Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The GM on Main Street Grant Program, led by Main Street America, focuses on enhancing the safety and vibrancy of downtowns through innovative road safety and traffic calming projects. Funded by General Motors, this program seeks transformative ideas that promote pedestrian safety and accessibility, making downtown areas more inviting for residents and visitors. Eligible applicants include non-profits and local governments in designated counties, with a strong emphasis on projects that are inclusive, feasible, and easily replicable.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Junior Achievement - Sherry Hill Scholarship Fund

Sherry Hill spent 5 years with Operation G.R.A.D. where she served as Program Director for Junior Achievement, but her involvement with the students was much greater than her role with Junior Achievement. Sherry became a voice for many of the students and a sounding board for those students who needed a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. This scholarship was established to honor her memory and her contributions to the Battle Creek Community on behalf of young people. 

The American Urological Association's Residency Research Award supports urology residents in their research training, aimed at fostering future leaders in urologic research. Each award provides $10,000 for essential research supplies and resources for projects lasting 3-12 months. Recipients must dedicate 80% of their time to research during this period, ensuring they build a strong foundation for their research careers.

The American Urological Association offers Medical Student Fellowships to enhance urological research. This program allows exceptional medical students to engage in mentored research with leading urologic scientists, receiving a stipend of $4,000. The initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of urologic researchers. Importantly, research projects no longer require a full 10-week commitment during summer, providing greater flexibility for participants. This fellowship is a significant opportunity for young investigators to contribute to advancements in urological care.

Takeda Oncology offers grant funding opportunities aimed at addressing unmet educational and research needs in the medical community. They prioritize support for programs in hematology, thoracic, and gastrointestinal cancers, including lymphoma, leukemia, and previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer. Takeda encourages partnerships that enhance patient outcomes and provide tangible benefits through donations, grants, and sponsorships. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the program start date for timely review.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Scholarships

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

David M. McDill Scholarship Fund

The David M. McDill Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to graduating seniors from Harper Creek Community Schools pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities.

Dave McDill was the first Harper Creek Men's and Women's swimming and diving coach, serving from 1977-1995. In 1964, he started his teaching career at Harper Creek and then in 1976, he started a youth swim program for children in 4th grade and higher. This led to him starting the swim program at Harper Creek High School in 1977. His men's teams won League Championships in 1980, 1985, 1987, and 1989. His women's teams won League Championships in 1979, 1981, and 1983. Coach McDill had 3 swimmers win State titles and 16 teams placed in the top 10 at State meets. In his 31 years of service at Harper Creek Community Schools, he was a teacher, coach, community school director, pool director, and athletic director. More importantly, he served the community as a mentor and father figure who guided youth in a steady, supportive, and encouring manner.

The Overwatch Alliance Grants support non-profit organizations with annual revenues of $500,000 or less that aid military members, veterans, and their families. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for impactful projects such as emergency financial assistance, transitional housing, and employment support. Eligible organizations must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) entities. The Alliance encourages applications from those addressing crucial veteran community needs while reinforcing the importance of community backing for capital projects.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Frank W. Jendrysik, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

To support residents of Chicopee, Holyoke and Springfield.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The American Institute of Physics offers Grants-in-Aid to support research in the history of the physical sciences. Aimed primarily at graduate students, the program also welcomes applications from undergraduates, postdoctoral researchers, and established scholars. Grants up to $2,500 are provided on a reimbursement basis for expenses such as travel and research assistance. Applications for research conducted globally are encouraged, including visits to the Niels Bohr Library & Archives.

The NCRG Large Grant, provided by the International Center for Responsible Gaming, supports high-quality research on gambling disorders and responsible gambling. Eligible applicants can request up to $75,000 annually for a maximum of 24 months, totaling $187,500. The grant emphasizes scientific rigor through its advisory board, ensuring only the best proposals receive funding. This initiative aims to advance understanding and treatment of gambling-related issues through peer-reviewed research.

The ICRG Seed Grant supports innovative research aimed at understanding and treating gambling disorders. With a focus on pilot studies, secondary data analysis, and developing new methodologies, it encourages both established and early-career researchers to apply for funding up to $40,000. The grant emphasizes the importance of addressing critical issues in gambling research while ensuring the inclusion of diverse participant groups. This initiative aims to enhance public education and promote responsible gaming practices.

The Dr. Mathikere and Lily Rajachar Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1998, supports Battle Creek area residents pursuing education and training. Founded by Lily Rajachar in memory of her husband, Dr. Mathikere Rajachar, this fund emphasizes leadership, ambition, and a commitment to education. It particularly encourages women interested in S.T.E.M. careers, ensuring they receive the necessary support to succeed. The Battle Creek Community Foundation manages this scholarship to create lasting community benefits.

