Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Michigan

The Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a dedicated advocate for education, offering two $10,000 scholarships annually to high school seniors in Warren County, MS. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with strong academic records and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship celebrates the legacy of Ms. Brown, who inspired many to pursue their educational dreams, ensuring her commitment to academic excellence continues to impact future generations.

Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship

The Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship (supported by the George W. Bush Foundation) provides one or more annual scholarships for up to $10,000 to lawful permanent residents of the United States, U.S. citizens or refugees who were born in North Korea pursuing an educational program in the United States or its possessions. North Korean-born individuals pursuing a degree in accredited colleges and universities in the United States with South Korean citizenship are eligible to apply.

This scholarship may be renewed on an annual basis by completing the scholarship application in full. Renewal applications will be reviewed alongside first-time applicants.

The Graduate Student Scholarship for Minority Students, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports graduate students from racial or ethnic minority groups who are U.S. citizens. This scholarship aims to promote academic achievement among students enrolled in communication sciences and disorders programs. Applicants must be full-time students and will be considered for multiple scholarship categories, but can only receive one award. The program emphasizes educational support for tuition and related expenses.

The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) at the NIH aims to advance small molecule drug discovery and development. This program supports investigators in their own labs while offering access to NIH experts and contract research organizations. By combining NIH resources with industry expertise, BPN reduces risks in drug development, enabling partners to undertake late-stage projects. Focused on small molecules, it uses a cooperative agreement mechanism to support innovative, higher-risk projects, fostering essential collaborations for successful therapeutic advancements.

Ellenbecker, Oliver and Eleanor Scholarship Bachelor’s Program Fund

For Noble County High School seniors (one awarded to a Central Noble High School senior, one awarded to an East Noble High School senior, one awarded to Oak Farm Montessori School senior, one awarded to a West Noble High School senior) who will be attending a four-year college or university as a full-time student. Awards $3,500 one-time.

Awards Per Year:

1 scholarship

Areas of Study:

Any

Glass, Paul Memorial Scholarship Fund

A one-time payment for a high school senior or undergraduate college student from Noble County who is pursuing a career in agriculture related field. Awards $750 one time. Students can reapply. 

Amount

$750

Awards Per Year:

1 scholarship

Colleges:

Any accredited college or university

Areas of Study:

Agriculture

The Kress Conservation Fellowships, offered by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, support post-graduate training for emerging conservators in various specialty areas like paintings and textiles. The fellowships provide competitive grants to museums for supervised internships, running 9 to 12 months. Eligible applicants must have completed a master's degree in conservation. Preference is given to institutions without recent Kress Fellows, ensuring diverse opportunities across North America and beyond.

The JUF Springboard Access Grant aims to make Jewish programming more accessible for teens in grades 8-12 in the Chicago area. This grant covers up to 50% of the tuition costs for first-time participants in multi-day programs organized by approved Jewish nonprofits. It encourages teens to engage with their community and explore new interests while ensuring financial barriers are lowered. Eligible teens are expected to share their experiences with the organization after participating.

The Adapted PE/Activity Graduate Student of the Year Award recognizes outstanding graduate students in adapted physical education and physical activity who have made significant contributions to the lives of individuals with disabilities. Sponsored by the Society of Health and Physical Educators, this award emphasizes leadership, dedication, and commitment to inclusive practices in physical education. It aims to inspire future professionals in the field while promoting excellence in adapted physical activity and disability sport.

Jefferson County Sons of the American Legion Brian A. L'Huillier Memorial Scholarship

The Jefferson County Sons of the American Legion offers a scholarship of $500 to qualified high school graduates. The scholarships will be announced at graduation. Entry into college must occur by the second semester after high school graduation. The first $250 will be awarded at the time of high school graduation and the remainder of $250 will be contingent upon the recipient submitting_a transcript of their 1st semester college grades, which indicates a minimum average of "C", or a 2.0 cumulative index. If a "C" or 2.0 index is not obtained, then the remainder of the award is forfeited. Each candidate is required to complete a minimum of 12 semester credit hours per semester in order to receive this award.

Judy Huang Scholarship

The scholarship was established by Judy Huang to support a college education for students who are Asian, in financial need, and demonstrate perseverance and hard work.

