Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

David M. Cordani Courage in Service Grant Program

The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), today announced the launch of the David M. Cordani Courage in Service Grant, a new $1.5 million, 10-year commitment to support the health and well-being of military and veteran communities by prioritizing social connection.

Each year, $150,000 will be awarded to one nonprofit serving military and veteran communities to support programs that strengthen connections, improve well-being, and increase stability for individuals and families navigating key life transitions.

How the Grant Supports Military Communities

The Courage in Service Grant will support nonprofit organizations that deliver:

• Programs that reduce isolation and strengthen resilience among military families through peer support
• Community-centered health and wellness hubs offering physical activity, wellness programming, and mental health support
• Transition-focused services that help individuals and families navigate key military life moments such as deployment, relocation, recovery, and reintegration

The Asheville Young Woman Leadership Award, established by Dr. Andrea Gravatt, honors exceptional high school junior women in Buncombe County who exhibit remarkable leadership and community involvement. Funded by local women, this annual award aims to acknowledge these young leaders' achievements while inspiring future contributions to their communities. Recipients can utilize the funds for accredited post-high school education or enrichment programs, fostering a new generation of empowered female leaders.

The Donna W. Adams Scholarship Program, established by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, honors the legacy of a dedicated Master Gardener and Detroit resident. This scholarship supports local students, reflecting the Adams' commitment to education and their beloved Indian Village neighborhood. The program aims to empower the next generation by providing financial assistance to those pursuing higher education, thereby enriching the community they cherished.

The John T. Savage Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of a dedicated agriculturalist and public servant, supports students from Brooklyn, Eastford, Pomfret, Union, and Woodstock. With an award of $1,500, this scholarship aims to assist those pursuing education in politics or agriculture. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has provided over $11.9 million in scholarships, reinforcing its commitment to local education and community development.

The ASPO Research Grant, offered by the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, provides $20,000 for innovative research in pediatric otolaryngology. This non-renewable grant is available for projects completed within one year, with two grants awarded annually. Eligible applicants include researchers (MD, PhD, DMD) and institutions meeting 501(c)(3) status. Applications from ineligible principal investigators will not be reviewed, and funds cannot be used for travel or salaries.

The Chattooga Club Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, aims to support current Club employees in pursuing higher education amidst rising costs. Eligible applicants must be employed at the Club and either be high school seniors or graduates. This initiative enhances educational opportunities for dedicated employees, contributing to their academic and professional growth.

The Woody and Gayle Hunt - Aspen Institute Fellowship aims to empower exceptional leaders from the Borderplex Region by providing financial support for participation in leadership development programs. This initiative focuses on expanding Latino prosperity and fostering economic connections between the U.S., Latin America, and Spain. Fellows gain vital skills and networks through public events and seminars, positioning them to make significant contributions to their communities and advance the common good.

ASPCA PRO

ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.

ASPCA Research Grants

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.

This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:

• Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research
• Applied Behavior Research
• Cruelty Research
• Farm Animal Welfare Research
• Psychological Trauma Research
• Shelter Research

Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in. 

Cruelty Research

Proposals that address cruelty toward equines, cats, or dogs from any angle or relevant discipline (e.g., public policy, law, criminal justice, criminology, veterinary forensics, community engagement, prevention/intervention, human behavior change). Of particular interest is research that a) increases understanding of the perspectives of key stakeholder groups (e.g., law enforcement/animal control, veterinary professionals, animal shelters/rescues) or b) investigates the effectiveness of cruelty prevention/response efforts at the community or system level. Also of interest is research that heightens awareness of animal cruelty and builds knowledge that informs and engages key community stakeholders and allied professionals in preventing and responding to this animal welfare issue.

Proposals that include a shelter-researcher partnership aspect are especially encouraged. Examples include, but are not limited to, inclusion of both shelter and academic staff on the study team, the creation of a shelter-facing deliverable, an implementation prospectus that includes a feasibility assessment and identified partner shelter, etc.

