Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

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 Glacier Hills Legacy Fund Golden Opportunities grant program, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the well-being of vulnerable older adults in Washtenaw County. By addressing pressing issues such as housing stability, food security, healthcare access, and transportation, the program seeks to reduce inequities faced by this demographic. Funding will support innovative solutions and partnerships to ensure older adults can thrive in their communities.

Grand Traverse Regional Community FoundationThe Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Helen and Dale Cropsey Scholarship Endowment (Leelanau County)Available to residents of the Suttons Bay or the Bingham area, including graduating high school seniors and students currently attending an accredited post secondary educational institution in the state of Michigan. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and attend church in the Suttons Bay or Bingham area. Priority will be given to students attending/planning to attend Michigan State University and who attend Immanuel Lutheran Church or First Lutheran Church. Previous recipients are eligible to apply.

The High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that addresses the intersection of HIV and substance use. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that include a detailed research plan and preliminary data, exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV among people who use drugs. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.

The Tompkins Scholarship Endowment supports graduates from Traverse City Area Public Schools, emphasizing academic achievement over financial need. Established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities for local students attending public, in-state colleges or universities. The foundation, active since 1992, works to enhance the community by providing significant, potentially renewable scholarships, reflecting its commitment to positive change across the Grand Traverse region.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Traverse City Tourism Hospitality Scholarship Fund (Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties)

Available to graduating high school seniors from Benzie or Grand Traverse Counties, or current NMC students pursuing degrees, industry certifications, or careers in hospitality or tourism-related studies. Preference given to those who are active in school and extracurricular activities, who have demonstrated community responsibility through volunteer efforts, and who have held jobs in the hospitality industry and are excited to continue. Financial need will be considered.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of scholarships designated to benefit a graduating senior from Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). .

Tompkins Scholarship Endowment (Central, West, TC High)

The Tompkins Scholarship Endowment was established to provide scholarship awards to benefit graduates from Traverse City Area Public Schools. Awards will be based primarily on academic achievement without consideration of financial need. Individual scholarship awards are intended to be significant in nature and may be renewable for future years. To qualify, students must be attending a public, in-state college/university.

Thome Aging Well Grant Program

As communities navigate rapid shifts in resources, rising housing and living costs, and other emerging challenges, this final round of Thome Aging Well funding aims to assist organizations that are supporting older adults through these uncertain times. These flexible, one-year grants are designed to bolster housing-based programs, services, and supports that safeguard the health, stability, and well-being of older adults during this moment of change.

Award

• Up to $200,000

This funding opportunity aims to provide flexible support to affordable housing organizations and past Enterprise Thome Aging Well grantees to respond to the urgent or emerging needs of their residents or clients with effective solutions. Eligible organizations must serve older adults (aged 55 and older) with lower incomes living in Michigan and Maryland.

Grants will have a one-year period of performance.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP)

The Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP) was established to assist in the preservation, rehabilitation, and protection of historic lighthouses in Michigan.

With more than 120 lighthouses standing sentinel along Michigan’s 3,200 miles of shoreline, Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the country. Established in 2000 when many lighthouses were transferred out of federal ownership, the MLAP program is intended to help lighthouse stewards restore and repair their historic lighthouses, which in turn helps keep them open and an active part of local economies around the state as tourist and learning destinations. 

This grant program is managed through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

Funding for the MLAP comes from the sale of lighthouse license plates.

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities.

MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) Grant Program

The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) Grant Program awards qualifying employers a dollar-for-dollar match – up to $5,000 – to purchase safety and health-related equipment and equipment-related training. The goal of the program is to create a safer and healthier work environment and reduce the risk of injury and illness to workers in Michigan.

This is a reimbursement program. Grant awards are limited to one per company. Invoices dated prior to the approved contract date are not eligible for this program. Grants are awarded to employers that best satisfy the MIWISH goals.

Examples of eligible grants include:

• Eyewash stations
• Fall protection systems
• Machine guarding
• Lock out/tag out systems
• Monitoring equipment and equipment for noise
• Lifting equipment for small nursing care facilities

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

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.

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.

Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship

The Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship was established to assist Saginaw County student-athletes who are continuing their academic and athletic career at Saginaw Valley State University.

The purpose of the corporation is to foster amateur sports competition by recognizing present and former area athletes, coaches and others who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics, either individually or by virtue of their performance on, or in connection with athletic teams representing their high school, community college, four-year college, university or professional team or sport; or by meritorious effort on behalf of athletics. The corporation will annually nominate, elect, honor and award truly outstanding Saginaw County male and female athletes, both past and present.

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.

Saginaw County Lawyers’ Auxiliary Scholarship

The Saginaw County Lawyers’ Auxiliary was founded in 1955. Its purpose is to promote the interests of the Saginaw County Bar Association and to encourage law-related activities that contribute to community progress and improvements.

