Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Michigan

The Alzheimer’s Association Clinician Scientist Fellowship for All (AACSFA) aims to support the training of clinician scientists in Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This program encourages applications from individuals in underrepresented groups, emphasizing the value of diverse representation in clinical and scientific fields. The fellowship is designed for professionals with patient contact or diagnostic roles, fostering advancements in dementia research and care.

The Champions for Change program, initiated by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, empowers Native youth through leadership opportunities. Founded in 2011, it selects 5-6 exceptional young leaders (ages 14-24) each year to inspire their communities and promote positive change. Participants engage in tailored advocacy training, fostering skills to create impactful stories from Indian Country, while all applicants join the CNAY network, enhancing their community involvement.

The AEESP Award for Outstanding Teaching in Environmental Engineering & Science recognizes exceptional professors dedicated to teaching in environmental engineering. It honors those who demonstrate excellence in classroom engagement, innovative teaching practices, and mentorship. Open to nominations from all ranks, this award includes a plaque, a $500 cash prize, and a $750 travel allowance for the awards ceremony. Past winners are ineligible, ensuring fresh talent is acknowledged annually.

The AEESP Master’s Thesis Awards recognize outstanding M.S. theses that advance environmental science and engineering. Each year, two exceptional theses are honored with a plaque and $500 for the student, alongside a plaque for the faculty advisor. Additionally, winners receive $750 for travel to the awards ceremony. Nominations are limited to one per faculty advisor, and the theses must be from the previous calendar year, emphasizing the importance of current and impactful research in the field.

The Dorothy Dillman Max Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports adult learners in Lake County, Indiana. Eligible applicants must be at least 25 years old, enrolled in an undergraduate program at Indiana University Northwest, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 while taking at least two courses per semester. This scholarship prioritizes students demonstrating financial need, fostering educational opportunities to enhance community enrichment.

The SDA Award of Excellence recognizes innovative achievements in textile and fiber arts, promoting the mission of the Surface Design Association (SDA). This prestigious award is presented to artists exhibiting exceptional work in current exhibitions, emphasizing creativity and excellence. Recipients receive a one-year premium digital membership in SDA, which includes various member benefits. By celebrating artistic accomplishments, the award aims to enhance awareness of the SDA's commitment to supporting textile and fiber artists and their contributions to the community.

The Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) Grant Program, managed by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), provides urgent funding for research addressing unexpected threats to the food supply. This program supports diverse projects related to pest and pathogen outbreaks, facilitating quicker responses than traditional funding avenues. With grants up to $150,000, ROAR aims to enhance agricultural resilience by fostering collaborations among researchers, institutions, and organizations to combat emerging challenges in the food and agriculture sector.

The AEESP Outstanding Publication Award honors landmark papers in environmental engineering and science that have significantly influenced the field. It is awarded annually to living authors of eligible papers, with nominations made by non-authors. Recipients receive a plaque, a $500 cash prize, and a $750 travel allowance for the ceremony. Nominations must adhere to specific guidelines and are valid for three years. Previous winners are ineligible for re-nomination during this period.

The Charles R. O'Melia AEESP Distinguished Educator Award recognizes exceptional contributions to environmental engineering education. Awarded annually, it honors professors with outstanding teaching records, significant research achievements, and impactful mentoring. Recipients receive a plaque, a cash prize of $1500, and a $750 travel allotment for the awards ceremony. For nomination details, visit the AEESP Foundation's website.

The Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, offered by the Foundation Fighting Blindness, supports postdoctoral researchers focusing on inherited retinal degenerations and dry age-related macular degeneration. This award provides $80,000 annually for two years, promoting innovative research and professional growth through mentorship. Applicants are expected to take the lead in their application process while receiving substantial guidance from their mentors, fostering collaboration and advancement in the field.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation's Education Awards support innovative educational programs aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. This initiative encourages applications for workshops, conferences, and webinars focused on research and medical advancements. Eligible applicants must be members of the foundation or recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, ensuring impactful contributions that benefit the Down syndrome community. With no funding limits for consecutive years, this program promotes significant educational outreach and advocacy.

The Raskob Foundation offers domestic grants to organizations located in the U.S. and its territories. Founded in 1945, this private, non-profit foundation focuses on supporting Catholic institutions. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, listed in the P.J. Kenedy Official Catholic Directory. However, requests from individuals and certain projects, such as debt reduction or completed projects, are not accepted. The foundation emphasizes its commitment to philanthropy and community support.

The Frederick George Pohland Medal, awarded by the AEESP Foundation, recognizes outstanding contributions in environmental engineering and science. Nominations are open only to AEESP and AAEES members, with specific submission guidelines including a cover letter, CV, and letters of recommendation. This prestigious award honors the legacy of Dr. Frederick G. Pohland, known for his significant advancements in anaerobic processes and dedication to the field.

