Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel Scholarship

The Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel is made up of approximately 1,000 retired Saginaw County school workers, including teachers, administrators, librarians, custodians, cafeteria workers and secretaries.

The Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel established the Saginaw County Association of Retired School Personnel Scholarship in 1995 to assist a graduate of any Saginaw County public high school who plans to pursue a career in education at an accredited college or university in Michigan.

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.

The Dedicated Grant Program by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation will allocate over $60,000 in 2025 to support four distinct Field of Interest Funds, each aimed at improving the lives of residents in Washtenaw County. Grants are available for 501(c)(3) nonprofits focusing on areas such as education, community enhancement, veteran services, and violence prevention. This initiative emphasizes a collaborative approach to address local needs and foster community well-being.

The Margaret MacMillan Writing Award, presented by the WMU Department of History, recognizes exceptional undergraduate papers up to 4000 words. Judging criteria include mastery of writing skills, thoughtful interpretation of historical information, and clarity of expression. Submissions are open to all historical subjects, with a deadline of March 15. The award winner receives a stipend of $350, encouraging high-quality scholarship in history.

The NRA Foundation: Michigan Grants provides vital financial support for educational and public service programs related to shooting sports. The foundation focuses on promoting firearms safety, educating individuals about firearms history, and conducting research to enhance firearms safety techniques. Eligible organizations include government entities and recognized nonprofits, while discrimination based on protected characteristics is prohibited. This initiative aims to foster community engagement through grants that benefit youth and promote responsible firearm use.

The Campbell Endowment offers various fall grant opportunities aimed at supporting programs that enhance self-sufficiency in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. Established in 1996, this fund focuses on key areas including food, health care, housing, and childcare. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits, educational institutions, and governmental entities. Preference is given to initiatives that create a transformative impact on community needs.

The Frank and Virginia Such Memorial Scholarship, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, honors two community pillars known for their dedication to education and family. This scholarship is aimed at local students pursuing a college education in teaching or education, with a focus on financial need. Eligible candidates must be at least juniors at a Michigan college, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. The application process is streamlined, allowing students to apply for multiple scholarships at once.

The Arts Midwest GIG Fund offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 to support creative projects and educational events across the Midwest. This funding is available for nonprofit organizations with budgets of $1 million or less, focusing on the arts. Eligible applicants include arts organizations and tribal entities located in specific states. The fund prioritizes those who have not received a grant in the last two years, ensuring diverse cultural engagement and access.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

The Cheryl Lyon-Jenness Writing Award at Western Michigan University honors outstanding undergraduate research papers exceeding 4,000 words. Open to diverse historical topics, it evaluates mastery of writing, analytical thought, and language use. Eligible submissions include senior theses and critical reviews prepared during recent semesters. The award recipient receives a stipend of $350, recognizing their exceptional academic work and contribution to historical scholarship.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

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. 

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Hellen Tallman Fund, established by Helen Tallman through the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, offers educational scholarships to engineering and medical students at Wayne State University. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need. The fund honors Helen's family legacy of giving back to the community, ensuring support for students pursuing their educational goals.

The Administration of Justice Grants Program, administered by the Michigan State Bar Foundation, aims to enhance the justice system through innovative projects. With over $2.2 million distributed in the last decade, the program supports law-related education, conflict resolution, and civil legal aid initiatives. Grants typically range from $12,000 to $15,000, prioritizing projects that educate the public about legal rights and responsibilities, promote conflict resolution, and assist low-income individuals in accessing justice.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

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.

Edward and Marion Petzko Student Athlete Scholarship

The recipient of the Edward and Marion Petzko Student Athlete Scholarship will be an above average student that received a varsity letter in either track or golf.

Sherrill L. Smith Music Scholarship

Music majors attending any Michigan college or university.

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) offers the Other Charitable Interest Funds to support a variety of charitable needs, including education, health, and community development. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities serving St. Joseph County, Michigan. SACF prioritizes sustainable and impactful projects that enhance the quality of life in local communities. Organizations with unmet charitable needs are encouraged to reach out for additional funding opportunities.

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

The Joyce Awards

The Joyce Awards provide direct, catalytic support to Great Lakes-based artists and culture bearers whose visionary creative practices meaningfully impact and advance racial equity in their communities.

Informed by conversations with artists, arts leaders, and past awardees across the region, the new Joyce Awards program includes unrestricted awards of $100,000, paired with a $40,000 grant to a Great Lakes organization selected by the artist to help realize, expand, or deepen the impact of their work in the region.

Administered by United States Artists, the program now welcomes both peer and self-nominations and has expanded eligibility state-wide in six states. Artists and culture bearers based in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin will be eligible in 2026, followed by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio in 2027. Following a nomination, application, and panel review process, four Awards will be awarded in each year. 

Saginaw Community Foundation – Collaborative Scholarship

The Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) established the SCF Collaborative Scholarships in 2006 as a collaboration of tributes to individuals and organizations. This 2007 scholarship is made possible, in-part by the generosity of our donors and in memory/tribute of the following: Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Austin, Sr., Dorothy and Robert Blue, Shamonica Brown, Zoetta Davis, C.K. Eddy Memorial Fund, Joseph M. Godard, Kanika Goodman, Michael Jeffers Memorial Fund, Parker Thomas Miller, Burris and Kathie Smith, and Carman “Cart” Washburn.

Marshall Community Foundation

The Marshall Community Foundation is a partnership of endowed funds established by individuals and organizations. A Board of Trustees, comprised of local community leaders, invest the pooled endowments. Income generated is then available for grants that address charitable needs in our community. Staff and trained volunteers monitor the grants to ensure fulfillment of the grant agreements.

The full circle of philanthropy is poetry in motion. The Foundation receives your gifts, grants to local non-profits, who in turn, give back by providing services to the community. Truly, the Foundation is all about improving the quality of life and making this a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Coury and Kesselring Natural Resources Scholarship

Scholarships awarded to Calhoun County residents seeking to further their education in natural resources or a related field at any Michigan college or university. Applicants may enroll at a two-year institution with plans to complete at a four-year institution. 

Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years however, applicants must submit updated supporting materials. 

The Detroit Industrial School Grant provides vital funding for projects benefiting children in the Tri-County area. With grants up to $5,000, the foundation prioritizes support for non-profit agencies addressing basic needs, educational programs, and resources for disabled children. The grant aims to help those in greatest need, ensuring no racial or religious discrimination in service. Eligible projects include tutoring, field trips, and skill training, fostering a brighter future for local youth.