Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Michigan

The PLTW Gateway program, in collaboration with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to Project Lead The Way initiatives in eligible communities. By providing grants for program expansion, the initiative encourages schools to implement new PLTW units and train teachers, empowering students with essential skills for future careers. This partnership seeks to inspire a new generation of learners through hands-on, real-world challenges, thereby fostering greater participation in STEM fields across various regions.

The Howard C. Gale Excellence Scholarship, offered by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, awards 5-10 scholarships of up to $2000 each to high-achieving students. Eligible candidates must graduate from a career or technology center in Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry county, possess a minimum GPA of 3.5, and intend to pursue a career in the construction industry or related fields, such as Architecture or Engineering.

The Gerber Foundation offers the Career-Tech Scholarship for students graduating from Newaygo County Career-Technical Center. The scholarship aims to support students in pursuing education beyond high school, whether in traditional colleges, universities, or trade schools. Applicants must be seniors at the time of application. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life for young children and their families, focusing on essential areas such as health, nutrition, and educational development.

The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship supports students graduating from select high schools in Newaygo, Muskegon, and Oceana Counties, with a GPA between 2.00 and 3.70. The scholarship provides $2,800 for post-secondary education, covering tuition, books, and required fees. Selection is based on academic achievements and community involvement. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for local youth, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors.

The AKC Rescue Grant, offered by the AKC Humane Fund, provides essential financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on canine rescue and welfare. Grants cover significant expenses such as veterinary care, spaying, and essential supplies. Eligible applicants include AKC Parent Clubs and 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to dog rescue. This grant aims to facilitate specific projects and operational needs while ensuring compliance with reporting requirements for awarded funds.

The Sullenberger Award for Courage, presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation, recognizes exemplary acts of bravery by graduates of the Academy. This prestigious award honors those who demonstrate outstanding leadership and service, reflecting the core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence. Nominations can be submitted by anyone, and the award celebrates acts that positively impact the Academy and its legacy.

The Cyberinfrastructure for Sustained Scientific Innovation (CSSI) program by the National Science Foundation aims to provide flexible funding opportunities to address evolving needs in cyberinfrastructure. It supports various award classes, including Elements for small groups, Framework Implementations for larger interdisciplinary teams, and Transition to Sustainability for established CI projects. These initiatives focus on developing integrated CI services, ensuring sustainable impact, and promoting collaboration across scientific disciplines to enhance research and innovation.

The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest, co-hosted by Inside Edge Safety Surfaces, offers two all-expenses-paid awards for Life Floor safety surfaces, aimed at enhancing community splash pads. The Need-Based Award targets municipalities and non-profits demonstrating financial need, with design options including planks, bubbles, and geometric shapes. Grant values range from $50,000 to $65,000, depending on project size, ensuring safety and accessibility for all users.

The Home Depot Foundation's Path to Pro Scholarship aims to support U.S. veterans and train skilled tradespeople. With a commitment of $750 million by 2030, the Foundation has already trained over 44,000 participants. The program collaborates with industry leaders to address the skilled labor gap, offering resources and training in various trades such as carpentry and plumbing. By providing opportunities for high school seniors and graduates, this initiative fosters career development in the home improvement sector.

The Daniel Gerber, Sr. Medallion Scholarship, provided by the Gerber Foundation, supports students graduating from select school districts in Newaygo County, Michigan. Eligible students must maintain a GPA of 3.71 or higher and plan to attend accredited post-secondary programs. The scholarship awards $11,500 for educational expenses, including tuition and books. Selection criteria include academic achievements, recommendations, and community involvement. This initiative aims to enhance the educational opportunities for local youth, aligning with the Foundation's mission to improve children's health and well-being.

VCA Charities offers the Ready for Rescue Grants to support animal welfare organizations in preparing pets for adoption. With a maximum award of $10,000, this program focuses on enhancing the mental and physical well-being of companion animals through various activities, including enrichment and training. Eligible organizations must be registered nonprofits dedicated to animal welfare, adopting out at least 500 pets annually. Applications are accepted twice a year, with deadlines approaching soon.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Massillon Fraternal Order of Eagles Jimmy Kiefer Scholarship Fund

The Massillon Fraternal Order of Eagles Jimmy Kiefer Scholarship Fund is awarded to Stark County high school graduating seniors who will be attending an accredited two-or four-year college or university full-time and have a relative who is a member of FOE Eagles #190 in good standing.

