Best Grants for Charities in Michigan

The Drs. James and Wanda Trefil Science Scholarship, offered by the Kosciuszko Foundation, supports undergraduate students majoring in natural sciences such as physics, biology, and chemistry. This competitive scholarship awards $5,000 and is available to U.S. citizens of Polish descent who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Applicants must be full-time students and can only receive the scholarship once, with a deadline for letters of recommendation set for March 3, 2026.

About OSAC

The Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) is an office of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) committed to assisting Oregonians in their pursuit of higher education and a brighter future. Established in 1959 by the Oregon Legislature, OSAC provides innovative funding and programs to Oregon students and families.

OSAC Scholarship Program

The OSAC Scholarship Application provides current and future Oregon students one easy application to apply for multiple scholarships at one time. OSAC awards more than $10 million in scholarships annually through more than 600 scholarships. 

The Oregon Barber and Hairdresser Grant Program, administered by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, offers one-time financial assistance to low-income students attending eligible barbering and cosmetology schools in Oregon. This grant aims to support students with significant financial need, ensuring they can pursue their education without financial barriers. Limited funding means only those with a demonstrable need receive support, and grant amounts may vary yearly based on fund performance.

The College Life Protected Graduate Research Grant supports research that enhances the value of higher education. Focused on systemic risks, it invites proposals on topics like mental health's impact on student success, campus safety compliance, and the effects of medical withdrawals. The grant is open to individuals in postsecondary education, who can re-apply regardless of prior submissions, promoting continued exploration of these critical issues.

The Walters Services, Inc. Fabe & Beverly Walters Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, aims to alleviate the financial burden of higher education for children and spouses of employees under 26. This scholarship supports full-time or part-time students, emphasizing academic achievement, community volunteerism, financial need, and an essay submission. The initiative embodies core values of love, integrity, and teamwork, fostering educational opportunities for future generations.

The United Advisory Scholarship Commission Scholarship, established in 1982 by William and Cordula Freese, supports students with visual or physical impairments in Saginaw County. This scholarship aims to aid those who are graduating high school seniors or currently enrolled in college, ensuring they can pursue higher education full-time. Preference may be given to previous recipients, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to supporting the community's unique needs.

The Ruth Regina Halcli Memorial Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors a remarkable woman known for her strength and generosity. This scholarship aims to encourage individuals to give back to their community while pursuing their educational goals. Eligible applicants must be Saginaw County residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA, enrolled in high school or college, and pursuing various degrees, including Career and Technical Education. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000.

The Alma Gilmore Doud Memorial Scholarship honors a dedicated community servant from Saginaw. Established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, this scholarship supports students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs or undergraduate degrees. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and reside in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Priority is given to members of the First Congregational Church. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, addressing the growing demand for skilled trades in today's workforce.

The Bernick Family Trades Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors pursuing advanced education in technical or community college programs. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each are available. Eligible applicants must live in the Bernick Service Area and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to students in fields related to the Bernick business, such as Mechanics, Transportation, and Accounting. This initiative seeks to empower local youth and foster community growth.

The Bob and Betty Grills Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Robert and Elizabeth Grills. It supports Michigan residents, particularly from the Great Lakes Bay Region, pursuing degrees in medicine at Central Michigan University. This scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens for students enrolled full-time in medical doctor, physician assistant, or psychiatry programs, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to enhancing community well-being through education.

The Gresham Scholarship Fund offers a $1,000 non-renewable scholarship to support students from the Gresham Community who have been residents for at least three years. Applicants must have completed one semester at an accredited post-secondary institution and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance for college attendance, ensuring that local students can pursue higher education and contribute positively to the community.

The Marcy Shulman Memorial Organization Grant Program, established by the Colburn-Keenan Foundation, supports organizations improving the lives of individuals with chronic illnesses, particularly within the bleeding disorders community. Proposals should enhance health and quality of life, with examples including educational programs and facility upgrades. Only 501(c)3 organizations are eligible, and they may receive one grant per cycle. Applications must be submitted at least two months prior to the project start date.

The Family Fun & Connections Event Grant Program, initiated by the Colburn-Keenan Foundation, aims to support community engagement through events for families affected by bleeding disorders. This program, established after a successful 10th Anniversary Celebration, offers $1,000 grants for various fun activities such as dance parties, BBQs, and outdoor adventures. It emphasizes the foundation's commitment to enhancing the lives of those with chronic illnesses and promoting community strength and advocacy.