The Excellence in Medicine Awards, presented by the AMA Foundation, honor exemplary physicians and medical advocates committed to volunteerism, community engagement, and leadership. Since 2005, this prestigious program has celebrated over 100 honorees, recognizing their vital contributions to underserved populations. Awardees receive a $2,500 grant honorarium to support a nonprofit health organization of their choice, collectively awarding over $250,000 to enhance community health and promote equitable care across the nation.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Gerald D. Barnes Family Scholarship Fund

Gerald D. Barnes, a 1942 Colon High School graduate, was a standout four-year varsity first baseman. Following high school, he attended Argubright Business College for one year. He married Vera H. Kellogg in 1944, a 1942 graduate of Battle Creek Central - one of only two of 13 siblings to graduate high school. Vera played baseball during the time men where off at war and Gerald often kept score for her team. Their honeymoon was spent at a Detroit Tigers game and their love of baseball continued their entire lives. In 1945, Gerald was drafted into the U.S. Army and they put his business education to good use processing soldiers coming home from WWII. As a veteran he had been called a hero, but disagreed stating, "Those who fought overseas were the true heroes." Once discharged in 1946, he wore a flag pin every day, proudly displaying his love of Country and rests forever with his pin over his heart.

Following his service, Gerald worked at Post Cereals Carton and Container Division in Battle Creek for 40 years. Higher education was not common amongst Gerald's generation, but he and Vera understood their children and grandchild would need it to succeed and to this end, supported their education in every way they could. Their daughter received a certificate from Kellogg Community College and retired from Battle Creek Public Schools after 44 years. Their son earned a Bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University, and after serving our Country during the Vietnam conflict, earned his Master's from Utah State University. Their grand-daughter graduated from BCCHS 50 years to the day after Vera, and received her Bachelor's degree from Drury University. Through this scholarship, the Barnes family leaves a legacy that will support Battle Creek Public Schools graduates in obtaining higher education in a skilled trade field.

York County Community Foundation

York County Community Foundation was founded in 1961 by generous visionaries who saw an opportunity to perpetually support their community by pooling charitable giving, investing it to grow over time and make grants to charity from the earnings on the pooled fund. It wasn’t until 1991 that the Community Foundation made a real push to build its assets so that it could become the kind of leading organization it is today. Donors are the crux of our existence; they are the reason we have been so successful over the years. Today, thanks to encouragement from many community leaders, we have enhanced our mission to include being a community leader and changemaker by working with community stakeholders to leverage our grantmaking and expertise for powerful community improvement.

Field of Study Scholarships

Through the Community Foundation, our donors have established scholarship funds focused on a specific field of study. Each scholarship expresses our donors' deep commitment to helping York County students achieve their educational goals.

Fuel Their Fire Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is in memory of two of York County’s fallen firefighting heroes, Ivan Flanscha and Zachary Anthony who died after entering a burning building. To keep their memories from fading in the community, the York Professional Fire Fighters Association and the B.P.O.E (York Elks 213) teamed up to provide three annual scholarships in their honor. This scholarship is for legal residents of York County, Pennsylvania who are seeking an educational opportunity in the area of Emergency Services (Fire Fighter, Paramedic, EMT, Law Enforcement), Fire Science, Criminal Justice, Nursing, and Conservation.

About Decatur County Community Foundation

Decatur County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter. 

Our Mission

To inspire the generosity of our community to create a lasting impact.

​We help visionary donors practice highly effective charitable giving; award grants to not-for-profits doing good in the community; award scholarships to ease the financial burden of education for students; provide leadership to make Decatur County a better community.

Online Scholarships

The following scholarships are managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation. Complete details for each scholarship are available on the individual online scholarship application.

Don and Barb Horan Memorial Scholarship

The mission of this scholarship is to help a student residing in Decatur County that will graduate from Oldenburg Academy.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Ty Larson Fuller Scholarship Fund

The Ty Larson Fuller Scholarship Fund was established by the Fuller family and the Family Enrichment Center to honor the life of Ty Larson Fuller. Ty, was a young man with a determined spirit, who despite many challenges in his life, fought the odds to reach his goals. He also valued being a team player, building skills, and spending time with his family. This scholarship supports foster, adoptive, and kinship students under the age of 26 as they pursue higher education in the skilled trades.

York County Community Foundation

York County Community Foundation was founded in 1961 by generous visionaries who saw an opportunity to perpetually support their community by pooling charitable giving, investing it to grow over time and make grants to charity from the earnings on the pooled fund. It wasn’t until 1991 that the Community Foundation made a real push to build its assets so that it could become the kind of leading organization it is today. Donors are the crux of our existence; they are the reason we have been so successful over the years. Today, thanks to encouragement from many community leaders, we have enhanced our mission to include being a community leader and changemaker by working with community stakeholders to leverage our grantmaking and expertise for powerful community improvement.

Field of Study Scholarships

Through the Community Foundation, our donors have established scholarship funds focused on a specific field of study. Each scholarship expresses our donors' deep commitment to helping York County students achieve their educational goals.

Christopher Sabb Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Christopher Sabb Memorial Scholarship Fund was created by his wife Christi and mother Cynthia after a motorcycle accident tragically took his life. Chris was a devoted husband and father and he was passionate about sports and giving back to his community.

