Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

About The Community Foundation of Hancock County

We are a nonprofit, public charity that encourages philanthropy, convenes and leads community initiatives, provides educational support, and supports nonprofit organizations. 

Scholarships for Adults & Non-Traditional Students

The Community Foundation of Hancock County offers educational support for Hancock County, Indiana adults who are seeking post-secondary training or schooling to improve their career prospects. There are also some opportunities provided by specific businesses in the area. 

William W. Weil Good Citizen Scholarship

William W. Weil was born and raised in Greenfield, Indiana. After serving in the Korean War as an Aviation Engineer, he returned to Greenfield and became a respected local businessman as manager of the Broadway Lumber Company and the Weil Theatre. Bill was best known as a member of the Greenfield Banking Company Board of Directors for over 53 years. This scholarship was established to reward good citizenship.

The Oldham Little Church Foundation Grant, established in 1949, has awarded over $53.56 million in facility completion grants to small evangelical Protestant churches across the U.S. The foundation aims to support church renovations and new construction projects, enhancing their ability to serve their communities. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $15,000 and are considered quarterly. Eligible churches must meet specific criteria, including membership size and financial stewardship, to qualify for funding.

The Camp Equipment & Capital Improvement Grant Program, established by the Colburn-Keenan Foundation, aims to enhance the experiences of children with chronic inherited bleeding disorders. This initiative provides funding to camps for acquiring new equipment or improving facilities, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment for these children. Eligible camps must serve at least 25% of participants affected by such disorders, ensuring that the assistance directly impacts those in need.

The Renewal Bee Grant, offered by the Whole Kids Foundation, provides $500 to support educational bee programs for K-12 schools and non-profit organizations that have previously received a Bee Grant. Eligible applicants must have submitted their progress report from their last grant and can receive additional resources such as consultations and educator packs. This grant aims to enhance pollinator education while fostering community engagement in conservation efforts.

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

National Village Ladies Club Scholarship

The National Village Ladies Club Scholarship benefits female graduating high school seniors of Opelika high schools who have demonstrated leadership and community service. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.2 GPA and plan to attend two-year or four-year college, university, or trade school.

Increasing Access to Mental Health Services

Ensuring everyone in Holland/Zeeland can access professional mental health care by helping to expand the availability of services and reducing barriers to care.

In considering eligible requests, CFHZ gives priority to proposals that are core to the organization’s mission, will have a lasting impact, will address inequities, and demonstrate organizational capacity to successfully implement the proposed project or program as measured by:

• Financial stability
• Leadership capacity
• Record of successful project/program delivery

Bold Foundation

Our Mission: Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

New Beginnings Immigrant Scholarship

Immigrating to a new home takes resilience, determination, and a strong commitment to achieving one’s aspirations.

Many immigrants have overcome extraordinary challenges and obstacles to continue their academic journeys and pursue their dreams. As a result of these hurdles, many students from immigrant backgrounds have limited financial resources which can make higher education inaccessible.

This scholarship seeks to support immigrant students so they can continue working toward their educational goals.

To apply, tell us about your experience as an immigrant and your career aspirations.

The Ms. Molly Foundation provides essential support for domestic violence victims through the Local Shelter/Agency Support Grant. Established in 1996, the foundation aims to raise awareness and assist local agencies committed to helping victims find safety and empowerment. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit shelters that partner with Molly Maid franchises. By addressing the cycle of violence, the foundation strives to create healthier family environments and restore hope to those affected.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Enlisted Member Scholarship - Returning Scholar Application

Description

Scholarship for Children of Enlisted Coast Guard Members and Retirees

This application is intended for returning/renewal applicants only.

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families.

If you are the child of an active duty, retired, or active reserve Coast Guard member you are eligible to apply. 

When we began the scholarship program in 1990, we focused on one goal — providing Coast Guard families the opportunity to send their children to college. Since that time, the cost of higher education has sky-rocketed, making our original aspiration even more relevant for today’s Coast Guard families.

David Wiersema Memorial Scholarship

Graduating home school senior or graduating high school or early college student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Hamilton, Holland Christian, Holland High School, Saugatuck, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Enlisted Member Scholarship - First-Time Applicant

Description

Scholarship for Children of Enlisted Coast Guard Members and Retirees.

