Best Grants for Museums in Michigan

The F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund is offering a Behavioral Health RFP aimed at improving access to high-quality mental health and substance use disorder care for Michigan residents, particularly children and older adults. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 are available to nonprofits and government entities that align with health equity and innovative care delivery models. Priority is given to projects that enhance collaboration, utilize technology, and address behavioral health needs of vulnerable populations.

The Hoffman Family Scholarship, established by Bud and Charyn Hoffman, supports first-generation college students from Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Fruitport high schools. The scholarship prioritizes applicants demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA. Awardees will be considered for all foundation scholarships through a single application process. Preference is given to students planning to attend public universities or community colleges in Michigan, fostering educational opportunities for those who might be the first in their families to pursue higher education.

About

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund is a philanthropic foundation that works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents while reducing healthcare costs.

The Health Fund supports organizations across Michigan, from grassroots groups addressing local health challenges to large agencies working in every county. From the urban streetscapes of downtown Detroit all the way to the rural corners of the Upper Peninsula, our partners are doing innovative, evidence-based work to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents.

The Health Fund views capacity building as supporting nonprofits to identify, invest in, and carry out specific changes that they believe will help better achieve and sustain their missions. This grant program is unique among Health Fund initiatives because it invests in the core functions of organizations and their collaboratives, rather than specific project-related objectives.

Capacity building grants

The Capacity Building grant program assists health-focused, community-based organizations in becoming stronger, more effective institutions within their community, allowing them to spend more time and energy focused on their missions. Grants also support collaborative efforts among providers, service agencies, and community-based organizations to cooperatively and sustainably address health issues.

The Health Fund makes grants of up to $300,000 for both organizational and collaborative capacity building projects for health-focused organizations that support children and older adults, or that are aligned with our priority areas. 

Thomas S. and Patricia A. Tilot Memorial Scholarship

Thomas Tilot was known throughout the community as a leader. He was involved in the Saginaw Public Schools from the time he graduated from the original Saginaw High School in 1950, to the time he was first elected to the school board in 1987, and until his death in 2000. Thomas served as board president from 1992-1995 and was a leader of the Building & Grounds Committee. He was a frequent visitor to school events and volunteered as an elementary reading tutor.

Graduating high school seniors in Michigan pursuing a career in education at a Michigan college or university can apply for the Sadie W. Penn Scholarship Fund from Battle Creek Community Foundation. This scholarship supports post-secondary education costs, which may include tuition, books, fees, equipment, and related expenses for future educators in the state.

The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program (MISGP) aims to combat both terrestrial and aquatic invasive species through prevention, detection, eradication, and control strategies. Jointly managed by the Departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality, and Agriculture, this program focuses on strengthening the early detection network, preventing new invasions, and controlling established species. Funding is prioritized based on specific criteria, project metrics, and geographic location, ensuring effective resource allocation.

The Energy Sponsorship Program (MI) offers funding to Michigan-based organizations for events focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability. With a minimum of $250,000 available, grants can reach up to $10,000 for events or $250,000 for research. Successful applicants must provide a 1:1 match and share event materials with EGLE. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.

The Midwest Culture Bearers Award honors and supports nine folk arts practitioners annually, providing each with a $5,000 unrestricted grant. This initiative aims to amplify the essential work of culture bearers across the Midwest, fostering opportunities for recognition and community connection. By prioritizing traditional practices and knowledge sharing, the award not only celebrates cultural heritage but also strengthens the creative roots of the region, ensuring vibrant artistic expression for future generations.

The Gauthier Family Fund Scholarship, established by Barbara Gauthier in 1998, supports high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area pursuing mechanical or electrical engineering studies at Michigan Technological University. Funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes academic achievement and financial need, ensuring deserving students receive the educational assistance they need to succeed in engineering fields.

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 Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation aims to enhance the educational, economic, cultural, and religious lives of Michigan residents. Grants are made exclusively to 501(c)(3) or governmental organizations in Michigan. The foundation seeks proposals with clearly defined objectives and strong management, prioritizing innovative programs that can achieve long-term sustainability. Collaborations that foster synergy towards common goals are encouraged, while support is not extended to discriminatory or political organizations.

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.

Robert E. Stark and Martin H. Stark Scholarship

The Robert E. and Martin H. Stark Scholarship was established in 2003 to further educational opportunity and the general well-being of the Saginaw area.

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (35)
• Essay (25)
• Overall involvement in community, school and work activities (20)
• Demonstrated leadership ability (10)
• Scholastic record (10)
• Consideration may be given to minority students.

The MIHEF Healthy Aging RFP aims to enhance the health and wellness of Michigan's older adults and caregivers by funding innovative projects. It emphasizes priority areas such as Alzheimer's care, elder justice, caregiving support, and improved access to healthcare services. The initiative encourages concept paper submissions for feedback, fostering collaboration among organizations and healthcare providers to improve care quality and reduce costs. This approach seeks to ensure that older adults can maintain their independence and quality of life.

The Michigan Small Community Education Grant supports small communities in Michigan by providing customized recycling education materials at no cost. Funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and The Recycling Partnership, this program enables local governments and nonprofits to enhance recycling efforts. Eligible communities can access bilingual templates for effective communication, helping to improve awareness and participation in recycling programs across the state.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

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.

Michael and Rebecca Magee Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by Michael and Rebecca Magee, who established the Michael and Rebecca Magee Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior of Ludington High School pursuing a degree or certification within the state of Michigan in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

The Baiardi Family Foundation (BFF) awards grants primarily in Michigan, focusing on the Detroit Metropolitan Area and Emmet County. Their mission is to foster positive change through various giving categories, including healthcare, education, the arts, and environmental stewardship. They emphasize the importance of Catholic and Judeo-Christian values in their grant-making process. Note that they do not provide grants to individuals, and all requests are evaluated based on merit to align with their guiding principles.

The Fisheries Habitat Grant Program (FHGP) 2025 aims to enhance aquatic resources through habitat conservation, dam management, and resource assessments. It supports projects that address habitat degradation causes, promote sustainable fish communities, and ensure public safety related to aging dam infrastructure. Competitive applicants must demonstrate cost-effective solutions and monitor project outcomes. Funding includes approximately $1,184,000 for aquatic habitat conservation and $350,000 for dam management, fostering partnerships for effective habitat protection.

The F26AS00085 Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support interjurisdictional projects addressing aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and tribes, focusing on action-oriented projects that enhance regional priorities. The initiative will fund both sustaining projects, which build on previous efforts, and new projects that present innovative solutions for effective management and prevention of aquatic invasive species.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Great Lakes Federal Grant Navigation Program offers free assistance to local governments in accessing critical federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This program aims to simplify the grant application process, especially for smaller municipalities, by providing one-on-one support and facilitating collaboration among cohort members. By participating, cities can maximize the impact of federal dollars and strengthen their communities in the wake of economic challenges.

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.

This Library Services and Technology Act grant program is designed to provide libraries with the opportunity to expand services for learning and access to information and/or to develop library services that provide all users access to information. The intent is to fund one-year projects that increase access to library collections and information. 

Paul and Deanna Virciglio Scholarship

Paul Virciglio, along with his wife, Deanna, has established the Paul & Deanna Virciglio Education Fund, which will be used to award scholarships to students pursuing graduate studies in math or science.

“I noted the dramatic structural changes taking place in the business world as we prepared for the new information society. There’s a demand for higher-skilled employees, which places an emphasis on education, especially in math and science,” said Paul Virciglio.

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.