Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Michigan

The Open Door Scholarship

This fund was created by a donor family who believes that education is the cornerstone to a life of opportunity, security, choice, and continued growth. The aim of the Open Door Scholarship is to do just that – help open the door to driven, hardworking students who share the donor family’s belief in the power of education and who seek to use that education to thrive.

Award Amount:

$10,000 payable over four years at $2,500 per year

The Cameron Impact Scholarship, awarded by the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation, offers a full-tuition four-year scholarship to 15 exceptional high school students annually. This merit-based program seeks leaders who excel in academics, community service, and extracurricular activities. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to positive change. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books at any accredited U.S. college, with an emphasis on public service careers.

The Martha Mae Giles Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports graduating high school students from Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties who plan to attend college. This renewable scholarship honors Martha Mae Giles and prioritizes applicants who are members of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, although it is open to all students. The foundation has grown substantially since 2000, emphasizing community support and educational opportunities.

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.

The Crystyl A. Rucker Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Crystyl A. Rucker Memorial Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of providing academic financial support to graduating seniors of Battle Creek Public Schools pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities. Crystyl Arnita Rucker (1951-2021) was born in Detroit, Michigan and was a graduate of John J. Pershing High School. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, at Michigan State University. She began her teaching career with the Battle Creek Public Schools, at Northwestern Junior High School. Affectionately known as "Ma Ruck" at Northwestern, she taught seventh and eighth grade journalism and English. She believed in connecting with each student to push his or her academic and personal potential, while having lots of fun. Outside of Northwestern, she taught and mentored Battle Creek students in the "Dreamers" Program and spearheaded academic after-school and family scholarship programs at the Battle Creek YMCA. She retired from Battle Creek Public Schools in 2003.

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.

Stanley T. and Berenice J. Lowe Scholarship Fund

The Berenice Bryant Lowe Fund was established by the Historical Society of Battle Creek and the Lowe family to honor and perpetuate the legacy of the pioneer local historian who tirelessly researched and passionately promoted Battle Creek's heritage for more than twenty years. Berenice Bryant Lowe was a graduate of the University of Michigan and a drama and speech teacher at Battle Creek Central High School. She was a passionate collector of local history and spent years ferreting long-forgotten items out of attics and collecting anecdotes from residents. She was one of the moving spirits behind the revitalization of the Historical Society of Battle Creek and the renovation of the Kimball House into a museum of local history. To recognize Berenice Lowe's twin interest in local history- research and education- the fellowship was established in 1999 with the purpose of providing funding to individuals to develop educational materials and to publish local historical research for use in the community. In 2018, to recognize Berenice's passion for education and her secret sponsorship of students attending KCC, a scholarship was added to support students attending Kellogg Community College in the professional trades and nursing.

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.

Thomas H. Elliott Scholarship Fund

The Thomas H. Elliott Scholarship Fund was established to honor the memory of Thomas H. Elliott by providing scholarships to Battle Creek and Calhoun County area students who seek educational opportunities beyond high school. Thomas H. Elliot was born in Pennsylvania and after completing the 8th grade, began working in the coal mines of that region. At age 23 he came to Battle Creek and worked for the Kellogg Company for 41 years. He was a Godfearing man, whose word was his bond and who always gave a day's work for a day's pay. Although he only completed school through the 8th grade, he always valued education and encouraged his three children to pursue higher education. His daughter, Dawn and son, Bob each obtained advanced degrees in education and had successful careers in Education Administration, and his youngest son Tom became a highly successful surgeon. It is intended that this scholarship be awarded to applicants who demonstrate a strong work ethic and high moral character exemplified by the life of Thomas H. Elliot. 

The CDC's NCIPC invites proposals for rigorous evaluations of programs aimed at preventing child sexual abuse (CSA) and problematic sexual behavior (PSB) among youth. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of prevention policies, especially in digital spaces and youth-serving organizations. Eligible proposals should address issues like online exploitation, harmful behaviors, and the impact of organizational policies on youth safety. This initiative seeks to enhance the evidence base for effective prevention strategies.

The David Collins Jeck Memorial Scholarship supports Fauquier County residents attending local public high schools who aspire to careers in culinary arts. Applicants should demonstrate passion for cooking and culinary studies, embodying the values of respect and kindness exemplified by David Collins Jeck. Priority is given to those showing financial need and academic merit, ensuring that this scholarship not only honors his legacy but also fosters future culinary talents in the community.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Russell & Berni Schelkopf Ag Scholarship

The Schelkopf family created this scholarship in 2022 to honor their parents, Russell and Berni, and their contributions to the agricultural industry. This scholarship is designed for a college student majoring in an ag-related field of study. One, $2,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a sophomore, junior or senior in college.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Raymond & Frances Katz Ag Scholarship

Established in memory of Raymond & Frances Katz, this scholarship is open to students enrolled at the University of Illinois as an Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE) major (accounting, agribusiness, farm management, finance, consumer economics, environmental economics, or policy). One $2,000 scholarship will be given annually to a sophomore, junior or senior at Illinois.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Orville A. Olson Ag Scholarship

Established in memory of Orville A. Olson, this scholarship is available to college juniors and seniors majoring in an agriculture-related degree and seeking a career in a field of agriculture. One $1,200 ag scholarship will be awarded.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Leonard & Vivian Nelson Ag Scholarship

Family members established this scholarship in memory of Leonard and Vivian Nelson to benefit agricultural students. One $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student majoring in an agriculture-related field of study in their sophomore, junior or senior year of college.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

DeKalb Ag Scholarship

The DeKalb Ag Scholarship was established in tribute to the DeKalb Ag company which originated in DeKalb, Illinois. Initial donations to this scholarship were provided by the DeKalb Ag Alumni Association and members. This $1,200 scholarship is for college students in their sophomore, junior, or senior year with an agriculture-related degree and eventually a career in agriculture.