The Dr. Louis G. Economou Memorial Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Dr. Economou, a dedicated educator and community leader. This scholarship supports high school seniors in Saginaw County with a minimum GPA of 2.8 who demonstrate commitment to academics and extracurricular activities, particularly in varsity sports. Awards range from $500 to $4,000, aiming to assist students pursuing higher education or Career and Technical Education. The foundation emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and community service.

The Emily Anne Dressler Memorial Scholarship, established in 1993 by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors a remarkable young woman whose joyful spirit touched many lives. This scholarship aims to support high school seniors from Saginaw County pursuing their educational goals, particularly in Career and Technical Education (CTE) fields. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it empowers students to achieve their dreams while tackling the growing demand for skilled trades in today's job market.

The NIA Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS) aims to create a secure, scalable cloud platform for genetic data related to Alzheimer’s disease. This initiative will enhance data accessibility, promote interoperability, and support rigorous research practices. By facilitating collaboration and providing robust analytical tools, the platform will maximize the scientific impact of AD/ADRD research, aligning with NIH goals for transparent and reproducible science, while addressing recommendations for broad access to high-value datasets.

The NHLBI Catalyze program aims to transition basic science discoveries into effective treatments for diseases under the NHLBI mission. This initiative supports early-stage product definition, prototype design, and assay development for HLBS disorders. The R61 phase focuses on initial designs and experimental setups, while the R33 phase extends support for prototype testing and user feedback. Successful completion prepares products for in vivo testing, enhancing health and societal outcomes with NIH and other support.

The Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarship, established by Sweet Adelines International, aims to support young singers pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Pedagogy, Music Education, or Music Composition. Named after a cherished former president, this scholarship provides $5,000 USD to assist with tuition and fees. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to barbershop music, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, and provide letters of reference. This initiative reflects the organization's dedication to fostering musical talent and education within the community.

The Capital Region Chamber Unified Military Affairs Council Scholarship is designed for students whose parents serve at specific military installations in the Greater Capital Region. This scholarship aims to support high school and college students as they pursue their educational goals at technical schools or colleges. Established by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, it reflects a commitment to empowering local students and enhancing the community by investing in the next generation's education.

The Capital Region Chamber Chuck Steiner Memorial Scholarship supports high school seniors from Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, or Schenectady counties who demonstrate diverse interests and local community service. This scholarship has no academic requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of students. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region has been empowering local communities since 1968, providing meaningful giving opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all.

The Minnesota STEM and Youth Leadership Grants, offered by the H.B. Fuller Company Foundation, focus on empowering young individuals through STEM education and leadership development. These grants are intended for tax-exempt organizations that serve communities near H.B. Fuller facilities, aiming to address racial inequities in education and employment. The initiative underscores the company's commitment to community support and creating opportunities for youth to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

The Undergraduate Winner's Circle Scholarships, offered by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, support Iowa youth pursuing agricultural studies at 2- or 4-year institutions. Eligible applicants must be graduates of Iowa high schools or members of 4-H or FFA chapters and maintain full-time status. This initiative aims to encourage students to excel in agricultural careers by providing financial assistance tailored to their educational needs.

The Aden, Jane and Roger Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $500 financial award to Beatrice High School graduating seniors actively involved in a Christian church. With a focus on financial need, applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District, managing a $3.8 million Endowment Fund and providing over $55,000 in scholarships annually.

The Carver, We’ll Find a Way Scholarship Fund, established by the Carver Family, offers scholarships to local students passionate about helping others. This fund is part of the Community Foundation of Washington County, Maryland, which manages over 100 scholarships aimed at supporting both high school graduates and non-traditional students pursuing further education. The foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life in Washington County through educational support and community engagement.

Alkermes Medical Education Grants support educational initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care through continuing medical education. Proposals are invited for activities related to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, narcolepsy, and idiopathic hypersomnia. Funding is available for various CME formats, focusing on practical training and understanding treatment complexities. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based organizations that are either non-profit or accredited CME providers. This initiative prioritizes innovative strategies to improve healthcare outcomes and knowledge dissemination.

The Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) Grant Program, managed by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), provides urgent funding for research addressing unexpected threats to the food supply. This program supports diverse projects related to pest and pathogen outbreaks, facilitating quicker responses than traditional funding avenues. With grants up to $150,000, ROAR aims to enhance agricultural resilience by fostering collaborations among researchers, institutions, and organizations to combat emerging challenges in the food and agriculture sector.

The Dale A. Nordquist Family Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports students from Clayton, Amery, or Clear Lake High Schools pursuing degrees or training in tech or trade fields. With a commitment to fostering local talent, this scholarship aims to empower future generations by investing in their education and career aspirations. The Foundation has a rich history of connecting local generosity with impactful initiatives that enhance community well-being across the St. Croix Valley.