Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Michigan

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Rural Business Development Grants program in Michigan aims to support small rural businesses with technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas, focusing on entities with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in revenue. Grants can be used for various purposes, including business development and feasibility studies, without a maximum amount, although smaller requests are prioritized. This initiative fosters local economic growth and enhances community sustainability.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Michigan provide funding to organizations assisting low-income families in constructing their own homes. These grants facilitate technical and supervisory support, enabling participants to contribute labor on each other's homes. Eligible applicants include non-profits and federally-recognized tribes. Funds cannot be used for hiring construction workers or purchasing materials. The program aims to improve housing accessibility in rural areas, promoting community involvement and self-reliance.

The Carol Doman-Wilder Scholarship, established in 1996 by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in social work or special education. With a minimum GPA of 2.5, applicants must be Saginaw County residents enrolled at a Michigan college or university. This scholarship, which ranges from $500 to $4,000, reflects Carol Doman-Wilder's dedication to education and her desire to help others achieve their academic goals, fostering a passion for lifelong learning.

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 Circle Michigan Scholarship, established by Circle Michigan in 1981, supports students pursuing careers in tourism and hospitality. With a focus on promoting packaged group travel, this scholarship offers financial assistance ranging from $500 to $4,000 for eligible candidates. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be enrolled in a Michigan college or university with a tourism program. This initiative showcases the commitment of the Saginaw Community Foundation to enhance educational opportunities in the region.

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 Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) is a philanthropic organization with a broad community focus: enriching the quality of life in Washtenaw County.

Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of our donors who care deeply about the future of Washtenaw County youth, AAACF has awarded over $650,000 in 2025 across 26 scholarship funds in support of students as they continue their post-secondary educations at schools across the nation.

Sara Marie Diepenhorst Memorial Scholarship

For graduating seniors at a Taylor high school attending University of Michigan - Ann Arbor.

The John Charles Volderauer Scholarship, provided by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, aims to support students at the WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. This one-time, non-renewable award helps facilitate access to medical education, reflecting KZCF's commitment to racial and economic justice in Kalamazoo County. Since 1925, KZCF has worked to create equitable educational opportunities, ensuring that aspiring medical professionals receive the necessary support to succeed in their careers.

First- and second-year medical students at Michigan schools with active Alpha Omega Alpha chapters can receive US $7,000 to support 2–12 months of mentored medical research, plus limited travel reimbursement. Projects may address clinical investigation, basic science, epidemiology, health services, leadership, or professionalism, and can complement educators’ interests in advancing medical teaching and training.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Richard and Betty Cawein Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dick and Betty Cawein, who established the Richard and Betty Cawein Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. In nearly 48 years of marriage, Dick and Betty Cawein had 28 different addresses but they found their way back to the place they really loved, their hometown of Muskegon. After a career in the Navy, Dick was a shop teacher at Mona Shores. Betty was involved with St. Jean?s Church and the Muskegon Garden Club, but they both felt very strongly about education. Dick passed away in 1993 and Betty in 2015, but their love for Muskegon and their passion for education lives on in the Richard and Betty Cawein Scholarship Fund, created with a bequest from Betty?s trust. It will help support students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree who are doing two years at MCC and then going on to one of Michigan's public colleges/universities or Notre Dame or Duke.

The Delta Dental Foundation provides in-kind dental donations, including educational materials and hygiene products, to support organizations in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. These donations aim to promote oral health awareness and equity among underserved communities. Interested organizations should plan ahead, as applications are reviewed after the submission period closes. Supplies may be limited, and quantity restrictions may apply. For more information, preview available materials through the Foundation's website.

The Delta Dental Foundation offers Community Mini-Grants of up to $10,000 for organizations in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana that promote oral health initiatives. This program supports local nonprofits engaged in activities that enhance access to care, advocacy, education, and workforce development. Grants are evaluated based on their alignment with strategic aims and the potential impact on community health. Certain exclusions apply, including projects for building construction or political activities.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

About the Foundation

The Council of Michigan Foundations leads, strengthens and supports Michigan's community of philanthropy by emboldening and equipping CMF members in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems and inclusive diversity, fortifying the field through public policy action, fostering the growth of current and future philanthropy leaders and advancing exemplary philanthropic practices and field expertise. 

Vision

A thriving philanthropic sector leading in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems and inclusive diversity. 

