Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Michigan

CSA Creative Work Honor

The CSA Creative Work Honor recognizes excellence in dress in its many forms, with emphasis on creative works and the making of dress objects. It pays attention to originality of concept, strength of research and concept development, inspiration and purpose, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, as well as communication about craftsmanship and the process of making. The honor is given every year to (1) one entry accepted and shown at the annual Symposium’s Exhibition of Creative Work. This entry may be the result of individual work or a collaborative endeavor. It is open to all CSA members, including career professionals, seasoned members, and young and emerging scholars who produce creative works related to dress and fashion.

All types of creative work submissions may be considered including (but not limited to): theatrical costume design, reenactment garb, reproduction, cosplay, and dress and/or conceptual design, etc. The submitters of creative works abstracts that score in the top (5) five will be eligible for this honor. The honoree will be announced at the symposium after the committee has reviewed the abstract and the creative work presented at the symposium. The recipient will receive a certificate and be recognized at the symposium. 

The Pelvic Health Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, aims to enhance the health and movement of society through innovative research in physical therapy. With a commitment to addressing health disparities and supporting emerging researchers, this grant provides $40,000 over one or two years. It underscores the foundation's mission to optimize movement and improve health outcomes while fostering a robust pipeline of skilled researchers dedicated to evidence-based practices.

The MLK Commission Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports current high school seniors from Bexar County who aspire to pursue higher education. This renewable scholarship is available for full-time or part-time undergraduate studies at accredited institutions in the U.S. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate residency and citizenship requirements. The fund aims to empower youth and enhance community growth through educational opportunities.

The MHM Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing a career in healthcare. Eligible applicants include graduating Texas high school seniors who are U.S. citizens, exhibit strong academic performance in science, and demonstrate community involvement. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, covering tuition, fees, and books. Since 1964, the foundation has contributed millions to enhance the quality of life in San Antonio through education and community support.

The Paris Patla Physical Therapy Research Grant, funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, aims to enhance the quality of life through innovative physical therapy research. With a commitment to advancing health and addressing disparities, this grant offers $100,000 for one or two years to support emerging and established researchers. By investing in the future of physical therapy, the Foundation strives to improve patient outcomes and solidify the profession's evidence-based practices.

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

Sailor Classic Athletic Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Don Trygstad, who established the Sailor Classic Athletic Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Two men, with a commitment to Mona Shores and to athletes who learn and play on their athletic fields, started the Sailor Classic over a decade ago to raise money for items needed, that fall outside the Athletic Department's budget. In addition, the Classic gives the community an opportunity to celebrate all that the school does for kids. Most importantly, the Sailor Classic provides an annual scholarship to one male and one female student-athlete who are outstanding on the field, in the classroom, and in need of financial support.

The Graduate Student Scholarship: NSSLHA Scholarship supports CSD graduate students who show academic promise. Open to undergraduate seniors with active NSSLHA memberships, the scholarship emphasizes educational support for tuition and related expenses. Up to three scholarships are available, underwritten by the NSSLHA Scholarship Fund. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a communication sciences and disorders graduate program in the U.S. and commit to full-time study, ensuring a focus on academic achievement.

The James J. and Margaret M. Kerrigan Endowed Scholarship, funded by the United Negro College Fund, provides essential financial support for juniors and seniors pursuing degrees in art and education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This scholarship aims to empower students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who demonstrate unmet financial needs, contributing to a more equitable education landscape and fostering future leaders in these vital fields.

The Melvin Arthur Peters Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Melvin Peters, a self-taught tradesman and entrepreneur from Shawano County. This scholarship supports high school seniors pursuing education in trades, reflecting Mel's commitment to hard work and skill development. Award amounts vary based on attendance costs, with disbursement in the first semester of college. Eligibility requires enrollment as a part-time or full-time student, emphasizing Mel's values of education and practical skills.

The AAACF Community Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, provides vital financial support to eligible students in Washtenaw County. This scholarship aims to assist Pell Grant-eligible students, youth of color, and first-generation college graduates who are recent high school graduates. With a minimum GPA of 2.0, recipients can pursue their post-secondary education and contribute positively to their communities. Over $650,000 was awarded in 2025 across various scholarship funds.

The Dallas Geological Society Scholarship, managed by the Communities Foundation of Texas, provides one-year awards of up to $5,000 to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Geological Sciences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or documented residents, residing in the Dallas area, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to those who have completed core geology courses. This scholarship supports the development of future leaders in the geosciences.

The Graduate Student Scholarship: International Student Scholarship supports non-U.S. citizens pursuing graduate studies in communication sciences and disorders in the U.S. Funded by the Kala Singh Memorial Fund, it awards up to three scholarships of $5,000 each. Eligible applicants must be accepted or enrolled in accredited programs and maintain full-time status. The scholarship aims to assist with educational expenses, ensuring that academic achievement and diversity are promoted within the field.

The Ann Arbor Ad Club Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports students from Washtenaw County pursuing degrees in advertising, communications, public relations, marketing, or journalism. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year institution. With over $650,000 awarded across 26 scholarship funds, this initiative aims to empower local youth to achieve their educational goals.

The Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship, launched by the First Nations Development Institute and the Henry Luce Foundation, supports Native knowledge holders and makers in their transformative work. With ten fellowships of $75,000 each, this two-year program fosters growth and collaboration across diverse fields such as agriculture, climate change, and cultural revitalization. Fellows will engage in community-building through required convenings, enhancing their leadership skills and professional networks to benefit Native communities.

