Best Sustainability Grants in Michigan

Michigan 501(c)(3) organizations supporting health access, youth and families, or animal welfare can apply for grants from the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation to develop, expand, or sustain programs. Eligible nonprofits in Southeast Michigan must have an independent financial audit or review and leadership support for the request; LOIs are accepted year-round.

Environmental and conservation organizations in Michigan working on Great Lakes ecosystem health can seek more than US $10,000 to support their efforts. Fred A and Barbara M Erb Family Foundation supports habitat restoration, freshwater conservation, climate resilience, environmental justice, and policy advocacy that build community leadership and prepare Great Lakes communities for future environmental challenges.

Nonprofits, government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in Michigan’s Kent County can apply for Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Fund for Community Good to support anti-racist, equity-focused programs in education, health, neighborhoods, arts and culture, economic prosperity, and the environment. Year-round pre-applications may benefit sustainability and environmental justice efforts in the region.

Michigan 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, parks, and outdoor recreation can seek support to preserve and enhance community recreation areas. The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation prioritizes Michigan-based charities but may fund national projects when no comparable local provider exists, with additional focus on youth, animal welfare, and veterans-related initiatives.

Michigan 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities supporting child and family wellbeing can seek funding for early childhood education, maternal and perinatal health, nutrition, food access, workforce readiness, and racial equity work. With a mission to improve conditions for children, WK Kellogg Foundation provides flexible, always-open grant opportunities across the U.S., including Michigan communities.

Nonprofit organizations working on environmental conservation, health, education, or community services in Michigan communities near Wolverine Worldwide’s corporate offices may be eligible for support. Wolverine Worldwide Foundation funds programs that promote healthy lives and the outdoors, diversify trades and talent, and advance industry and community giving in West Michigan counties where it operates.

Michigan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Midland County may request Gerstacker Foundation grants for impactful community projects, including environmental education, conservation, and sustainability initiatives. Proposals should emphasize strong local engagement, measurable benefits, and long-term viability to align with the foundation’s focus on community improvement and public service.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on education, community impact, culture, or health initiatives in Michigan can apply for support that may complement sustainability-focused efforts. Grants from Mullick Foundation help Michigan organizations build and sustain pathways to intergenerational achievement, with applications reviewed quarterly and potential virtual meetings with the board during the decision process.

Michigan sustainability-focused 501(c)(3) public charities with at least two years of operations can seek more than US $25,000 for projects and programs. Michigan environmental organizations can access funding through Walters Family Foundation for freshwater conservation, watershed and shoreline restoration, and green stormwater infrastructure, with additional support available for learning initiatives, economic vitality, and arts and culture.

Nonprofit organizations and select government initiatives in Michigan working on education and economic mobility policy can apply for Joyce Foundation support to advance K–12 and postsecondary systems change. Funding backs research, policy development, advocacy, and implementation that improve college and career outcomes and economic mobility for historically underserved young people, which may benefit sustainability-focused community efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and municipal entities working on sustainable agriculture, food systems, or natural resources in Michigan can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Americana Foundation help Michigan sustainability and environmental conservation efforts that connect communities to local food systems, support small and marginalized farmers, and build climate-resilient, healthy food access.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in Michigan working on decarbonization, clean energy, or efficient use of natural resources can apply for $25,000 - $100,000 in program funding from American Honda Motor. Grants support education, awareness, and infrastructure projects that reduce environmental impact in communities where Honda associates live and work.

Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits with three-plus years of history that explore and celebrate cultural diversity and heritage can seek project funding from the Nissan Foundation. Focused on community culture and inclusion, the foundation supports programs serving Southeast Michigan communities where Nissan operates and that demonstrate strong engagement with their populations.

Focused on animal welfare, the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust invites Michigan 501(c)(3) organizations to seek project funding to enhance the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. Eligible animal shelters, rescues, and humane groups may fund adoption and foster programs, behavior training, humane education, medical and wellness care, spay/neuter, equipment, and other animal care initiatives.

Humane societies, animal welfare nonprofits, spay/neuter clinics, wildlife centers, educational institutions, and equine organizations in Michigan can seek project funding for animal adoption, behavior training, humane and wildlife education, medical and wellness care, spay/neuter, equipment, and other animal care initiatives. Grants from the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust require an online LOI and 501(c)(3) status.

The Towsley Foundation Grants support initiatives that enhance community welfare and sustainability, focusing on diverse fields such as education, health, and the arts within Michigan. With a commitment to effective philanthropy, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate creativity and strategic impact. Eligible organizations must operate in Michigan and adhere to specific funding guidelines, fostering financial sustainability. Grants are allocated based on project merit and organizational capacity, reinforcing the foundation's mission to improve lives through thoughtful partnerships.

