Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michigan Small Community Education Grant supports small communities in Michigan by providing customized recycling education materials at no cost. Funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and The Recycling Partnership, this program enables local governments and nonprofits to enhance recycling efforts. Eligible communities can access bilingual templates for effective communication, helping to improve awareness and participation in recycling programs across the state.

The Old National Bank Foundation provides sponsorships to enhance community initiatives in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their mission focuses on social responsibility, supporting underrepresented groups, and aligning with the Community Reinvestment Act. Sponsorships cover events such as fundraisers and sporting events, emphasizing active engagement and measurable impact. The Foundation aims to improve quality of life through strategic partnerships and meaningful contributions.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Skillman Foundation's President's Discretionary Fund offers annual grants between $2,500 and $10,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Detroit youth. This $1M fund supports innovative, one-time projects or pilot programs that enhance education, health, and community services, while also addressing systemic issues. Grants are not intended for ongoing support, and eligibility includes tax-exempt status. Stay informed about future funding opportunities by subscribing to the Foundation's newsletter.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on community transformation in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With a spend-down structure by 2035, the foundation prioritizes collaborative investments in key areas like active lifestyles, success preparation, caregiver support, and economic development. Emphasizing urgency and innovation, it seeks to create lasting impacts by fostering partnerships and supporting visionary projects that address significant community needs.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The Mary Thompson Foundation, established in 1979, provides essential funding and support to nonprofit organizations that aid the elderly, particularly in Michigan. Originating from the historic Mary Thompson Home for Old Ladies, the foundation continues its legacy by granting resources for medical care, entertainment, and companionship for seniors. Their mission emphasizes creating a nurturing environment that fosters dignity and comfort for older adults, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those in need.

Michigan nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural microenterprises can access funding through the USDA to capitalize microloan revolving funds and provide training and technical assistance. Awards up to US $500,000 combine loans and grants to help very small rural businesses with working capital, debt refinancing, equipment, and real estate improvements.

The Sturgeon River Pottery Fund for Education in the Visual Arts provides grants up to $250 to K–12 art teachers in Emmet County and Wolverine, Michigan. Established by Steve and Karen Andrews in 1999, the fund supports the purchase of visual art supplies that foster creativity in classrooms. This initiative has awarded over $25,000 to promote artistic expression among local youth, aligning with the foundation's mission to enhance community quality of life through the arts.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The Americana Foundation offers grants aimed at supporting sustainable agriculture and community food systems in Michigan. Founded by Adolph and Ginger Meyer, the foundation emphasizes the importance of agriculture in American history and seeks to connect communities to local food sources. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipal entities, with a focus on projects that enhance food access and promote ecological sustainability. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that empower underserved communities and address climate resilience.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Pokagon Fund, established through a 2000 agreement, supports communities near Band Trust Lands by providing strategic grants aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing education, and promoting community vitality. With over $23 million awarded, the Fund focuses on initiatives that foster local development, including substantial educational support and assistance for food-insecure families. By investing in these communities, the Fund aims to create a thriving environment for residents of Hartford, Dowagiac, and South Bend.

The Pokagon Fund Discretionary Grants support projects that enhance the quality of life for residents in Harbor Country, Michigan. Originating from a partnership with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, the fund prioritizes education, poverty reduction, and community vitality. With over $2.5 million allocated to educational initiatives, the fund addresses local challenges such as food insecurity and aims to uplift the surrounding communities through strategic grant support.

The Creators of Culture Grants, initiated by CultureSource, aim to enhance access to funding for grassroots arts organizations in Southeast Michigan. Grants ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will support projects that intersect art with community wellbeing, focusing on issues like mental health and food justice. Eligible applicants include small creative organizations and returning grant recipients located in specific counties. This initiative encourages collaboration with cross-sector partners to foster a diverse and equitable arts ecosystem.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Capital Region Community Foundation offers Mini-Grants of up to $5,000 to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations and eligible entities for projects benefiting residents of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, Michigan. Emphasizing diversity, the Foundation seeks applications from small and mid-size nonprofits that promote equitable access to services. Eligible projects include programming, operations, or ongoing initiatives, with a focus on underserved communities. Licenses may be required for solicitation, and certain ineligible requests apply.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The Built to Play Skatepark Grants, funded by the Tony Hawk Foundation, aim to support the creation of free, public skateparks in low-income communities across Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With grants up to $250,000, the program emphasizes community involvement, environmental sustainability, and accessibility. It prioritizes projects designed by experienced contractors that engage local skaters in leadership roles. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles and combating childhood obesity through active play.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Eligible rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Michigan can access USDA: Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $500,000 for small business technical assistance and community economic development. Funds may support training, feasibility studies, facilities and equipment, revolving loan funds, business incubators, and other rural development projects benefiting small rural businesses.

The Inclusive Arts Fund supports small to mid-sized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on arts and culture within Southeast Michigan. This highly competitive fund aims to enhance accessibility, boost organizational capacity, and drive regional economic impact across seven counties. By fostering affordable, high-quality arts experiences, the fund seeks to ensure that the arts are a vital contributor to community vitality and growth.

The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Charitable Foundation Fund empowers charitable organizations focused on enhancing the lives of children and youth in southeast Michigan. Since its establishment in 1999, it has allocated over $6.4 million to support local nonprofits. The fund prioritizes sustainability, regional impact, collaboration, and leveraging additional resources to ensure lasting benefits for the community. Applications are welcomed from 501(c)(3) organizations serving the defined region, with an emphasis on impactful, collaborative projects.