Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Michigan

The Chronic Care Telehealth Centers of Excellence Program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, aims to enhance chronic care management through innovative telehealth technologies. This initiative will support academic medical centers in integrating comprehensive telehealth services for chronic disease prevention, management, and acute episode treatment. The centers will also contribute to research publications, establishing national benchmarks for effective telehealth integration in chronic care.

The Anne Gilbert Visual Arts Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support undergraduate college sophomores pursuing studies in fine arts, graphic design, art and design, or fashion design. Applicants must be residents of Muskingum County, have completed their freshman year, and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. This scholarship encourages artistic development and community engagement, allowing students to further their education and creative pursuits.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

G. William & Freda S. Moore Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students pursuing studies in business or accounting.

G. William Moore grew up on a farm near Paducah, Kentucky. He graduated from Bowling Green College of Commerce with a degree in higher accounting.

Mr. Moore served in the United States Navy during World War II reaching the rank of lieutenant. He came to Aurora in 1946 to work as a CPA for a local accounting firm.

In 1949, he opened his own firm and continued in practice until 1977. He then joined his practice with a firm from Champaign, Illinois, predecessor to Sikich Gardner & Co.

Mr. Moore is a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and the Aurora Noon Kiwanis Club.

Freda S. Moore (1918-2004) was a native of Clarksburg, West Virginia. She graduated from Bowling Green College of Commerce with a degree in business administration.

After graduation, she taught business courses at the high school level. During World War II, she worked for the United States Air Force in Norfolk, Virginia.

Mrs. Moore was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and was an accomplished musician, playing the piano, saxophone and clarinet.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Jerry J. Murphy MSW Scholarship Fund

The Jerry J. Murphy MSW Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to students pursuing a Master of Social Work degree.

Jerry Murphy is the retired Executive Director of the INC Board. He served residents of Kane County for over 28 years during his time with the organization.

INC Board, NFP, is an Illinois, not-for-profit corporation which was chartered as Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services on April 21, 1969, to promote the creation of local mental health boards authorized under 405 Illinois Compiled Statutes §20/3a.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Olsson Roofing Company, Inc. Scholarship Fund

In 1988, Olsson Roofing Company, Inc. of Aurora created a scholarship fund within the Community Foundation for area students.

Scholarships from this fund are awarded in recognition of high scholastic achievement, participation in school activities and leadership potential.

These awards are reserved for students whose parents are actively involved in the roofing trade or construction industry.

Through the generosity and commitment of this civic-minded company, many students have received needed assistance for their college educations.

The Boomer Esiason Foundation Academic Scholarship provides crucial financial support to students with cystic fibrosis. This scholarship not only alleviates educational expenses but also recognizes students who exhibit resilience and academic excellence. Annually, the foundation awards scholarships to deserving candidates, ensuring they can pursue their educational goals without overwhelming financial stress. Eligible applicants must demonstrate strong character and leadership while maintaining academic achievement. With awards up to $30K for undergraduates and $45K for graduates, this scholarship is pivotal for affected students.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Robert L. & Marjory J. Nelson Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students pursuing a career in the medical field of study with a preference to those students entering the field of nursing.

Marjory Nelson (1928-1998) received her bachelor of arts degree from Aurora University and her R.N. certification from the Copley Hospital School of Nursing.

She also undertook additional graduate studies at Northern Illinois University and the National College of Education.

She was employed by Copley Memorial Hospital and later served as a nurse for the East Aurora Schools.

This fund was created by Mrs. Nelson’s family and friends to provide recognition of her extraordinary dedication to the field of nursing.

Upon the passing of her husband Robert, the Nelson family added his name to the fund.

Robert Nelson (1924-2015) was a veteran of World War II. He served with the Navy in Europe and the Marines in the Pacific.

He worked in the field of education and was a retired principal in School District 44 in Lombard, Illinois.

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were survived by two daughters and three grandchildren.

