Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Michigan

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.

Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region Scholarship

Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region is an organization that welcomes for membership all women regardless of age, race, creed, religion or national origin, who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to volunteerism.

The league has had many fundraising events in its history, always with the purpose of returning monies to the community through varied and needed projects. The Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region Scholarship is one of those projects.

The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation (VLCF) has played a pivotal role in cancer research and education since its inception in 1971, raising over $21 million to support innovative treatments and compassionate care. This private foundation invites applications from recognized healthcare institutions, focusing on funding scientific and medical fellowships. VLCF is dedicated to preventing cancer and improving patient care, ensuring that the spirit of excellence continues in the fight against this disease.

About The Community Foundation of Hancock County

We are a nonprofit, public charity that encourages philanthropy, convenes and leads community initiatives, provides educational support, and supports nonprofit organizations. 

Scholarships for Adults & Non-Traditional Students

The Community Foundation of Hancock County offers educational support for Hancock County, Indiana adults who are seeking post-secondary training or schooling to improve their career prospects. There are also some opportunities provided by specific businesses in the area. 

William W. Weil Good Citizen Scholarship

William W. Weil was born and raised in Greenfield, Indiana. After serving in the Korean War as an Aviation Engineer, he returned to Greenfield and became a respected local businessman as manager of the Broadway Lumber Company and the Weil Theatre. Bill was best known as a member of the Greenfield Banking Company Board of Directors for over 53 years. This scholarship was established to reward good citizenship.

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Slater, Jonah W. Memorial Scholarship Fund

For a resident of Noble County who is pursuing any sort of post-secondary education. Pays $500 one time for the fall.

The Tito Villalobos Moreno Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors from specific Texas counties pursuing education in health care and social services. This scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition, fees, and books, helping students further their education and positively impact the community. Established to honor Tito Villalobos Moreno, this initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for future generations through education.

The DTRF + Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship, offered by the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation, provides annual need-based scholarships of up to $10,000 for Certified Descendants of Jesuit slaveholding. This initiative aims to support educational advancement at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other post-secondary institutions, while promoting racial healing and minimizing the wealth gap within the Descendant community.

The CAA Professional Development Fellowship in Art History provides crucial support for recent PhD graduates and scholars from multicultural and underrepresented backgrounds in the field of art history. This fellowship awards $10,000 to assist with job-search expenses, image licensing, and publishing costs. Additionally, each recipient gains a one-year CAA membership and free registration for the upcoming Annual Conference, encouraging diverse voices in the art community to flourish.

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.

Judge Gary R. McDonald Memorial Scholarship

January 2004 marked the passing of a true champion of justice and compassion for the men and women of Michigan. Judge Gary R. McDonald, beloved father and friend, served the citizens of Saginaw and the rest of Michigan for over 30 years.

In honor of his esteemed service, the family and colleagues of this respected Michigan leader have created the Judge Gary R. McDonald Memorial Scholarship Fund. Its purpose is to grant students of Saginaw County the financial means to pursue a career in a law-related field so that Judge McDonald’s unrelenting pursuit of justice may continue in his honor.

Awarding this scholarship to those in need serves Judge McDonald’s personal mission of inspiring the hearts and minds of our youth to serve our communities for the good of all.

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.

BCPS Life Enhancement Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this fund is to provide support to students who are seeking to enhance their lives - either after high school or later in adulthood whether or not they have a traditional high school diploma or a G.E.D. from Battle Creek Public Schools. The donor stated, "You may be a parent or grandparent who has chosen to place your children in BCPS, a graduating senior, a graduate or even someone who dropped out of BCPS, whatever the scenario, you choose to stick with BCPS and stay associated with the district in some way instead of transferring to another district, that speaks volumes to me. This is the primary reason I established the BCPS Life Enhancement Education Fund, I want to support those who support the district and this fund helps me do that."

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25 Memorial Scholarship

Provides financial assistance for children (who are seeking post-secondary education) of members who have died while actively serving with NMCB 25. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The NIH Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) is designed to support the career development of individuals with clinical doctoral degrees committed to patient-oriented research. Key deadlines for standard applications include June 12, October 12, and February 12 from 2024 to 2027. Renewal and AIDS-related grant applications also have specific deadlines. This initiative aims to enhance research focused on improving patient care.

Bold Foundation

Our Mission: Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

New Beginnings Immigrant Scholarship

Immigrating to a new home takes resilience, determination, and a strong commitment to achieving one’s aspirations.

Many immigrants have overcome extraordinary challenges and obstacles to continue their academic journeys and pursue their dreams. As a result of these hurdles, many students from immigrant backgrounds have limited financial resources which can make higher education inaccessible.

This scholarship seeks to support immigrant students so they can continue working toward their educational goals.

To apply, tell us about your experience as an immigrant and your career aspirations.

The Mearl K. Gable II Memorial Grant, established by the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc., supports fiber artists by providing grants of $100 or more for non-accredited programs. Since 2000, the grant honors Mearl K. Gable II and promotes educational opportunities for all skill levels. Recipients must report their findings within six months, ensuring accountability and continued support for the fiber arts 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.

