Best Grants for Charities in Michigan

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

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.

Violet Wondergem Health Science Scholarship

Open to undergraduate students who are 2+ year residents of Kent or Ottawa counties attending college in the state of Michigan studying healthcare, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.

The Proposal Development Award supports Michigan-based nonprofits by providing funding to hire grant writers for health-related grant applications. This initiative helps organizations apply for funding from various sources, including the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation and local health grants. The award is designed for nonprofits lacking the capacity to develop proposals independently, ensuring they can compete for essential health funding.

The Raftelis Leadership Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a consulting career in water utilities. With a value of $5,000, this scholarship aims to foster relationships with diverse, promising students who demonstrate leadership and strong academic performance. Applicants from various academic backgrounds, including business and finance, are encouraged to apply, emphasizing initiative and a desire to contribute positively to the community.

The C3F Urgent Needs Fund, established by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents by providing grants to support essential needs like food, shelter, and healthcare. This fund is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions serving Charlevoix County. Applications are accepted year-round, emphasizing support for projects that address the immediate needs of individuals and families in crisis.

The Wold Foundation Grant, established in 1985, aims to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational projects primarily benefiting Wyoming citizens and youth. It prioritizes initiatives in education, human services, cultural activities, healthcare, and scientific endeavors that promote conservation and outdoor recreation. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) classified and operate in the U.S. The foundation does not fund individuals or projects that discriminate based on sex, age, or religion.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Field Trips.

Professional & Organizational Development

Professional/Organizational Development funding is designed to assist an organization in providing arts and culture-related educational opportunities that increase the knowledge and skills of the organization’s personnel. Only staff members, contracted employees, board members, and/or volunteers may be selected to participate in the organization’s Professional/Organizational Development request.

• Allowable Expenses:
  • Registration fees directly related to an in-person or virtual professional development opportunity including conferences, training, or certification
  • Consultant fees directly related to organizational development opportunities including strategic planning, coalition building, fundraising planning, needs assessment, grant writing, and board governance
  • Travel (in OR out-of-state) including meals and lodging
  • Materials directly related to the professional development opportunity

The Community Health Matching Grant Program, led by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations in Michigan. This initiative encourages the development of community-inspired and evidence-based programs to address local health needs, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for the community. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria regarding their budget and patient demographics to qualify for matching funds, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to underserved populations.

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Transportation.

Facility Improvement & Equipment

Facility Improvement & Equipment funding is designed to assist organizations with both facility improvements and/or the purchase of equipment related to the arts and culture programming, services, and/or activities the organization provides to its audiences and communities. Organizations may request any combination of facility improvement and/or equipment needs up to the maximum request amount. Organizations applying for Facility Improvement needs must have proof of ownership of the building or evidence of a long-term lease.

• Allowable Expenses:
  • Expansion, renovation, or construction of applicant-owned cultural facilities
  • Facility structure or system maintenance of applicant-owned cultural facilities
  • Feasibility studies, architectural drawings/fees, and design fees
  • Construction and project management costs
  • Purchase of equipment directly related to the organization’s arts/cultural production 

The EGLS Howard Maxwell Award recognizes outstanding service to the Eastern Great Lakes Section of the American Physical Society (APS). Established in 1938, the section fosters collaboration among physicists and scientists from various fields through biannual symposia. Named after Howard Maxwell, this award honors dedicated contributions to the APS community, encouraging participation from students and educators in the greater Ohio region.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Field Trips.

Project Support

Project Support funding is designed to support the production, presentation, and creation of arts and culture experiences for Michigan communities. Projects may range anywhere from a single, one-day event to a program that takes place over the entire grant period. Experience opportunities resulting from grant funds must be open to the public. Grant funds can only be used for the specific arts and culture related project that is awarded (cannot be used for any of the organization’s non-arts and culture-related programs).

• Allowable Expenses:
  • Fees related to hiring artists and/or culture bearers such as wages, honoraria, and residencies
  • In-state travel expenses including transportation of equipment and lodging for artists/culture bearers
  • Staff time directly related to the project
  • Production supplies
  • Marketing expenses
  • Fees related to renting a facility for the project

About the Foundation

The 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. 

Vision

A thriving philanthropic sector leading in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems and inclusive diversity. 

