Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Michigan

The Clarence and Lillian Constantakis Environmental Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, supports students from specific counties pursuing undergraduate degrees in environmental science or related fields at select Michigan universities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 preferred. The scholarship aims to promote education in environmental stewardship, ensuring financial support for tuition and other educational expenses.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

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.

Dr. Raquel Ontiveros Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Raquel Ontiveros’ life was cut short when she drowned after being caught in a rogue wave while on vacation in Mexico. During her lifetime, Raquel packed significant accomplishments and contributions to her community. These accomplishments included raising two sons, earning a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and an M.A. from Saginaw Valley State University, serving as principal at Jerome Elementary in Saginaw and teaching in the Saginaw Public Schools for many years. As an educator and administrator, Raquel stressed the importance of individuality and creativity.

Raquel was committed also to community service. She was appointed to the Hispanic Advisory Committee to the State Legislature in the early 1980s and also served on the Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs for Michigan. Locally, she served on the boards of the Rape Crisis Center and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, among others.

Friends and family remember Raquel for her high energy, infectious enthusiasm and what one friend called her “90-kilowatt” smile. They established the Dr. Raquel Ontiveros Memorial Scholarship to help others attain their educational goals in Raquel’s memory.

The Hellen Tallman Fund, established by Helen Tallman through the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, offers educational scholarships to engineering and medical students at Wayne State University. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need. The fund honors Helen's family legacy of giving back to the community, ensuring support for students pursuing their educational goals.

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.

Douglas C. Iles Memorial Scholarship

The Douglas C. Iles Memorial Scholarship has been established by his wife, Sandy, and his children, Ryan, Jeffrey, and Kristen, with the hope of honoring Doug’s incredible legacy. Doug was a lifelong Saginaw resident and loved giving back to his community. Doug touched countless lives and his influence has reached not only those in Saginaw and the state of Michigan but many throughout the United States as well. 

Doug carried that same passion with him as he sought to foster and mentor the next generation of financial service professionals. He was actively involved as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Central Michigan University, where he was also the chair of the Personal Financial Planning Program. Doug strongly valued education and was passionate about helping students achieve their educational goals. He was proud of his students and always showed up excited to pass on his knowledge and experience to scores of Chippewas at Central Michigan University (CMU). In honor of Doug’s love for helping others, both at CMU and the community at large, this scholarship has been developed to help foster the next generation of business students at CMU.  

Doug’s sudden and unexpected passing left a permanent void in the lives of those that he touched. It is the hope of his family that this memorial scholarship will help others to remember Doug’s zest for life and his innate ability to find the perfect way to quietly help others with his time, talents, and treasures. In this small way, Doug’s legacy will live on in the lives of students that share his passion for business as they further their education at CMU. 

The Americana Foundation offers grants aimed at supporting sustainable agriculture and community food systems in Michigan. Founded by Adolph and Ginger Meyer, the foundation emphasizes the importance of agriculture in American history and seeks to connect communities to local food sources. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipal entities, with a focus on projects that enhance food access and promote ecological sustainability. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that empower underserved communities and address climate resilience.

The NCR-SARE Youth Educator Grant Program supports educators in the North Central Region to innovate ways of teaching sustainable agriculture. With funding up to $6,000, this program encourages educators to engage youth and promote sustainable practices. By sharing their experiences, grantees can create a ripple effect among peers, enhancing the reach and impact of sustainable agriculture education. This initiative aims to foster creativity and collaboration in teaching sustainable practices to the next generation.

The NCR-SARE Partnership Grant Program aims to enhance sustainable agriculture by fostering collaboration between agricultural professionals and groups of farmers. By facilitating innovative research and educational activities, this program supports projects that test new cropping strategies, develop marketing approaches, and enhance food security. Focused on the North Central Region, it encourages partnerships that drive on-farm research, ultimately improving economic viability and environmental stewardship for communities across 12 states.

The NCR-SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports agricultural educators through competitive grants aimed at enhancing training in sustainable agriculture. This initiative promotes cross-agency collaboration, utilizing farmers as educators to address pressing issues within the farming community. Projects funded are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes, fostering knowledge and behavioral changes that lead to sustainable practices in agriculture and food systems. The program encourages diverse participation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to professional development.

