Best Grants for Charities in Michigan

The Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Cheryl Lyon-Jenness Writing Award at Western Michigan University honors outstanding undergraduate research papers exceeding 4,000 words. Open to diverse historical topics, it evaluates mastery of writing, analytical thought, and language use. Eligible submissions include senior theses and critical reviews prepared during recent semesters. The award recipient receives a stipend of $350, recognizing their exceptional academic work and contribution to historical scholarship.

The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, established in 1957, supports various charitable causes primarily in Michigan and Ohio. Focused on education, health care, affordable housing, and community development, it funds initiatives like local schools, family services, and environmental conservation. The foundation emphasizes projects that positively impact communities and ensure long-term sustainability. With a commitment to preserving the environment and fostering cultural activities, it remains a key player in enhancing the quality of life for residents in its service areas.

The Dedicated Grant Program by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation will allocate over $60,000 in 2025 to support four distinct Field of Interest Funds, each aimed at improving the lives of residents in Washtenaw County. Grants are available for 501(c)(3) nonprofits focusing on areas such as education, community enhancement, veteran services, and violence prevention. This initiative emphasizes a collaborative approach to address local needs and foster community well-being.

Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel Scholarship

The Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel is made up of approximately 1,000 retired Saginaw County school workers, including teachers, administrators, librarians, custodians, cafeteria workers and secretaries.

The Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel established the Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel Scholarship in 1995 to assist a graduate of any Saginaw County public high school who plans to pursue a career in education at an accredited college or university in Michigan.

The NRA Foundation: Michigan Grants provides vital financial support for educational and public service programs related to shooting sports. The foundation focuses on promoting firearms safety, educating individuals about firearms history, and conducting research to enhance firearms safety techniques. Eligible organizations include government entities and recognized nonprofits, while discrimination based on protected characteristics is prohibited. This initiative aims to foster community engagement through grants that benefit youth and promote responsible firearm use.

The Margaret MacMillan Writing Award, presented by the WMU Department of History, recognizes exceptional undergraduate papers up to 4000 words. Judging criteria include mastery of writing skills, thoughtful interpretation of historical information, and clarity of expression. Submissions are open to all historical subjects, with a deadline of March 15. The award winner receives a stipend of $350, encouraging high-quality scholarship in history.

The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

The Campbell Endowment offers various fall grant opportunities aimed at supporting programs that enhance self-sufficiency in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. Established in 1996, this fund focuses on key areas including food, health care, housing, and childcare. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits, educational institutions, and governmental entities. Preference is given to initiatives that create a transformative impact on community needs.

The Frank and Virginia Such Memorial Scholarship, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, honors two community pillars known for their dedication to education and family. This scholarship is aimed at local students pursuing a college education in teaching or education, with a focus on financial need. Eligible candidates must be at least juniors at a Michigan college, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. The application process is streamlined, allowing students to apply for multiple scholarships at once.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Hellen Tallman Fund, established by Helen Tallman through the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, offers educational scholarships to engineering and medical students at Wayne State University. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need. The fund honors Helen's family legacy of giving back to the community, ensuring support for students pursuing their educational goals.

About the FoundationThe Council of Michigan Foundations leads, strengthens and supports Michigan's community of philanthropy by emboldening and equipping CMF members in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems and inclusive diversity, fortifying the field through public policy action, fostering the growth of current and future philanthropy leaders and advancing exemplary philanthropic practices and field expertise. VisionA thriving philanthropic sector leading in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems and inclusive diversity. MissionWe lead, strengthen and support Michigan’s community of philanthropy. 

The GrantAs community foundations leverage new and innovative partnerships and approaches to build more equitable communities for all, CMF’s Community Foundation Committee has revised the endowment funding model to ensure we are effectively supporting community foundations in growing their capacity and leadership. The committee has reserved a pool of funding within the Community Foundation Endowment Fund to inspire and support new ideas and innovative practices in community philanthropy. 

In addition to the existing support offered to CMF community foundation members, funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis for the following priority areas: 

• Advancing Racial Equity: Community foundations may apply for funding to support their needs in addressing racial equity issues. 
• Capacity Building: Community foundations may apply for funding for training or education to increase their capacity. 
• Technical Assistance: Beyond the support already provided for software transitions, training and team-up grants, community foundations can apply for support or other assistance needed to work remotely and adapt amid COVID-19. 

The Administration of Justice Grants Program, administered by the Michigan State Bar Foundation, aims to enhance the justice system through innovative projects. With over $2.2 million distributed in the last decade, the program supports law-related education, conflict resolution, and civil legal aid initiatives. Grants typically range from $12,000 to $15,000, prioritizing projects that educate the public about legal rights and responsibilities, promote conflict resolution, and assist low-income individuals in accessing justice.

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.

Sadie W. Penn Scholarship Fund

This fund, established in 2013, places emphasis on supporting the education of our youth for this generation and generations to come. Sadie W. Penn's career in education took her from Georgia to Battle Creek, Michigan and has enriched the lives of countless students along the way. Recipients of this scholarship are graduating high school seniors who are pursuing a career in the field of education at a college or university in the state of Michigan.

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity 

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities.