The NDEP STEM Open NFO invites innovative proposals for research and implementation of effective STEM education and outreach programs. This continuously open announcement from the Department of Defense encourages submissions that align with key initiatives, including support for community colleges and strategic partnerships. As funding becomes available, amendments detailing specific topics and submission guidelines will be released. Applicants must submit white papers to express interest in full applications for potential funding consideration.

The Electronics, Photonics and Magnetic Devices (EPMD) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, promotes cutting-edge research on innovative devices utilizing electronics, photonics, and magnetics. The program aims to enhance micro-, nano-, and quantum-based technologies across diverse fields such as healthcare, energy, and communications. EPMD emphasizes the importance of novel materials and energy-efficient designs, fostering advancements that ensure improved functionality and reliability in future applications.

Takeda Oncology offers grant funding opportunities aimed at addressing unmet educational and research needs in the medical community. They prioritize support for programs in hematology, thoracic, and gastrointestinal cancers, including lymphoma, leukemia, and previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer. Takeda encourages partnerships that enhance patient outcomes and provide tangible benefits through donations, grants, and sponsorships. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the program start date for timely review.

The Point Foundation Access Scholarship is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ and ally students who come from backgrounds historically facing limited opportunities. This scholarship provides essential financial assistance and access to leadership development, empowering recipients to achieve their educational goals. Eligible candidates include those enrolled in accredited U.S. postsecondary institutions, ensuring they can utilize funds effectively during their academic journey. By fostering inclusivity, the Point Foundation aims to cultivate future leaders in various fields.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Dr. Patty's Scholarship

Dr. Patricia (Patty) Cunningham was a three-time graduate of The Ohio State University, receiving her Bachelor’s in Women’s Studies (with a minor in Black Studies), Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and a Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations. Dr. Patty taught leadership courses covering a vast array of topics, such as: poverty, race, gender, and civic engagement, among others. Dr. Patty was much more than an average professor. She was an extreme advocate of social communities and organizations all over Ohio, including schools, senior centers, community recreation centers, and incarceration facilities. Her work spanned from downtown urban environments to Appalachia, making everyone she encountered feel seen, heard, hopeful, and inspired.

Dr. Patty was the founder and Director of the Buckeye Civic Engagement Connection (BCEC), which eventually became the Department of Social Change in The Ohio State University’s (OSU) Office of Student Life. The Department of Social Change, at its peak, used student employees and volunteers to facilitate over 50 programs in eight neighborhoods every week, focused on empowering and engaging underserved and impoverished communities while teaching students crucial civic engagement and leadership skills. Dr. Patty was also a mentor to several students, including many in the Todd A. Bell National Resource Center (BNRC) for the African American Male, The Morrill Scholarship Program, and several student organizations, including Alpha Epsilon Phi Fraternity and Unplugging Society: A Women of Color Think Tank. 

The National Center for Construction Safety and Health Research and Translation (U54) aims to enhance worker safety in the construction industry through innovative research and intervention strategies. By fostering partnerships and focusing on evidence-based solutions, the Center will address critical safety and health challenges faced by construction workers. The initiative aligns with NIOSH's strategic objectives, promoting collaboration among academic institutions and organizations to improve health outcomes and reduce the occupational health burden in this vital sector.

The Dr. Carolyn Baum Cognitive Function in Daily Life Mentor Award, funded by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, supports mid-to senior-level occupational therapy researchers mentoring assistant professors or post-doctoral fellows. This $10,000 stipend aims to enhance understanding of cognition's role in daily life through research. Dr. Carolyn Baum, a pioneer in the field, inspires this initiative, promoting the advancement of functional cognition in occupational therapy.

The John Ostrom Enders II Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, awards $4,000 to graduating seniors from East Lyme, New London, or Waterford High School. This scholarship supports students with a strong commitment to the creative arts and community service. Since 1983, the Foundation has distributed over $11.9 million in scholarships, helping students pursue higher education and rewarding careers.

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.

