Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Michigan

The Varghese Summersett Autism Scholarship aims to support children diagnosed with autism who require financial assistance for educational or recreational opportunities. Offered by Varghese Summersett, this scholarship reflects the commitment to enhancing the quality of life for autistic children. It can be utilized for camps, tutoring, or educational tools to help them thrive. This initiative is particularly meaningful, as several members of the legal team have personal connections to autism, underscoring their dedication to this cause.

The Jewish Life Grants by the Charles H. Revson Foundation support organizations in Israel and North America that address social and spiritual needs within diverse communities. With a focus on collaborative efforts, the Foundation aims to empower under-resourced fields and promote courageous leadership. Current initiatives include enhancing civic service and expanding community chaplaincy. Letters of inquiry are welcome, and grants are available for registered nonprofits, excluding endowments and capital campaigns.

The ICCF Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Grants empower students in Iosco County to support local non-profits through a grant-making process. Funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, these grants prioritize projects addressing youth needs like mental health, stress, and body image issues. Eligible organizations must be recognized non-profits or schools, and grants can reach up to $2,500 per cycle. This program fosters youth engagement in philanthropy, promoting community improvement initiatives.

The Bausch Foundation, established by Bausch Health Companies Inc., supports global charitable initiatives focused on disease prevention, improving patient outcomes, and education related to its core businesses. The Foundation also aids disaster recovery efforts and assists underserved communities. Applications for funding are accepted continuously, with quarterly reviews, ensuring timely support for impactful projects. All submissions must be unsolicited, and decisions by the Advisory Committee are final, fostering a transparent giving process.

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Grant Program, initiated by Eric Smidt through The Smidt Foundation, supports high school students in skilled trades education. This initiative facilitates pathways to graduation and fosters opportunities for meaningful employment. Each year, it awards $1.5 million in cash prizes to 25 exceptional U.S. public high school skilled trades teachers, enhancing support and investment in trades education. This program is a vital resource for schools aiming to improve their vocational training.

The Northeast Michigan Youth Advisory Council (NEMYAC) offers grants for youth-related programs, distributing approximately $50,000 annually from its endowed funds. The council, composed of 50 students from Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle counties, promotes community philanthropy and addresses youth needs identified in a triannual assessment. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits, with a focus on innovative projects that enhance youth wellbeing. Notably, the council prioritizes proposals demonstrating additional funding support.

The National Book Fund (NBF) offers grants to support adult education and literacy programs across the U.S. by providing New Readers Press materials. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, with applications considered for higher amounts if justified. Eligible applicants must have a defined project and use materials directly with learners. Priority is given to nonprofit organizations providing free literacy instruction. Note that individuals and lending libraries are not eligible for funding.

The Greenwall Foundation's Making a Difference in Real-World Bioethics Dilemmas Grant seeks proposals for innovative research addressing pressing bioethics issues in healthcare, policy, and practice. Projects should focus on topics such as trust in science, healthcare bias, public health crises, and healthcare access. The Foundation aims to support inclusive bioethics that incorporates diverse perspectives, promoting impactful solutions to real-world dilemmas while ensuring that bioethics remains central to decision-making in health-related fields.

The HVAC Skills Lab Grant aims to support middle and high schools in the U.S. and Canada by providing equipment and resources to establish plumbing and HVAC skills labs. With a growing demand for skilled trades, this program encourages educational institutions to equip students with vital trade skills. Grant recipients will receive $25,000 worth of products and equipment, along with access to SkillCat's technical training platform, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals.

The AbbVie Foundation Health Equity Accelerator seeks innovative solutions to enhance healthcare access for underserved communities. This program empowers nonprofit organizations by providing mentorship, resources, and financial support, including a $10,000 stipend for participants and a $50,000 grant for the best solution. By fostering community-led initiatives, the accelerator aims to address health disparities and improve the quality of care through tailored, grassroots approaches. Applications are encouraged from organizations rethinking care delivery models.

The Marie Darlin Prize, administered by the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and overseen by the Juneau Community Foundation, honors exceptional artistic and scholarly works that reflect Southeast Alaska's cultural heritage. Awarded annually, the prize of $5,000 recognizes individuals or collaborations committed to the region's social and cultural history, community advocacy, and Indigenous identity. Eligible applicants include writers, visual artists, and performers who have produced significant works within the last five years.

The James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation focuses on enriching lives and making a positive impact in local communities. They prioritize funding for tax-exempt organizations that enhance education, health care, and support the under-served. The Foundation seeks to partner with those who demonstrate accountability and effective resource management, aligning with their mission for community enrichment and leadership development.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Equity in Access Research Grants aim to enhance equitable access to care for blood cancer patients and survivors. This program funds research to identify effective interventions that increase participation in clinical trials among underrepresented groups. Projects can receive up to $500,000 annually for a maximum of five years, with a total budget cap of $2.5 million. The initiative seeks to address systemic barriers that hinder clinical trial enrollment and improve healthcare access.

