Best Ottawa County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

Ottawa County, Michigan nonprofits and other tax-exempt charities can access funding for ministries, health, education, arts, relief, and community service programs through the DEW Foundation. Eligible 170(c) entities, including school districts, libraries, tribes, and fiscally sponsored projects, may request support for operating expenses or major construction and expansion that directly benefits their constituents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, and educational institutions working on conservation, enhancement, or restoration projects in the Muskegon River Watershed, including Ottawa County, Michigan, can apply for US $5,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Fremont Area Community Foundation help fund environmental stewardship, freshwater conservation, and habitat restoration benefiting Newaygo County residents and surrounding areas.

The Christian Missionary Scholarship Foundation Grant supports children of missionaries who have made financial sacrifices to serve the Lord. Founded in 1992, it aids over 100 missionary kids annually in pursuing undergraduate degrees at select Christian colleges. Scholarships are renewable for four years if students maintain full-time enrollment and good academic standing. This initiative not only helps alleviate financial burdens but also honors the commitment of missionary families in their educational pursuits.

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation's grants enhance the quality of life in Northwest Ottawa County by supporting projects in arts, diversity, economic development, education, environment, and health. They prioritize initiatives that foster inclusion, cultural experiences, community betterment, and sustainability. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities, government units, and educational institutions that demonstrate alignment with these goals. The foundation aims to empower local communities and ensure equitable access to resources for all residents.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

High school students pursuing math or science degrees, including those in Ottawa County, Michigan attending Grand Valley State University, can receive scholarship support for a 4-year program. Hamilton County Community Foundation offers the R. B. Annis Scholarship to Arsenal Tech High School students with financial need, demonstrated improvement, community involvement, and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Ottawa County, Michigan 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children, youth, and families can access funding through the Keller Foundation for educational, cultural, health, environmental, and human services programs. Grants of US $2,500 - US $50,000 support initiatives like tutoring, after-school enrichment, literacy, arts exposure, school readiness, and effective parenting programs, with a preference for multi-year impact grants.

The MI Forest Legacy Grant Program, managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, aims to protect vital forest lands from conversion into non-forest uses. It promotes conservation through funding for projects like fee transactions and conservation easements, ensuring long-term stewardship and public access. Eligible projects receive up to 75% federal funding, with landowners contributing the remainder. This initiative is crucial for maintaining sustainable forests and their ecological benefits.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Kamps-Hope College Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dr. Dick and Lynn Kamps, who established the Kamps Hope College Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Dick and Lynn Kamps, wanting to do something that would support both their community and Hope College, their alma mater, established the Kamps-Hope College Scholarship Fund. The Fund will provide scholarship assistance for students who desire to attend Hope College and meet the qualifications but would not be able to do so for financial reasons.

The DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grants, supported by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, aim to enhance tree planting efforts across public lands within DTE Energy's service area. This initiative encourages local governments, schools, and nonprofits to engage in sustainable tree planting projects to foster environmental stewardship and community revitalization. By focusing on properly planted and maintained trees, the program seeks to protect natural resources and promote a greener future for all.

Aschbrenner-Spencer Music Scholarship

Graduating senior from Black River, Holland High School, Holland Christian, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, units of government, educational institutions, and churches serving Ottawa County, Michigan can seek funding for arts and culture, education, environment, health, and community betterment projects. Grand Haven Area Community Foundation provides support for collaborative, preventive, and innovative programs that enhance quality of life in Northern Ottawa County and the greater West Michigan region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, schools, and churches expanding youth programs can seek funding to benefit young people in Ottawa County, Michigan and greater West Michigan. Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s Coopersville Area Youth Grant supports innovative, preventive, and collaborative projects in areas like education, arts and culture, environment, economic betterment, and health and human services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and municipalities serving the greater Holland/Zeeland area in Ottawa County, Michigan can apply for Community Foundation of the Holland Zeeland Area’s Responsive Grants. Funding supports capital projects, new programs, and significant expansions in areas like arts, education, health, housing, environment, and human services.

Our proactive grant program funds key areas identified by community data as essential to the health and success of Holland/Zeeland.

Financial Stability for Working Families

Strengthening local families who are struggling to afford basic needs like housing and childcare, and offering career growth opportunities for future financial stability.

In considering eligible requests, CFHZ gives priority to proposals that are core to the organization’s mission, will have a lasting impact, will address inequities, and demonstrate organizational capacity to successfully implement the proposed project or program as measured by:

• Financial stability
• Leadership capacity
• Record of successful project/program delivery

Graduate students pursuing an MBA or MPA who are residents of Kent County and attending Grand Valley State University or Calvin University can apply for the Lobbestael Frederick Family Scholarship from Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Applicants with high financial need, especially students of color and those who identify as female, may benefit; Ottawa County students should confirm residency requirements.

