Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in Michigan

The Future Youth Involvement (FYI) Fund Mini Grant, managed by the Tuscola County Community Foundation, empowers school-sanctioned student organizations to engage in philanthropy and leadership. With up to $250 available per organization, FYI fosters community improvement through grants for diverse educational and cultural projects. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year, encouraging student initiative and participation while ensuring oversight by school authorities. This initiative aims to cultivate responsible youth leadership and enhance the quality of life in Tuscola County.

The Future Youth Involvement (FYI) Fund, managed by the Youth Advisory Council of the Tuscola County Community Foundation, supports community-driven initiatives with over $1 million in assets. Comprised of students from nine local schools, FYI fosters leadership and philanthropy through grant making, fundraising, and youth assessments. Grants are available for diverse charitable programs benefiting Tuscola County residents, with specific eligibility criteria for applicants, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The Journey For Good Grant aims to combat poverty by supporting charitable organizations in North America focused on food security, housing, education, and workforce development. The grant prioritizes initiatives that provide nutritional wellness, combat homelessness, and support veterans and their families. By fostering partnerships among nonprofits, government, and business, the foundation addresses the interconnected challenges faced by economically vulnerable individuals, creating sustainable solutions for community empowerment.

The Bolger Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting capital projects that enhance tangible property for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Grants range from $10,000 to $250,000, with a maximum project budget of $2.5 million. The foundation focuses on community empowerment through conservation, health, and education, while excluding revenue-generating and operational costs. Eligible organizations must adhere to strict compliance with federal tax regulations. The mission is to inspire and empower nonprofits to better serve their communities.

The Tuscola County Community Foundation's Founders Fund Grant supports innovative and start-up projects from grassroots or smaller non-profits. Established in 1997, this fund aims to improve the quality of life in Tuscola County by providing grants up to $600 for various charitable initiatives. The foundation prioritizes projects that yield substantial community benefits, foster collaboration, and leverage additional local funding, ensuring lasting impact beyond the grant period.

The Tuscola County Community Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Tuscola County by funding innovative projects that leverage local resources and foster collaboration among organizations. Established in 1997, the foundation supports a variety of charitable initiatives, prioritizing those that yield significant community benefits. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and other tax-exempt entities, with a focus on projects that can sustain impact beyond the grant period.

Impact100 Detroit provides high-impact grants of up to $100,000 to support local nonprofits in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. The program focuses on five key areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Family & Individual Support, Health & Wellness, and Revitalization & Environment. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, have a proven financial history, and demonstrate innovative approaches that address community needs and serve underserved populations.

Impact100 Macomb County is a women-led nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing community well-being through impactful grants. Each member contributes $1,000 annually, directly funding significant projects in areas like Health, Arts, Environment, Family, and Education. Grants typically exceed $100,000 and prioritize sustainable projects that serve local residents of Macomb County, ensuring measurable benefits within a 36-month period. The organization focuses on collaboration among eligible public charities to foster meaningful change.

Impact100 Genesee County is dedicated to providing grants to nonprofits that focus on enhancing community welfare through various sectors, including arts, education, environment, and health. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, based in Genesee County, and meet specific financial criteria. The initiative prioritizes projects that support underserved populations and address critical community needs, ensuring impactful use of funds within two years.

The Impact100 Little Traverse Bay Grant Program supports nonprofits in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties, focusing on community improvement in areas such as Arts & Culture, Environment, Health & Wellness, Education, and Family. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities based in these counties, with funds exclusively used within the region. The program promotes innovative initiatives that enhance life quality while ensuring sustainability and accountability through periodic progress reports.

Impact100 Traverse City provides transformational grants across five counties, focusing on environment, education, arts, family, and health initiatives. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and serve the local community. Grants promote innovation and sustainability, ensuring funds are fully utilized within 24 months. Collaborative proposals are welcomed, emphasizing partnership among nonprofits. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life in the region, fostering cultural growth and well-being for residents.

The AAPS Education Fund, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the educational experience for students in Ann Arbor Public Schools. With a total of $15,400 available in competitive grants, individual requests can reach up to $2,000. Projects must focus on key areas including literacy, science, the arts, mental health, and diversity. Priority is given to initiatives that benefit the entire school or involve collaboration with nonprofit partners.

The Baskin Family Foundation Grant supports innovative organizations that focus on education and social justice. Established by Samuel and Hadassah Baskin, Sheldon Baskin, and Judy Wise, this grant aims to empower 501(c)(3) organizations to create meaningful change in their communities. By promoting forward-thinking initiatives, the foundation strives to enhance the lives of those it serves and foster equality in access to education.

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

Ken and Clara Kolberg Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Ken Kolberg and family, who established the Ken and Clara Kolberg Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Teaching is the family business of the Kolberg Family. Ken started teaching in Muskegon Public Schools after WWII and did so for thirty-seven years. Ken and Clara raised five children, of whom four became teachers - two working in Muskegon. Through the establishment of this Fund, the family is assured of having an impact on students far into the future. This Fund will support Muskegon students pursuing careers in education, especially minority students so greatly needed as teachers in our school systems.

