Best Ottawa County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

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.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Ottawa County, Michigan can apply for Consumers Energy Foundation’s Prosperity grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $50,000 for capital projects, programs, or operations. Eligible projects should strengthen Michigan’s economy through neighborhood revitalization, job growth, entrepreneurship, arts and culture, or other community development efforts benefiting communities served by Consumers Energy.

Assisting Our Neighbors In Need

We are investing in what’s most important to Michigan – its people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. We award grants for capital funding and innovative projects and campaigns that align with our priorities for each.

Grant seekers are encouraged to review our priorities and ensure projects/programs align with the outcomes we seek. Metrics related to outcomes will be requested within the grant application.

What type of projects does the Consumers Energy Foundation fund?

The Consumers Energy Foundation funds capital projects and provides program and operation support in alignment with our commitment to Michigan’s people, planet and prosperity. Our priorities include reducing poverty levels/ALICE numbers in Michigan by focusing on basic needs, education and workforce readiness; protecting/preserving Michigan’s land, water & air; and economic development by focusing on neighborhood revitalization, job growth, and arts and culture.

Check Your Grant Request Against These Standards: People; Planet; and Prosperity

Grant Priorities: Planet

Will your project/program protect/preserve or restore land, freshwater bodies, or air quality in Michigan?

Land, Water & Air

The Consumers Energy Foundation is dedicated to ensuring Michigan has world-class natural resources by funding programs and organizations that strengthen environmental stewardship, preserve the natural beauty of Michigan and reduce environmental impact when natural resources are used.  

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations working on community development, children and families, arts, or environmental projects in Ottawa County, Michigan may be eligible for support through the Frey Foundation Grant. Ottawa County nonprofits can access funding for program or capital expenses when projects align with the foundation’s West/Northern Michigan focus and inclusion values.

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.

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

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.

Nonprofit organizations planning community health, wellness, or outreach activities in Ottawa County, Michigan can apply for sponsorship or donation support from ATI Physical Therapy. With a mission to help those in need, ATI provides philanthropic support to elevate health and wellness awareness in the communities it serves; requests are reviewed on a first-come basis.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alexa Lindsey Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student from a public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing systemic community issues, including those in Ottawa County, Michigan, can apply for Tyson Foods’ Community Giving Grants, with awards from US $500 - US $5,000 for financial or in-kind support. Organizations must have support from a local Tyson plant, meet public support tests, and may be prioritized if serving underserved, minority, or rural communities.

The Foundation

The Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation’s purpose is to build strong, healthy communities by investing in the arts, education, and community well-being.

Our purpose is to build strong, healthy communities by investing in organizations that positively impact our culture.

Apply

The Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation receives hundreds of requests each year from worthy organizations.

Due to the high volume of requests, the foundation primarily focuses its support on partners closely aligned with our three areas of focus and largely serves the greater Grand Rapids community. