Best Oceana County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of scholarships designated to benefit a graduating senior from Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). 

Traverse City Administrators’ Association Scholarship Fund (Central, West, TC High)

Available to a worthy senior who is pursuing a career in education.

One scholarship is awarded annually at each Central, West, and Traverse City High School.

The Northwest Michigan Osteopathic Scholarship, provided by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine students who are in good standing and have ties to rural Northern Michigan. Established in 1992, the foundation is dedicated to fostering positive change in the region by supporting local causes like education, health services, and community development.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Traverse City Tourism Hospitality Scholarship Fund (Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties)

Available to graduating high school seniors from Benzie or Grand Traverse Counties, or current NMC students pursuing degrees, industry certifications, or careers in hospitality or tourism-related studies. Preference given to those who are active in school and extracurricular activities, who have demonstrated community responsibility through volunteer efforts, and who have held jobs in the hospitality industry and are excited to continue. Financial need will be considered.

The Tompkins Scholarship Endowment supports graduates from Traverse City Area Public Schools, emphasizing academic achievement over financial need. Established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities for local students attending public, in-state colleges or universities. The foundation, active since 1992, works to enhance the community by providing significant, potentially renewable scholarships, reflecting its commitment to positive change across the Grand Traverse region.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Community Partner Scholarships

In addition to Community Foundation scholarships, college-going and college-bound students may be eligible for scholarship opportunities available across the region from our community partners.

Kurt Gamelin STEM Scholarship

Community Partner: Cone Drive, Traverse City, Michigan

The Kurt Gamelin STEM Scholarship celebrates the vision and dedication of our recently retired President, Kurt Gamelin. Throughout his career, Kurt championed STEM education and believed strongly in investing in the next generation of problem solvers and innovators. At Cone Drive, STEM is at the core of what we do every day, driving the engineering, innovation, and precision manufacturing that have defined our company for over 100 years.

Each year, one student will receive a $5,000 scholarship to pursue a college degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, continuing Kurt’s commitment to opportunity, growth, and excellence.

The National Writers Series Scholarships, offered by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, support aspiring writers in 11th and 12th grades from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties. Eligible applicants must submit an online application along with a manuscript in one of the following genres: Fiction, Nonfiction, Journalism, or Poetry. This initiative encourages local youth to showcase their creativity and talent in writing, fostering a love for literature and expression.

• Innovative: An approach that brings fresh thinking, tools, or models to homeownership in ways that challenge the status quo and demonstrate a disruptive, future-oriented vision with potential to inspire or shift broader field practice.
• Impactful: A solution with meaningful potential to expand homeownership through knowledge and action, featuring clear and measurable progress indicators that demonstrate capacity to shift trajectories for low- and moderate-income households.
• Bridge-Building: An initiative that effectively connects and unifies a wide range of stakeholders, fostering meaningful collaboration across sectors or perspectives. The strongest submissions will reflect strong community partnerships across the housing ecosystem.
• Durable: A sustainable pathway that addresses root causes of homeownership barriers rather than just symptoms, with compelling evidence of potential to elicit robust support from broad private, philanthropic, and public funding sources over time.

The Home Builders' Association of the GT Area Scholarship, offered by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports residents from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau Counties. This scholarship targets individuals pursuing education in the home building industry. Applicants must provide a letter of reference from a member of the Home Builders Association, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate community involvement or leadership.

The Ernest B. Isaacsen Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to graduating seniors from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties. Eligible students must plan to attend institutions such as Northwestern Michigan College, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, or Wayne State University and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to support local youth in achieving their academic goals.

The Johnson & Johnson Scholarship offers $5,000 merit-based scholarships to New Jersey residents pursuing degrees in nursing or health sciences. Applicants must be juniors or seniors enrolled at accredited UNCF Member Institutions or other four-year institutions, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative supports the mission of UNCF, which has raised over $6 billion to help minority students thrive in higher education, advocating for the importance of education and community engagement.

The Jim and Fran Foss Scholarship, administered by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Sioux Falls public high schools. This scholarship encourages students who plan to attend accredited four-year colleges or universities, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. With over 70 scholarships awarded annually, it aims to empower local students to achieve their educational aspirations and contribute positively to the community.

Thome Aging Well Grant Program

As communities navigate rapid shifts in resources, rising housing and living costs, and other emerging challenges, this final round of Thome Aging Well funding aims to assist organizations that are supporting older adults through these uncertain times. These flexible, one-year grants are designed to bolster housing-based programs, services, and supports that safeguard the health, stability, and well-being of older adults during this moment of change.

Award

• Up to $200,000

This funding opportunity aims to provide flexible support to affordable housing organizations and past Enterprise Thome Aging Well grantees to respond to the urgent or emerging needs of their residents or clients with effective solutions. Eligible organizations must serve older adults (aged 55 and older) with lower incomes living in Michigan and Maryland.

Grants will have a one-year period of performance.

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. American Legion, Blake Blackston Post #77 ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from high schools in Talbot County

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds. The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The Canton Professional Educators' Scholarships FundThe Canton Professional Educators’ Scholarships Fund was established to assist high school graduates enrolled in an academic plan (college/university, 2-year vocational, technical or advanced study). Applicants must be the natural or adopted child of a CPEA member, must have achieved a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or above, and college students must be “a student in good standing.”Renewable scholarship: No

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.Aaron Seesan Memorial Scholarship FundThe Aaron Seesan Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduating seniors from Massillon Washington High School or Stark County high schools who have been accepted by or will attend a two-year or four-year college/university, a post-high school technical education program, or nursing school. Criteria is based on: 3.0 minimum GPA, demonstration of outstanding involvement in extracurricular school activities, and community service activities outside of school. Personal interview required.Renewable Scholarship: No

Rapid Response Grants 

Emergency funding after mass tragedies.

In the wake of tragic mass events, such as shooting, speed matters. Our Rapid Response Grants provide expedited funding to victims and their families when time is of the essence. These grants ensure that families aren’t left waiting for critical support when they need it most.

• Awarded swiftly after mass casualty events
• Designed to provide urgent, compassionate support in crisis situations

Hope Grant Program

Direct support for individuals and families.

The Hope Grant program offers one-time, expedited financial assistance to individuals and families impacted by a heinous or violent crime within the last 12–18 months. Hope Grants are designed to meet urgent and emergency needs, helping victims begin to rebuild their lives after unimaginable loss.

• Grants provide practical, immediate financial relief in the wake of tragedy.
• Available for victims of crimes such as homicide, rape, trafficking, and violent crimes against children.

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The Canton Advertising Federation Endowment for Creative Enrichment FundThe Canton Advertising Federation Endowment for Creative Enrichment Fund assists graduating high school seniors or current college students majoring in advertising, graphic design, communication or related fields. Applicants must reside in Stark County.Renewable Scholarship: Yes

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.Adrienne O’Neill Scholarship FundThe Adrienne O’Neill Scholarship Fund was established to assist students who are the first generation in their family to attend college. Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, demonstrate financial need and intend to utilize this scholarship as the “last dollars” after all aid/scholarships have been awarded.Renewable Scholarship: Yes

The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Giving Circle for the Advancement of Women (GCAW) Award

Provide career development opportunities for women in interventional radiology. GCAW is dedicated to engaging all generations of women in interventional radiology through the power of community philanthropy.

Our Story

Since 1963 when Stark Community Foundation was formed, hundreds of thousands of people’s lives have been changed through the power of philanthropy.

Over the years, the role of the Foundation has grown from a simple grantmaker to a community leader seeking long-term solutions to diverse community challenges.

The Virginia C. Jack and Ralph L. Jack Scholarship Fund

The Virginia C. Jack and Ralph L. Jack Scholarship Fund was established to assist students who are residents of Stark County; admitted to technical school, college or university, or school of nursing (full or part-time); traditional or non-traditional students accepted. Applicants must have attained a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and demonstrate financial need.

The Coordinating Agricultural Development & Innovation (CADI) initiative fosters trade growth in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia by removing barriers to U.S. agricultural exports. Funded by the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, CADI aims to inject over $622 million into the U.S. economy while preventing potential losses exceeding $50 billion. The awardee will conduct essential research and provide actionable recommendations to support U.S. farmers and enhance trade relationships, ensuring a prosperous agricultural sector.

The Bureau of Land Management's Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) aims to enhance the native seed supply chain, crucial for restoring resilient public lands. By collaborating with various partners, PCRP seeks to improve rangeland health, restore wildlife habitats, and create job opportunities. In 2026, the focus will be on local seed collections, supporting farmers entering the native seed market, and developing innovative technologies to ensure effective restoration outcomes and ecological resilience.

The Rural Decentralized Water System Grant Program aims to assist low to moderate-income individuals in financing household water wells and decentralized wastewater systems. This program provides grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to create a revolving fund for loans and sub-grants. Funds can be utilized for constructing, refurbishing, or replacing water well and wastewater systems, ensuring safe and efficient water management for rural communities.

The DOJ's FY 2026 BIDEN Program aims to address immigration-related challenges by providing funding to eligible state and local governments. This initiative focuses on enhancing law enforcement's capacity to apprehend criminal aliens, investigate gang activities, and manage court operations related to crimes committed by aliens. By supporting these critical efforts, the program aims to improve public safety and uphold the rule of law in communities across the nation.

The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Centers are offering supplemental funding for Special Interest Projects (SIPs) aimed at enhancing public health practices. These projects will focus on innovative health promotion and disease prevention strategies to mitigate leading health risks in the U.S. The initiative supports ten specific SIPs, including studies on cancer care, alcohol use reduction, and emergency preparedness, thereby fostering research that translates into real-world health improvements.