Created in 2004, the fund became an endowment in 2005.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Theodore Silseth Nelson Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students returning to school after a lapse of several years since high school graduation. The awards are given to students pursuing a two or four-year degree in health care, with a preference for both financial need and students seeking a registered nurse certification. Theodore Nelson (1937-2017) was employed as a large commercial account underwriter in the insurance industry. He created this fund out of respect for the competency of those in the healthcare profession and to encourage those who wish to improve themselves by returning to school after being in the workforce. 

About Us

Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).

Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Tom Drendel Memorial Scholarship (2025)

The Food Access and Retail Expansion (FARE) Fund Grant, part of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative, aims to enhance access to nutritious food in underserved regions. With a budget of $60 million over five years, the initiative supports innovative fresh food retail projects, offering grants and loans to address barriers in food access. This funding is crucial for catalyzing sustainable food enterprises and improving local food systems, ultimately fostering healthier communities.

The BUILD Grant Program, managed by the USDOT, focuses on enhancing surface transportation infrastructure with substantial local impact. It supports a variety of project sponsors, including state and local governments, in pursuing complex multi-modal initiatives that are often challenging to fund through traditional grants. Established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, this program reflects a commitment to sustainable and equitable infrastructure development.

Who We Are

We weave the work of communities, connecting and uplifting passionate people, critical resources and transformational ideas. Working side by side with every corner and sector of our region, we have identified social and economic justice as the most critical elements to a thriving community. We serve to advance efforts in these areas by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and authentic engagement for a more equitable southwest Washington.

John and Maradee Potter Scholarship

Maradee Potter established this scholarship to honor her husband, John who died in 2021. John was retired from his career as a proofreader legal editor. John and Maradee were married for 36 years. Maradee is honoring her husband and her work to provide scholarships for students who have graduated from high schools located in Clark County, Washington and have been a recipient of Special Education services with a documented disability. Maradee worked in the Vancouver Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher during her career and continues to be an advocate for people with disabilities by serving on the Clark County Community Services Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board and Homes for Community Living Board. It is important to the donor that people with disabilities have equitable access to education and the support necessary to pursue post-secondary education and career training.

Award Information

The number and amount of scholarships will be determined by the scholarship committee. The scholarship may be renewable. Renewal applicants must reapply each year.

The Changemaker Accreditation Grants support birth centers in achieving and maintaining accreditation by covering up to 100% of the initial or annual fees required by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers. This initiative honors the pioneers of the birth center movement and aims to assist centers that demonstrate financial hardship and a commitment to serving low-income communities. Special consideration is given to those fostering public education and located in rural areas.

The Birth Center Membership Support Grants, offered by the American Association of Birth Centers Foundation, aim to assist birth centers facing financial hardships in paying membership fees. Eligible centers can receive support covering up to 50% of the fees, whether they are applying for membership for the first time or renewing their membership. This initiative emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards in maternity care and supports centers committed to serving low-income women.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) invites proposals for the Bats for the Future Fund RFP to combat white-nose syndrome (WNS) affecting bat populations in North America. This initiative seeks to advance treatments, implement management strategies, and support research that enhances bat survival and recovery. A match of 50% of the grant amount is preferred, aimed at fostering innovative conservation efforts and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the future of affected bat species.

The FY 2026 funding opportunity aims to support Indian Tribes and intertribal consortia in implementing approved Nonpoint Source management programs under the Clean Water Act Section 319. This initiative, funded by the EPA, focuses on addressing NPS pollution through best management practices as outlined in Tribal NPS Management Program Plans, ensuring the protection of water resources and promoting sustainability in Tribal lands.

The IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program provides crucial financial support to Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations impacted by mining in the U.S. and Canada. With over $200,000 distributed annually in $4,000 grants, the program aims to address mining-related environmental and health issues. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a direct impact on affected communities, particularly Indigenous-led initiatives, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.

The RRF Foundation for Aging offers research grants aimed at improving the well-being of older adults and their caregivers. Established in 1950, the foundation has awarded over $239 million to support innovative projects nationwide. Grants are targeted at nonprofit organizations proposing research with immediate implications for adults aged 60 and older, with a focus on practical knowledge and dissemination to impact policy and practice.

