Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Michigan

Michigan nonprofit health care safety net organizations providing direct patient care and serving people with disabilities can access funding through the U-M Center for Disability Health and Wellness to improve health care access and quality. Grants up to US $10,000 support one-time equipment purchases, educational materials or programming, and training that enhance accessibility for underserved disabled patients.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Van’t Hof Scholarship

• Graduating senior from one of the following high schools: Black River, Holland Christian, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West
• Enrolling at Hope College or Calvin University
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• Potentially renewable for three additional years

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The Ladies Literary Club Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports students from Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, or Ottawa counties. Eligible applicants must be studying writing in Michigan and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to empower local talent by removing barriers to academic success, enabling passionate students to pursue their educational goals and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The St. Croix Valley Foundation serves six counties bordering the St. Croix River through local partnerships and place-based philanthropy. We serve:

• Minnesota: Chisago County, Washington County
• Wisconsin: Burnett County, Pierce County, Polk County, St. Croix County

Since our founding in 1995, we’ve:

• Grown to 500+ charitable funds and $100M+ in assets
• Facilitated $100M+ in grants and scholarships, including $5.8 million in 2024
• Partnered with local community affiliates led by volunteers who help guide grantmaking, grow local endowments, and connect donors to opportunities close to home.

Humane Organization Grant Program 

Mission

To enhance the quality of life of shelter/ rescue animals and to increase their chances for adoption. 

The St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF) Humane Organization grant program funded by the Compassionate Animal Fund, is accepting applications (invitation only) from Managed Open Admission humane organizations located in the upper Midwest. The grants, ranging up to $3,000, can cover items on your “wish list” including food, supplies, infrastructure needs, and veterinary cost. 

Funding Criteria

Grants are intended to provide funds for items such as food, supplies, medicine, spay/neuter programs (for in-house animals to aid in adoption) newsletters, or other needs and/or programs that most benefit the humane organization.

​We understand that shelters may differ in the services or alternatives they offer during the waiting period prior to intake. If your facility is at capacity, you must provide a clear statement outlining how emergency surrenders and stray animals are handled, including the procedures your organization follows to operate as an Open Admission shelter.  

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Wagner Catholic Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, supports graduating seniors from local Catholic parishes who are pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and faith commitment through a personal essay. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years, with a decreasing award amount after the first year. This initiative aims to empower students to further their education while fostering community values.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Michigan Competitive Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing their first degree, focusing on financial need and merit. To qualify, applicants must achieve a minimum SAT score of 1200 and file the FAFSA by July 1. Eligible institutions include public universities and non-profit colleges in Michigan. This scholarship aims to increase access to higher education for residents while ensuring students meet specific eligibility criteria, including citizenship and enrollment status.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Fostering Futures Scholarship, administered by the Michigan Education Trust, offers financial assistance to former foster youth in Michigan who have experienced foster care after age 13. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need, possess a high school diploma, and enroll at least half-time in a participating institution. This program aims to support the educational pursuits of students who have faced significant challenges, ensuring they have access to higher education opportunities.

The Team One Credit Union – Mary J. Ewing Scholarship, established in 1993, honors the dedication of Mary Ewing to the credit union community. This scholarship supports students aiming for careers in technical fields, encouraging those with a minimum 3.0 GPA, residing in Saginaw County, and pursuing undergraduate degrees at Michigan colleges. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it aims to assist students in overcoming financial barriers to education and thriving in skilled trades.

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.

TowerPinkster Scholarship

Open to high school seniors graduating from a Michigan public high school, studying architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, or structural engineering with a minimum 3.25 GPA.

The Mary Thompson Foundation, established in 1979, provides essential funding and support to nonprofit organizations that aid the elderly, particularly in Michigan. Originating from the historic Mary Thompson Home for Old Ladies, the foundation continues its legacy by granting resources for medical care, entertainment, and companionship for seniors. Their mission emphasizes creating a nurturing environment that fosters dignity and comfort for older adults, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those in need.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

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.

Scholarships

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.

John T. & Frances J. Maghielse Scholarship

Open to full time, second year or higher undergraduate students who are residents of Kent County and are graduates of a Grand Rapids Public Schools high school attending a college in the state of Michigan studying education and with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The George G. Johnson Scholarship Fund, established in 2021, aims to support African American male undergraduates at Wayne State University's Mike Illitch School of Business who are pursuing degrees in accounting or finance. Funded by Mr. George Johnson, an esteemed alumnus and successful entrepreneur, this scholarship reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering diversity within the field. It stands as a testament to Mr. Johnson's legacy and dedication to empowering future leaders.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

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.

Scholarships

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.

John M. and Alicent Epps Jasperse Scholarship

Open to residents of Kent County for 2+ years, attending Grand Rapids Community College with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

About MSHDA

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), established in 1966, provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.

MSHDA's loans and operating expenses are financed through the sale of tax-exempt and taxable bonds and notes to private investors, not from state tax revenues. Proceeds of the bonds and notes are loaned at below-market interest rates to developers of rental housing, and also fund home mortgages and home improvement loans. MSHDA also administers various federal housing programs.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

The ESG program provides HUD funding to organizations that support individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. ESG-funded activities include Street Outreach, Emergency Shelter, Homelessness Prevention, Rapid Re-Housing, HMIS, and administrative support, all aimed at helping households regain stable housing as quickly as possible. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, please contact your local Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA). The HARA is responsible for coordinating services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and can provide information on available resources, including emergency shelter, housing assistance, and supportive services.

The NOAA Great Lakes Fish Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants aim to support habitat restoration projects to enhance coastal habitats and promote the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. These grants will focus on projects that align with GLRI goals, particularly in addressing toxic substances and restoring habitats for native fish species affected by degradation. Proposals will be evaluated based on their contribution to environmental priorities set by Lake Committees, ensuring sustainable fish populations in the Great Lakes.

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

The Norfolk Southern Trades on Track SkillPointe Scholarship offers $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing trades education related to the rail industry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and focused on railway-related trades. With over 1,000 scholarships funded and a mission to close the skills gap, this initiative empowers individuals towards high-demand careers without requiring a four-year degree, ultimately strengthening the workforce and economy.

The Greater Lake Superior Foundation Grant Program provides $2000 grants annually to support graduate research on Coaster Brook Trout in Lake Superior and its tributaries. Eligible applicants must be graduate students from accredited universities in Michigan, Minnesota, Ontario, or Wisconsin, focusing on Fisheries Management, Limnology, Ecology, or Biology. Research topics include habitat requirements, migratory behavior, and management activities. Recipients must submit a project summary for publication on the GLSF website.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

The EGLS Doc Brown Young Investigator Award, presented by the American Physical Society, recognizes exceptional young faculty in physics. Awardees receive a cash prize and commendation at the annual spring meeting. Eligible nominees include PhD lecturers and tenure-track faculty who are APS members in the EGLS region and within six years of their appointment. Nomination requires endorsement from a tenured faculty member and attendance at the meeting where the award is presented.

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.

Indo-Pak Scholarship

The Indo-Pak Friendship Society of Mid-Michigan was formed to promote fellowship among members of the Indian-American and Pakistani-American communities. Together, their mission is to enhance the quality of life for the entire Mid-Michigan community by emphasizing cultural and service activities by individuals and groups.

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.

West Michigan Financial Services Charitable Foundation Scholarship

Open to third year or higher undergraduate or graduate students who are residents of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ottawa County, attending college in the state of Michigan studying finance, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.