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.

Welcome Home Scholarship

The Welcome Home Scholarship awards college graduates or experienced professionals if they choose to move to and work within Muskegon County. Educators, Ancillary Education Staff & Early Childhood Providers moving to Muskegon County can earn up to $15,000!

Awards can be used for:

• Student loan repayment
• Down payment on a home
• Support continuing education
• Assisting with moving expenses
• Or other expenses related to making Muskegon County home.

Scholarships will be selected via a competitive application process, on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. 

Length of Stay

If an award recipient moves out of the county during the three-year award program cycle, they forfeit all future award monies not yet paid.

Expectations

Award recipients will be expected to live in Muskegon County and work at a qualified employer within Muskegon County to be eligible for this funding. They must secure a job with a qualified employer within 120 days of receiving the award.

Qualified Employers

All licensed daycare and in-person Pre-K – 12 public and charter employers.

Dr. Jill Biden Scholarship - Biden Breast Health Initiative

Essay:

• Why have you chosen a career in health care or education, and why do you feel it is important to encourage others to adopt a healthy lifestyle?

Awards:

• One time award of $2,500; one award per county. 

The Don and Anne Ward Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $500 for graduating seniors at Sussex Tech high school. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing a degree in Education, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and equity in Delaware. In the 2024-2025 school year, the DCF awarded a total of $850,000 in scholarships to help students achieve their academic goals.

Robert J. & Kathryn W. Davis Scholarship

Award:

4-year award of $7,500 per year, renewable each year. Student must maintain a 2.75 GPA and remain in their major to renew their award each year. Possible medical school awards could follow if applicant moves on to medical school.

The Clarence and Bonnie Shaffer Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, aims to support students affiliated with Trinity United Methodist Church pursuing post-secondary education in ministry, music ministry, or education. Preference is given to first-year undergraduates, but graduate students may also qualify if no undergraduates apply. This scholarship represents a commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering educational opportunities within the community.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Brian Edkins Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior from Cape Fear High School; South View High School (Cumberland County) or Scotland High School (Scotland County, NC).

The Detter Family Foundation Education Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Allendale Charter Township pursuing post-secondary education. This competitive scholarship considers various criteria including financial need, academic achievement, and personal goals. Applicants can apply just once to be eligible for all applicable foundation scholarships, ensuring a streamlined process for securing educational funding.

Holcomb Family Education Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2008 by the Hall County Optimist Club to honor long-time educators, J.H. Holcomb and his sisters, Margaret, Mildred, and Nell. Applicants must have demonstrated financial need and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. In 2026, one scholarship award of $1,000 will be offered.

The Louise Wachter Wickham Scholarship, established in 1997 by Donna Wickham Furth, supports high school seniors pursuing a degree in elementary education. This scholarship is awarded based on financial need and academic performance. Recipients must demonstrate commitment to education and may need to submit additional documents such as transcripts and recommendation letters. The fund honors Louise Wachter Wickham, a dedicated teacher who believed in the transformative power of education.

Ann Query Scholarship

Graduating senior who attends public, private, or home school and resides in the Zeeland Public School District area (student does not have to attend Zeeland Public Schools to be eligible)

About Us

Mission

We enhance the quality of life for all by working together to collectively address challenges and opportunities throughout West Michigan.

Vision

We advance the well-being of our communities by creating the best places to live, learn, work, give, and engage.

Who We Serve

We serve our entire community, without exception. Our commitment is for every individual, family, and organization who works in, visits, or calls the greater Northern Ottawa County area home.

The GHACF is a welcoming place for all people. We believe all people should:

• Feel welcome, safe, and accepted
• Be treated with respect and dignity
• Have equitable access to opportunities to improve their lives and the lives of their families
• Have a voice in the community

Grant Application Process

The Coopersville Area Community Foundation:

• Encourages programs which are collaborative, comprehensive, and have potential for continuity.
• Encourages leveraging and matching grant opportunities involving multiple funding sources.
• Supports “seed money” requests to assist innovative projects.
• Encourages programs and projects focused on problem prevention rather than cure.

Coopersville Area Grant Program

To begin the process, contact the CACF team to discuss your proposal. We’ll then review your proposal within two weeks of submission to determine whether the project aligns with our grantmaking priorities, and will respond with next steps.

If eligible the appropriate grant application will be made available to you through the online application portal. Grant applications are reviewed with due diligence and may require a follow-up site visit. Lastly, final grant decisions are made with funding recommendations made by the committee and approved through our Board of Trustees.

The Audrey L. Wright Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports undergraduate students who are long-term residents of Kent County. This scholarship is aimed at those pursuing education or language studies and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. By removing barriers to academic success, it empowers local students to achieve their educational ambitions and contributes to a thriving and inclusive community in West Michigan.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

David W. Moore Memorial Scholarship

Open to graduating seniors from Atwater, Golden Valley and Oakdale pursuing a degree in agriculture, ag-related fields, animal science or teaching or primary healthcare. Students must demonstrate financial need, community involvement and have a 2.5+ GPA.

Award Amount:

• $2,500