The New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports doctoral students who aspire to a teacher-investigator career in communication sciences and disorders in the U.S. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a research doctoral program and show commitment to higher education. The foundation will award up to 15 scholarships of $10,000 each for the current cycle, fostering the next generation of educators and researchers in this vital field.

The Clinical Research Grant: Collaborative Research Studies, offered by the American Speech Language Hearing Foundation, supports mid-career investigators in conducting innovative research on treatment efficacy in communication disorders. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, this grant encourages studies that yield pilot data for larger projects, with a budget cap of $50,000. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD in relevant fields and show commitment to independent research, avoiding overlap with other ASHFoundation grants.

The Regenerative Agriculture Foundation Grant supports organizations that promote regenerative practices, emphasizing the value of people, plants, animals, and the planet. With a focus on BIPOC-led initiatives, the foundation encourages systemic change in agricultural systems through collaborative funding. Grants are available to U.S.-based organizations that align with RAF's vision and engage in transformative efforts. The competitive grantmaking process is by invitation only, ensuring targeted support for impactful projects.

The AWC Scholarship Fund for Women in Computing, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports female students pursuing careers in technology. This initiative reflects a commitment to empowering women in the tech field, offering financial aid to those attending colleges or universities in Washtenaw County. With over $650,000 awarded in 2025 across various scholarships, this fund specifically aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster diversity within the computing industry.

The Edna Mae Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support women from rural communities in their pursuit of higher education at vocational community colleges or universities. This scholarship is open to applicants actively enrolled in any form of higher education, including undergraduate and vocational programs, with a special focus on assisting those in need. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or currently enrolled students.

Betsy L. Bertoli Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Accounting or business administration/management

Award Average:

• $250

For Torrington High School graduating seniors who plan to pursue a career in accounting or business administration/management at the university level and have had at least one successful high school semester of accounting.

The DoW Spinal Cord Injury Translational Research Award supports innovative research to transform promising spinal cord injury findings into clinical applications. It features an Early-Career Partnership Option, requiring at least one early-career principal investigator. Collaborations with SCI community partners are essential for providing guidance throughout the project. This funding opportunity aims to enhance the effectiveness of spinal cord injury interventions and improve patient outcomes.

Wichita County Jr. Livestock Association Stock Show Scholarship

The Wichita County Junior Livestock Association Stock Show (WCJLS) Scholarship was created at WFACF in 2013 to support higher education endeavors of graduating high school seniors who participated in the respective FFA programs of Wichita Falls ISD, Iowa Park CISD, Electra ISD, Burkburnett ISD, City View ISD, or the Wichita County 4-H program. There is (1) one-time $2,000 scholarship available for a recipient from each of the 6 programs; students who are in the FFA and 4-H programs must decide which one they want to apply under at the time of application. The award can be used at any college or vocational/trade program in the U.S. for any field of study. To be eligible, students must have a 2.5 GPA and have exhibited a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) for two consecutive years at the WCJLS. The top two candidates from each program will be interviewed by the scholarship committee and the award will be based 50/50 on application/interview. 

The Brady Sexton Endowment Grant Program, managed by the Central Montcalm Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for Central Montcalm youth through athletics funding. This endowment utilizes annual earnings from permanent funds, ensuring sustainability as the principal remains untouched. Grants support local youth athletic programs, fostering community engagement and development. The endowment is open for applications as needs arise, emphasizing its commitment to long-term benefits for the Central Montcalm area.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Scholarships

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

Chadalavada Family Scholarship Fund

The Chadalavada Family Scholarship, established in memory of Vinod Anand Chadalavada (Lakeview HS 2001, U of M 2005 Grad), supports high school seniors and adults from the Lakeview School District who are passionate about healthcare or business. Preference will be given to those pursuing their studies at the university of Michigan. This scholarship seeks individuals who demonstrate exceptional values, strong character, and a commitment to serving others through generous contributions of their time and resources. By investing in these dedicated individuals, the Chadalavada Family aims to continue Vinod's legacy of excellence and community service.

The Richard Newcomb and Janice Schreiber-Newcomb Scholarship, established by Effie Schreiber in memory of her children, supports students in the Shawano area pursuing higher education. Full-time students can receive $1,000, while part-time students are eligible for $500. This non-renewable scholarship encourages annual applications as long as students maintain enrollment at accredited institutions. The scholarship honors the legacy of Richard and Janice, who were community-oriented and dedicated to education.

The Vikki Carr Scholarship Foundation, part of the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial assistance to high school seniors from Bexar County pursuing higher education. Students of Mexican-American descent, especially those who are bilingual, are given preference. This scholarship aims to empower youth by alleviating educational costs for various degrees, ensuring that students with financial need can continue their studies and contribute positively to the community.

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.

Kaleigh Woodman Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Kaleigh Woodman Memorial Fund was established in memory of Kaleigh Woodman who died as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in December 2015. Kaleigh lit up a room with her beautiful smile and contagious laugh. She was a Tomboy Princess, a tough – never get hurt, I can do it outlook and a tender helpful, always willing to help no matter what the project attitude. Her Pennfield Schools and extended cheer families were a very important part of her life.  This Kaleigh Woodman Memorial Fund was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to greater Battle Creek area High School graduating seniors or graduates pursuing a post-secondary degree, certificate or technical training.