Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Michigan

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

About Us

The Community Development unit focuses on creating vibrant, sustainable and unique places by providing economic development services and programs to attract and retain talent in Michigan communities.The global economy has drastically shifted how municipalities and regions establish and maintain a competitive advantage. Success is determined by the ability to attract and retain the best people and ideas. These "knowledge workers" balance job opportunities with lifestyle, seeking more than just employment when deciding where to live. The concept of placemaking considers cultural and natural amenities, resources and social and professional networks.

MiPlace is a website dedicated to community development and placemaking in Michigan. Content on this site is relevant for communities, developers and individuals interested in topics ranging from redevelopment and brownfield tools to crowdfunding. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @miplacenews to find updates and latest news.

Michigan Certified Local Government (CLG) Program

Communities across Michigan routinely and purposefully choose to engage preservation activities because of their role in supporting community character, sense of place, economic vitality, and quality of life. From Calumet to Detroit, many of these communities have taken the next step and joined the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, thus making a formal commitment to preservation by engaging in a partnership with SHPO to plan for effective preservation strategies. Through the partnership, Michigan SHPO provides technical assistance and funding support for preservation activities in these communities.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The Quetico Superior Foundation Grant supports the preservation of Minnesota’s Border Lakes Canoe Country and Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park. It funds diverse projects ranging from land preservation to youth programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations engaged in wilderness protection. The foundation aims to enhance the quality of wilderness preservation in the region, ensuring a lasting impact on environmental conservation. Interested groups should reach out for more information.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The A.A. Van Elslander Foundation provides grants to Michigan-based non-profit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3). Since 2016, it has contributed over $30 million to support initiatives focused on children, health, and human services. The foundation encourages self-sustainability among grantees and invites unsolicited inquiries each September, maintaining a commitment to non-discrimination and public benefit in its funding.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

Rob-See-Co is an independent seed company with regional expertise, providing customers access to leading genetics and traits through the Rob-See-Co and Innotech® seed brands. Rob-See-Co also sells Masters Choice specialty silage and forage products, as well as Streamline Ag seed-driven crop inputs. Rob-See-Co works alongside its customers, building strong relationships and helping them plant the right seed for their long-term success, while keeping the process friendly, straightforward, and simple. 

Rob-See-Co Library Grant

In recognition of National Library Day, Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Neb. is proud to announce the continuation of its Rural Library Grant program.

Originally launched in 2023 to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary and honor Agnes Robinson’s dedication to the rural library in Waterloo, NE, the program continues to hold special meaning. Agnes, great-grandmother of Jim Robinson, CEO of Rob-See-Co, was a passionate advocate for rural libraries. Today, the program extends support to libraries across rural communities within the company’s footprint. 

The focus areas for grant distributions from the Rob-See-Co Rural Library Grant program will assist local libraries with expanding book collections, core educational programs for adults or children, and computer or software upgrades. Examples of this would be new books, expansion of school visits or field trips, digitizing research materials, support for funding traveling exhibits and speakers.

Rob-See-Co will award ten grants to selected rural libraries across CO, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SD, TX and WI. Funds may be used for core educational, preservation and interpretive purposes, including collection development, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, programming, and publications. 

Michigan Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Mini Grant 

SRTS is an international movement that makes it safe, convenient, and fun for students to walk, roll, and bike to school. The Michigan SRTS program is managed by the Michigan Department of Transportation with support provided by the Michigan Fitness Foundation, and seeks to:

• Enable and encourage students in grades K-12 to walk and bicycle to school.
• Make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation choice, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age.
• Facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of elementary and middle schools.

Funding

Applicants are eligible to receive up to $15,000 per school, with a maximum of $120,000 per applicant for 8 or more schools. At least $7,500/school should be set aside for a Program Coordinator and/or personnel work.  The grants are intended to support active transportation programs to and from school.

The Applied Materials Foundation offers grants focusing on education, arts and culture, civic engagement, the environment, and girls' empowerment. These grants are designed to meet local community needs and support innovative projects that enhance educational opportunities, promote cultural activities, and foster civic participation. The foundation prioritizes collaboration with local organizations in areas where Applied Materials operates, ensuring impactful contributions to community resilience and sustainability.

The Subhash Sonnad Dissertation Completion Scholarships at Western Michigan University support doctoral students in the final stages of their dissertation work. This one-time scholarship of $5,000 is awarded to students who demonstrate significant progress and a commitment to completing their dissertations within 6 to 8 months. Up to three scholarships are available annually, with applications due on October 1st. This initiative aims to enhance academic success and foster timely degree completion.

About

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund is a philanthropic foundation that works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents while reducing healthcare costs.

The Health Fund supports organizations across Michigan, from grassroots groups addressing local health challenges to large agencies working in every county. From the urban streetscapes of downtown Detroit all the way to the rural corners of the Upper Peninsula, our partners are doing innovative, evidence-based work to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents.

The Health Fund views capacity building as supporting nonprofits to identify, invest in, and carry out specific changes that they believe will help better achieve and sustain their missions. This grant program is unique among Health Fund initiatives because it invests in the core functions of organizations and their collaboratives, rather than specific project-related objectives.

