Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Allegheny County Airport Authority Charitable Foundation Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in aviation. Eligible applicants must reside in specific Pennsylvania counties, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to military veterans. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community engagement within the aviation sector.

Connecting Passion to Purpose

Marshall County Community Foundation is a public charity where local roots help great ideas take flight. We are community-minded partners and trusted investors. We help shape the vision for Marshall County. Our passion is to connect caring people with opportunities to make an impact.

Our mission is to serve all of Marshall county — its people and its future — by growing and managing endowment funding and fostering philanthropy.

Investing in the Scholars of 
Marshall County

Marshall County Community Foundation administers a number of scholarships, from traditional awards for graduating seniors to those geared towards current students, professionals, and other special circumstances.

Each scholarship has its own application guidelines, deadlines, and application process, so please be sure to read the instructions of the scholarship you’re applying for carefully.

All Marshall County Scholarships

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. These scholarships are open to all residents of Marshall County, as long as other requirements are met.

Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit. You can learn more about each scholarship by clicking on each of the below scholarship titles.

Scholarship applicants must intend to major in mathematics at an accredited two-year or four-year public or private institution of higher learning.

The Early Career Research Grant, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, supports innovative research in mathematics education by early career educators and doctoral candidates. This grant encourages projects that enhance teaching practices and contribute to scholarly publications. Proposals should focus on research design, data analysis, and the impact on mathematics learning. Preference is given to those bridging research and practical application, fostering collaboration with preservice teachers.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 AmeriCorps State and National Competitive Grants aim to enhance community service and volunteerism across the nation. By providing funding to organizations that engage AmeriCorps members, these grants support evidence-based interventions addressing pressing community challenges. Members receive living allowances and educational awards upon successful completion of their service, reinforcing the value of civic engagement and promoting positive community outcomes.

The Classroom Research Grant PK-6, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to foster collaborative research between teachers and mathematics educators in Pre-K-6 classrooms. This grant supports innovative projects focusing on curriculum development, instructional methods for diverse learners, and technology integration in mathematics education. Successful proposals should lead to publishable research articles that demonstrate a significant impact on student learning outcomes.

The Charles Edison Fund Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students aiming to enhance the impact of the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program. This fellowship targets those committed to addressing significant public issues through innovative solutions. Ideal for both U.S. and international applicants, it emphasizes merit and financial need, aligning with Harvard's mission to foster public policy leadership and promote a just and sustainable society.

The George and Anne MacDonald Memorial Scholarship, established by the family of George and Anne MacDonald, aims to support students majoring in engineering who reside in the Detour, Les Cheneaux, Pickford, or Rudyard Area School Districts. This scholarship is administered by the Chippewa County Community Foundation, which promotes philanthropy and effective grantmaking to enhance community life. Eligible applicants must attend an accredited college and participate in an interview with the selection committee.

The Public Humanities Projects program supports projects that bring the ideas and insights of the humanities to life for general audiences through in-person, hybrid, or virtual programming. Projects must engage humanities scholarship to analyze significant themes in disciplines such as history, literature, ethics, and art history.

The State Justice Institute Project Grant aims to enhance the administration of justice in state courts through innovative projects. It supports education, training, and technical assistance initiatives that demonstrate a need for improvement. Projects are evaluated based on methodology, management capabilities, and potential long-term benefits. Eligible applicants include courts and related organizations, while funds cannot cover routine court operations or salaries of court employees.

The Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation, established in 2010, supports projects that align with Jewish ideals in education, science, and the arts. Based in Indianapolis, this foundation has funded initiatives across the United States, addressing various social issues. They do not impose minimum or maximum grant amounts, focusing instead on the project's merit and alignment with their mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, while general operating funds are not provided.

The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, established in 1994, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Greater Itasca Area through philanthropic efforts. Governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, the foundation awards grants to nonprofits addressing local needs across various sectors, including education and the arts. With over 30 years of experience, it connects generous donors with community needs, fostering collaboration and compassion to create lasting, positive change.

