Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Michigan

The M&M Area Community Foundation (MMACF) provides essential financial support to enhance community initiatives in Marinette and Menominee Counties. With multiple grant cycles throughout the year, they cater to diverse needs of local nonprofits, schools, and organizations. MMACF emphasizes philanthropy and collaboration, aiming to foster positive change and tackle local challenges. Their funds include the Youth Field of Interest Fund, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Fund, and more, ensuring impactful investments in community development.

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Kuznar Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Sheryl Kuznar, who established the Kuznar Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship is for a Muskegon County high school graduate pursuing any degree within the state of Michigan.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Sadie W. Penn Scholarship Fund

This fund, established in 2013, places emphasis on supporting the education of our youth for this generation and generations to come. Sadie W. Penn's career in education took her from Georgia to Battle Creek, Michigan and has enriched the lives of countless students along the way. Recipients of this scholarship are graduating high school seniors who are pursuing a career in the field of education at a college or university in the state of Michigan.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) strives to promote better health outcomes, reduce health risks, and support stable and safe families while encouraging self-sufficiency.

Human Trafficking Programming Competitive Grant

Program Purpose

The purpose of the program is to enhance or expand the anti-trafficking services offered by victim service organizations with a demonstrated history of providing services to victims of human trafficking. Funds awarded through this grant program shall enhance the scope of services offered by the organization that victims of labor and sex trafficking often require to address their needs. Allowable direct services and resources provided through these awards include:

• Individual and Group Support
• Emergency Intervention Services – Crisis Line and Emergency Response
• Advocacy and Supportive Services
• Housing, including temporary emergency housing and transitional supportive housing
• Counseling/Therapy
• Systems Change, community Education, and Public Awareness
• Legal services, including record expungement

The Wetland Mitigation Banking Program for FY 2026 offers $3 million in grants to support the development of mitigation banks for agricultural producers with wetlands. Proposals are prioritized based on the number of wetlands and conservation compliance requests in states such as Georgia, Illinois, and Minnesota. This competitive program is designed to enhance conservation efforts while providing financial opportunities for eligible entities.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Michael and Rebecca Magee Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by Michael and Rebecca Magee, who established the Michael and Rebecca Magee Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior of Ludington High School pursuing a degree or certification within the state of Michigan in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

The GPCAH Community Pilot Grant supports innovative research and outreach aimed at enhancing the health and safety of agricultural workers in the Midwest. Funded by NIOSH, this program encourages projects focusing on critical issues like mental health, injury prevention, and chemical safety. With grants up to $30,000, it invites collaboration from various organizations, particularly those within the nine-state region. Special emphasis is placed on proposals addressing the needs of underrepresented groups in agriculture.

Robert E. Stark and Martin H. Stark Scholarship

The Robert E. and Martin H. Stark Scholarship was established in 2003 to further educational opportunity and the general well-being of the Saginaw area.

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (35)
• Essay (25)
• Overall involvement in community, school and work activities (20)
• Demonstrated leadership ability (10)
• Scholastic record (10)
• Consideration may be given to minority students.

The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Charitable Foundation Fund empowers charitable organizations focused on enhancing the lives of children and youth in southeast Michigan. Since its establishment in 1999, it has allocated over $6.4 million to support local nonprofits. The fund prioritizes sustainability, regional impact, collaboration, and leveraging additional resources to ensure lasting benefits for the community. Applications are welcomed from 501(c)(3) organizations serving the defined region, with an emphasis on impactful, collaborative projects.

The Detroit Industrial School Grant provides vital funding for projects benefiting children in the Tri-County area. With grants up to $5,000, the foundation prioritizes support for non-profit agencies addressing basic needs, educational programs, and resources for disabled children. The grant aims to help those in greatest need, ensuring no racial or religious discrimination in service. Eligible projects include tutoring, field trips, and skill training, fostering a brighter future for local youth.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant by The Joyce Foundation aims to create safer communities in the Great Lakes region. It focuses on reducing gun violence, addressing racial disparities in the justice system, and promoting violence intervention strategies. The foundation invites innovative proposals that support these goals, emphasizing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of gun violence and promote racial equity.

Michigan College Access Network

Since our founding in 2010, Michigan College Access Network has engaged with partners across the state to improve college access and success for all students. Our data-driven approach is focused on providing support where it is needed the most, particularly among students from low-income backgrounds, students who would be the first in their family to graduate college, and students of color. We believe in the power of higher education to improve individual lives, with positive effects that ripple out into their communities. We are committed to Michigan’s Sixty by 30 attainment goal — 60% of residents earning a postsecondary certificate or degree by the year 2030 — in pursuit of a better future for all Michiganders.

