Best Grants for Charities in Michigan

The Tom F. Bunge Charitable Trust Grant supports organizations that assist homeless individuals, reflecting the legacy of its founder, Tom F. Bunge. Established in St. Joseph County, Indiana, the trust awards approximately 10 grants annually, with a preference for local organizations. To be eligible, applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations. The trust aims to address homelessness without geographical restrictions, although it focuses on Indiana and Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Northwest Michigan Osteopathic Scholarship, provided by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine students who are in good standing and have ties to rural Northern Michigan. Established in 1992, the foundation is dedicated to fostering positive change in the region by supporting local causes like education, health services, and community development.

The John Charles Volderauer Scholarship, provided by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, aims to support students at the WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. This one-time, non-renewable award helps facilitate access to medical education, reflecting KZCF's commitment to racial and economic justice in Kalamazoo County. Since 1925, KZCF has worked to create equitable educational opportunities, ensuring that aspiring medical professionals receive the necessary support to succeed in their careers.

The Kahler Foundation Grant supports innovative educational programs for K-12 students in Michigan. Aimed at enhancing the student experience, this grant focuses on unconventional learning opportunities that promote lifelong success. Eligible programs should demonstrate educational impact in areas like STEAM, Literacy, and Mental Health, and must be active in specific counties. Preference is given to middle school initiatives, fostering a broad range of enriching experiences for students.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Dr. Raquel Ontiveros Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Raquel Ontiveros’ life was cut short when she drowned after being caught in a rogue wave while on vacation in Mexico. During her lifetime, Raquel packed significant accomplishments and contributions to her community. These accomplishments included raising two sons, earning a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and an M.A. from Saginaw Valley State University, serving as principal at Jerome Elementary in Saginaw and teaching in the Saginaw Public Schools for many years. As an educator and administrator, Raquel stressed the importance of individuality and creativity.

Raquel was committed also to community service. She was appointed to the Hispanic Advisory Committee to the State Legislature in the early 1980s and also served on the Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs for Michigan. Locally, she served on the boards of the Rape Crisis Center and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, among others.

Friends and family remember Raquel for her high energy, infectious enthusiasm and what one friend called her “90-kilowatt” smile. They established the Dr. Raquel Ontiveros Memorial Scholarship to help others attain their educational goals in Raquel’s memory.

The MI Boating Infrastructure Grants, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, provide essential funding for constructing public recreational harbor facilities that serve transient boaters. This initiative aims to enhance community health and safety by developing dockage for boats over 26 feet, improving navigational aids, and promoting public access to waterways. Local governments, universities, and private entities are eligible to apply, with grants covering 75% of project costs to ensure vibrant and accessible recreational opportunities.

The MI Waterways Program Grants, funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, offer approximately $3.5 million for engineering studies and infrastructure improvements for local government units and state colleges. Eligible projects require a 50% match of estimated costs, while those demonstrating a qualified need may receive consideration even without the match. Applicants must submit a comprehensive 5-Year Recreation Plan for harbor projects, including maintenance schedules and traffic summaries.

The MI Off Road Vehicle Safety Education Grants aim to enhance safety in off-road vehicle usage through educational programs. Funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, these grants support certified instructors to conduct safety classes. Eligible applicants include local government agencies and educational institutions in Michigan. Grants provide up to $15 per student for instruction, but do not cover expenses for equipment purchases. This initiative is crucial for promoting safe practices in off-road vehicle operation.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The MI Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program, funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, aims to maintain existing ORV trails, develop new trails, and restore damaged natural resources. Eligible applicants include government agencies and non-profit organizations, focusing on public access facilities. Key projects involve seasonal maintenance, special repairs, and restoration efforts on public lands affected by illegal ORV use. This program ensures sustainable outdoor recreation while preserving Michigan's natural landscapes.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Michigan offers essential funding to rural areas for developing community facilities. This program supports public bodies, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in improving services like healthcare, education, and safety. Eligible areas include communities with populations under 20,000. Grants can cover up to 75% of project costs, depending on community income levels, ensuring that smaller, lower-income communities receive the assistance they need for vital infrastructure improvements.

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.