This scholarship not only helps his family and friends remember his drive and passion, but will benefit BIPOC student athletes who attend either Dallastown Area High School or a high school in Baltimore City and who plan to further their education after graduating from high school.

York County Community Foundation

York County Community Foundation was founded in 1961 by generous visionaries who saw an opportunity to perpetually support their community by pooling charitable giving, investing it to grow over time and make grants to charity from the earnings on the pooled fund. It wasn’t until 1991 that the Community Foundation made a real push to build its assets so that it could become the kind of leading organization it is today. Donors are the crux of our existence; they are the reason we have been so successful over the years. Today, thanks to encouragement from many community leaders, we have enhanced our mission to include being a community leader and changemaker by working with community stakeholders to leverage our grantmaking and expertise for powerful community improvement.

Field of Study Scholarships

Through the Community Foundation, our donors have established scholarship funds focused on a specific field of study. Each scholarship expresses our donors' deep commitment to helping York County students achieve their educational goals.

Christa McAuliffe Scholarship Fund

This scholarship honors the memory of Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space who was tragically killed in the Challenger space shuttle explosion.

The fund was created in her honor by educators, administrators, and the community to provide scholarships to high school seniors pursuing a career in education.

The Alford Family Golf Scholarship

This scholarship is given in honor of the Alford Family and provides scholarship support to one male and one female varsity golfer who will continue to play at the NCAA Division II or III level.  

Consideration is given to the following verifiable and documented criteria:

• GPA and Class Rank.- Quality of reference letters.- Examples of an applicant's ways of giving back to the game of golf besides playing the game.- Leadership qualities with examples applicable to the applicant's team and as an individual.- Examples of sportsmanship as a player and integrity as a person 

Awards

• 2 , $1000

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

Alpha Omega Alpha, founded in 1902, is the national medical honor society. Its mission is:

Alpha Omega Alpha — dedicated to the belief that in the profession of medicine we will improve care for all by:

• recognizing high educational achievement;
• honoring gifted teaching;
• encouraging the development of leaders in academia and the community;
• supporting the ideals of humanism; and
• promoting service to others.

Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award

The Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Awards were established by the AΩA Honor Medical Society in partnership with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in 1988 to provide national recognition to medical school faculty who have distinguished themselves in medical student education.

The award annually recognizes four faculty members -basic science and preclinical and clinical disciplines- at LCME-accredited medical schools. Each year, in collaboration with the Association of American Medical Colleges, AΩA presents this award to four outstanding teachers nominated from medical schools in the United States and Canada. 

Past recipients of the award have developed medical education programs and materials widely adopted in medical school curricula. 

The recipients are recognized at an annual virtual AAMC Awards Recognition Event.

The Award

Recipients each receive a $7,500 award. Each recipient’s nominating institution will receive $2,500 for teaching activities. If a school has an AΩA Chapter, $1,000 will be awarded to the Chapter.

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) Veterinary Pharmacology Fellowship Grant supports graduate students pursuing careers in veterinary pharmacology research. Funded in collaboration with the Veterinary Pharmacology Research Foundation, this grant offers up to $10,000 for a one-year fellowship. It covers expenses related to training, professional travel, stipends, and scholarly activities, aiming to enhance the number and quality of skilled researchers in the field.

David M. Cordani Courage in Service Grant Program

The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), today announced the launch of the David M. Cordani Courage in Service Grant, a new $1.5 million, 10-year commitment to support the health and well-being of military and veteran communities by prioritizing social connection.

Each year, $150,000 will be awarded to one nonprofit serving military and veteran communities to support programs that strengthen connections, improve well-being, and increase stability for individuals and families navigating key life transitions.

How the Grant Supports Military Communities

The Courage in Service Grant will support nonprofit organizations that deliver:

• Programs that reduce isolation and strengthen resilience among military families through peer support
• Community-centered health and wellness hubs offering physical activity, wellness programming, and mental health support
• Transition-focused services that help individuals and families navigate key military life moments such as deployment, relocation, recovery, and reintegration

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Scholarships

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Aaron W. Howard Scholarship Fund

The Aaron W. Howard Scholarship Fund was established by the parents, family and friends of Aaron Howard. Pfc. Howard died in February 1991 while serving in the U.S. Army in the Persian Gulf War. He was a 1989 Lakeview High School graduate. There are no restrictions as to college to be attended or curriculum to be followed. To qualify, an applicant must be in need of financial assistance and must have demonstrated potential to succeed in the college curriculum to be pursued. Factors considered, in addition to financial need are character and citizenship, industry and effort and ability as indicated by test data and grades received to date in high school.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

United Way of Holyoke, South Hadley, and Granby, Inc./YWCA Scholarship Fund for Women

To support women, age 18 or older, from Granby, Holyoke and South Hadley.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Elaine Nicpon Marieb Scholarship Fund

To support women residents of Franklin, Hampden or Hampshire counties attending college.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

United Personnel Future Scholars Fund

To support scholarships for residents from Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield, Westfield, or Pittsfield; preference for first generation college students