Grant Opportunities to Improve College Access

Michigan College Access Network provides grant funding to communities, direct service programs, colleges, and schools for innovative work. We support those who are helping place college within reach for more Michigan youth.

Take Flight: 2026 Sixty by 30 Pitch Competition

MCAN is seeking scalable, high-impact college attainment strategies or ideas to expand across the state to move Michigan closer to its Sixty by 30 goal!

During MCAN’s third annual pitch competition, individuals will present an idea that has the potential to impact Michigan’s college attainment rate. The top 3 finalists will all win a cash prize for their inspiring ideas! Don’t worry — you won’t be responsible for actually implementing the idea or demonstrating impact (it’s not a grant). 

Goals: To foster creativity and celebrate innovative, potentially high-impact college attainment ideas in the state of Michigan. MCAN uses the term college to refer to attainment of education beyond high school, including postsecondary certificates and academic degrees. Ideas may be direct service or systems change interventions.

Pitch Details: We welcome ideas around any of the following areas (not an exhaustive list):

• College Access at Scale
• Student Success and Completion
• Workforce and Economic Mobility
• Transformational Statewide Leadership

In particular, we welcome ideas that encourage cross-sector collaboration (K-12, higher ed, workforce). We welcome BIG ideas that address systems issues and are impactful or scalable across the state.

All ideas should focus on advancing equity through education with a particular emphasis eliminating barriers and improving systems for students from low-income background, students of color, and first-generation college-going students. 

Considerations for Entities: We recognize that some ideas may come from the collective brain power of an organization, and some may be the thoughts of an individual. In some instances, individuals may be representing an LLC or nonprofit organization. Submissions by any of these are acceptable. During the pitch presentation at the MCAN conference, only 1 individual per idea is allowed to present the idea on-stage.

Cash Prize: The top three finalists will attend the MCAN conference Nov. 3-4 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City. MCAN will cover the registration fee for 1 finalist per idea.

At the conference, each finalist will present their pitch on the main stage to the conference attendees, and attendees will vote to identify the first, second, and third place ideas. 

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Edward and Marion Petzko Student Athlete Scholarship

The recipient of the Edward and Marion Petzko Student Athlete Scholarship will be an above average student that received a varsity letter in either track or golf.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

Sherrill L. Smith Music Scholarship

Music majors attending any Michigan college or university.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The Robert Stempel Memorial Scholarship, established by Mrs. Patricia A. Stempel, provides financial support for students from select Detroit high schools pursuing careers in science and engineering. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and show financial need. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, ensuring that dedicated students can pursue their educational goals without financial burden. The application deadline is February 12, 2025.

The Winnifred Stinson Basile Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, supports business students at accredited private institutions in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need, while also providing a personal statement outlining their educational and career goals. This one-time award encourages reapplication, although it remains a competitive process with no guarantee of renewal. The scholarship aims to empower local students pursuing business careers.

The VVA Detroit Chapter #9 Descendants of Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students aged 16-30 who are direct descendants of Vietnam veterans. Scholarships of up to $3,000 for full-time and $1,500 for part-time students are available, renewable for up to four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain good academic standing, and provide documentation of their veteran lineage, including DD Form 214. Priority is given to those with ties to VVA Detroit Chapter #9.

Marshall Community Foundation

The Marshall Community Foundation is a partnership of endowed funds established by individuals and organizations. A Board of Trustees, comprised of local community leaders, invest the pooled endowments. Income generated is then available for grants that address charitable needs in our community. Staff and trained volunteers monitor the grants to ensure fulfillment of the grant agreements.

The full circle of philanthropy is poetry in motion. The Foundation receives your gifts, grants to local non-profits, who in turn, give back by providing services to the community. Truly, the Foundation is all about improving the quality of life and making this a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Coury and Kesselring Natural Resources Scholarship

Scholarships awarded to Calhoun County residents seeking to further their education in natural resources or a related field at any Michigan college or university. Applicants may enroll at a two-year institution with plans to complete at a four-year institution. 

Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years however, applicants must submit updated supporting materials. 

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

ON Semiconductor Foundation

onsemi is a leading semiconductor manufacturer serving tens of thousands of customers across several markets with intelligent power and sensing technologies.

The ON Semiconductor Foundation, an onsemi Giving Now program, has named PLTW a strategic partner and made an additional investment to support grants for schools in onsemi communities to implement or expand the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2027 school year.

PLTW Biomedical Science - New Program

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Biomedical Science course in the 2026-2027 academic year. Schools may implement any PLTW Biomedical Science courses of their choosing.

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.