Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Michigan

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.

The Dr. H. Nicholas Hamner Undergraduate Support Fund at Western Michigan University offers financial assistance to undergraduate students in the Department of History. Established through a generous gift from Dr. Hamner, this endowed fund covers educational expenses, including tuition, fees, and books. Applications are due by March 15 and should be submitted to the department chair, providing vital support for students pursuing their academic goals.

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 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 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 Baiardi Family Foundation (BFF) awards grants primarily in Michigan, focusing on the Detroit Metropolitan Area and Emmet County. Their mission is to foster positive change through various giving categories, including healthcare, education, the arts, and environmental stewardship. They emphasize the importance of Catholic and Judeo-Christian values in their grant-making process. Note that they do not provide grants to individuals, and all requests are evaluated based on merit to align with their guiding principles.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Roy B. Craver Scholarship Endowment

Roy B. Craver was a veteran of World War I. He established a scholarship for residents of Wabash County and graduates of a Wabash County high school who like himself are willing to serve in the armed forces even if they do not intend to enlist.

Bob's Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation supports non-profit organizations with resources rather than individual sponsorships. They require requests to be submitted on the letterhead of a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. This ensures that assistance reaches those in need through established channels. Interested parties should provide specific details regarding their requests to facilitate the application process. With a commitment to fairness, Bob's Cares aims to effectively support community initiatives across the country.

The Community Energy Management Program, administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), provides matching grants to local governments and tribes for energy management improvements. This initiative aims to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy implementation, aligning with Michigan's climate goals. Eligible projects include energy audits, efficiency upgrades, and community engagement efforts, with a total funding pool of $300,000 and a maximum award of $25,000 per applicant.

The Wolverine Worldwide Foundation Grant aims to enhance community well-being through dedicated support in areas such as health, education, and environmental sustainability. Founded in 1959, the foundation focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles, diversifying trades, and advancing community initiatives. By engaging with local organizations, it fosters inclusive opportunities across West Michigan, Boston, Richmond, and London, ultimately striving for a positive impact in the communities it serves.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

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.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

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.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to graduate students who are 2+ year residents of Kent County attending college in the state of Michigan and with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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)

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.

Charles E. Mueller, M.D. Scholarship

Charles E. Mueller was raised in Long Island, New York. In 1961 he received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He went on to study at the University of Michigan Medical School, graduating in 1965. After an internship at St. Joseph Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he spent two years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he earned the Army Commendation Medal. In 1968, he returned to Ann Arbor and completed his residency in General Radiology in 1971. From 1971 until July 1972, he was an instructor at the University Hospital. In July 1972, he came to Saginaw and joined Medical Radiologic Consultants (MRC), P.C., servicing Saginaw General Hospital.

Graduating high school seniors in Michigan pursuing a career in education at an in-state college or university can apply for the Sadie W. Penn Scholarship Fund from Battle Creek Community Foundation. This scholarship supports post-secondary education costs, which may include tuition, books, fees, equipment, and related expenses for future educators.

Michigan college music majors from Saginaw County can access funding through the Saginaw Community Foundation to support their undergraduate studies. This merit-based scholarship requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, part- or full-time enrollment at a Michigan college or university, and demonstrated involvement in music, and may benefit teachers pursuing continuing education in music.

Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel Scholarship

The Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel is made up of approximately 1,000 retired Saginaw County school workers, including teachers, administrators, librarians, custodians, cafeteria workers and secretaries.

The Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel established the Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel Scholarship in 1995 to assist a graduate of any Saginaw County public high school who plans to pursue a career in education at an accredited college or university in Michigan.

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 Michigan Justice Fund Rapid Response Grant Program aims to support Michigan-based advocacy and service organizations with urgent funding needs. Grants between $1,500 and $10,000 are available for time-sensitive projects that enhance justice reform efforts. There is no application deadline, and decisions are made within 30 days. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing, or fiscally sponsored organizations, located in Michigan.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Healthy Kids Initiative Grant aims to enhance child health and development from before birth through young adulthood. Launching in 2026, it focuses on Healthy Start, Healthy Families, and Healthy Schools. The initiative supports maternal and infant health, access to pediatric care, and school-based health services. It seeks to create nutritious environments and promote active living, addressing behavioral health care needs to foster lifelong well-being for children and their families in Michigan.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

Section 35a(4) of the FY 245State School Aid Act provides $42,000,000 for early literacy coaches at Intermediate School Districts (ISD) to assist teachers in developing and implementing instructional strategies for pupils in grades pre-K to 3 so that pupils are reading at grade level by the end of grade 3. Each ISD is eligible to receive $125,000 per coach from the MDE and must have a minimum of 2 early literacy coaches.