The Science of Science: Discovery, Communication and Impact (SoS:DCI) program aims to enhance the public value of scientific activities through interdisciplinary research. It encourages proposals that investigate the mechanisms of scientific discovery, improve understanding of communication and outcomes, and explore how science contributes to evidence-based policymaking and public value creation. SoS:DCI seeks to advance empirical research that informs these critical areas.

The BJA FY25 Capital Case Litigation Initiative aims to enhance the quality of legal representation in state capital cases, ensuring effective public representation and support for indigent defendants. This initiative is part of the OJP's commitment to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and address public safety challenges. Through federal leadership and funding, OJP seeks to bolster law enforcement efforts and combat violent crime, thereby improving community safety and justice.

The Professional Development Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, supports educators in enhancing their expertise in history, number theory, or discrete mathematics. This scholarship aids in completing coursework, developing classroom activities, and delivering professional presentations. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years of teaching experience and currently teach mathematics at the 6-12 grade levels. Projects must be completed by August 31 of the following year.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Frank A. Weidman Fund

The Frank A. Weidman Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide funds for graduates of Pittsburgh Public Schools to complete college and university studies in the arts and social sciences.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The NextTech initiative aims to propel the development of cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic devices that address critical health challenges. This funding opportunity encourages researchers to innovate solutions that can move from concept to clinical readiness, specifically targeting technologies aligned with the NIH's BRAIN and HEAL initiatives. Successful proposals will focus on overcoming barriers to human trials, ensuring that new medical devices can effectively monitor and treat neurological and addiction-related disorders.

Roy F. Mather Scholarship

Born in 1918, Roy F. Mather, Jr. described himself as the product of the Great Depression. He contributed to his family's livelihood at a young age, caring for his two younger brothers and working a wide range of agriculture-related jobs available in California's San Fernando Valley. During World War II, Roy worked on merchant ships that sailed from northern Chile to Washington's Puget Sound, transporting nitrate for explosives production. After the War, Roy returned to southern California to marry his wife, Geraldine. They had two children and were married 59 years. Roy applied the work ethic developed in his youth to a variety of jobs—as a Fuller Brush dealer and at aeronautical engineering positions at Lockheed and McDonald Douglas. While raising a family and often working more than one job, Roy took classes at night offered through the University of California's extension services – math, science and law. Later, Roy and his wife lived in Latin America which held a special place for them.

Roy retired in 1969, and he and Geraldine moved to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In his early 60's, Roy could swing a heavy Polanski needed to fight forest fires and later was a spotter for firefighting aircraft. In 1975, Roy and Geraldine moved to Vancouver, Washington.

Roy's character, direction and drive were shaped during times that were much tougher than most of us experience today. In commenting on his hope for his scholarship fund, Roy said, "I want the students to be goal oriented and serious. Earnest, really. I know those are broad terms, but they are ones that helped me throughout my life. I want to reward those students who possess these qualities that will contribute to their future success and life fulfillment."

Award Information

Awards are between $2,000 - $3,500 and are at the discretion of the committee.

The Prospective PK-6 Elementary Teacher Course Work Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, provides financial support to college students aiming to become certified elementary teachers focused on mathematics. Eligible candidates must complete their sophomore year, maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, and demonstrate a commitment to teaching. This scholarship promotes high-quality mathematics education, ensuring future educators are well-prepared to inspire students in their learning journey.

The Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grants, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to enhance the mathematics content knowledge of dedicated elementary school teachers. This initiative focuses on developing teacher-leaders who will deliver ongoing professional development to fellow educators, thereby strengthening instructional practices. Eligible applicants include experienced classroom teachers or full-time mathematics coaches committed to improving mathematics education. The program supports projects that align with enhancing the mathematics learning environment.

The Teacher Professional Development Grants (6-8), offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to enhance the teaching skills of classroom teachers in grades 6-8. This grant supports professional development initiatives that focus on improving mathematics instruction. Eligible applicants must have at least three years of teaching experience and spend a majority of their time teaching in the classroom. The program encourages high-quality mathematics education for all students.