Capacity building grants

The Capacity Building grant program assists health-focused, community-based organizations in becoming stronger, more effective institutions within their community, allowing them to spend more time and energy focused on their missions. Grants also support collaborative efforts among providers, service agencies, and community-based organizations to cooperatively and sustainably address health issues.

The Health Fund makes grants of up to $300,000 for both organizational and collaborative capacity building projects for health-focused organizations that support children and older adults, or that are aligned with our priority areas. 

The Rotary Charities of Traverse City offers the Assets for Thriving Communities Grant, aimed at supporting initiatives that enhance community assets in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments. This grant encourages significant groundwork to engage the community and establish partnerships. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate clear community needs and have a plan for broad asset accessibility, promoting a fair and resilient region.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Peggy (Kommer) Novosad Scholarship

Open to full time graduate students who are residents of Kent County for 2+ years, attending college in the state of Michigan studying business or law, with a minimum 3.5 GPA. 

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Disability Health Care Access and Quality Grant Program for Safety Net Organizations seeks to improve health care accessibility for low-income individuals with disabilities in Michigan. Funded by the U-M Center for Disability Health and Wellness and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, grants up to $10,000 will support projects enhancing healthcare access and quality. Eligible organizations must demonstrate local disability representation and a significant impact on community health within a six-month timeframe.

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.

Nexteer Skilled Trade Scholarship

The Nexteer Skilled Trades Scholarship Fund mission is to assist graduating high school seniors and non-traditional students enter the Skilled Trades curriculum at Delta College. Preference may be given to a student with previous exposure to or study of machine operations, industrial supervision, skilled trades or mechanical design technology. The goal of this scholarship fund is to help improve the community-at-large by providing deserving individuals within our community a way to achieve their career goals within an increasingly in-demand occupation. 

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

West Michigan Financial Services Charitable Foundation Scholarship

Open to third year or higher undergraduate or graduate students who are residents of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ottawa County, attending college in the state of Michigan studying finance, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Roy B. Craver Scholarship Endowment

Roy B. Craver was a veteran of World War I. He established a scholarship for residents of Wabash County and graduates of a Wabash County high school who like himself are willing to serve in the armed forces even if they do not intend to enlist.

Saginaw Community Foundation

The Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) is a tax-exempt charitable organization created by and for the people of Saginaw County. Established in 1984 with an initial grant of $50,000 by the Junior League of Saginaw Valley in celebration of its 50th anniversary, SCF enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about – immediately, or through their wills. SCF is one of 900+ community foundations nationwide classified as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Unlike a private foundation, SCF’s assets come from any number of individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations interested in improving the quality of life in our community. These gifts range in size and purpose, depending upon the interests of individual donors. Some funds are given for specific charitable purposes; others are unrestricted so they may be used to meet the changing needs of our community.

Steven Kyle Kowalewski Memorial Scholarship

The Steven Kyle Kowalewski Memorial Scholarship was established in 2015 to honor the memory of a young man with a desire to know Jesus Christ and serve in the ministry. Steven had a servant’s heart and a gentle spirit. Steven was a gifted writer who was quick to listen and slow to speak. He used those qualities to encourage others. It is the hope of the Kowalewski family that this scholarship will help prepare those students with a calling to see lives changed through the good news of Jesus Christ.

“Well, it’s the little things that give my faith the encouragement it needs to tread onward. It would maintain itself regardless, but little stories of faith and hope help nonetheless. Thank you for all those that are faithful and true. We endure this battle together.” – Steven Kyle, June 2, 2015.

Evaluation Criteria

• Interview (50)
• Essay on career goals (30)
• Letters of recommendations (25)
• Overall involvement (work, school, community activities)
• Demonstrated leadership ability (15)

The Kahler Foundation Grant supports innovative educational programs for K-12 students in Michigan. Aimed at enhancing the student experience, this grant focuses on unconventional learning opportunities that promote lifelong success. Eligible programs should demonstrate educational impact in areas like STEAM, Literacy, and Mental Health, and must be active in specific counties. Preference is given to middle school initiatives, fostering a broad range of enriching experiences for students.

The Ladies Literary Club Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports students from Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, or Ottawa counties. Eligible applicants must be studying writing in Michigan and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to empower local talent by removing barriers to academic success, enabling passionate students to pursue their educational goals and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities.

Mission: Expand economic opportunity and prosperity for all. Vision: Make Michigan a place where all people, businesses and communities have the economic means and personal freedoms to reach their full potential.

3P STEM Education Grants

MiSTEM is reimagining STEM education using transdisciplinary approaches to create a STEM culture, empower instructors, integrate communities and learning spaces, and ensure high-quality STEM experiences for students.

The MiSTEM Network will award up to $800,000 in mini grants (up to $50,000 per grantee) to boost STEM education and career exposure for students. An important focus of this grant program is planning to implement 3P learning (Place-, Project-, and/or Problem-based) Learning in Michigan.

These materials were developed under a MiSTEM grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education and a grant awarded by General Motors Corporate Citizenship. These mini grants are administered by Michigan State University and Beyond Consulting, LLC.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.