Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Michigan

The Michael Goodwin Scholarship at WMU Lee Honors College supports incoming first-year or transfer students with financial need. Eligible candidates must be accepted into the college and can apply the award to tuition and fees. The scholarship is non-renewable, but students may reapply up to two times if funds are available. Selection is at the discretion of the scholarship committee, ensuring support for deserving students pursuing their education in a prestigious honors program.

The WMU Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Scholarship offers $10,000 ($5,000 per year for two years) to domestic students transferring from a community college with a GPA of 3.75 or higher and at least 24 completed credit hours. Applicants must be inducted members of Phi Theta Kappa. No additional application is necessary for consideration. However, students who have previously attended WMU as degree-seeking students are ineligible for this scholarship.

ASTS-iMDx Research Grant for Understanding the Health Economics of in-house vs send-out diagnostics

As new diagnostics become available to the transplant community, the development of in-house expertise and infrastructure vs send out testing becomes a critical decision. In-house diagnostic testing provides faster results, improving immediate patient care and reducing follow-up visits, while send-out testing (reference labs) is better for complex, rare, or high-volume specialized tests. This grant will support health econometric research projects comparing in-house vs outsourced testing and the potential impact on patient care. The output of this research would show a model of the costs and benefits of diagnostic testing in transplantation to educate transplant centers and labs on their choice of assays.

Amount:

• $100,000 fpr 12 months.

Funds Support:

No more than 25% of grant can go towards the individual applicant’s salary; no indirect costs, but salary support for post-docs and collaborators are permitted at the NIH cap. Funds for this grant are being supplied by Insight Molecular Diagnostics (iMDx).

The SHAPE America: Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary role model committed to fostering student engagement in professional activities. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of membership in SHAPE America and serve as full-time faculty at a higher education institution. This award emphasizes mentorship through professional behavior, involvement in student projects, and providing academic guidance, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.

The SHAPE America: Research Fellow Program recognizes dedicated members for their significant contributions to health and physical education scholarship. Nominees must demonstrate excellence through impactful research, including a minimum of 10 peer-reviewed articles and participation in SHAPE America conventions. This prestigious designation promotes ongoing scholarship and encourages engagement within the diverse community of health and physical educators, enhancing professional practice and advancing the mission of SHAPE America.

The WMU Bronco Honors Scholarship, offered by Western Michigan University, provides $14,000 ($3,500 per year for four years) to eligible first-year students with a GPA of 3.60 or higher. This scholarship aims to make higher education more affordable, reflecting WMU's commitment to accessibility for aspiring leaders. Notably, applicants for 2025 enrollment are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores, ensuring a more inclusive application process.

The WMU Bronco Promise Program provides financial support for first-year Michigan residents, covering flat-rate tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years. This program is designed for students demonstrating financial need, with awards available for 12-15 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. No application is needed, but FAFSA verification is required by July 1. It ensures that eligible students can focus on their education without the burden of unmet tuition costs.

The BHS Class of 1961 Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $700 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. This scholarship prioritizes students in the top 40% of their class, demonstrating financial need and exemplary personal ethics. Recipients must provide a Student Aid Report from FAFSA, ensuring assistance for tuition and related expenses. The Foundation, established in 1987, aims to enhance educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District.

The Harold Cousland Fund for Young Journalists Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support aspiring journalists pursuing various educational paths. This scholarship is open to students from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. With a commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Southern New Mexico, the fund seeks to empower the next generation of storytellers and media professionals.

The WMU Community College Honors Award offers a $5,000 scholarship ($2,500 per year for two years) to exceptional domestic students transferring from community colleges. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 and at least 24 completed credit hours. This highly competitive scholarship does not require an additional application for consideration, making it accessible for eligible students aiming to further their education at Western Michigan University.

The Colin J. Gould Memorial Scholarship is a prestigious award for Biological Sciences majors at Western Michigan University, aimed at recognizing students who have demonstrated academic excellence. Eligible candidates must be sophomores or juniors with at least a 3.5 GPA and have completed a minimum of three biological sciences courses. This scholarship not only supports educational pursuits but also honors the legacy of Colin J. Gould, promoting excellence in biological sciences.

The BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation offers the Career Advancement Scholarship, a $3000 award aimed at women aged 30 and above residing in Maine. This scholarship supports those enrolled in accredited colleges or training programs, covering both full-time and part-time studies. It assists women in improving their skills for career advancement, whether entering a new field or re-entering the job market. Since 1962, the foundation has empowered women towards economic self-sufficiency.

The Frank Hinds Zoology Award at Western Michigan University honors Dr. Frank Hinds, a dedicated professor for 35 years. This $250 award is available to sophomore or junior students majoring in biological sciences, who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have completed at least three courses in the department. This recognition encourages academic excellence and supports students in their pursuit of knowledge in zoology.

The Margaret Thomas DuMond Scholarship Award at Western Michigan University supports upper-class biology majors aspiring to become teachers. This scholarship honors Mrs. DuMond, an esteemed alumna, and is designed for students demonstrating financial need and career potential. Eligible candidates must be juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5. The award aims to encourage future educators in the biological sciences, fostering their professional development.

The Johanna Koester Heine Endowment Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support students pursuing higher education across various fields, including vocational training. It is open to diverse applicants including BiPOC, LGBTQIA+, and those with disabilities. The scholarship reflects the foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life in Southern New Mexico by providing educational opportunities and fostering community development.