This application is intended for first-time applicants only.

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families.

If you are the child of an active duty, retired, or active reserve Coast Guard member you are eligible to apply..

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Commissioned Officers Scholarship - Returning Applicants

Description

Scholarship for Children of Active-Duty, Retired or Active Reserve Coast Guard Commissioned Officers

This application is intended for returning applicants only.

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families. If you are the child of an active duty or retired Coast Guard commissioned officer you are eligible to apply.

When we began the scholarship program in 1990, we focused on one goal — providing Coast Guard families the opportunity to send their children to college. Since that time, the cost of higher education has sky-rocketed, making our original aspiration even more relevant for today’s Coast Guard families.

The National Science Foundation's Engineering Directorate (NSF ENG) promotes groundbreaking research in chemical, bioengineering, energy, and transport systems. Key programs include Chemical Process Systems, Engineering Biological and Biomedical Systems, Energy, Water, and Resource Engineering, and Transport Phenomena. NSF ENG seeks innovative, transformative proposals that push the boundaries of foundational research, regardless of immediate commercial applications, and emphasizes diverse funding opportunities based on availability.

The ASPO Dustin Micah Harper Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Research Grant supports innovative research projects focused on recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). This grant encourages clinical and translational studies that aim to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of RRP. Eligible candidates include medical professionals and researchers in the U.S. and Canada. This funding opportunity prioritizes junior faculty who have recently completed their training, fostering new insights in RRP research.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Commissioned Officers Scholarship - First-Time Applicants

Description

Scholarship for Children of Active-Duty, Retired or Active Reserve Coast Guard Commissioned Officers

This application is intended for first-time applicants only. 

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families.

If you are the child of an active duty or retired Coast Guard commissioned officer you are eligible to apply. 

When we began the scholarship program in 1990, we focused on one goal — providing Coast Guard families the opportunity to send their children to college. Since that time, the cost of higher education has sky-rocketed, making our original aspiration even more relevant for today’s Coast Guard families.

The Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program Grant, initiated by State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council, aims to support volunteer fire departments in acquiring critical safety equipment. In 2025, the program will award $1.5 million in grants, providing $10,000 each to 150 eligible departments. This initiative not only enhances firefighter safety and operational efficiency but also fosters community service, ensuring that these departments are well-equipped to respond effectively to emergencies.

The Karl A. Bickel and Madira Bickel Journalistic Scholarship Fund supports journalism education by providing grants to accredited colleges and universities with journalism programs. Established from Karl A. Bickel's Last Will and Testament, the fund aims to assist deserving students in their pursuit of journalism, ensuring they receive the necessary financial backing to succeed in their studies and future careers.

Scholarship Overview

Since 1980, the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded more than $28 million in scholarships to students from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

10th Mountain Division (Light) Scholarship

The Fort Drum Chapter of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division has established the 10th Mountain Division (Light) Scholarship for active or former 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) members or family members — spouse or child — of an active or former 10th Mountain Division (LI) soldier. The applicant or their military sponsor must also be a member of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division. Membership information is available from the Association. Scholarship applicants may live anywhere and be in any year of full-time undergraduate study.

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Martin Lightsey Scholarship for Technical Education

The Martin Lightsey Scholarship for Technical Education was established to honor Martin Lightsey and all he achieved in the creation and subsequent success of Specialty Blades, Inc. (Cadence, Inc.), upon his stepping down as CEO of the company in 2002.

Description

The Martin Lightsey Scholarship for Technical Education was established in 2002 to provide funds for college scholarships to seniors residing in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County, who intend to pursue or are currently pursuing technical education at a two-year or four-year college. Examples of technical education include but are not limited to degrees in engineering, math, chemistry, physics, computer sciences, statistics, and architecture and associate studies in areas such as quality control, process technology, manufacturing technology, machining, electrical and mechanical operations, and information technology.