The Designing Innovative Lessons and Activities for Mathematics Teaching grant, sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance K–8 mathematics education through collaborative writing and material development. With an initial award of $5,000 and potential for renewal up to $15,000, this grant encourages teams of educators to create engaging, non-routine lessons that focus on key mathematical themes. Eligible applicants include leadership teams from multiple schools, fostering innovation in teaching practices.

The Mathematics Graduate Course Work Scholarship for Grades Pre-K-5 Teachers, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance teachers' mathematics knowledge through graduate coursework. This grant supports educators currently teaching grades 6-8 who have at least three years of experience and plan to continue in teaching. Eligible applicants must adhere to specific guidelines, including the completion of project activities within a designated timeframe. Note that past recipients are not eligible to reapply.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Janine and Sidney Adams, Jr., Aviation Careers Scholarship Fund

The Janine and Sidney Adams, Jr. Aviation Careers Scholarship Fund was established by Janine “Jan” Adams in memorial tribute to her loving husband of 26 years, Sidney “Sid” Adams, Jr. Jan stated that there were three areas of special interest to Sid, economic development, education, and aviation. Establishing this fund honors all three of these areas of special interest. Giving back to his community was paramount to Sid. You could find Sid’s hand on many committees and projects promoting his beloved community, receiving numerous awards and recognition along the way. He was a founding member of Battle Creek Unlimited, serving on its Board for over 25 years, many of those years as chair.

Sid valued education. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University, taught at Western Michigan University and was a life learner never missing an opportunity to take a class, seminar, or workshop. He established a summer aviation camp introducing area youth to careers in aviation. At the advent of the personal computer, Sid jumped in and built his first computer. He then worked with the Kellogg Company on a project that donated to area schools and non-profits over 4,000 laptops and computers that he refurbished with the help of students from the Computer Networking classes at the Calhoun Area Career Center. He worked with these students teaching them software and hardware skills. Aviation was a huge part of Sid’s life. He earned his first set of wings serving as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army. At the age of 46, he became a private pilot purchasing his beloved Cessna Cardinal soon achieving his instrument certification. He joined the Civil Patrol, where he served as a first Lieutenant. Sid was appointed to the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and served 11 years, 2 years as Commission Vice Chair and 3 years as Chair. He was inducted into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame in 2023. His impact on our community was immeasurable. Jan, a longtime educator with Battle Creek Public Schools, met Sid in his pursuit of giving computers away to youth. Sid’s persistence paved the way for their union, and the rest, “as they say,” is history!

The Choose Aerospace SkillPointe Scholarship offers $2,500 to support students pursuing aviation technician programs. Administered by the SkillPointe Foundation, this initiative aims to bridge the skills gap in the aviation maintenance field. With twenty scholarships available, eligible applicants must be planning to attend or currently enrolled in an aviation technical program. Priority consideration may be given to students attending ATEC member institutions, making this a vital opportunity for aspiring aviation professionals.

The EPSCoR Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology initiative, led by the National Science Foundation, aims to enhance the research capabilities of EPSCoR jurisdictions. By fostering STEM capacity and promoting geographic diversity, this program invites proposals that align with its goals. The focus is on strengthening local research infrastructure and talent development to boost competitiveness in science and technology fields across the nation.

The Pakideh/Khaghany Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Monroe County, supports local seniors pursuing degrees in science-related fields. This initiative aims to foster educational growth and career readiness, ensuring that Monroe County students have access to the resources they need to succeed in their academic journeys. With a commitment to community development, the scholarship highlights the foundation's dedication to enhancing educational opportunities for future generations.

The Kaufman Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in the Detroit metro area, focusing on areas such as arts, education, human services, religion, and science. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. Individuals cannot apply for funding. This grant aims to enhance community welfare and cultural development through financial assistance to deserving projects.