encourages proposals that push the boundaries of knowledge in fundamental research, promoting interdisciplinary approaches. This initiative seeks transformative ideas that may not have immediate commercial applications but are crucial for advancing scientific understanding and addressing complex environmental challenges. Researchers are invited to explore various domains or integrate multiple disciplines to enhance our comprehension of the Earth and its systems.

The ASTRO-AAPM Physics Resident/Post-Doctoral Fellow Seed Grant supports early-career scientists in radiation oncology physics research. Jointly funded by AAPM and ASTRO, this grant aims to foster innovation in the field, with up to two awards of $50,000 each available. Eligible applicants include medical physics residents and post-doctoral fellows who are active members of ASTRO and AAPM. This initiative strives to enhance the next generation of researchers, ensuring a commitment to advancing radiation oncology.

The Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Awards Program supports talented early career faculty in the chemical sciences by providing an unrestricted research grant of $100,000. Nominees must demonstrate outstanding research achievements and a commitment to education. Each institution can submit one nomination annually. The program emphasizes innovation and leadership in research while considering factors such as awards, publication success, and contributions to education, particularly at the undergraduate level.

The Wolcott Family Foundation focuses on funding grassroots organizations that drive social change and environmental stewardship. They prioritize support for projects that empower communities, strengthen civil liberties, and address ecological challenges. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations in Colorado classified under section 501(c)(3), with grants awarded for one year. The foundation values projects emphasizing environmental preservation and community involvement aimed at tackling societal issues.

The Digital Wish Donation Program, initiated by Mobile Beacon, aims to provide affordable high-speed Internet access to K-12 schools, colleges, and libraries. For just $10 a month, participating institutions can receive donated mobile hotspots and discounted tablets, enabling them to enhance digital literacy and connectivity among underserved students. This initiative not only breaks down barriers to access but also fosters educational equality, ensuring that all learners have the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.

NRA Range Grant Program

General Provisions

The following guidelines govern the award of all grants made under the auspices of the NRA Range Grant Program. Please read this entire document prior to completing a grant application. The NRA Range Grant Program was established in September 2000 by a resolution of the NRA Board of Directors. This resolution also dissolved a separate account established by the Board of Directors known as the Range Loan Fund. A portion of the endowment's earnings are used to award grants for purposes consistent with the endowment's objectives. The amount distributed annually is limited to the lesser of the endowment's prior year's net earnings or 5% of the endowment's fair value as of December 31 of the previous year. Range Grant funds are made available at the NRA's sole discretion to qualifying NRA-affiliated clubs and associations by approval of the Range Development Committee - a standing committee of the NRA Board of Directors.

The Air Force Fiscal Year 2027 Young Investigator Program (YIP) is designed to support early career scientists and engineers who have recently obtained their Ph.D. This initiative aims to promote innovative basic research in science and engineering while enhancing the professional growth of promising investigators. Awards are available to U.S. institutions where the principal investigator is a full-time employee. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.

The Collins Medical Trust Grant, established in 1956, supports health-related research and professional education for tax-exempt organizations. Eligible applicants include institutions with approved tax status and a commitment to equal opportunity. Early career investigators are encouraged to apply, but funds cannot be used for individual benefits or political activities. The Trust prioritizes projects in Oregon and does not support product development for industry. Applications are accepted thrice yearly, with specific deadlines for timely consideration.

Our Mission

KidsGardening creates opportunities for kids to play, learn, and grow through gardening, engaging their natural curiosity and wonder.

We want every child to experience the unique transformation that occurs when they spend time caring for a garden, be it outside, in a classroom, or in a cup on the kitchen windowsill. Since 1982, KidsGardening has served as a premier support provider for youth garden programs nationwide.

We support educators and families with grant funding, original educational resources, inspiration, and community to get more kids learning through the garden.

Growing the Future Intergenerational Garden Grant

In celebration of Miracle-Gro’s 75th anniversary, Miracle-Gro and KidsGardening are partnering to fund 75 intergenerational youth garden grants in 2026.

Intergenerational gardens provide opportunities for older gardeners to pass along traditions, knowledge, and skills to the next generation or share the experience of developing skills if new to gardening. In turn, young people bring their curiosity, wonder, and contagious enthusiasm for learning and life, exciting everyone involved in the growing process.

The 2026 Growing the Future Intergenerational Garden Grant is designed to support gardens that intentionally bring children and older adults together through shared gardening experiences.

Funding Priorities

The selection of winners is prioritized based on demonstrated need and program impact. KidsGardening considers a variety of factors when determining needs, including:

• Socioeconomic & Sociodemographic Factors: How does the program exist within or engage a community that has been systematically denied resources, whether physical assets and money or representative leadership and community services? Organizations affected by multiple socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors are given priority.

• Program Funding and Support: Does an organization have access to consistent, substantial monetary support or prior grant funding? Or are pre-existing resources (financial or otherwise) limited? Organizations experiencing the latter are given priority.

• Impact: Will grant funding dramatically expand learning opportunities for program participants? Does the intended impact reflect the needs of the community? Organizations working with more than 50 youth will be given priority.

Award Packages

Grantees will receive:

• A $500 cash award check
• A $250 coupon to purchase essential gardening supplies from ScottsMiracleGro.com

The Robert P. Wadell Transportation Engineering Scholarship, established in 2022 by Robert P. Wadell, P.E., MSCE, F.ASCE, supports undergraduate students in civil engineering with a focus on transportation. Funded through the ASCE Foundation, the scholarship aims to aid up to two deserving students annually with tuition and fees. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in an ABET-accredited program and members of the ASCE. Preference is given to those in their final two years of study.

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Recreational, Sport, and Exercise Technologies for People with Disabilities aims to enhance rehabilitation services through innovative technological solutions. This initiative focuses on promoting health and exercise among individuals with disabilities by addressing unique rehabilitation challenges. Funded by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, the project spans 60 months, involving advanced research and development to create effective support mechanisms and overcome environmental barriers.

The GoodRx Helps Community Catalyst Grants support community-led nonprofits dedicated to enhancing health and well-being for under-resourced groups. This funding aims to improve healthcare access, education, and essential services, addressing systemic barriers faced by these communities. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community empowerment and possess a minimum annual operating budget of $250K. This initiative underscores the importance of fostering sustainable health improvements through targeted, inclusive support.

This FOA is intended for proposals related to basic and applied research in the STEM categories, and not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement.The proposal submission process has two stages:I. Applicants are encouraged to submit a white paper first to Grants@NPS.edu, ; andII. Applicants must submit a full proposal through Grants.gov (do not submit white papers through Grants.gov, only full proposals)Applicants are encouraged to submit a White Paper in advance of a Full Proposal to minimize the labor and other costs associated with the production of detailed full proposals that have little chance of being selected for funding. Based on an assessment of the white papers, the responsible Research Program Officer will provide informal feedback notification to the prospective awardees to encourage or discourage submission proposals. The Research Program Officer may also, on occasion, provide feedback encouraging re-work to strengthen a proposal. White Papers may be submitted at any time during the open period of this FOA. A separate White Paper is required for each research proposal.

The Duncan Aviation Family Trust Grant supports organizations that enhance public school education and improve community quality of life, particularly in Lincoln, Nebraska, Battle Creek, Michigan, and Provo, Utah. Established in 2004 by the Duncan family, this grant prioritizes education, human services, and aviation-related initiatives. With over $1 million contributed annually, the trust is now investing in an endowment plan to ensure sustainable support for impactful donations in the future, while also addressing immediate community needs.

The Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) Award recognizes exceptional K-12 educators for their contributions to Earth Science education. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, the award aims to stimulate interest in Earth Sciences among students. Eight national finalists are chosen annually, ensuring broad recognition and encouraging teaching excellence. Nominees can apply themselves or be nominated by colleagues, allowing for two awards in an educator's career to honor both early and late career achievements.

The NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) fosters innovative educational initiatives aimed at pre-college students, promoting their interest in STEM fields, especially in biomedical and behavioral sciences. This program supports both classroom projects and informal science education activities, such as after-school programs and library events. Emphasizing the development of quantitative and computational skills, SEPA seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists and thinkers through engaging educational experiences.

The Garden Club of Houston, established in 1924, promotes gardening and environmental conservation through various community initiatives. Their funding supports nonprofit organizations and government entities, focusing on projects that enhance public landscapes, educational resources, and community gardens. Grants are not awarded for operating funds or endowments, with preference given to projects within the greater Houston area. This commitment to civic improvement underscores their mission to foster a love of gardening and environmental stewardship.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose lifelong contributions have profoundly advanced the understanding, support, and application of intelligence.

Details

This prestigious honor highlights transformative contributions that have reshaped how intelligence is studied, taught, and applied in real-world settings.

Award Components

Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award receive:

• Permanent recognition as a distinguished leader in the field of intelligence.
• A $2,500 monetary award in honor of their exceptional achievements.
• A commemorative trophy celebrating their lasting impact on the field.

The David S. Miller Young Scientist Scholarship awards $1,500 to undergraduate and graduate students in geo-environmental sciences or engineering. This scholarship seeks individuals who demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to leveraging their scientific education for societal benefit. One winner is selected annually, and while recipients are encouraged to apply for travel grants for AGU’s Fall Meeting, they do not automatically receive them.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for transformative research in cancer biology and oncology through nanotechnology. This funding opportunity aims to address significant challenges by exploring the interactions of nanomaterials with biological systems. Projects should focus on utilizing nanoparticles and devices for targeted cancer therapies and enhancing diagnostic capabilities. Successful proposals will contribute to the foundational knowledge necessary for future nanotechnology-based interventions in cancer treatment.

The Jason Reynolds / Simon & Schuster Travel Grant supports five black/African American youth and teen services librarians annually. Each grant, ranging from $1500 to $3000, covers expenses for travel, housing, registration, and attendance at the ALA Annual Conference, including the Coretta Scott King Awards Breakfast. This initiative aims to empower underrepresented librarians in their professional development and community engagement.

The J.M. Heberlig/B.J. Helterbran Scholarship Fund, established by dedicated educators, supports Pennsylvania residents pursuing degrees in Art Education or Recreation & Parks. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden on students entering their second, third, or fourth year at a 4-year institution. With a focus on academic achievement, a minimum GPA of 2.8 overall and 3.0 in the major is required, alongside a demonstrated commitment to education and community service.

SeedMoney Challenge is a global crowdfunding initiative designed to support public food garden projects. Through a competitive 30-day challenge, participants can win grants ranging from $100 to $1000 based on the funds they raise. This program, operated by the non-profit SeedMoney, aims to empower communities by providing essential resources for food gardening efforts, thereby enhancing local food security and sustainability.

The Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program aims to support organizations in their efforts to screen and educate individuals who have been exposed to radiation from uranium mining and U.S. nuclear weapons testing. This initiative emphasizes the importance of awareness and education in mitigating health risks associated with radiation exposure, ensuring affected communities receive the necessary resources and support for health management.

The NASA ROSES 2025: A.18 Geosphere program provides funding for research on solid-Earth processes across various scales. It aims to enhance understanding of the Earth's structure and dynamics, particularly in the core, mantle, and lithosphere. Key areas of focus include Earth Surface Properties, Crustal Dynamics, and Earth Interior. This initiative supports advancements in managing natural resources, assessing geohazards, and exploring the forces driving plate tectonics, ultimately contributing to improved hazard forecasting and mitigation strategies.

The Infrastructure Capacity for Biological Research Program, supported by the National Science Foundation, aims to enhance research capabilities across various biological disciplines. This program encourages proposals for developing and improving research tools and services in areas such as Cyberinfrastructure and Biological Collections. It also welcomes planning activities to foster collaboration among researchers. Projects must ensure broad accessibility and significant scientific outcomes for the wider research community.