This scholarship is not renewable.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Minnie Hopkins Scholarship Fund

The Minnie Hopkins Scholarship Fund was established to assist applicants who have graduated from Canton City School District. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Global Support Fund offers up to $6,000 for First-Year/Direct admits at Northeastern University, enabling them to participate in various approved global experiences. Eligible students must complete the GSF Request Form after acceptance into a program, ensuring they meet deadlines. The funding can cover program fees, airfare, housing, meals, and required course materials, but cannot be used for tuition or personal travel. This initiative encourages exploration and cultural immersion for students.

The Martinson Global Grants provide funding for students admitted to the John Martinson Honors Program at Northeastern University. These grants support participation in approved global experiences, including study abroad and alternative spring break programs. Internal admits can apply for funding to cover various expenses such as program fees, airfare, and housing. It's essential to submit the MGG Request Form and apply before the term's deadline. Note that tuition and personal travel costs are not covered.

The ADEAGies Foundation Grant supports oral health innovations and the development of future leaders in academic dentistry. Funded by the ADEAGies Foundation, the program offers annual grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for various dental programs and initiatives. The Board of Trustees evaluates proposals each March, aiming to fully fund as many projects as possible while reserving the right to offer partial funding. Grants are awarded annually to qualifying organizations.

The Infant-Toddler Court Program State Awards empower states and communities to enhance child welfare practices by integrating courts, social services, and families. This initiative promotes safety, healthy development, and nurturing relationships for young children involved in child welfare. Awardees implement the evidence-based ITC approach, sharing lessons learned with local teams, tracking outcomes, and training to ensure effective program expansion across targeted communities.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.

Munising Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Unendowed FundGiven to an Alger County graduate who has completed one full year (2 semesters) in the medical field. Students may receive scholarships twice, providing college transcripts.

The National Center for Construction Safety and Health Research and Translation (U54) aims to enhance worker safety in the construction industry through innovative research and intervention strategies. By fostering partnerships and focusing on evidence-based solutions, the Center will address critical safety and health challenges faced by construction workers. The initiative aligns with NIOSH's strategic objectives, promoting collaboration among academic institutions and organizations to improve health outcomes and reduce the occupational health burden in this vital sector.

The Infant-Toddler Court Program's National Resource Center (NRC) focuses on enhancing child welfare practices across the United States. By collaborating with courts, social services, and families, the NRC aims to improve the safety and healthy development of young children involved with the child welfare system. This initiative not only supports families but also fosters nurturing relationships essential for child growth and well-being, making it a crucial resource for communities.

The Sturgis Youth Advisory Council Fund, part of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, supports youth-focused projects in the Sturgis area. This permanently endowed fund aims to address the needs of local youth by involving Sturgis High School students in reviewing grant proposals. The foundation emphasizes impactful initiatives in arts, education, health, and community development, ensuring that grants are directed to federal tax-exempt organizations and local entities serving the community.

The Find Your Light Foundation is committed to providing every child with access to quality arts education. By focusing on direct support for exceptional programs, along with education, advocacy, and outreach, they aim to highlight the importance of arts in youth development. Grants are awarded to arts education initiatives in low-income areas across North America, typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, with awards issued in the Summer and Winter each year.

The WMU College of Arts and Sciences offers the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Grant to support undergraduate students in hands-on research with faculty. This grant encourages academic excellence by providing funding for materials, stipends, travel, and project-related expenses. Students must have a declared major in the college, complete at least 9 credit hours, and maintain good academic standing to be eligible. Funds are disbursed under faculty supervision, ensuring proper use according to university procedures.

The Gerber Foundation provides research grants focused on pediatric nutrition, aiming to enhance the health and well-being of infants and young children. Key areas of interest include applied research on nutritional issues, benefits of specific nutrients, and innovative treatment regimens. The foundation prioritizes projects that promise significant advancements in health outcomes for children from birth to age three, ensuring that grant dollars effectively address critical development challenges.

The Youth Impact Grant, administered by the Jackson Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Committee, aims to support youth-focused initiatives in Jackson County, Michigan. It provides funding to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities that create positive impacts on local youth. This grant not only benefits the community but also empowers student volunteers by enhancing their leadership skills and philanthropic experience. Applications for projects that cater to youth needs are currently being accepted.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

LGBTQ Pride Scholarship Fund (Regional)

Available to LGBTQ+ students and students who see themselves as LGBTQ+ allies that are pursuing post-secondary education. Graduating seniors from a public high school within Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties are eligible to apply.

The Skyline Country Club Scholarship aims to support the educational ambitions of employees and their families through financial assistance for tuition or PGA Membership dues. This scholarship is awarded for one academic year, with the potential for renewal for up to four years. Eligible applicants must be high school graduates with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must have been employed by Skyline Country Club for at least six months. This initiative reflects the commitment to fostering future leaders in our community.