Foundation for MCC - William H. Young Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by an anonymous donor, who established the William H. Young Memorial Scholarship of the Foundation for Muskegon Community College of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship provides assistance to an associate degree-seeking student who demonstrates academic excellence based on either a high school or college academic record, with preference to students interested in the Social Service discipline.

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.

Foundation for MCC - Student Emergency Needs Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Foundation for Muskegon Community College, who established the Muskegon Community College Student Emergency Needs Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship was established to provide scholarships to Muskegon, Ottawa or Newaygo County students.

The Hovland Scholarship, offered by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, supports college students of Norwegian descent. Eligible applicants must be full-time students entering their third year at an accredited four-year institution in the U.S., maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. Multiple renewable scholarships are available, contingent upon meeting requirements and funding availability. This scholarship aims to enrich the quality of life through education and philanthropy.

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.

JJohn E. and Bernice L. Sydnor Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Bernice Sydnor, who established the John E. and Bernice L. Sydnor Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. John E. Sydnor made community and education his lifetime passions. He served a long list of civic organizations, including the Community Foundation as a Trustee and supporter. His 38-year career as an educator has left a permanent mark of excellence on his community. The Foundation was one organization to which John chose to leave a contribution. The John E. Sydnor Memorial will present scholarships to African-American students graduating from Muskegon County high schools and attending an accredited college, university or technical/trade school. The youth and educators of John Sydnor's community will feel his strength forever, as this gift to Muskegon keeps John Sydnor's passion for education alive.

The KONG Toy Grant, offered by the Petfinder Foundation in collaboration with KONG, aims to enhance the adoptability of shelter pets by providing enriching toys. This initiative supports animal shelters and adopters throughout North America, helping to keep pets mentally stimulated and happy. By focusing on pet enrichment, the grant seeks to increase the chances of successful adoptions, thereby reducing the euthanasia of adoptable animals. Organizations that are Petfinder.com members can apply for these valuable resources.

The Petfinder Foundation's Disaster Response and Recovery Grants provide crucial support to Petfinder members affected by natural disasters. These grants assist organizations in recovering from events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, ensuring that adoptable pets receive necessary care. Eligible applicants must be active Petfinder members and demonstrate a need due to disasters occurring within the past 60 days. The initiative aims to enhance the resilience of shelters and rescue groups in challenging times.

The Petco Love Foundation, previously known as the Petco Foundation, has been dedicated to animal welfare since 1999. With a mission to enhance the lives of pets and their families, they provide significant funding to nonprofit organizations for lifesaving initiatives. The 'Access to Care' program supports spay/neuter clinics and low-cost veterinary services, ensuring that more pets receive essential care. Petco Love remains committed to fostering healthier communities and improving the well-being of pets across the nation.

The Petco Foundation offers grants aimed at animal welfare organizations, focusing on enhancing adoption and medical care initiatives. With a commitment to lifesaving programs, they invest in organizations that demonstrate accountability and significant impact in their communities. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, municipal agencies, and SPCA/humane societies that provide sheltering services. The grant cycle allows for one proposal submission per year, ensuring support for those dedicated to improving the welfare of companion animals.

The Petco Love Stories Grant Campaign celebrates the profound impact of pet adoption. Each year, Petco Love and BOBS® from Skechers® award grants to animal welfare organizations that facilitate these life-changing adoptions. Since 2013, over $8 million has been distributed to support these organizations. Pet parents are encouraged to share their unique love stories about their adopted pets, showcasing how their lives have been enriched. Compelling narratives and quality visuals will help submissions stand out.

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

Swenson Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Leland L. Swenson, who established the Swenson Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Dr. Leland Swenson practiced orthopedic surgery in Muskegon from 1949-1978 and worked at Hackley Occupational Health Clinic, completing orthopedic disability evaluations from 1985-2005. The Swenson family wished to continue with their charitable actions, and believe the Community Foundation would carry out their wishes. The Swenson Family Scholarship is designed to provide scholarships to students throughout Muskegon County.