The William and Marlene Rose Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who plan to major in Pre-Med or Nursing. Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and be accepted to an accredited four-year college or university. This scholarship aims to assist deserving students in pursuing their education in the medical field.

The National Science-Health-Environment-Reporting Fellowships are intended to support early-career journalists who are pursuing—or have a strong interest in pursuing —careers reporting on science, health, or environmental issues (or all three).

The program is primarily aimed at journalists in their first decade of professional work, who are interested in boosting their ability and confidence to tackle some of the most important stories of the 21st century.

The fellowship is designed to enable fellows to maintain their regular employment while attending concentrated training opportunities across the country, many of which will lead to stories for their employer or clients. Fellowship leaders and mentors will provide support and guidance through seminars, calls and e-mail consultations.

Curriculum will include basic science, interpreting medical studies, analyzing data, explaining evidence-based decisions, understanding climate science and more.

The program hopes to provide essential on-the-job training that might otherwise take years to accumulate.

Over the course of a year, selected fellows will: 

• Participate in workshops and other events held at the annual Environmental Journalism , Health Journalism  and Science Writers conferences. 
• Learn from custom webinars scheduled throughout the year for additional opportunities to gain skills, connections and resources to inform their reporting. 
• Be matched with a professional mentor.
• Receive prepaid memberships in the National Association of Science Writers, SEJ and AHCJ.
• Participate in peer-to-peer networking platforms. 
• Receive project support stipends if they are an independent journalist.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Gay R. Maney Reach for the Green Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide assistance to graduating high school seniors residing in the City of Rochester who will be attending college.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $10,000; divided into equal annual installments paid over four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award may be split between two or more students and is paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. One-time scholarships may also be awarded and are paid in one lump sum. Minimum award $1,000.

Donor Information

This fund was established to provide scholarships to high school seniors who have participated in golf programs.

The Margaret 'Margo' Kaler Langohr Art Scholarship, established by Margo to support Whitley County students pursuing art education, reflects her dedication to the arts. A former educator, Margo, despite her declining eyesight, created inspiring works, including 'May Your Light Shine Through My Darkness.' This scholarship aims to empower students aspiring for a Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in an art-related field at accredited institutions.

The TW and Marjorie Smith Scholarship, established by the Ashland County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from any Ashland County high school who are pursuing a degree in Agriculture or a related field. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance for education at accredited colleges or universities but also honors the Smiths' commitment to benefiting their local community.

The Leonard and Dorothy Custer Memorial Scholarship supports undergraduate students in Colorado who have experienced foster care for at least two years within the last five years. With a minimum award of $4,000, this scholarship can be utilized for tuition, fees, and educational supplies. Candidates must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and be enrolled in an accredited institution. Applications are evaluated based on academic performance and potential.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

William and Patsy Zorn Veterans Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Academic ability, demonstrated community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $1,300 scholarship

The Columbine Memorial Scholarship supports engaged students from the Jefferson County School District who have positively impacted their school and community. Scholarships are awarded annually through a competitive process based on academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, and an essay. Eligible applicants must graduate from a public high school in the district, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and plan to attend an accredited institution in the upcoming fall semester. Award disbursement depends on external scholarship policies.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Ag Discipline Scholarship

This scholarship is available to college students in agriculture-related degree programs. The $2,000 scholarship is for sophomores, juniors, and seniors in college pursuing a field of study related to agriculture. Up to three scholarships will be awarded.

About Us

Mission

We enhance the quality of life for all by working together to collectively address challenges and opportunities throughout West Michigan.

Vision

We advance the well-being of our communities by creating the best places to live, learn, work, give, and engage.

Who We Serve

We serve our entire community, without exception. Our commitment is for every individual, family, and organization who works in, visits, or calls the greater Northern Ottawa County area home.

The GHACF is a welcoming place for all people. We believe all people should:

• Feel welcome, safe, and accepted
• Be treated with respect and dignity
• Have equitable access to opportunities to improve their lives and the lives of their families
• Have a voice in the community

Grant Application Process

The Coopersville Area Community Foundation:

• Encourages programs which are collaborative, comprehensive, and have potential for continuity.
• Encourages leveraging and matching grant opportunities involving multiple funding sources.
• Supports “seed money” requests to assist innovative projects.
• Encourages programs and projects focused on problem prevention rather than cure.

Coopersville Area Youth Grant Program

The Coopersville Area Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council awards grants annually to support local programs and projects that work to expand programming and opportunities for the young people in our community.

The nccPA Health Foundation: Equitable Care - Be the Change Grant supports PAs and PA students in implementing projects that improve health access and promote equity in their communities. With a focus on addressing health disparities, applicants can receive up to $2,500 to fund innovative initiatives. Applications are accepted year-round, enabling ongoing support for transformative health solutions aimed at fostering equitable care for underserved populations.

The ASH Research Training Award for Fellows (RTAF) supports junior researchers in hematology and hematology-related fields. It offers $70,000 for one year, ensuring dedicated research time. Eligible MD and MD-PhD fellows can apply for a second year, aiding their competitiveness for further awards. The program emphasizes research in hematologic conditions and requires documented mentorship support. Awardees also receive $1,000 for ASH annual meeting attendance, fostering networking and professional development.

PPSEF Student Scholarship (Piedmont)

Provides a scholarship to a Piedmont graduating senior.

Strubhar Family Scholarship (Piedmont)

Provides a scholarship for a Piedmont high school graduating senior who will study education or law with a GPA of 3.0 and attending a two- or four-year college or university.