Mission & Vision

Mission:

The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico serves as a community resource, connects donors to needs, and supports charitable organizations in their work.

Vision:

A community connected to the resources it needs to thrive.

Your Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico (CFSNM) serves as a vehicle for people of all means to make a lasting impact on quality of life in our region now and in the future. Our organization is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, corporations, and institutions connected by the desire to improve Southern New Mexico. We manage over 300 endowments, including 48 non-profit organizational endowments in Southern New Mexico, and are home to over 40 scholarships and nine annual grant cycles. As a center for charitable giving we support the arts, feed the hungry, expand literacy, improve health, and support countless other meaningful causes in the twelve counties including: Catron, Chaves, Doña Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, Sierra & Socorro. 

Apply for a Scholarship

Your CFSNM offers scholarships that support students from all walks and stages of life in pursuing various avenues of their educational and professional journeys. 

With a wide range of categories, your CFSNM offers scholarships for everyone including, but not limited to:

• BiPOC
• Students with disabilities
• LGBTQIA+
• Healthcare
• Volunteerism
• CTE, Trade, Vocational
• In-state and out-of-state
• All degree paths for undergraduate to post-grad
• Students returning to school

Good Samaritan Scholarship

To support students pursuing a degree in nursing, social work or certified nursing

The H. Lyman Mooney Music Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $450 scholarship to a graduating senior from Marshfield High School pursuing music studies. Applicants must submit their transcripts, demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI, and provide a letter of recommendation from their music teacher. The scholarship application period will reopen on January 1, 2026, for the 2026–27 academic year, aiming to support students in achieving their educational goals.

The Bill Cox Memorial Scholarship offers a $1,750 award to graduating seniors from Spokane High School, aimed at supporting their educational aspirations. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI, and submit a transcript along with an essay detailing community service and school activities. A letter of recommendation is also required. The scholarship application period will reopen on January 1, 2026 for the 2026–27 academic year.

The York Rotary Foundation, supported by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers scholarships to assist York County students in pursuing higher education. These scholarships reward academic excellence and community involvement, with a focus on graduating seniors and adult learners. There are 11 specific scholarships available, each with unique criteria. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster community growth.

The TFEC Student Emergency Assistance Fund provides crucial financial support for students facing unexpected hardships that threaten their continuation in post-secondary education. Grants of up to $500 per application are available, with a total funding limit of $1,500 for re-applications. This initiative is part of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities' mission to bolster local educational opportunities and foster community resilience, ensuring that students can overcome financial barriers and achieve their academic goals.

The TFEC Aspire to Rise Scholarship Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers financial support to non-traditional students aged 22 and older who have faced challenges in their educational journey. This scholarship is aimed at those pursuing higher education or vocational training, with special consideration for applicants without a post-secondary degree. Additionally, it supports individuals preparing for the GED, fostering opportunities for personal and professional growth in South Central Pennsylvania.

A. M. and May Abel Memorial Scholarship

Anthony M. Abel, brother of W. H. Abel of Montesano, was born in Sussex, England and raised in Salina, Kansas.

He earned his law degree from the University of Kansas, and established a successful law practice in 1903. There he married May Rosmond. Abel went on to become one of western Washington’s most highly regarded lawyers.

The A. M. and May Abel Memorial Scholarship is open to all applicants who satisfy the general eligibility requirements of the Scholarship Program.

The Bernie Iversen Scholarship in Engineering, offered by Western Michigan University, supports students pursuing degrees in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. With annual awards of $3,333, the scholarship aims to assist those with demonstrated financial need. Eligible candidates include Michigan residents who are either undergraduate or graduate students. Each year, the scholarship may fund up to three undergraduate students or a mix of two undergraduates and one graduate student, promoting academic excellence and financial support.

The WMU Department of Chemistry offers the Dr. Nagler Endowment for Chemistry Scholarship to support outstanding graduate students from historically underrepresented populations. Established in 2012 by Dr. Hashem and Suzanne Akhavan-Tafti in honor of Professor Emeritus Robert Nagler, this scholarship aims to assist full-time chemistry graduate students who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, enhancing their academic pursuits and fostering diversity in the field.

The Dr. Susan Burns Scholarship at Western Michigan University honors the legacy of Dr. Susan Burns, a dedicated faculty member who made significant contributions to chemistry research. This scholarship supports outstanding female students in the Department of Chemistry with a minimum GPA of 3.0, while also considering financial need. It aims to empower future generations of chemists and uphold Dr. Burns' commitment to academic excellence and research innovation.

The Maude MacKenzie Scholarship, offered by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in Maine, provides $1,000 annually to a deserving student who has graduated from an accredited high school in Maine, demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Applicants must be residents of Maine and accepted into a college or university. This scholarship aims to support students in their pursuit of higher education while promoting the values of commitment and service within the community.

The Lester Boyce Maile Endowed Scholarship at Western Michigan University supports full-time undergraduate chemistry majors with a minimum GPA of 2.5. It recognizes outstanding students and aims to alleviate financial burdens through financial need preferences. This scholarship is part of a broader initiative to enhance educational opportunities for deserving students within the Department of Chemistry, thereby fostering academic excellence and professional growth in the field of chemistry.