Award Amount:

• $5,000 payable over fours years at $1,250 per year.

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.

Medical Scholarship

At a very early age in Alabama, Lee Essie Smith was a self-taught musician. After losing her mother as a young teenager, she began putting her God-given musical talent to work as a pianist for several churches. By the time she graduated from high school, she had learned the cosmetology trade and met Charlie McMillan, Jr.

After his wife’s death, Mr. McMillan continued his community service with the Democratic Party, Habitat for Humanity and Mt. Olive Baptist Church as an usher. Although he did not serve very long in the military, Mr. McMillan continues to exemplify the values and physical energy of the “Army Strong” slogan. He is the patriarch of the family – always dapper – and a regular attendee at church services.

The Alexander H. & Helen V. Smith Research Award, presented by the Mycological Society of America, supports research on macrofungi specimens collected by Alexander H. Smith. This award facilitates access to crucial collections at the University of Michigan Herbarium, aiding mycologists and students in advancing their studies. Recipients are encouraged to attend the MSA annual meeting to engage with the mycological community, enhancing collaboration and networking opportunities.

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.

Mildred Culbert Kelly & Fred W. Kelly Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

Mildred Culbert Kelly and Fred W. Kelly never had children, but they were generous with contributions of time and talent to church and community groups that focused on youngsters.

Prior to his death in 1989, Mr. Kelly had been employed as an insurance agent and later purchased the Wheeler Insurance Agency which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1977. He was a founding member and past president of the Optimist Club and he assisted in establishing Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Saginaw and the READ Saginaw program.

Mrs. Kelly retired from the Accounting Department at Chevrolet Saginaw Grey Iron Foundry after 39 years of service. She volunteered at First United Methodist Church as director of the Children’s Choir, the Interpretive Choir and the Sacred Dance Group for many years. She was also a volunteer at READ Saginaw and Delta College Channel 19 and was a past president of the Opti-Mrs. Club. She died in 2000 at the age of 94.

Mildred Culbert Kelly and Fred W. Kelly’s legacy continues to assist youth with scholarships for students who might not otherwise obtain a college or Career and Technical Education (CTE) degree/certificate.

The NIH Career Transition Award (K22) aims to support outstanding clinician-scientists in developing independent research skills. This grant facilitates a two-phase program, starting with an intramural appointment at the NIH followed by support at an extramural institution. Designed for NINDS intramural neurologist- and neurosurgeon-scientists, it helps them transition to independent academic faculty roles, enabling them to engage in funded scientific research alongside clinical activities.

The NIH Career Transition Award (K22) supports exceptional basic and clinical investigators in developing independent research skills through a two-phase program: an intramural appointment at NIH followed by support at an extramural institution. This award specifically aids NINDS intramural neurologist and neurosurgeon scientists in transitioning to independent academic faculty roles, fostering the engagement of clinician-scientists in both funded scientific research and clinical practices.

William C. and Anna Rose Chamberlain Memorial

The fund was established in 1926 "for the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," to be used to educate those interested in the ministry; or as a missionary; or ordained professional minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); or for some definite religious work in connection with the church. Priority is given to members or former members of Gender Road Christian Church (formerly known as Southeast Christian Church).

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The Health-Surgical Care Fund Grant, provided by the Orange County Community Foundation, aims to support underfunded, volunteer-driven organizations offering surgical care for various physical or cosmetic deformities. The Fund prioritizes programs with a significant long-term impact, ensuring services are free to the community. Eligible organizations must demonstrate accountability, transparency, and a commitment to serving U.S. citizens, while allocating at least 70% of their budget to direct program expenses.

The Grant and Bridget Daugherty Nursing Scholarship, administered by the Coral Gables Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to Coral Gables High School seniors pursuing a Nursing major. The scholarship ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 for one academic year. Recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit transcripts annually to retain funding. This initiative supports students committed to academic excellence and a career in healthcare.

The Girls on the Run Sparking Limitless Potential Scholarship, funded by The Columbus Foundation, empowers high school graduates from the Girls on the Run program to pursue higher education. This initiative not only celebrates the achievements of alumni but also addresses systemic barriers faced by girls of Color, promoting equity and leadership development. By supporting diverse pathways to education, the scholarship aims to create lasting impact and foster a more inclusive future for youth in Central Ohio.

