Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Michigan

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities.

MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) Grant Program

The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) Grant Program awards qualifying employers a dollar-for-dollar match – up to $5,000 – to purchase safety and health-related equipment and equipment-related training. The goal of the program is to create a safer and healthier work environment and reduce the risk of injury and illness to workers in Michigan.

This is a reimbursement program. Grant awards are limited to one per company. Invoices dated prior to the approved contract date are not eligible for this program. Grants are awarded to employers that best satisfy the MIWISH goals.

Examples of eligible grants include:

• Eyewash stations
• Fall protection systems
• Machine guarding
• Lock out/tag out systems
• Monitoring equipment and equipment for noise
• Lifting equipment for small nursing care facilities

The Iagnocco Family Study Abroad Scholarship, offered by Western Michigan University's Department of Political Science, supports political science students studying abroad. Eligible applicants must have a major or minor in political science, at least 42 credit hours, and demonstrate academic excellence. Awards can reach up to $1,000, with preferences given to those with more completed political science hours. Community service and alignment with career goals will also be considered, enhancing the scholarship's impact.

Michigan Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Mini Grant 

SRTS is an international movement that makes it safe, convenient, and fun for students to walk, roll, and bike to school. The Michigan SRTS program is managed by the Michigan Department of Transportation with support provided by the Michigan Fitness Foundation, and seeks to:

• Enable and encourage students in grades K-12 to walk and bicycle to school.
• Make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation choice, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age.
• Facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of elementary and middle schools.

Funding

Applicants are eligible to receive up to $15,000 per school, with a maximum of $120,000 per applicant for 8 or more schools. At least $7,500/school should be set aside for a Program Coordinator and/or personnel work.  The grants are intended to support active transportation programs to and from school.

The Arts Midwest GIG Fund offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to support creative projects and educational events across the Midwest. This funding is available for nonprofit organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, focusing on the arts. Eligible applicants include arts organizations and tribal entities located in specific states. The fund prioritizes those who have not received a grant in the last two years, ensuring diverse cultural engagement and access.

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Midwest Region Student Travel Award

Each year, CSA travel funding in an amount up to $750 is available for a Midwest Region Student Member to present at the National Symposium of The Costume Society of America. Awards may be distributed among multiple student members.

The Howard Wolpe Scholarship for African Study, offered by the WMU Department of Political Science, supports undergraduate students with a demonstrated commitment to studying Africa. Applicants must have completed between 60 and 105 credit hours in political science and show academic excellence. The scholarship, valued at up to $1,000, encourages students to engage deeply with African studies, fostering future leaders in this critical area of research.

Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP)

The Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP) was established to assist in the preservation, rehabilitation, and protection of historic lighthouses in Michigan.

With more than 120 lighthouses standing sentinel along Michigan’s 3,200 miles of shoreline, Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the country. Established in 2000 when many lighthouses were transferred out of federal ownership, the MLAP program is intended to help lighthouse stewards restore and repair their historic lighthouses, which in turn helps keep them open and an active part of local economies around the state as tourist and learning destinations. 

This grant program is managed through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

Funding for the MLAP comes from the sale of lighthouse license plates.

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.

The Bess L. Stinson Scholarship supports students enrolled in any program within the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, although a GPA of 2.5 may be accepted with a faculty recommendation. This scholarship may be renewed upon reapplication, provided that the eligibility requirements are still met and funding is available.

The CareSource Foundation's Community Grant program offers responsive funding to nonprofit organizations tackling poverty and health disparities. Since 2006, over $25 million has been awarded to enhance services for low- and moderate-income families. Grants prioritize innovative solutions that address root causes of issues, engage community voices, and promote health equity. The foundation supports initiatives that demonstrate sustainability and collaboration, particularly in under-resourced communities. Applications are accepted year-round for projects with a one-year duration.

The Kelly Carman Memorial Scholarship supports full-time junior, senior, or graduate students at Western Michigan University College of Education and Human Development, particularly those pursuing early childhood or elementary education. Eligible candidates must be U.S. residents, enrolled full-time, and can renew the scholarship for a maximum of two consecutive years. Special consideration is given to non-traditional students, ensuring diverse applicants benefit from this scholarship opportunity.

The Lucille Abbott Nobbs and Alpha Beta Epsilon Endowed Scholarship supports full-time junior, senior, or graduate students at Western Michigan University, prioritizing ABE WMU Sorority members and those in teacher education. Applicants must provide proof of eligibility and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. The award covers tuition, fees, and books, and may be renewable for up to two consecutive years if criteria are met and funding allows.