The NCR-SARE Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative agricultural projects that are environmentally sound and socially responsible. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are available for projects lasting up to 36 months, promoting collaboration among researchers, educators, and producers. This program emphasizes outreach, farmer involvement, and research on topics such as sustainable pest management, local food systems, and crop diversification, addressing the economic and environmental aspects of agriculture.

The NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Program provides critical funding for farmers and ranchers seeking sustainable agricultural solutions. Launched in 1992, this competitive program supports innovative on-farm research and education projects, allowing individuals to apply for grants up to $15,000 or collaborate for up to $30,000. By empowering farmers with resources, NCR-SARE encourages practices that enhance livelihoods while promoting environmental stewardship.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

Undergraduate students in Michigan submitting history papers up to 4,000 words can receive US $350 to recognize strong historical writing and analysis. Western Michigan University’s Department of History honors work showing effective communication, thoughtful interpretation of historical information, and clear, nuanced language, with submissions due March 15 for courses taken in the previous calendar year.

Members of the Western Michigan University community seeking experiential learning in history, arts, or the natural world in Michigan can receive up to US $500 for short courses, workshops, retreats, or similar activities. Grants from Western Michigan University help support undergraduate and graduate students’ continuing education, with preference given to student applicants most years.

Graduate and undergraduate political science students in Michigan can apply for Western Michigan University's Arden J. Elsasser Memorial Award; awards US $400 for academic study and career development. Applicants should demonstrate community service values and submit required nomination materials by the stated February 1 or March 1 deadlines.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

Veteran students in Michigan seeking higher education support at Western Michigan University can receive merit- and need-based scholarship aid through the Calhoun County Veteran Affairs Scholarship. Grants from Western Michigan University help eligible Calhoun County residents who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and are enrolled in WMU degree or certificate programs with demonstrated financial need.

The Marine Safety Grants (MI) program, funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance safety in recreational watercraft use through law enforcement and educational initiatives. These grants support county sheriff departments in Michigan, based on factors such as public water patrol areas and the effectiveness of boating safety programs. Funding can cover up to 75% of state expenditures or 100% of federal costs, ensuring communities have the resources needed for marine safety.

The David M. Dolan Scholarship, offered by the International Association for Great Lakes Research, supports master's and Ph.D. students engaged in applied environmental statistics and modeling related to the Great Lakes. The scholarship provides a $3,000 award, complimentary conference registration, and IAGLR membership. Recipients must present their research at the annual IAGLR conference. Eligibility is limited to those whose research aligns with Dr. Dolan's work, and previous awardees are not eligible.

The Recreation Passport Grants (MI) program provides financial support for local units to develop and renovate public recreation facilities. The initiative focuses on upgrading older facilities that are no longer functional, requiring a minimum of 25% matching funds from applicants. Grants range from $7,500 to $150,000, facilitating significant enhancements to community recreation options.

Military-connected students at Western Michigan University, including currently serving members, veterans, and dependents, can receive merit-based support for higher education through this fall scholarship in Michigan. Focused on military and veterans services and college persistence, it requires a 3.3 GPA, SVA chapter membership, and an essay, and may benefit educators pursuing continuing education.

Military-affiliated students and dependents admitted to Western Michigan University in Michigan can receive needs-based scholarship support for their college education. Western Michigan University provides this $500 Veterans and Dependents Scholarship to current and former service members and their families, with no restrictions on major or branch, and students may reapply annually.

The Kenneth Dahlberg Endowed Scholarship, offered by Western Michigan University's Department of Political Science, supports undergraduate and graduate students in political science and environmental studies. Established in memory of Professor Kenneth Dahlberg, this annual award of approximately $1,500 emphasizes sustainability in agricultural systems and climate policy. Eligible candidates include students from relevant departments, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need. Nomination for the scholarship can be made by faculty or through self-nomination.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The John R. Borsos Endowed Scholarship, offered by the WMU Department of Political Science, supports graduate students pursuing political science. Established in memory of John R. Borsos, this scholarship awards approximately $2,000 annually. To apply, candidates must submit an essay and references, ensuring they maintain a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. The scholarship emphasizes academic merit, with applications open to students enrolled in the graduate program for the fall semester.

The Walters Family Foundation Fund aims to enhance Michigan communities through funding initiatives focused on conserving the natural environment, promoting arts and culture, advancing economic vitality, and empowering youth through innovative learning programs. With a minimum grant request of $25,000, eligible applicants must be Michigan-based public charities recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its mission of fostering community engagement and stewardship.

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.