The Music Man Foundation invites eligible organizations to apply for Advocacy and Research Grants aimed at supporting systemic change in the arts sector. Organizations must demonstrate their impact on music-related systems, showcase their priorities in the field, and outline their achievements. Grants will assist with research, advocacy training, and cross-sector initiatives to enhance community vitality and promote sustainable solutions, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering positive arts engagement.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Award (R33) invites applications for early phase clinical trials of natural products like botanicals and dietary supplements. This funding aims to support studies that assess the impact of these products on target engagement and clinical outcomes. The NOFO encourages innovative designs that optimize delivery methods and investigate combinations with existing treatments. With a maximum support period of three years, the initiative seeks to translate basic science findings into practical clinical applications.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Future of Work Grant Program seeks innovative research proposals that explore the impact of job quality changes on low- and moderately paid workers in the U.S. The program emphasizes studies on employer practices, labor market dynamics, and public policies. It prioritizes projects utilizing new data or unique methods, focusing on issues like job automation, labor market shifts post-COVID-19, and the effects of emerging technologies on workforce wellbeing.

The NCCIH Natural Product Mid Phase Clinical Trial (R01 Clinical Trial Required) invites applications for clinical trials focused on natural products, such as botanicals and dietary supplements. Emphasizing scientific validity, the program seeks to evaluate optimal dosages and patient responses in a hypothesis-driven manner. Applications must include substantial preliminary data to assess bioavailability and confirm measurable impacts on target engagement. Key deadlines range from March 2024 to October 2026, ensuring timely submissions for interested researchers.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Phased Innovation Award (R61/R33) invites applications for early phase clinical trials focused on natural products. This funding opportunity supports research into botanicals and dietary supplements that show promise based on preliminary evidence. Successful trials can receive up to six years of funding to enhance understanding of pharmacokinetics and clinical impacts. Applications must aim to optimize product delivery and explore innovative combinations with other treatment approaches.

The Food and Farm Communications Fund's Wildseed Grants program supports grassroots organizations in the U.S. that aim to bring transformative change to food and agricultural systems. With grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for one year, and up to $75,000 for two years, the program emphasizes strategic communications, community engagement, and racial equity. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with the Fund’s mission and have a revenue of less than $3 million.

The Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health initiative aims to enhance health outcomes in Native American communities through innovative research. This program supports studies focused on health promotion, disease prevention, and culturally informed treatment strategies. Key deadlines for grant applications are October 21, 2025, and January 7, 2026. By addressing health disparities and leveraging community strengths, the initiative fosters sustainable interventions tailored to specific cultural contexts.

The National MS Society's Institutional Clinician Training Award supports the training of neurologists and physiatrists in comprehensive MS care. This program enhances the skills of postdoctoral fellows through mentorship and specialized training, ensuring they are equipped to provide personalized, high-quality care. The Society aims to foster a community of leaders in MS clinical practice, encouraging active participation in research and volunteer opportunities to improve outcomes for individuals with MS.

The JSF People with Disabilities Grant supports organizations that empower students with disabilities through education and employment opportunities. With a focus on scholarships and mentorship, the Foundation addresses barriers that hinder access to higher education. It has established partnerships with universities and schools, including Gallaudet University, to create impactful programs. Additionally, it funds initiatives that help transition individuals into the workforce, ensuring inclusivity in educational and professional settings.

The Nola and George Cummings Family Foundation Fund offers grants ranging from $200 to $5,000 to support educational enrichment for Colon Community School teachers, coaches, and administrators. Priority is given to projects that enhance arts, drama, and special education. Eligible applicants can use the funds for innovative lessons, classroom supplies, and other educational resources that are not typically covered by the school district. This initiative aims to promote excellence in education and high achievement among students.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports journalism education by offering scholarships and grants. With up to $700,000 in awards, it features various competitions, including writing, photojournalism, audio, and multimedia. Each participating university can submit entries from two students per competition. Notably, undergraduate journalism majors or minors from accredited institutions can participate, while photojournalism entrants are exempt from this requirement. This initiative fosters talent and excellence in journalism across the country.

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize, awarded by The J.M. Kaplan Fund, supports early-stage social innovators tackling critical issues in environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. With up to $175,000 in funding and tailored support over three years, it empowers organizations to pilot transformative solutions. The Prize fosters collaboration among awardees, providing resources and mentorship to enhance their impact. Open to both non-profit and mission-driven for-profit entities, it addresses the funding gap for innovative, high-potential projects.

The American Geophysical Union Jerome M. Paros Scholarship Award supports graduate students pursuing geophysical instrumentation and precise field measurements in seismology, atmospheric sciences, or ocean sciences. Established by Jerome M. Paros, the scholarship awards up to $5,000 to three students annually, fostering talent in this critical field. Eligibility includes being a graduate student at an accredited institution, with a focus on geophysical measurements. AGU student members are encouraged to apply.

The Apraxia Kids Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) Clinical Research Grant focuses on funding high-quality research applicable to childhood apraxia of speech. With an award of up to $50,000, it supports studies addressing early diagnosis, treatment approaches, and the impact of CAS on literacy and phonological skills. Apraxia Kids encourages proposals that consider diverse populations and comorbid conditions, aiming to enhance understanding and outcomes for children with CAS.