The Manhart/Gibbons Family Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, offers financial support for one graduating high school senior pursuing education in Music or Arts. Renewable for up to four years, this scholarship aims to enrich the quality of life in South Lake County by addressing community needs and supporting local talent. Preference is given to residents of Crown Point, ensuring that the funds directly benefit the local community.

The Jacobs Engineering Group/AEESP Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award recognizes exceptional doctoral research that advances environmental science and engineering. Sponsored by the AEESP Foundation, this prestigious award includes a $1,500 prize for the student and $500 for their faculty advisor. Additionally, travel stipends are available for both recipients to attend the awards ceremony. Faculty advisors are encouraged to nominate deserving dissertations, with strict limits on submissions to ensure fairness and focus on high-quality research contributions.

The Paul F. Boulos Excellence in Computational Hydraulics/Hydrology Award, administered by the AEESP Foundation, recognizes outstanding student research in computational hydraulics and hydrology. It honors students with a plaque and a $1,500 cash award, alongside a $500 honorarium for their faculty advisor. Eligible candidates, both Master's and Ph.D. students, are evaluated based on their academic performance, research contributions, and community service. The application process requires comprehensive documentation, including letters of recommendation and a research publication.

The Student Ambassador Program by USITT offers a unique chance for student members to connect with international theatre professionals during the Annual Conference. Participants will engage in meaningful conversations and networking opportunities, including a special luncheon and the International Reception. This program aims to foster collaboration and mentorship among emerging designers and experienced industry leaders, enhancing professional growth within the performing arts community.

The Scholarship America Dream Award, established by Scholarship America Inc, aims to eliminate financial barriers to higher education for students. This program supports U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients, who are at least 17 years old and pursuing their first degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. By partnering with various organizations, Scholarship America has provided over $5.7 billion in scholarships to millions, ensuring equitable access to education and fostering student success.

The Project Lifesaver International Grant by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America aims to fund programs that prevent wandering and enhance public safety for individuals with dementia-related illnesses. This grant supports public safety agencies that are members of AFA and Project Lifesaver International, focusing on essential training, supplies, and community outreach. Grants are awarded biannually, promoting better care and safety for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

The Paul V. Roberts/AEESP Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award recognizes exceptional doctoral theses that advance water quality engineering in both natural and engineered systems. This prestigious award includes a $1,500 cash prize for the student, $500 for the faculty advisor, and travel stipends for attendance at the awards ceremony. Nominations are limited to one per advisor, with submissions automatically considered for three related awards, highlighting the importance of innovative research in environmental engineering.

The James P. & Mildred Gregg Zucco Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from specific high schools who contribute to their school, church, or community. This scholarship awards an average of $750 to eligible students, with a focus on their dedication to local activities and service. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement and aims to assist students in their academic pursuits.

The Anne & Irving Brodsky Innovation Grant, offered by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, provides $25,000 to support innovative programs that enhance the lives of individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease and related conditions. This grant is exclusively available to AFA nonprofit member organizations, with funding directed towards essential program expenses such as staff training, administrative costs, and necessary supplies. The initiative aims to foster advancements in care and support for families dealing with Alzheimer's.

The Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports varsity athletes in the top 25% of their graduating class from specific counties. This scholarship honors outstanding high school athletes and coaches in the Abilene area, promoting academic and athletic excellence. Applicants must have participated in varsity sports during their junior and senior years and provide a recommendation from a varsity coach. This initiative aims to empower students to pursue their college education dreams.

The ASTRO-PCF Young Investigator Award, a collaboration between the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the American Society for Radiation Oncology, supports early-career researchers in prostate cancer. It offers $225,000 over three years to young investigators under 35, enabling them to further their research and career. Awardees are required to participate in the Annual PCF Scientific Retreat and Young Investigator Forum, fostering a community dedicated to advancing the field of radiation oncology.

The FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program's Clinical Research Extension Award aims to enhance breast cancer clinical studies by extending data collection and follow-up. This funding mechanism emphasizes the importance of patient participation and addresses challenges from early trial terminations. Notably, applications must include two breast cancer consumer advocates and can feature either a single Principal Investigator or a duo. This initiative seeks to improve outcomes through comprehensive data analysis and patient engagement.

The Shirley Mudy Scholarship Fund, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, offers financial assistance for graduating high school seniors from Lake, Porter, Jasper, or Newton County. Eligible students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, have participated in the Cedar Lake Girls Softball League or Riptide Travel Ball for at least four years, and plan to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school. An additional essay is required for application.