Cadence, Inc. and the honoree of this scholarship, Martin Lightsey, value the many possible choices in the pursuit of technical education and careers. Many professional roles in the manufacturing sector require highly-specialized training, much of which can be obtained through community colleges. As such, Cadence Inc. and Mr. Lightsey welcome scholarship applications from students pursuing specific industry credentials, associate degrees, and bachelor degrees.

Selection Criteria Used by the Selection Committee

• Academic Merit
• Financial need
• Community service activities
• Leadership ability

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Internship Grants

Through our Internship Grant Program, Spencer aims to support tomorrow’s Risk Management and Insurance leaders through experiential learning opportunities. 

Spencer provides internship grants of up to $7,500 to Risk Managers to hire interns in the risk management function of their organizations. Employers apply for grants from Spencer, and students then apply directly with the companies for internship opportunities.

Since 1999, Spencer has awarded $3.5 million to create over 650 risk management internships. Through the internship program, students learn about the field in a real-world business setting where they can quickly apply what they know, respond to new experiences, and begin to develop contacts in the industry. 

Charles and Beatrice Kulier Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a cloud computing service that offers servers and data centers to organizations worldwide. AWS is a part of Amazon dedicated to delivering web services to developers and businesses who build online applications.

AWS support offers a range of plans that provide access to tools and expertise to aid the success and operational health of your AWS solutions. All support plans provide 24/7 access to customer service, AWS documentation, white papers, and support forums. For technical support and more resources to plan, deploy, and improve your AWS environment, you can select a support plan that best aligns with your needs.

AWS Nonprofit Credit Program

The AWS Nonprofit Credit Program provides access to up to $5,000 USD in AWS Promotional Credit, helping to offset costs for nonprofits associated with implementing cloud-based solutions. This helps nonprofits meet mission goals without upfront investment in physical infrastructure.

Your organization needs reliability and efficiency to run applications that support your website and operations. AWS infrastructure for websites, fundraising, database management, and more provide rapid access to flexible and low-cost IT resources.

Reduce IT costs

• AWS gives you the flexibility to scale and save on IT costs by not having to invest in physical infrastructure. Use only the resources you need when you need them.

Increase giving

• AWS offers advanced, cost-effective services that let you simply process, analyze, and visualize data so you can make well-informed targeting and fundraising decisions.

Scale globally

• AWS lets you widen your global reach and deploy solutions where they are needed. Equip volunteers and staff with the tools, resources, and access they need without long-term licensing agreements.

Jacquie Porter Scholarship for Aspiring Early Childhood Teachers in Austin ISD

Aspirations of becoming an early childhood educator.

Awards

• (1) $5,000.00

The Johns Hopkins Merkin Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration Center offers Seed Grants for innovative research on peripheral neuropathy and nerve regeneration. These grants support high-risk, high-reward pilot projects addressing axon degeneration and Schwann cell dysfunction. Researchers may apply for funding of up to $75,000 per year for one or two years. The initiative aims to foster novel ideas and successful transitions to external funding, enhancing scientific understanding and therapeutic development.

The Chevron Changing the Face of Golf Scholarship, awarded by the LPGA Foundation, aims to empower female high school seniors from minority backgrounds pursuing STEM studies. Established in 2022, this scholarship promotes diversity in golf and education, honoring Dinah Shore's legacy. By supporting young women, the LPGA Foundation continues its mission to change the face of golf and provide educational opportunities, enhancing representation in both golf and STEM fields.

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation offers a Technical Assistance Grant aimed at strengthening nonprofit organizations' internal capacities and enhancing the effectiveness of their programs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or government units serving Northwest Ottawa County or greater West Michigan. The grant supports activities that promote sustainability and impact, excluding general operating support and equipment purchases. Applications are accepted anytime, with a recommended preliminary discussion with the Foundation.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Tracy Houting Scholarship

• Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student from one of the following high schools: Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West
• Enrolling/enrolled in a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 2.5 or greater
• Nominated by high school counselor based on traits like Tracy's (vivaciousness, positivity, and humbleness)
• All other selection criteria being equal, preference given to a student who is active in scouting, cheerleading and/or choral singing, and/or a student with strong interest in Native American culture and history.
• Potentially renewable for one additional year for recipients pursuing 2-year degrees and three additional years for recipients pursuing 4-year degrees.