Michigan nonprofits and governmental entities working on human nutrition education, training, or research can access funding through Allen Foundation for programs linking diet and health. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, hospitals, clinics, schools, and community organizations may propose sustainable, self-supporting nutrition initiatives, including academic research led by qualified faculty, that promote healthful, environmentally sound food systems.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving South Berrien and Cass Counties in Michigan can apply for Michigan Gateway Community Foundation’s grants to support community-benefit projects. Funding can advance health and wellness, education, and arts and culture initiatives that build community assets, create long-term impact, prevent recurring needs, and remain sustainable without ongoing grant support.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government units, and religious or educational institutions serving Northwest Ottawa County in Michigan can apply for Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s Community Impact Grants to enhance quality of life. Funding may support sustainability, environmental projects, arts and culture, education, health, human services, and broader community development in the greater West Michigan region.

Michigan 501(c)(3) public charities working on affordable housing, workforce development, economic development, or financial empowerment can apply for Old National Bank’s community impact grants; awards are approximately US $15,000. Programs must serve communities within the bank’s Michigan footprint and prioritize underrepresented or low- to moderate-income residents, which may include sustainability-related community development efforts.

The Scherman Foundation's Democracy Program champions the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It focuses on enhancing civic engagement, safeguarding voting rights, and reforming democratic processes to ensure inclusivity and accountability. By supporting locally-rooted organizations in key states, the foundation aims to build a more equitable democracy where diverse voices are heard and political power is reclaimed by those historically marginalized. This program is pivotal for advancing racial justice and fostering systemic change.

Focused on community programs, nonprofits, schools, governments, and religious organizations serving Berrien County in Michigan can apply for Berrien Community Foundation’s For Good Grants, with awards up to US $15,000. Environment and sustainability-related projects, along with initiatives in health, education, youth, seniors, arts, and community development, may be supported.

The Oleson Foundation Grant, established in 1962 by Gerald and Frances Oleson, aims to support charitable endeavors in Northwestern Lower Michigan. The foundation prioritizes sustainable projects that enhance the quality of life in the region, focusing on areas like arts, education, environment, community development, and health services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and other non-profits, while the foundation excludes funding for individuals and certain project types.

Nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and faith-based organizations in Michigan’s Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties can seek $10,000 - $75,000 to expand long-term impact, reach underserved populations, or build collaborative initiatives. With a mission to strengthen community outcomes, Capital Region Community Foundation provides competitive Impact Grants that require a preliminary application and 1:1 cash match, which may support sustainability-focused projects.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is committed to transforming health in our lifetime and to paving the way to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. To achieve that vision, RWJF supports health equity research that “increases opportunities for everyone to live the healthiest life possible, no matter who we are, where we live, or how much money we make.” Achieving health equity requires identifying solutions to the historical and contemporary root causes of inequities.

From Insight to Action: Health Equity Research that Meets This Moment

Purpose

The current challenging political environment underscores the value of timely, credible research that is grounded in real‑world conditions—the type of research that has propelled the progress toward health equity our society has made. That is why RWJF is launching this CFP as part of a new research funding program, Health Equity Research for Action (HERA). HERA will support community-rooted, action-oriented health equity research that reflects lived realities and responds to immediate and long-term needs. The research will help maintain access to evidence, support accountability, and inform efforts to build more equitable systems. HERA is being developed and will be administered by three national coordinating centers (NCCs) based at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and the Morehouse School of Medicine.

RWJF and the NCCs are interested in research that identifies the root causes of structural discrimination, challenges harmful narratives that undermine individual and community health and wellbeing, and disrupts growing mis- and disinformation. While HERA is still in its early stages, we are hoping this first CFP will sustain and advance health equity research during this critical time, while generating insights that can help shape HERA’s future funding priorities and strategies. Proposals submitted under this first CFP must include research that is conducted in equitable community partnership; focuses on at least one of RWJF’s seven Prioritized Systems; informs systems change; and leads to actionable solutions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, universities, and government entities in southeast Michigan serving children and youth (Pre-K–12) can apply for the Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for specific projects. Programs with strong sustainability, regional impact, collaboration, and leveraging of other funding may be especially competitive.

Michigan environmental conservation and sustainability nonprofits working on water stewardship projects can access funding through Bell's Brewery for initiatives that protect ecosystems, improve water resource use, or build climate resilience. 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S., including Michigan, may receive US $500 - US $5,000 for project-based water-focused work.