Mission

We lead, strengthen and support Michigan’s community of philanthropy. The Grant

There are several grant opportunities available for CMF community foundation members through CMF’s Technology Grants: 

• Software Training: Support for software training of general ledger, donor or grants management systems
  • This option is limited to 50% of the total cost, with a maximum of $2,500 available per request. 
• Team-up Grants: This support could be used for group training or software development. 
  • Up to $5,000 in support is available for a group technology/software project that benefits at least three community foundations. 
• Transition Support: Support is available for key staff turnover or for a transition to a third-party accounting provider.
  • This support may be used to assist in the purchase, migration and or training costs related to these transitions. a maximum $5000 is available.
• Cybersecurity Audit: Support for community foundations with assets under $50 million is available to support the Digital Elevation Information Technology Security Assessment process.
  • Grant levels are as follows:
    • Assets of $1 - $10 million: $2,000
    • Assets over $10 - $25 million: $1,500
    • Assets over $25 - $50 million: $1,000

• Equipment Purchase: Support up to $2,500 for the purchase of equipment such as laptops, printers or other electronic devices (i.e. OWL cameras).
  • This option is limited to foundations with assets under $25 million and should be used for one-time purchases such as staff expansions or emergency replacements only.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

John and Ruth Schrier Hope College Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Rosaline M. Smith, who established the Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Rosaline a former Treasurer for the City of Muskegon, and Darrell Smith, a longtime employee of the Muskegon Post Office, who cared deeply for each other and shared more than 50 years of marriage. Music was something they loved and had very much in common. The Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith scholarship was created to honor Darrell, who is no longer with us, and to provide a helping hand to graduating seniors of any Muskegon County high school who have demonstrated academic achievement and will pursue a music degree.

About the FoundationThe Council of Michigan Foundations leads, strengthens and supports Michigan's community of philanthropy by emboldening and equipping CMF members in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems and inclusive diversity, fortifying the field through public policy action, fostering the growth of current and future philanthropy leaders and advancing exemplary philanthropic practices and field expertise. VisionA thriving philanthropic sector leading in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems and inclusive diversity. MissionWe lead, strengthen and support Michigan’s community of philanthropy. 

The GrantAs community foundations leverage new and innovative partnerships and approaches to build more equitable communities for all, CMF’s Community Foundation Committee has revised the endowment funding model to ensure we are effectively supporting community foundations in growing their capacity and leadership. The committee has reserved a pool of funding within the Community Foundation Endowment Fund to inspire and support new ideas and innovative practices in community philanthropy. 

In addition to the existing support offered to CMF community foundation members, funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis for the following priority areas: 

• Advancing Racial Equity: Community foundations may apply for funding to support their needs in addressing racial equity issues. 
• Capacity Building: Community foundations may apply for funding for training or education to increase their capacity. 
• Technical Assistance: Beyond the support already provided for software transitions, training and team-up grants, community foundations can apply for support or other assistance needed to work remotely and adapt amid COVID-19. 

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

J. Dean and Carolyn L. Owen (Carolee) Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of J. Dean Owen, their family and friends in memory of his wife Carolee Owen. Carolee was a dedicated community volunteer and this fund will provide scholarships to graduates of Muskegon County High Schools who are planning on attending a college or university within the state of Michigan. In 2015 J. Dean passed away. The family and friends of J. Dean and Carolee Owen can be assured that hundreds of young people, for years to come, will benefit from this fund established in her memory.

The F26AS00085 Aquatic Invasive Species Interjurisdictional Grants, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support interjurisdictional projects addressing aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and tribes, focusing on action-oriented projects that enhance regional priorities. The initiative will fund both sustaining projects, which build on previous efforts, and new projects that present innovative solutions for effective management and prevention of aquatic invasive species.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

Robert E. Stark and Martin H. Stark Scholarship

The Robert E. and Martin H. Stark Scholarship was established in 2003 to further educational opportunity and the general well-being of the Saginaw area.

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (35)
• Essay (25)
• Overall involvement in community, school and work activities (20)
• Demonstrated leadership ability (10)
• Scholastic record (10)
• Consideration may be given to minority students.

Thomas S. and Patricia A. Tilot Memorial Scholarship

Thomas Tilot was known throughout the community as a leader. He was involved in the Saginaw Public Schools from the time he graduated from the original Saginaw High School in 1950, to the time he was first elected to the school board in 1987, and until his death in 2000. Thomas served as board president from 1992-1995 and was a leader of the Building & Grounds Committee. He was a frequent visitor to school events and volunteered as an elementary reading tutor.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

The MI Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) - Floodplain Easement provides crucial financial and technical assistance to local communities for mitigating flood risks and soil erosion post-natural disasters. It empowers landowners to apply for floodplain easements, promoting restoration and protection of floodplains. This program is vital for areas frequently affected by flooding, ensuring that properties are safeguarded and natural resources are managed effectively. Assistance does not require prior disaster declarations, streamlining the recovery process.