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 Scholarship

The Nexteer Scholarship Fund mission is to help high school graduates in financial need through a scholarship program for residents of Saginaw, Midland and Bay Counties who are pursuing a career in engineering or general business. The goal is to help deserving individuals within our community achieve their career goals – an objective which has the added benefit of improving the community-at-large. 

Nexteer draws upon a 100 year heritage of vehicle integration expertise and product workmanship. The company has a strong foundation and a reputation for providing dependable steering solutions and enduring customer relationships.

The CDC's NCIPC invites research proposals to evaluate innovative approaches for preventing firearm-related violence and injuries. This initiative emphasizes the importance of data-driven solutions without infringing on legal firearm ownership rights. Funding options are available for existing data evaluations (up to $350,000/year for 2 years) or new data collection (up to $650,000/year for 3 years). Target areas include mass shootings, suicides, and crime prevention across various demographics and settings.

Rotary Club of Gulfport Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Rotary Club of Gulfport Scholarship Endowment Fund is funded by the Rotary Club of Gulfport and was established in February 1997 for the purpose of providing scholarship assistance to graduating seniors of Gulfport High School, St. Patrick Catholic High School, West Harrison High School and Harrison Central High School in recognition of their academic accomplishments. Applicants must be a resident of the city of Gulfport.

Rotary Club of Biloxi Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Rotary Club of Biloxi Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in June 1999. This scholarship is funded by the Rotary Club of Biloxi for the purpose of providing scholarship assistance to a graduating senior of Biloxi High School, St. Patrick Catholic High School, D’Iberville High School, or the Mississippi School of Math and Science, or a homeschool senior student registered with the County Attendance Office and whose parent or legal guardian resides in Biloxi.

Twylla and Lloyd Fisher Scholarship for Small, Private Colleges

The scholarship was founded by Lloyd Edison Fisher, Jr. and his wife of 47 years, Twylla Peterson Fisher. Lloyd was born on October 23, 1923 in Medina, OH, and was awarded a Stadium Cooperative Scholarship at The Ohio State University (OSU), but his college years were interrupted by World War II. He served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of staff sergeant and engaged in combat in Europe, followed by occupation duty in Japan.

He returned to OSU to complete his undergraduate degree and graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University College of Law, where he was editor-in-chief of its law review publication. Lloyd began his legal career with Ohio’s Department of Taxation, before electing to become a trust officer with the Huntington National Bank. He subsequently joined the Columbus law firm then known as Alexander, Wenger, & Holschuh; which later merged with Porter Wright Morris & Arthur. After practicing law for nearly 63 years, Lloyd retired from the firm. Lloyd was an active member of Maple Grove United Methodist Church and was instrumental in establishing a robust pension program for retired clergy.

Award Amount:

• $2,400

Robert Jordan Memorial Scholarship

Robert Jordan attended Mifflin High School, joined the military upon graduation, loved to drive, hard worker, fun-loving, well respected, a leader. Married to Donna, father of four, grandfather of six.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

Twylla and Lloyd Fisher Scholarship

The scholarship was founded by Lloyd Edison Fisher, Jr. and his wife of 47 years, Twylla Peterson Fisher. Lloyd was born on October 23, 1923 in Medina, OH, and was awarded a Stadium Cooperative Scholarship at The Ohio State University (OSU), but his college years were interrupted by World War II. He served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of staff sergeant and engaged in combat in Europe, followed by occupation duty in Japan.

He returned to OSU to complete his undergraduate degree and graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University College of Law, where he was editor-in-chief of its law review publication. Lloyd began his legal career with Ohio’s Department of Taxation, before electing to become a trust officer with the Huntington National Bank. He subsequently joined the Columbus law firm then known as Alexander, Wenger, & Holschuh; which later merged with Porter Wright Morris & Arthur. After practicing law for nearly 63 years, Lloyd retired from the firm. Lloyd was an active member of Maple Grove United Methodist Church and was instrumental in establishing a robust pension program for retired clergy.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500