Frayssignes-Randall Scholarship Fund

The Frayssignes-Randall Scholarship Fund was established by Phillip Pierre Antoine Randall for the purpose of providing scholarships to graduating seniors and adult graduates of Calhoun County high schools. The Scholarship will remember two families who lived and worked in the Battle Creek area from 1900 to the present. Pierre Frayssignes and his wife, Sidonie immigrated from a small village in southern France prior to WW1. Pierre worked initially in Pennsylvania coal mines and ended up in the Battle Creek area. He knew both C W Post and W K Kellogg personally, working for both at different times. At one time he was the oldest and longest-serving Kellogg factory employee. His youngest daughter was Dr. Randall’s mother, Blanche Sidonie Frayssignes. The Randall family were prairie farmers from English/Irish stock who settled in the Climax area in the late 1800s. Floyd and Kitty Randall lost their first farm to the WW2 expansion of Fort Custer and the Battle Creek airfield, moving north to the Assyria area. Their oldest son was Dr. Randall’s father Charles DuWayne Randall. These names and those of their offspring will be found scattered throughout the historical records of Calhoun County and later, throughout the world. These families placed great value on education, hard work and personal responsibility as a means to self-sufficiency. Scholarship assistance to further individual development is consistent with these values.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Negaunee Environmental Scholarship Fund

Provides financial assistance for students who attend Negaunee Public Schools and are pursuing a career in an environmental related field, or as the Foundation may determine. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Kile, David O. & Marjorie B. Kile Scholarship

This scholarship is available to any Noble County resident who is at least 19 years of age with a high school diploma, or GED, in pursuit of higher education in a field of their choice. This scholarship is available to applicants planning to attend, or are currently enrolled, either full-time or part-time, in an accredited vocational school, or two-year or four-year college or university. The award is given one time, with no restriction on applying in subsequent years, for educational purposes only.

The Valero Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial support to dependent children of full-time Valero employees. This fund aims to empower students pursuing an Associate or Bachelor's Degree by covering tuition, fees, books, and room and board. With the potential for renewal over three years, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities. Since 1964, the foundation has significantly impacted the community through scholarships and grants.

The Coolidge Scholarship is a prestigious, full-ride scholarship for undergraduate students in the U.S., covering tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years. It is open to high school juniors from all backgrounds, promoting academic excellence and interest in public policy. Recipients are selected through a rigorous process involving interviews at the Coolidge Historic Site. The program also includes a senators' summit for top applicants, fostering connections among high-achieving students.

Scholarships

We award over 120 scholarships each year to Monroe County residents. Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you.

By submitting the general application, you’ll automatically be matched with scholarships you’re eligible for based on factors like your GPA, field of study, and more. This process connects you to over 60 scholarships with diverse criteria, including need-based scholarships, academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and more.

Michael Newman Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Available to Monroe County seniors pursuing degrees in business or finance.

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Schermerhorn, John and Mary Memorial Scholarship Fund

For a high school senior who is a Noble County resident who will graduate from Central Noble High School or East Noble High School or West Noble High School and is pursuing a career in an agriculture-related field. One-time payment of $500. 

Scholarships

We award over 120 scholarships each year to Monroe County residents. Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you.

By submitting the general application, you’ll automatically be matched with scholarships you’re eligible for based on factors like your GPA, field of study, and more. This process connects you to over 60 scholarships with diverse criteria, including need-based scholarships, academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and more.

Richard A. Montcalm Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Richard A. Montcalm Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to students with a minimum 3.3 GPA, who are active in high school athletics, and are active in the community.

The Victor J. Ferrari Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in Education. Open to high school seniors and current college students, it aims to alleviate financial barriers to education. Eligible candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate a commitment to the teaching profession. This renewable scholarship provides funding for tuition, fees, and books, ensuring that future educators can focus on their studies and contribute positively to the community.

The NewSchools: Teaching Reimagined Grant offers a unique funding opportunity of $150,000 to $250,000 for innovative ideas aimed at reimagining the role of educators and enhancing student outcomes. With a focus on leveraging generative AI, the grant supports early-stage organizations and initiatives that prioritize diverse teaching strategies and community involvement. The application deadline is January 8, 2026, with a priority deadline of December 1, 2025, for updates on eligibility.

The Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP) invites youth aged 18-35 from Canada, Mexico, and the United States to propose innovative solutions to environmental challenges. This initiative not only empowers young leaders through mentorship and networking but also provides seed funding to support impactful projects. By encouraging collaboration and sustainable practices, GELP aims to foster long-term benefits for communities and the environment, ultimately preserving shared natural resources.

Bob Brittain Memorial Scholarship/CCHS Alumni Scholarship

Presented by the Columbia City High School Alumni Association

Criteria are the same for a two year degree and four year degree. This scholarship is one-time and non-renewable.

The ideal recipient of this scholarship will be a CCHS graduate who has been actively involved in several extra-curricular activities, major service activities, and have a grade point average reflective of respectable academic growth. This student will have a four year involvement in the activities listed below. This student will also be fully involved in high school classes during the final trimester of the senior year

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Robyn A. Macsata Memorial Fund

This fund was established in honor Dr. Robyn Ann Macsata. This scholarship will be awarded to a female Torrington High School student who intends to pursue the study of medicine. 

The Angela and Reginald Goins Endowed Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, provides vital financial support to full-time undergraduate students attending four-year historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This need-based scholarship aims to assist students who possess a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate unmet financial need, fostering academic success and leadership among minority students in major urban areas like New York City, Chicago, and Detroit.