Mission

We lead, strengthen and support Michigan’s community of philanthropy. The Grant

There are several grant opportunities available for CMF community foundation members through CMF’s Technology Grants: 

• Software Training: Support for software training of general ledger, donor or grants management systems
  • This option is limited to 50% of the total cost, with a maximum of $2,500 available per request. 
• Team-up Grants: This support could be used for group training or software development. 
  • Up to $5,000 in support is available for a group technology/software project that benefits at least three community foundations. 
• Transition Support: Support is available for key staff turnover or for a transition to a third-party accounting provider.
  • This support may be used to assist in the purchase, migration and or training costs related to these transitions. a maximum $5000 is available.
• Cybersecurity Audit: Support for community foundations with assets under $50 million is available to support the Digital Elevation Information Technology Security Assessment process.
  • Grant levels are as follows:
    • Assets of $1 - $10 million: $2,000
    • Assets over $10 - $25 million: $1,500
    • Assets over $25 - $50 million: $1,000

• Equipment Purchase: Support up to $2,500 for the purchase of equipment such as laptops, printers or other electronic devices (i.e. OWL cameras).
  • This option is limited to foundations with assets under $25 million and should be used for one-time purchases such as staff expansions or emergency replacements only.

Experience Support Grant Program

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Eligible applicants include municipalities, tribal entities, PreK-12 schools, colleges/universities, and non-arts/culture 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Transportation.

Field Trips

Field trip funding is designed to assist organizations that have a need to transport participants in “field trip” style events to engage in arts and cultural programming/services/activities. The transportation costs may be associated with both in-state and out-of-state travel. The transportation funding may be related to (or may be separate from) any other project applied for within this Experience Support grant application.

The funding may be used in one (or both) of the following ways:

• Transporting a group of participants to the applicant’s venue to participate in the applicant’s arts and cultural programming/services/activities.
• Transporting a group of the applicant’s participants to a different organization’s venue to participate in arts and cultural programming/services/activities. 

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

The Nexteer Steering the Future Fund, managed by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. With grants up to $2,500, it aims to enhance community well-being through initiatives that foster diversity, innovation, and education. Applicants must have a Nexteer Project Sponsor and demonstrate community involvement, workforce development, and sustainability efforts. This fund exemplifies Nexteer's commitment to strengthening the communities where they operate and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The Recreation Passport Grants (MI) program provides financial support for local units to develop and renovate public recreation facilities. The initiative focuses on upgrading older facilities that are no longer functional, requiring a minimum of 25% matching funds from applicants. Grants range from $7,500 to $150,000, facilitating significant enhancements to community recreation options.

The EGLS Doc Brown Young Investigator Award, presented by the American Physical Society, recognizes exceptional young faculty in physics. Awardees receive a cash prize and commendation at the annual spring meeting. Eligible nominees include PhD lecturers and tenure-track faculty who are APS members in the EGLS region and within six years of their appointment. Nomination requires endorsement from a tenured faculty member and attendance at the meeting where the award is presented.

The Dale Jr. Foundation, founded by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., has raised over $8 million since 2007 to support various charities focusing on youth and underprivileged communities. The foundation emphasizes empowerment, education, wellness, hunger relief, and hope, aiming to provide resources that enhance confidence and opportunities for children facing hardships. Through fundraising efforts and partnerships with organizations like Make-A-Wish, the foundation strives to positively impact lives and foster a sense of normalcy among children in need.

Cascades Donations and Sponsorships focuses on building sustainable partnerships in education, entrepreneurship, and amateur sports. They support community organizations, promote healthy lifestyles, and recognize student engagement through grants. Cascades prioritizes projects in its operational regions and encourages initiatives that address climate change and foster inclusivity. Their funding approach is rooted in creating lasting positive impacts and supporting the next generation of leaders while adhering to their values and philosophy.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. offers the WPS Community Support Grants & Sponsorships, emphasizing a culture of giving and community involvement. The program supports 501(c)3 organizations that address healthcare challenges and focus on children, disabled individuals, and STEM education. Through financial support and volunteerism, West aims to foster healthier communities where its employees live and work, reinforcing its commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

Ignite Your Future Scholarships

The Don Wood Foundation invited community foundations in northeast Indiana to present the Ignite Your Future scholarships to students in the communities they serve.

The Ignite Your Future Program creates opportunities for high school seniors living in Noble County, Ind. who seek to advance their education in fields related to engineering, industrial technology, and machine tool technology. Examples of fields that Ignite Your Future Program supports include those considered part of Industry 4.0, which is the digital transformation of manufacturing/production, related industries, and value creation processes.

Engineering fields include:

• automation, electrical, computer, industrial, materials, controls, mechanical, design.

$20K Bachelor’s Degree:

• Up to $2,500 per recipient per semester
• Five scholarships will be awarded.

Colleges:

• Any accredited public and private nonprofit universities in Indiana, Ohio, or Michigan

The Cook Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Shiawassee County by supporting local nonprofits. Focusing on diverse community needs, the foundation prioritizes projects that build capacity, foster collaboration, and protect the environment. Grants are available for various charitable purposes, with a preference for initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders. The foundation is committed to inclusivity and seeks to empower organizations that address critical community issues while promoting sustainable development.