Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Kahler Foundation Grant supports innovative educational programs for K-12 students in Michigan. Aimed at enhancing the student experience, this grant focuses on unconventional learning opportunities that promote lifelong success. Eligible programs should demonstrate educational impact in areas like STEAM, Literacy, and Mental Health, and must be active in specific counties. Preference is given to middle school initiatives, fostering a broad range of enriching experiences for students.

The MI Volunteer Fire Assistance program aids rural fire departments in obtaining essential firefighting equipment. It targets communities with populations of 10,000 or less, ensuring they have the necessary resources to protect publicly-owned forested lands. Applicants must fulfill a 50/50 matching grant requirement and be registered with the State Fire Marshall's office. Projects focused on personal protection gear and foam equipment are prioritized, promoting safety for both firefighters and the communities they serve.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

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.

The Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative Grants aim to support communities by leveraging infrastructure funds to create equitable projects that benefit underserved areas. This pilot program will provide funding for local workers through career training and inclusive economic practices. With grants ranging from $45,000 to $120,000, the initiative focuses on enhancing human infrastructure, fostering collaboration among key partners, and ensuring that frontline communities directly benefit from project implementations.

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.

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.

The Miguel Cabrera Family Scholarship aims to support educational opportunities for high school graduates in Michigan and Florida, prioritizing those from specific counties. Each selected student receives $1,000, renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining good academic standing. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be first-generation college students or from historically underrepresented groups. This initiative is backed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, which has a rich history of philanthropy since 1984.

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.

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.

Dr. Tai Afrik Memorial Scholarship

• Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Holland High School, Holland Christian, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, Zeeland West, or the Careerline Tech Center
• Enrolling/enrolled at Grand Valley State University
• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM)
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Student of color
• This scholarship is potentially renewable and supports one student at a time. 

The Otis Smith Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, provides non-renewable scholarships of up to $3,000 for single parent mothers pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Established to honor Otis M. Smith's mother, the program aims to empower women in southeastern Michigan, particularly those demonstrating financial need and strong academic potential. Applications are open until February 12, 2025, and recipients may use funds for tuition or educational expenses.

The Citizens Grants: Financial Empowerment program supports nonprofits focused on creating measurable impacts in financial education for low to moderate income individuals and small businesses. This grant emphasizes partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organizations and encourages collaborative efforts that demonstrate alignment with funding priorities. By investing in financial literacy, Citizens aims to enhance fiscal health in underserved communities across select geographic areas.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

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.

Slotman Family Scholarship

• Graduating senior or non-traditional student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Hamilton, Holland Christian, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West
• Enrolling/enrolled in a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within Michigan
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 2.5 or greater
• Answer the following two-part question in a 3,400-character or less essay: What is your motivation for attending college and how are you being supported in this endeavor? What barriers to completing your education do you anticipate and how will you overcome them?
• Top priority given to first-generation college students.
• Priority given to students of color
• Potentially renewable for three additional years. Top priority given to first-generation college students. Priority given to students of color
• This scholarship is potentially renewable and supports one student at a time.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

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.

Dr. J. Max Elizabeth Busard Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dr. J. Max and Elizabeth Busard, who established the Dr. J. Max and Elizabeth Busard Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Following a distinguished medical career spanning decades, Dr. Max Busard and his wife made a commitment to support students pursing a medical degree at the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Busards' alma mater. The Dr. J. Max and Elizabeth Busard Scholarship will be available to residents of Muskegon and Ottawa counties who have graduated from any post-secondary institution and are attending the U of M Medical School. Dr. Busard worked at Hackley Hospital from 1949-1989 and also as medical director of Hospice of Muskegon-Oceana for 14 years. Following a distinguished medical career spanning decades, Dr. Max Busard and his wife made a commitment to support students pursing a medical degree at the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Busards' alma mater. The Dr. J. Max and Elizabeth Busard Scholarship Fund will be available to residents of Muskegon and Ottawa counties who have graduated from any post-secondary institution and are attending the U of M Medical School. "This is something I have been thinking about for quite awhile," says Dr. Busard. Dr. Busard worked at Hackley Hospital from 1949-1989 and also as medical director of Hospice of Muskegon-Oceana for 14 years.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Scholarships

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Battle Creek Kennel Club Scholarship Fund

The Battle Creek Kennel Club Scholarship is awarded to a student currently attending the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. The recipient must be a resident of the Kennel Club service area. Upon graduation, the recipient must plan to enter a small animal practice.

The Battle Creek Kennel Club is a member of the American Kennel Club. As such, it sponsors two shows and a puppy match each year. It encourages and supports good sportsmanship and responsible dog ownership. Among its other projects are support of the Calhoun County 4-H and State 4-H canine programs.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Michigan provide vital support for rural communities facing water emergencies. Eligible entities can apply for grants to construct or repair water infrastructure, ensuring safe drinking water access. This program responds to various disasters, including droughts and chemical spills, helping communities recover and maintain essential water services. With funding up to $1 million, the initiative fosters partnerships and sustainable practices, ultimately enhancing public health and environmental resilience.

The Seabury Foundation's Family Grants provide essential funding for 501(c)(3) organizations invited by a Seabury Family sponsor. Eligible organizations can apply for grants up to $25,000 to support general operations or specific projects. Focus areas include academic support, arts enrichment, lifelong learning, environmental sustainability, and wellness. Organizations with annual operating expenses exceeding $2.5 million may only seek project support. Note that after three years of funding within four years, organizations must wait three years before reapplying.

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.

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.

Steven Kyle Kowalewski Memorial Scholarship

The Steven Kyle Kowalewski Memorial Scholarship was established in 2015 to honor the memory of a young man with a desire to know Jesus Christ and serve in the ministry. Steven had a servant’s heart and a gentle spirit. Steven was a gifted writer who was quick to listen and slow to speak. He used those qualities to encourage others. It is the hope of the Kowalewski family that this scholarship will help prepare those students with a calling to see lives changed through the good news of Jesus Christ.

“Well, it’s the little things that give my faith the encouragement it needs to tread onward. It would maintain itself regardless, but little stories of faith and hope help nonetheless. Thank you for all those that are faithful and true. We endure this battle together.” – Steven Kyle, June 2, 2015.

Evaluation Criteria

• Interview (50)
• Essay on career goals (30)
• Letters of recommendations (25)
• Overall involvement (work, school, community activities)
• Demonstrated leadership ability (15)

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.

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.

Nexteer Skilled Trade Scholarship

The Nexteer Skilled Trades Scholarship Fund mission is to assist graduating high school seniors and non-traditional students enter the Skilled Trades curriculum at Delta College. Preference may be given to a student with previous exposure to or study of machine operations, industrial supervision, skilled trades or mechanical design technology. The goal of this scholarship fund is to help improve the community-at-large by providing deserving individuals within our community a way to achieve their career goals within an increasingly in-demand occupation. 

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.

Morley Travel Scholarship

Morley Travel established the Morley Travel Scholarship as a way to assist minority students who have been actively involved in their community and school –recognizing of the importance of education and the difference it can have in one’s life.

Morley Travel has been serving its customers for more than 40 years, working directly with major air, rail, bus and cruise lines, rental car companies, hotels and tour companies.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.