Best Oakland County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation supports arts and culture initiatives in Southeast Michigan, with a focus on strengthening jazz culture and mentorship traditions. They provide funding for professional development opportunities for artists and promote audience engagement through music education. The foundation envisions a vibrant cultural landscape and is committed to making bold investments that address community needs while fostering collaboration among local organizations.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

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 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 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.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

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 J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The William G. & Myrtle Hess Charitable Trust Grant supports Catholic charitable organizations in Oakland County, MI, with a focus on Waterford and White Lake Townships. This grant emphasizes education and scientific endeavors. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code, while individuals are not permitted to apply. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare through financial assistance to deserving causes.

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 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 Women's Fund Grants by the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester aim to enhance the lives of women through support for innovative projects. Established in 2000, the fund responds to emerging community needs by providing grants to local nonprofit organizations. It encourages applications from eligible groups addressing cultural, educational, and developmental issues while promoting philanthropic efforts. Grant requests are welcome year-round, fostering collaboration between donors and community initiatives.

Impact100 Detroit provides high-impact grants of up to $100,000 to support local nonprofits in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. The program focuses on five key areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Family & Individual Support, Health & Wellness, and Revitalization & Environment. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, have a proven financial history, and demonstrate innovative approaches that address community needs and serve underserved populations.

The Clarence and Lillian Constantakis Environmental Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, supports students from specific counties pursuing undergraduate degrees in environmental science or related fields at select Michigan universities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 preferred. The scholarship aims to promote education in environmental stewardship, ensuring financial support for tuition and other educational expenses.

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 Miguel Cabrera Family Scholarship aims to support educational opportunities for high school graduates in Michigan and Florida, prioritizing those from specific counties. Each selected student receives $1,000, renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining good academic standing. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be first-generation college students or from historically underrepresented groups. This initiative is backed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, which has a rich history of philanthropy since 1984.

The Otis Smith Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, provides non-renewable scholarships of up to $3,000 for single parent mothers pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Established to honor Otis M. Smith's mother, the program aims to empower women in southeastern Michigan, particularly those demonstrating financial need and strong academic potential. Applications are open until February 12, 2025, and recipients may use funds for tuition or educational expenses.

The Robert Stempel Memorial Scholarship, established by Mrs. Patricia A. Stempel, provides financial support for students from select Detroit high schools pursuing careers in science and engineering. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and show financial need. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, ensuring that dedicated students can pursue their educational goals without financial burden. The application deadline is February 12, 2025.

The VVA Detroit Chapter #9 Descendants of Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students aged 16-30 who are direct descendants of Vietnam veterans. Scholarships of up to $3,000 for full-time and $1,500 for part-time students are available, renewable for up to four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain good academic standing, and provide documentation of their veteran lineage, including DD Form 214. Priority is given to those with ties to VVA Detroit Chapter #9.

The Winnifred Stinson Basile Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, supports business students at accredited private institutions in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need, while also providing a personal statement outlining their educational and career goals. This one-time award encourages reapplication, although it remains a competitive process with no guarantee of renewal. The scholarship aims to empower local students pursuing business careers.

The Jeptha Wade Schureman Scholarship Program, managed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, aims to support students from specific counties in Michigan. Annually, it offers up to ten scholarships of $7,500 each to eligible candidates pursuing degrees in law, nursing, medicine, or dentistry. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance. The program is open to high school seniors and college students, fostering opportunities for those who are fatherless and committed to their education.

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.

The Lula Wilson Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Pontiac and Oakland County, Michigan, focusing on education, scientific research, religious activities, civic initiatives, and health services. This grant is exclusively for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, ensuring that individuals cannot apply directly. Applications are welcomed from institutions dedicated to enhancing community welfare and promoting social good within the specified areas.

Impact 100 Oakland Grants provide up to $100,000 to nonprofits in Oakland County, focusing on Arts & Culture, Education, Family, Health & Wellness, and Environment. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, serve local residents, and demonstrate a significant impact. Applications are accepted annually, and funds must be utilized within 36 months. Grants do not cover debt reduction, individual funding, or political activities. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being and sustainability.

About the Community Foundation

Inspired Giving. Lasting Impact. Leading Change.

Since 1984, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has invested nearly $1.5 billion in people, communities and organizations to help ensure everyone in our region can thrive. We serve Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, Livingston and St. Clair counties with generous support from thousands of donors, individuals, families and businesses.

What We Do:

• Advise donors on how to make lasting impact in the region
• Build long-term assets through endowments
• Serve as a trusted convener, partner and funder in community problem-solving
• Create lasting, positive change through thoughtful philanthropy

HOPE Fund Grants

The HOPE Fund (Helping Others through Partnerships and Education) was created to strengthen organizations and projects that support LGBTQ+ individuals and families, through targeted grantmaking, projects and technical assistance.

The HOPE Fund provides grants and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations serving local LGBTQ+ communities in Southeast Michigan. The Fund will consider applications from either LGBTQ+ -specific nonprofit agencies or nonprofit agencies that have a broader mission but are meaningfully serving the LGBTQ+ community in some way.

The Detroit Arts Support Grant offers multi-year operating support to arts organizations in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, funded by the Kresge Foundation and others. Launched in 2007, it aims to strengthen the arts sector by providing unrestricted funding for day-to-day operations, fostering creative expression across diverse communities. Grant sizes range from $5,000 to $100,000 annually, with partnerships streamlining the application process for nonprofits while ensuring shared learning and effective decision-making.