Best Grants for Veteran Nonprofit Organizations in Michigan

The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation's Leadership Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have exemplified exceptional leadership, integrity, and character in their professional endeavors. This prestigious honor is awarded to graduates who have achieved notable accomplishments 16 to 39 years post-graduation, thereby enriching the legacy of the Long Blue Line. Nominations must be submitted by fellow graduates and reapplication is necessary for previous nominees.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation honors exceptional graduates with the Distinguished Graduate Award, recognizing their significant contributions to the nation and communities over the past 40 years. This prestigious award celebrates those who exemplify the core values of integrity, service, and excellence, serving as an inspiration for current cadets and graduates. Nomination is exclusive to U.S. Air Force Academy alumni, reinforcing the legacy of the Long Blue Line.

The Capital Region Chamber Unified Military Affairs Council Scholarship is designed for students whose parents serve at specific military installations in the Greater Capital Region. This scholarship aims to support high school and college students as they pursue their educational goals at technical schools or colleges. Established by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, it reflects a commitment to empowering local students and enhancing the community by investing in the next generation's education.

Veterans of the U.S. military pursuing post-secondary education can receive scholarship support for tuition and other cost of attendance needs through the Guyon Scholarship for Veterans. Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region awards one non-renewable US $1,000 scholarship to eligible veterans with financial need in specified Wisconsin counties, which may interest Michigan veteran-serving organizations sharing this mission.

Military and veteran individuals in Michigan undergoing breast cancer treatment can receive one-time financial assistance for transportation, childcare, housing, food, or medical costs. National Breast Cancer Foundation’s Military Patient Relief Fund offers up to US $1,000 to eligible active-duty service members and veterans under 500% of the federal poverty level who face current financial hardship.

Wounded veterans in Michigan and nationwide facing service-connected infertility can apply for the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s VIVA fertility grants to help pay for treatment at Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) clinics. Eligible applicants receive financial assistance and connections to supportive reproductive health resources for building their families.

Early-career active-duty military orthopaedic trauma surgeons in Michigan and across the U.S. can access a traveling fellowship supporting advanced clinical education and mentorship at high-volume trauma centers. The Orthopaedic Trauma Association and SOMOS provide one-week observerships at up to three leading trauma systems to build trauma care, leadership, and military-civilian collaboration skills.

Michigan veteran-serving nonprofits supporting higher education for military families can access funding through Community Foundation for Southwest Washington’s Pacific Northwest Gold Star Scholarship. This US $2,500 award assists children of deceased Global War on Terror service members with college costs and prioritizes applicants with significant financial need; eligibility ties to Clark, Cowlitz, or Skamania County, WA residency.

Veteran and military-affiliated students in Kane or Kendall County, Illinois pursuing full-time post-secondary education can receive about US $1,000 from the Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233 Scholarship Endowment Fund. Grants from Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley support higher education for Marines, Navy Corpsmen/Chaplains, and their spouses, children, or grandchildren, which may benefit those serving veterans.

Students pursuing higher education with military involvement or Kiwanis ties can apply for the Raymond Steve Tumlin Scholarship, awarding US $2,500 for accredited college, university, service academy, or military college study. Michigan applicants with ROTC, service academy plans, or Kiwanis connections may be eligible, with priority for current or former Cobb or Marietta students.

Michigan law enforcement officers and military police serving in the state can be nominated for recognition of exceptional service through this national award program. Michigan military and veterans’ service organizations connected to policing or public safety may benefit by nominating eligible officers for the NRA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award from the NRA Foundation.

AmeriCorps Vista

AmeriCorps is the federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving. AmeriCorps helps make service a cornerstone of our national culture.

Founded in 1965, AmeriCorps VISTA is a federal anti-poverty national service program designed to provide resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to strengthen efforts to address poverty and poverty-related problems in the United States. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of national service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, now known as AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps VISTA Request for Concept Paper

Projects must be developed in accordance with AmeriCorps VISTA core principles:

• an anti-poverty focus
• community empowerment
• sustainable solutions
• capacity building

Project applications must address one of the following areas:

• Economic Opportunity
• Healthy Futures
• Education
• Veteran and Military Families

The PFC Shane W. Cantu Grant, established by the Shiawassee Community Foundation, honors the memory of PFC Shane W. Cantu, who died in Afghanistan in 2012. This fund supports the community by providing flexible giving options, ensuring that donations enhance lives in Shiawassee County while maintaining responsible stewardship of charitable funds. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to fostering strong community relationships and making a lasting impact.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

The Service Club Alliance Grant, offered by the Midland Area Community Foundation, is designed to facilitate collaboration among Midland area service clubs. This initiative streamlines the grant process, allowing nonprofit organizations to submit a unified application to multiple clubs for support. By sharing applications, the Alliance enhances resource allocation effectiveness, ensuring impactful community support. Nonprofits can apply without a limit on requests, promoting flexibility in addressing urgent community needs.

Our Impact

UNCF was founded in 1944 to help more African American students attend and graduate from college.

Since then, we've helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college.

For Students

UNCF is more than just scholarships. We’re the nation’s leading minority education organization and our goal is to help you get to and through college.

Our support takes many different forms. From merit scholarships to financial assistance, on-campus assistance to professional development, emergency financial aid to community support, UNCF is committed to getting more students like you to and through college.

2026-2027 The RADM (ret.) Jeffrey A. & Linda J. Cook Scholarship

The RADM (ret.) Jeffrey A. & Linda J. Cook Scholarship is a need-based, recurring scholarship for active-duty, retired U.S. military veterans, or their dependents who are enrolled full time and pursuing undergraduate STEM degrees at an accredited HBCU. Recipients will receive a renewable award of up to $4,250 to support them in obtaining their undergraduate degree.