About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4- year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children with cancer. Her spirit and determination inspired others to support her cause, and when she passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million. Since then, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement. Today, ALSF is one of the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the U.S. and Canada, funding research projects and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. ALSF is one of the only childhood cancer research organizations that has been given the NCI peer-reviewed funder designation for rigorous selection of research grants. The mission of ALSF is to change the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families, and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.

Bio-Therapeutic Impact Award

The Bio-Therapeutic Impact Award accelerates the development of clinical trials for promising biologic approaches to treating childhood cancer. These approaches include, but are not limited to, immunotherapy, gene therapy and small molecules. The award, intended for investigators who are initiating clinical trials, totals the maximum of $1.8 million awarded over three years.

The AVID: Priscilla and Ranney Draper Scholars Fund offers scholarships to high school seniors enrolled in the AVID elective, supporting their transition to a four-year college or university. Administered by Scholarship America, this program recognizes students from Orange County, CA, who have demonstrated commitment and financial need. Each applicant completes a single application for multiple scholarships, with awards of up to $5,000 available for undergraduate studies.

The Edwin and Ina Ayers Scholarship, established by the Ashland County Community Foundation, honors the legacy of caregiving in the Coe/Ayers family. This scholarship supports students pursuing baccalaureate nursing programs across the U.S., reflecting the family's commitment to healthcare and education. With nearly 200 years of nursing service from family members, this fund not only commemorates Edwin and Ina Ayers but also empowers future generations of nurses dedicated to compassionate care.

This grant focuses on implementing research to identify effective combinations of community-clinical linkage strategies aimed at diabetes prevention and management. It addresses the challenges faced by Federally Qualified Health Centers and safety-net clinics, emphasizing the need for coordinated approaches. The study will explore factors influencing the adoption and integration of these strategies, ultimately aiming to develop practical evidence and best practices that enhance diabetes care in primary settings.

The Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative Extension Disaster Education Network (FADI-EDEN) aims to enhance the resilience of the U.S. food and agriculture sector against various threats, including biosecurity risks and natural disasters. Through the Extension Disaster Education Network, the program fosters collaboration among CES professionals, providing essential education and technical assistance to farmers and communities to effectively manage domestic disasters and strengthen all-hazards preparedness.

About Lions Club International FoundationLions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) provides grants that empower the service of our members. Since its inception in 1968, LCIF has awarded more than US$1.3 billion in grant funding.  Mission :Our mission is to empower Lions clubs, volunteers and partners to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives globally, and encourage peace and international understanding. And we fulfill it every day, everywhere we serve.Lions Club International Hunger Grant ProgramHunger Grants focus on strengthening infrastructure and providing essential equipment for Lions’ hunger-relief efforts. These grants empower Lions to support vital initiatives such as school feeding programs, food banks and feeding centers, ensuring that those in need receive the nourishment they require. These grants support infrastructure and equipment acquisition for Lions’ projects focused on alleviating hunger.Grant Examples: 

• Construction or expansion of food banks, feeding centers and food storage facilities.
• Purchase of refrigerators and freezers to store perishable food items.
• Vehicles to transport, collect and deliver food.

The Brett Candela Lacrosse Scholarship, established by the family of Brett Candela, honors his passion for lacrosse and supports central Ohio players pursuing higher education. A standout athlete from Columbus, Brett was recognized for his leadership and competitiveness in lacrosse and basketball. This scholarship aims to invest in student-athletes who embody his values of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance, ensuring that the next generation of lacrosse players can achieve their educational goals while upholding Brett's legacy.

The Sophie Kosiorek Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, awards $800,000 in scholarships to over 500 deserving students annually. This scholarship specifically supports a four-year member of the Seneca High School girls basketball team, recognizing the positive attitude and strong team ethic exemplified by Sophie. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, ensuring that the scholarship supports both athletic and academic excellence.

The Bill and Cay Harris Scholarship, established in 2010, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who demonstrate Christian service and leadership qualities. Funded by the Ashland County Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to assist students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who are accepted to accredited colleges or universities. Preference is given to those majoring in History or Social Studies. Bill and Cay Harris, notable community figures, inspire future generations through this scholarship.