Increasing Access to Mental Health Services

Ensuring everyone in Holland/Zeeland can access professional mental health care by helping to expand the availability of services and reducing barriers to care.

In considering eligible requests, CFHZ gives priority to proposals that are core to the organization’s mission, will have a lasting impact, will address inequities, and demonstrate organizational capacity to successfully implement the proposed project or program as measured by:

• Financial stability
• Leadership capacity
• Record of successful project/program delivery

Technical Assistance Matching Fund

This fund supports nonprofit organizations seeking to improve their internal processes, management, or services. It also helps our nonprofit partners access national opportunities to learn from others. The matching nature of the fund ensures nonprofits’ own investment in the services they are seeking while also recognizing the heavy financial lift they represent and the need for outside resources to bring access within closer reach.

Request Amounts

Category 1 – General Requests

One-time grants of up to $5,000 may be requested to help pay for outside consulting services. The dollar amount requested from the Technical Assistance Fund must be matched 1:1 by the nonprofit organization. 

Category 2 – Organizational Management System

One-time grants of up to $15,000 may be requested to help pay for outside consulting services for the development and implementation of organizational management systems such as Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), Rockefeller Habits, etc.

The dollar amount requested from the Technical Assistance Fund must be matched 1:1 by the nonprofit organization. Both requested CFHZ funding and matching funding may be used over a period of up to two years.

Category 3 – “Learning from Others” Scholarship

One-time scholarship grants of up to $2,500 for individuals (with a maximum of $5,000 per organization) may be requested to help pay for registration fees, travel, lodging, and incidentals for participation in out-of-state, national level opportunities to learn from others through conferences, convenings, fellowships, site visits, and other peer learning experiences.

The dollar amount requested from the Technical Assistance Fund must be matched 1:1 by the nonprofit organization. 

Nonprofits and local entities planning coastal resilience, restoration, or access projects in Ottawa County, Michigan can seek US $10,000 - US $100,000 to support eligible work. With a mission to protect and enhance Michigan’s coasts, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy provides funding for planning, community engagement, ecosystem restoration, stormwater solutions, and public access improvements in designated coastal counties.

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation offers a Technical Assistance Grant aimed at strengthening nonprofit organizations' internal capacities and enhancing the effectiveness of their programs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or government units serving Northwest Ottawa County or greater West Michigan. The grant supports activities that promote sustainability and impact, excluding general operating support and equipment purchases. Applications are accepted anytime, with a recommended preliminary discussion with the Foundation.

The William H. Young and Dorothy Young Mixer Field of Interest Fund, managed by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the natural beauty of the Grand Haven area. Grants support projects focused on improving public natural settings and facilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, and educational institutions serving Northwest Ottawa County and greater West Michigan, provided they address the foundation’s sustainability priorities.

Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Grant

The Perrigo Foundation is committed to empowering individuals and global communities by supporting programs and organizations that promote health, well-being, and education. We aim to prepare students and young adults for the workforce, providing accessible career pathways that inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential. The Foundation is proudly funded by Perrigo Company plc.

Mission Statement

To provide financial support to non-profit organizations that promote our commitment to enhancing the health, well-being and education of individuals and families in the communities in which Perrigo operates. 

Vision Statement

To help improve and positively impact communities by improving access to quality health services, creating educational opportunities, and supporting the needs of the under-served.

Giving Back to Our Communities

Healthcare

We are providing program stability and capacity building for key community agencies, supporting local nonprofits to improve the quality and accessibility of services, and increasing the quality of mental health services, especially for children and families. 

Education

 Education, post-secondary scholarships, and support for first-generation and low-income students primarily focused on a STEM career, advancement for STEM curriculum, and resources in the K-12 classrooms. 

Supporting the Underserved

Community engagement and well-being, ensuring access to basic human necessities such as food, housing, end-of-life support, and necessary social services.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Ottawa County, Michigan nonprofits focused on basic human needs, poverty reduction, and education can access funding through Consumers Energy Foundation; awards US $5,000 - US $50,000 for capital projects, programs, and operations. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula working on ALICE reduction, STEM, and workforce readiness may benefit.

Ottawa County, Michigan youth-serving nonprofits can access funding through the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council to support local programs and projects for young people. Grants back efforts that educate, prepare, develop, advocate for, and raise awareness of issues impacting youth in the Tri-Cities and broader West Michigan region.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Ottawa County, Michigan can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant to support early childhood education or community economic development programs. Funding can back initiatives like preschool education, educator training, affordable housing, small business support, arts and culture, or other services benefiting low- and moderate-income children, families, and neighborhoods where PNC operates.

Nurses and health ministry leaders pursuing parish nurse training or related professional development in Ottawa County, Michigan can seek funding for education costs through this scholarship program. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, the Community Foundation of the Holland Zeeland Area pays awards directly to higher education institutions or sponsoring organizations, prioritizing financial need and commitment to church-based health ministry.