This scholarship is in honor of CPO Arthur A. Cook and Capt. Delbert E. Colwell, the fathers of the Grantors who served honorably during WWII.

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation (BKCFF)

Brad Keselowski is a co-owner of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, where he drives the #6 Ford Mustang full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. Off-track, Brad is the sole owner and founder of Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing as well as Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation's president and founder. 

In 2009, Brad visited Walter Reed Medical Center, where he became inspired to give back to the men and women that answered the call to serve our country and were injured in the line of duty. Consequently, he founded BKCFF in 2010 with the mission to honor and assist those who serve. Since its founding, BKCFF has raised upright of $3.8 million to serve this mission.  

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation Grant Program

BKCFF was established to support those who are suffering financial, medical, or other hardship resulting from service to the United States or communities within. Funding decisions are made through an equitable and comprehensive application process, with financial support directed to 501(c)(3) public charities that provide services to our target constituents.

The purpose of the grant program is to empower and give hope to our nation’s heroes: military professionals, veterans, first responders, and others who provide courageous service and sacrifice. BKCFF requires all organizations seeking a grant to complete a comprehensive application, which is available on the Foundation’s website or can be requested by contacting the Foundation directly.  

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

American Legion Post 162 Scholarship

Created in 2022 by the membership of Marion’s American Legion Post 162, this fund will support college scholarships for Marion County students who have been local residents for at least two years. Recipients of Post 162’s scholarships will be persons on active duty with any service of the U.S. military, honorably discharged veterans of any U.S. military branch, current or honorably discharged members of the Reserve or National Guard, or relatives (spouse, child, stepchild, grandchild, sibling, first cousin, niece, or nephew) of a person who meets one of these criteria.

About The Lawson Charitable Foundation

The Lawson Charitable Foundation, created in 2021 by Cathy and Tom Lawson, helps those that are working hard to help themselves and others.

For Grant Seekers

The Lawson Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting organizations that drive meaningful change in our communities. While our primary geographic focus is New England, we welcome applications from organizations, doing extraordinary work beyond the region as well.

We are happy to offer two types of grants to support nonprofit organizations making a difference: Impact Grants and Amplify Grants.

Impact Grant

Impact Grants provide funding for programs and initiatives that closely align with our mission of helping those who are working hard to help themselves and others. These grants are designed to support opportunities that create positive change within our focus areas, ensuring resources are directed toward impactful and mission-driven efforts.

The Lawson Charitable Foundation offers Amplify Grants to support nonprofits in New England and beyond, focusing on large-scale initiatives and fundraising efforts. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, these funds are intended to inspire additional donations and enhance organizational capacity. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, aligning with the foundation's mission and demonstrating sustainability beyond the grant period. Priority is given to projects serving New England.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Emergency Grants 

Emergency Grants are aimed at assisting with unforeseen events which cause financial hardship on the family. Limit for this grant is $750.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Travel Grants

Travel Grants are aimed at assisting with costs of travel for family members to memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, anniversary events, events surrounding the 31. Limit for this grant is $1500.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Lifestyle Grants

Lifestyle Grants are aimed at improving health and lifestyle via physical fitness, nutrition, holistic treatment, etc. Limit for this grant is $1500

About Disabled Veterans National FoundationThe Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) provides critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and freedom.

About Grants to Provide Stability (GPS) ProgramThe Disabled Veterans National Foundation’s GPS (Grants to Provide Stability) Program is a grant program for veterans who find themselves in temporary financial setback. DVNF will provide up to $1,000 (not guaranteed) to help eligible veterans pay for rent or mortgage and essential utilities such as water or electricity. Applications are open on a monthly basis. Please note that each veteran can only be approved once per fiscal year (October – September).

About Disabled Veterans National FoundationThe Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) provides critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and freedom.About Comfort Kits and Grab N' Go ProgramIn addition to our direct outreach, the DVNF also supports like-minded organizations that share our commitment to serving veterans. Approved organizations can apply to receive Comfort Kits for distribution to veterans in their communities. These kits are designed to meet the unique needs of veterans and offer critical support where they are needed most.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Homeless To Housing Program - Financial Assistance

DVNF is dedicated to assisting disabled and at-risk veterans in their transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Recognizing that securing a home is a significant milestone, DVNF understands that true stability is achieved when a house becomes a home, furnished with essential items that provide comfort and functionality. We help cover essential costs related to securing and creating comfortable housing for at-risk veterans.

The H2H Program offers comprehensive support to veterans by providing: Financial Assistance of up to $2,000 to cover essential costs related to securing permanent housing, such as security deposits and initial rent payments.

For Financial Assistance: Payments are processed through two payment cycles each month, around the 15th and 30th. If your payment is delayed beyond the expected date, a Promissory Note of Payment will be issued to the vendor, confirming our organization's responsibility and requesting that no penalties be applied to the applicant.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Homeless To Housing Program - Household Comfort Support

DVNF is dedicated to assisting disabled and at-risk veterans in their transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Recognizing that securing a home is a significant milestone, DVNF understands that true stability is achieved when a house becomes a home, furnished with essential items that provide comfort and functionality. We help cover essential costs related to securing and creating comfortable housing for at-risk veterans.

The H2H Program offers comprehensive support to veterans by providing: Household Comfort Support of up to $2,000 worth of essential household items to ensure veterans have a stable, safe, and comfortable living environment.

For Financial Assistance: Payments are processed through two payment cycles each month, around the 15th and 30th. For Furniture Assistance: Once the List of Items form is completed, DVNF staff will purchase the requested items, which should arrive within 7-10 business days.