Best Public Policy Grants in Michigan

Michigan 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and qualifying colleges or universities can seek funding for STEM education, basic needs, and social justice initiatives that benefit communities in the AEP service territory. Grants from American Electric Power Foundation help support programs addressing education, hunger, housing, equity, and related community needs, which may benefit organizations engaged in public policy work.

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

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

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

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

About the Foundation

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

Vision

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

Mission

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

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

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

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

Michigan 501(c)(3) organizations working on health access, youth and family services, or animal welfare can apply for Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation support for project and program costs. Nonprofits serving underserved residents in eligible Michigan counties may be especially competitive, including hospitals, community centers, and other organizations improving outcomes for vulnerable people and animals.

Nonprofits and community organizations working on Great Lakes ecosystem health and environmental policy in Michigan can seek grants of more than US $10,000 to advance advocacy, watershed management, and climate resilience. Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation supports community leadership, environmental justice, and effective public policies that benefit Great Lakes communities and ecosystems.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies serving Detroit youth in Michigan can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 for small, one-time projects. The President’s Discretionary Fund from Skillman Foundation supports pilot programs and initiatives in areas adjacent to education, such as health, housing, justice, and youth-focused community efforts.

Michigan health-focused nonprofits and agencies in Michigan that are current or past grantees or key partners can receive up to US $2,500 to attend conferences, workshops, or trainings that advance their health-related work. With a mission to improve resident health, Michigan Health Endowment Fund supports professional development that can strengthen public policy, aging, hunger, and broader health initiatives.

Grantmaking

Funding Rooted in Relationships

Our grantmaking supports the work that helps people, families, and neighborhoods build healthy, equitable communities, across generations. It is strategic, relationship-centered, grounded in trust, and shaped by ongoing learning with our community partners.

We focus on work that addresses root causes, strengthens community-led solutions, and builds long-term capacity in Kalamazoo County.

Strategic Pillars

Our strategic pillars are based on what we’ve learned from community, nonprofit and elected leaders. We all share the vision for a Kalamazoo County that includes:

Nonprofit, educational, and governmental (including tribal) organizations in Michigan can apply for Great Lakes Fisheries Trust’s Access to the Great Lakes Fishery grants to fund capital improvements or new shore-based angling and tribal fishing sites. Projects may benefit public policy efforts around recreational access, habitat protection, and equitable use of Great Lakes fisheries.

Michigan nonprofits focused on children, health, and human services can access funding through Aa Van Elslander Foundation to support charitable programs benefiting local communities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities based in Michigan, non-discriminatory in policy and practice, and not private foundations, individuals, schools, or government or veterans organizations. Public policy organizations with qualifying programs may be eligible.

The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, established in 1957, supports various charitable causes primarily in Michigan and Ohio. Focused on education, health care, affordable housing, and community development, it funds initiatives like local schools, family services, and environmental conservation. The foundation emphasizes projects that positively impact communities and ensure long-term sustainability. With a commitment to preserving the environment and fostering cultural activities, it remains a key player in enhancing the quality of life for residents in its service areas.

Nonprofit organizations in Jackson and Washtenaw Counties working on animals and the natural world or advancing women and girls can receive general operating or program support in Michigan. James A. & Faith Knight Foundation prioritizes strong governance, sound financial management, and attention to gender, diversity, and measurable outcomes, which may include public policy and advocacy initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Jackson and Washtenaw Counties working on animal welfare, environmental conservation, or women and girls’ programs can receive flexible operating or program support through the James A. & Faith Knight Foundation. Groups engaged in advocacy or public policy efforts for women and girls or ecological issues in Michigan may be especially well-suited.

Organizations conducting gun violence prevention, justice reform, or violence intervention research and policy work that impacts Michigan can apply for the Joyce Foundation’s Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant. Funding supports policy development, advocacy, data and research, narrative change, and public or stakeholder education, with emphasis on racial equity and the Great Lakes region, including Michigan.

Michigan public policy and democracy-focused nonprofits can seek $25,000 - $125,000 from the Joyce Foundation for work on voting rights, fair elections, census data accuracy, and fair representation in Great Lakes states. Focus areas include research, policy development, litigation, and public engagement that improve election administration and protect voters, especially communities of color and young voters.

Michigan public policy and environmental justice organizations focused on climate solutions or Great Lakes and drinking water policy may be eligible for support to advance clean energy and water initiatives. The Joyce Foundation funds policy and advocacy work in Great Lakes states, prioritizing projects led by communities most impacted by environmental harms.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services in Michigan can receive up to US $104,000 to support charitable, religious, health, or educational work that benefits local residents. The Art and Mary Schmuckal Family Foundation also considers tax-exempt organizations beyond Michigan, so public policy groups with community-focused initiatives may be eligible.

Michigan undergraduate students who have experienced foster care and need help paying for college can access funding through Western Michigan University’s Fostering Futures Scholarship, providing up to US $3,000 for tuition and related academic costs. Students engaged in public policy or related studies at Michigan institutions may be eligible if they meet foster care, residency, and financial-need requirements.

Michigan public policy and community organizations focused on nutrition education, training, and research can access funding through Allen Foundation for programs that improve human nutrition and connect diet and health. U.S.-domiciled 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, hospitals, clinics, schools, and similar institutions may be eligible, especially for projects with plans for long-term self-sufficiency.

Local governments and other eligible entities in Michigan’s coastal counties can seek funding for coastal resilience, ecosystem restoration, and community revitalization projects, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $100,000. Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy supports planning, policy, and public access efforts that address coastal hazards, climate impacts, and equitable use of coastal resources.

With a mission to strengthen community arts, education, environment, and health, the Wege Foundation provides Michigan 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and government entities with funding for local initiatives. Grants prioritize Greater Grand Rapids and environmental work statewide, which may benefit public policy efforts connected to these pillars and serving under-resourced or marginalized residents.

Michigan public policy and civic engagement nonprofits, including 501(c)(3)s and fiscally sponsored groups, can access funding through the Scherman Foundation to advance BIPOC-led democracy and voting rights work. Grants of US $40,000 - US $200,000 support state-level organizing, voter engagement, narrative change, and movement-building in Michigan and other priority states.

Undergraduate political science majors at Western Michigan University can receive $500 - $750 for study-abroad programs focused on Central and East European political studies. The George Klein Scholarship supports accredited programs in eligible countries, with preference for WMU programs in the Czech Republic, including Prague Summer and Charles University semester options.

Michigan community organizing groups focused on social justice and democracy can access funding through Needmor Fund for Social Justice for multi-issue, power-building organizing work. Core Grants provide general operating support for democratically run, dues-based organizations in an eight-state Midwest region, prioritizing low- and moderate-income communities and intersectional campaigns on race, economic justice, and civic participation.

Local governments, tribal governments, and other public service entities in Michigan can apply for up to US $25,000 from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to advance energy management projects. Funding supports planning, benchmarking, audits, efficiency upgrades, renewable energy, and community outreach, which may benefit public policy and climate-related initiatives.

Nonprofit mental health service providers in Michigan can seek funding to strengthen organizational capacity, enhance treatment models, and support staff training and workforce development. With a mission to advance effective mental health treatment, the Ethel & James Flinn Foundation also backs advocacy and awareness efforts that may benefit organizations engaged in public policy and systems change work.

Michigan governmental agencies and nonprofit behavioral health providers implementing evidence-based adult mental health programs can access funding through the Ethel & James Flinn Foundation. Two-year grants of US $50,000 - US $100,000 per year support delivery and evaluation of proven treatments in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, and Washtenaw counties, which may benefit organizations engaged in public policy and systems-level mental health work.