Dr. Tai Afrik Memorial Scholarship

• Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Holland High School, Holland Christian, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, Zeeland West, or the Careerline Tech Center
• Enrolling/enrolled at Grand Valley State University
• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM)
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Student of color
• This scholarship is potentially renewable and supports one student at a time. 

The Seabury Foundation's Family Grants provide essential funding for 501(c)(3) organizations invited by a Seabury Family sponsor. Eligible organizations can apply for grants up to $25,000 to support general operations or specific projects. Focus areas include academic support, arts enrichment, lifelong learning, environmental sustainability, and wellness. Organizations with annual operating expenses exceeding $2.5 million may only seek project support. Note that after three years of funding within four years, organizations must wait three years before reapplying.

Public Wise Grants aims to enhance democracy by providing unrestricted operational funding to organizations committed to voting rights. Established in 2019, Public Wise focuses on grassroots efforts to ensure equitable representation and access to the ballot, particularly in key states like Michigan and Georgia. Their mission is to empower communities, combat voter suppression, and strengthen democratic participation through education and partnership.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Midwest Region Student Travel Award

Each year, CSA travel funding in an amount up to $750 is available for a Midwest Region Student Member to present at the National Symposium of The Costume Society of America. Awards may be distributed among multiple student members.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

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

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Dr. J. Max Elizabeth Busard Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dr. J. Max and Elizabeth Busard, who established the Dr. J. Max and Elizabeth Busard Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Following a distinguished medical career spanning decades, Dr. Max Busard and his wife made a commitment to support students pursing a medical degree at the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Busards' alma mater. The Dr. J. Max and Elizabeth Busard Scholarship will be available to residents of Muskegon and Ottawa counties who have graduated from any post-secondary institution and are attending the U of M Medical School. Dr. Busard worked at Hackley Hospital from 1949-1989 and also as medical director of Hospice of Muskegon-Oceana for 14 years. Following a distinguished medical career spanning decades, Dr. Max Busard and his wife made a commitment to support students pursing a medical degree at the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Busards' alma mater. The Dr. J. Max and Elizabeth Busard Scholarship Fund will be available to residents of Muskegon and Ottawa counties who have graduated from any post-secondary institution and are attending the U of M Medical School. "This is something I have been thinking about for quite awhile," says Dr. Busard. Dr. Busard worked at Hackley Hospital from 1949-1989 and also as medical director of Hospice of Muskegon-Oceana for 14 years.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Frank Rios, Jr. Line Worker Scholarship

Before COVID-19 took Frank from us, he was a hard-working family man. Frank believed in mentoring the next generation. Whether that was inside the trade of linework, community or family, he was always turning back around to help the next in line. Whether it was around linework, safety, fishing, golfing or life Frank was willing to share his knowledge and passion with others. Frank was a hardworking leader of character that had a passion for linework and making his community better through mentoring the future generations. This scholarship will be awarded to an applicant who shares these same attributes and passions.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships program, managed by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the training of new graduate students in food and agricultural sciences. It provides essential funding for master's, DVM, and doctoral students, focusing on developing the next generation of experts to address critical needs in agricultural sciences. This initiative supports U.S. citizens and residents in achieving their educational goals and contributing to the USDA's mission.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

The Citizens Grants: Financial Empowerment program supports nonprofits focused on creating measurable impacts in financial education for low to moderate income individuals and small businesses. This grant emphasizes partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organizations and encourages collaborative efforts that demonstrate alignment with funding priorities. By investing in financial literacy, Citizens aims to enhance fiscal health in underserved communities across select geographic areas.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

West Michigan Financial Services Charitable Foundation Scholarship

Open to third year or higher undergraduate or graduate students who are residents of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ottawa County, attending college in the state of Michigan studying finance, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

A.C. “Kate” & Leo Joseph Merlone Scholarship Fund

Kate and Leo Merlone understood the value of education, both in formal academia and through any media that would expand a person’s mental horizons.

Commitments to family obligations in their youth did not allow them to continue their formal education to the extent that they had desired. Instead, throughout their lives, they chose self-education through books, travel, museums, volunteer involvement in the community and always good conversations.

They passed on this message of self-education to their children, even as they encouraged them to pursue a higher education. Their strong work ethic and efforts to constantly improve themselves have been a wonderful example for their children and grandchildren.