The Norman S. Baldwin Fishery Science Scholarship is awarded annually to graduate students conducting research in Great Lakes fisheries. Sponsored by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, this scholarship promotes academic excellence and encourages young scientists to contribute to fishery biology. Eligible candidates must be master's or Ph.D. students with relevant research topics, and they must present their findings at an IAGLR conference. The winner receives a one-year IAGLR membership and a subscription to the Journal of Great Lakes Research.

The Marion I. Hall Endowment Scholarship supports students at Western Michigan University College of Education and Human Development. To be eligible, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, be U.S. residents, and pursue a bachelor's degree, preferably in elementary or secondary education. Preference will be given to those preparing for careers in teacher certification programs. This scholarship aims to foster future educators committed to excellence in teaching.

The P. Joann Womble Dehring Memorial Education Endowed Scholarship supports full-time undergraduate and graduate students at Western Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Development. This scholarship encourages those enrolled in teacher education, counseling education, or counseling psychology programs to apply, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 required. Renewable for eligible students, it aims to foster academic success and dedication in future educators and counselors.

The CEHD Student Resilience Fund at Western Michigan University offers financial assistance to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students facing unexpected challenges that hinder their academic success. With a lifetime cap of $3,500, the fund addresses urgent needs such as textbooks, technology, and housing. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional resources before applying, as the fund is reliant on donations and does not provide support for anticipated educational costs.

The Carrie B. Hines Endowment Scholarship, established in memory of Carrie B. Hines by her daughter, aims to support minority students in Saginaw County pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, volunteer for two years with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and complete community service hours. The scholarship promotes the importance of education and community involvement, reflecting Carrie’s legacy of service and dedication to uplifting others in her community.

The Katharine M. Grosscup Scholarships in Horticulture, established by the Garden Club of Allegheny County in 1981, honors the legacy of passionate gardener Katharine MacConnell Grosscup. These scholarships, aimed at supporting students in horticulture and related fields, provide awards of up to $3,500 for education and research. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in specific states with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This initiative promotes a love for gardening and conservation.

The Lawrence Ziring Endowed Scholarship, awarded by the WMU Department of Political Science, supports graduate students who excel academically. Established in memory of Lawrence Ziring, a distinguished faculty member, this annual scholarship amounts to approximately $1,000. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in the political science graduate program and demonstrate strong academic performance. Preference is given to MIDA program students, international students, and those with financial need. Applications are accepted through faculty nominations or self-nominations.

The Cheryl Lyon-Jenness Writing Award at Western Michigan University honors outstanding undergraduate research papers exceeding 4,000 words. Open to diverse historical topics, it evaluates mastery of writing, analytical thought, and language use. Eligible submissions include senior theses and critical reviews prepared during recent semesters. The award recipient receives a stipend of $350, recognizing their exceptional academic work and contribution to historical scholarship.

The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies supports graduate students engaged in coastal wetlands research. Established through the Rockefeller Environmental Education Fund, this scholarship promotes conservation by funding field work in tidal and nontidal wetlands across coastal states, including the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program and can propose their own wetlands study. The award aims to foster environmental education and scientific inquiry in this vital ecosystem.

The George Klein Scholarship at Western Michigan University supports undergraduate political science majors for study abroad in Central and East European Studies. Established in memory of Dr. George Klein, this annual award ranges from $500 to $750, encouraging students to immerse themselves in the political landscape of eligible countries such as Poland and Hungary. Preference is given to those in the WMU study abroad program, particularly in the Czech Republic, fostering international academic experiences.

The Proposal Development Award supports Michigan-based nonprofits by providing funding to hire grant writers for health-related grant applications. This initiative helps organizations apply for funding from various sources, including the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation and local health grants. The award is designed for nonprofits lacking the capacity to develop proposals independently, ensuring they can compete for essential health funding.

The Dr. Dale P. Pattison Endowment supports undergraduate students in the WMU Department of History. Managed by the department chair, it provides grants for research, internships, travel to conferences, and other professional activities. The application deadline is March 15, with scholarship amounts variable up to $500. This fund encourages scholarly engagement and enriches the educational experience of history students.

The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) aims to enhance oral health access and equity through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives. Established in 1980, the DDF focuses on underserved populations, promoting education, and addressing health disparities. The foundation prioritizes grants that align with its strategic plan, emphasizing oral health equity for people with disabilities. With a commitment to improving overall health, the DDF supports innovative programs and initiatives that ensure everyone has access to quality dental care.