Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Michigan

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.

Violet Wondergem Health Science Scholarship

Open to undergraduate students who are 2+ year residents of Kent or Ottawa counties attending college in the state of Michigan studying healthcare, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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.

Rosemary Cook Education Scholarship

Open to high school seniors graduating from a Grand Rapids Public Schools high school attending college in the state of Michigan full time, majoring in education and with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

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.

Reach for Your Goal Scholarship

Open to students who are Kent County residents attending college in the state of Michigan and with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

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.

Tom Krzyzaniak Teaching Scholarship

The Tom Krzyzaniak Teaching Scholarship Fund was established in 2014 by his wife Barbara and children Kristyn and Todd. Tom graduated in 1966 from Bay City Central High School. After high school he attended Western Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in business administration. He began his teaching career with Saginaw Public Schools in 1970. Within a short period of time, Tom took an interest in the automobile industry. His lengthy career took him through all aspects of the business; from construction of auto parts, to supervision of inspection lines at General Motors and eventually into the sales. He began his career in the finance and insurance division at Garber Buick in 1981. From there, he moved his way up the ladder to new car sales manager and then into the executive manager/dealer position. He was truly diverse in the construction, manufacture and sales of General Motors products.

Tom touched the lives of many in his career at Garber Buick. He was a leader and truly committed to his company, customers and employees. Tom lived with the adage that a “team was only as good as its leader.” By establishing this scholarship, we hope to find an individual that will share Tom’s same passion for the automobile industry. Whether in the manufacture, design, repair, sales or business end, we welcome all to share in his legacy.

Evaluation Criteria

• Leadership (29)
• Financial need (19)
• Scholastic record (13)
• Community service (13)
• Extracurricular/school activities (13)
• Overall involvement in work, school and community activities (13)

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

John M. and Alicent Epps Jasperse Scholarship

Open to residents of Kent County for 2+ years, attending Grand Rapids Community College with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

John T. & Frances J. Maghielse Scholarship

Open to full time, second year or higher undergraduate students who are residents of Kent County and are graduates of a Grand Rapids Public Schools high school attending a college in the state of Michigan studying education and with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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.

A.C. “Kate” & Leo Joseph Merlone Teaching Scholarship

Kate and Leo Merlone understood the value of education, both in formal academia and through any media that would expand a person’s mental horizons.

Commitments to family obligations in their youth did not allow them to continue their formal education to the extent that they had desired. Instead, throughout their lives, they chose self education through books, travel, museums, volunteer involvement in the community and always good conversations.

They passed on this message of self education to their children, even as they encouraged them to pursue a higher education. Their strong work ethic and efforts to constantly improve themselves have been a wonderful example for their children and grandchildren.

The A.C. “Kate” & Leo Joseph Merlone Scholarship is a way to continue their desire for education and for being educators to their family and to the community in which they spent their lives.

Thome Aging Well Grant Program

As communities navigate rapid shifts in resources, rising housing and living costs, and other emerging challenges, this final round of Thome Aging Well funding aims to assist organizations that are supporting older adults through these uncertain times. These flexible, one-year grants are designed to bolster housing-based programs, services, and supports that safeguard the health, stability, and well-being of older adults during this moment of change.

Award

• Up to $200,000

This funding opportunity aims to provide flexible support to affordable housing organizations and past Enterprise Thome Aging Well grantees to respond to the urgent or emerging needs of their residents or clients with effective solutions. Eligible organizations must serve older adults (aged 55 and older) with lower incomes living in Michigan and Maryland.

Grants will have a one-year period of performance.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, supported by the National Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to engage students and communities in tree planting and care. This initiative fosters greener campuses, enhances mental health, and promotes sustainability. By meeting five essential standards, institutions can gain recognition for their commitment to environmental stewardship, creating a lasting impact on the health of our planet and the well-being of students.

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.

Saginaw County Lawyers’ Auxiliary Scholarship

The Saginaw County Lawyers’ Auxiliary was founded in 1955. Its purpose is to promote the interests of the Saginaw County Bar Association and to encourage law-related activities that contribute to community progress and improvements.

The Saginaw County Lawyers’ Auxiliary Scholarship has been established to benefit a Saginaw County resident pursuing an education in the field of law.

MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grant

Guided by our mission to be the catalyst forequitable access to authentic STEM experiences in every community, this grant supports projects that make learning meaningful by connecting classrooms to real-world challenges, community voices, and future-ready skills.Our vision is to empower the next generation of Michigan innovators to create inclusive, prosperous communities of tomorrow. That vision comes alive through transformative STEM leadership and instructional approaches that center equity, community, and authentic problem solving.The MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grant is designed to grow 3P learning, Project, Problem, and Place Based Learning, as a foundation for equitable STEM experiences. Here’s what that means:

• Project-Based Learning (PBL): Students tackle driving questions, apply STEM practices, and design solutions that result in a tangible product or artifact to share with their community. PBL bridges content with real-world application and career relevance.
• Problem-Based Learning (PrBL): Students are introduced to complex, ill-structured problems that mirror real-world challenges. Through collaborative inquiry and coaching, they develop critical reasoning, persistence, and metacognitive skills to pursue solutions.
• Place-Based Learning (PBE): Students’ learning is rooted in their local community, environment, and culture. It builds stewardship, honors Indigenous and local knowledge, and helps students connect the assets of their region to global contexts and challenges.

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.

Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship

The Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship was established to assist Saginaw County student-athletes who are continuing their academic and athletic career at Saginaw Valley State University.

The purpose of the corporation is to foster amateur sports competition by recognizing present and former area athletes, coaches and others who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics, either individually or by virtue of their performance on, or in connection with athletic teams representing their high school, community college, four-year college, university or professional team or sport; or by meritorious effort on behalf of athletics. The corporation will annually nominate, elect, honor and award truly outstanding Saginaw County male and female athletes, both past and present.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The Growing Justice Fund provides grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 to support community-led initiatives that enhance equitable food procurement. This initiative aims to empower Tribal, Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant communities by facilitating access to institutional contracts and promoting local economic viability. With a focus on health, environmental justice, and collective action, these grants are designed to foster sustainable food systems and build wealth in historically marginalized communities.

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.

Melbourne & Alice E. Frontjes Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County for 3+ years, attending CMU, WMU, GRCC, MSU or U-M and with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

The Tompkins Scholarship Endowment supports graduates from Traverse City Area Public Schools, emphasizing academic achievement over financial need. Established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities for local students attending public, in-state colleges or universities. The foundation, active since 1992, works to enhance the community by providing significant, potentially renewable scholarships, reflecting its commitment to positive change across the Grand Traverse region.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Traverse City Tourism Hospitality Scholarship Fund (Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties)

Available to graduating high school seniors from Benzie or Grand Traverse Counties, or current NMC students pursuing degrees, industry certifications, or careers in hospitality or tourism-related studies. Preference given to those who are active in school and extracurricular activities, who have demonstrated community responsibility through volunteer efforts, and who have held jobs in the hospitality industry and are excited to continue. Financial need will be considered.

The Wagner Catholic Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, supports graduating seniors from local Catholic parishes who are pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and faith commitment through a personal essay. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years, with a decreasing award amount after the first year. This initiative aims to empower students to further their education while fostering community values.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of scholarships designated to benefit a graduating senior from Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). .

Tompkins Scholarship Endowment (Central, West, TC High)

The Tompkins Scholarship Endowment was established to provide scholarship awards to benefit graduates from Traverse City Area Public Schools. Awards will be based primarily on academic achievement without consideration of financial need. Individual scholarship awards are intended to be significant in nature and may be renewable for future years. To qualify, students must be attending a public, in-state college/university.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The Michigan State Bar Foundation's grant program, "Civil Legal Aid for Low-Income Households," focuses on providing essential legal assistance to low-income individuals. With approximately $8 million in annual funding, it supports nonprofit legal aid programs across Michigan, ensuring access to justice for those facing issues such as domestic violence, wrongful foreclosures, and fraudulent debts. The Foundation plays a crucial role in advocating for fair outcomes and improving the overall justice system.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.

The Investigator Initiated Research Grant Program, offered by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, supports doctoral-level researchers addressing critical health-related research gaps. Eligible applicants include primary investigators with medical or doctoral-level credentials based in Michigan's nonprofit hospitals and universities. This program emphasizes evidence-based research to improve health outcomes while ensuring effective resource utilization, thereby enhancing healthcare access and quality for Michigan residents.

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.

Gene and Donna Mallak Memorial Scholarship

The Gene and Donna Mallak Memorial Scholarship was established by their daughter Jeanne in honor of the tremendous support they gave her to pursue her college dreams. Her hope is that this scholarship will provide the same support for those who receive this award to also pursue their dreams.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

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

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.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

J. Dean and Carolyn L. Owen (Carolee) Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of J. Dean Owen, their family and friends in memory of his wife Carolee Owen. Carolee was a dedicated community volunteer and this fund will provide scholarships to graduates of Muskegon County High Schools who are planning on attending a college or university within the state of Michigan. In 2015 J. Dean passed away. The family and friends of J. Dean and Carolee Owen can be assured that hundreds of young people, for years to come, will benefit from this fund established in her memory.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.