Consultation Education and Training (CET) Grants

Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) awards Consultation Education and Training (CET) grants on an annual basis for the development and implementation of safety and health training and services to supplement CET division activities. The CET Grant Program was initiated as part of the MIOSHA effort to help ensure a safe and healthful workplace. These grants are awarded on an open competitive basis to Michigan management/employer groups, labor/employee organizations and other non-profit groups such as universities, hospitals, and service organizations.

The Joyce Awards

The Joyce Awards provide direct, catalytic support to Great Lakes-based artists and culture bearers whose visionary creative practices meaningfully impact and advance racial equity in their communities.

Informed by conversations with artists, arts leaders, and past awardees across the region, the new Joyce Awards program includes unrestricted awards of $100,000, paired with a $40,000 grant to a Great Lakes organization selected by the artist to help realize, expand, or deepen the impact of their work in the region.

Administered by United States Artists, the program now welcomes both peer and self-nominations and has expanded eligibility state-wide in six states. Artists and culture bearers based in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin will be eligible in 2026, followed by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio in 2027. Following a nomination, application, and panel review process, four Awards will be awarded in each year. 

The Morley Foundation Grant, established in 1948, supports nonprofit organizations in Saginaw County, Michigan, focusing on welfare, health, education, and civic improvement. Committed to community stewardship, the foundation invests in initiatives that enhance the quality of life, prioritizing local needs over broad issues. Grants are granted quarterly, with multi-year commitments generally reserved for capital projects. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and provide detailed financial and organizational information.

Michigan College Access Network

Since our founding in 2010, Michigan College Access Network has engaged with partners across the state to improve college access and success for all students. Our data-driven approach is focused on providing support where it is needed the most, particularly among students from low-income backgrounds, students who would be the first in their family to graduate college, and students of color. We believe in the power of higher education to improve individual lives, with positive effects that ripple out into their communities. We are committed to Michigan’s Sixty by 30 attainment goal — 60% of residents earning a postsecondary certificate or degree by the year 2030 — in pursuit of a better future for all Michiganders.

Grant Opportunities to Improve College Access

Michigan College Access Network provides grant funding to communities, direct service programs, colleges, and schools for innovative work. We support those who are helping place college within reach for more Michigan youth.

Take Flight: 2026 Sixty by 30 Pitch Competition

MCAN is seeking scalable, high-impact college attainment strategies or ideas to expand across the state to move Michigan closer to its Sixty by 30 goal!

During MCAN’s third annual pitch competition, individuals will present an idea that has the potential to impact Michigan’s college attainment rate. The top 3 finalists will all win a cash prize for their inspiring ideas! Don’t worry — you won’t be responsible for actually implementing the idea or demonstrating impact (it’s not a grant). 

Goals: To foster creativity and celebrate innovative, potentially high-impact college attainment ideas in the state of Michigan. MCAN uses the term college to refer to attainment of education beyond high school, including postsecondary certificates and academic degrees. Ideas may be direct service or systems change interventions.

Pitch Details: We welcome ideas around any of the following areas (not an exhaustive list):

• College Access at Scale
• Student Success and Completion
• Workforce and Economic Mobility
• Transformational Statewide Leadership

In particular, we welcome ideas that encourage cross-sector collaboration (K-12, higher ed, workforce). We welcome BIG ideas that address systems issues and are impactful or scalable across the state.

All ideas should focus on advancing equity through education with a particular emphasis eliminating barriers and improving systems for students from low-income background, students of color, and first-generation college-going students. 

Considerations for Entities: We recognize that some ideas may come from the collective brain power of an organization, and some may be the thoughts of an individual. In some instances, individuals may be representing an LLC or nonprofit organization. Submissions by any of these are acceptable. During the pitch presentation at the MCAN conference, only 1 individual per idea is allowed to present the idea on-stage.

Cash Prize: The top three finalists will attend the MCAN conference Nov. 3-4 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City. MCAN will cover the registration fee for 1 finalist per idea.

At the conference, each finalist will present their pitch on the main stage to the conference attendees, and attendees will vote to identify the first, second, and third place ideas. 

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) strives to promote better health outcomes, reduce health risks, and support stable and safe families while encouraging self-sufficiency.

Human Trafficking Programming Competitive Grant

Program Purpose

The purpose of the program is to enhance or expand the anti-trafficking services offered by victim service organizations with a demonstrated history of providing services to victims of human trafficking. Funds awarded through this grant program shall enhance the scope of services offered by the organization that victims of labor and sex trafficking often require to address their needs. Allowable direct services and resources provided through these awards include:

• Individual and Group Support
• Emergency Intervention Services – Crisis Line and Emergency Response
• Advocacy and Supportive Services
• Housing, including temporary emergency housing and transitional supportive housing
• Counseling/Therapy
• Systems Change, community Education, and Public Awareness
• Legal services, including record expungement

The Detroit Industrial School Grant provides vital funding for projects benefiting children in the Tri-County area. With grants up to $5,000, the foundation prioritizes support for non-profit agencies addressing basic needs, educational programs, and resources for disabled children. The grant aims to help those in greatest need, ensuring no racial or religious discrimination in service. Eligible projects include tutoring, field trips, and skill training, fostering a brighter future for local youth.

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.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Kuznar Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Sheryl Kuznar, who established the Kuznar Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship is for a Muskegon County high school graduate pursuing any degree within the state of Michigan.