The Saginaw County Lawyers’ Auxiliary Scholarship has been established to benefit a Saginaw County resident pursuing an education in the field of law.

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.

A.C. “Kate” & Leo Joseph Merlone Teaching Scholarship

Kate and Leo Merlone understood the value of education, both in formal academia and through any media that would expand a person’s mental horizons.

Commitments to family obligations in their youth did not allow them to continue their formal education to the extent that they had desired. Instead, throughout their lives, they chose self education through books, travel, museums, volunteer involvement in the community and always good conversations.

They passed on this message of self education to their children, even as they encouraged them to pursue a higher education. Their strong work ethic and efforts to constantly improve themselves have been a wonderful example for their children and grandchildren.

The A.C. “Kate” & Leo Joseph Merlone Scholarship is a way to continue their desire for education and for being educators to their family and to the community in which they spent their lives.

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.

Gene and Donna Mallak Memorial Scholarship

The Gene and Donna Mallak Memorial Scholarship was established by their daughter Jeanne in honor of the tremendous support they gave her to pursue her college dreams. Her hope is that this scholarship will provide the same support for those who receive this award to also pursue their dreams.

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.

National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Great Lakes Bay Region Scholarship

The mission of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Great Lakes Bay (NAIFA-GLB), formerly Saginaw Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, is to promote an ethical business environment for those in the profession of providing financial security to the public and to serve its members through leadership and support of the Association.

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Great Lakes Bay Scholarship was established to reflect the Association’s strong commitment to higher education and the importance of giving back to the communities it serves.

This Library Services and Technology Act grant program is designed to provide libraries with the opportunity to expand services for learning and access to information and/or to develop library services that provide all users access to information. The intent is to fund one-year projects that increase access to library collections and information. 

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.

Michigan State University Alumni Association of Saginaw County Scholarship

The Michigan State University Alumni Club of Saginaw County was established in the early 1960s and is associated with the National Michigan State University Alumni Association. From the beginning, the MSU Alumni Club of Saginaw County has had the following mission:

The MSU Alumni Club of Saginaw County, Michigan, shall act as an agency for the dissemination of information regarding the educational advantages of Michigan State University, support the activities of Michigan State University toward the realization of its educational program, in every way possible, including scholarships, and unite, for social purposes, those persons who are interested in the distinguished record and future enhancement of Michigan State University.

The Scholarship Fund itself has been awarding scholarships to MSU students from Saginaw County for over 20 years. Our scholarship recipients have gone on to notable careers in business, engineering, medicine, education, finance, law, social service, public service, manufacturing and a variety of other careers – all of which were “jump started” in part through the scholarship they received from the MSU Alumni Club of Saginaw County. Our proudest moments are when our scholarship recipients return to Saginaw County to work and live and, subsequently, join us as members of the MSU Alumni Club of Saginaw County to help in perpetuating the mission of our Club.

Community Violence Intervention (CVI) is a non-punitive approach representing an evidence-informed suite of services that proactively engages individuals, groups, and/or communities with the highest likelihood of involvement in firearm violence.

Districts must use funding to contract with nonprofits, community-based organizations, subject matter experts, or other governmental entities to implement a plan to reduce or prevent youth violence. A plan to reduce or prevent youth violence implemented must use evidence-based practices, include mentorship and community engagement strategies, and may include, but is not limited to, increased academic, counseling, health, and wrap-around services to youth.

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.

Margaret L. Palmer Scholarship

Margaret L. Palmer was born in Newberry, Michigan. She received her teaching certificate in 1927 from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. In 1956, Miss Palmer moved to Saginaw to teach first grade at North Elementary School. Retiring in 1974 after 46 years of service, Miss Palmer’s teaching made a difference in the lives of countless young people.

William H. Palmer established this scholarship in honor of his sister. “Education was so important to her,” remembered Bill, “I can still recall the opening days of school. Her enthusiasm was just bubbling. You couldn’t help but realize how teaching was more than just a job for her.”

“She influenced so many people. People still come up to me and tell me how Margaret made a difference in their lives or in the lives of someone they know. There were no bad youngsters as far as she was concerned. Good teachers like Margaret are necessary to inspire young minds. That’s why the Margaret L. Palmer Scholarship is designated for those interested in elementary education.”

The Investigator Initiated Research Grant Program, offered by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, supports doctoral-level researchers addressing critical health-related research gaps. Eligible applicants include primary investigators with medical or doctoral-level credentials based in Michigan's nonprofit hospitals and universities. This program emphasizes evidence-based research to improve health outcomes while ensuring effective resource utilization, thereby enhancing healthcare access and quality for Michigan residents.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.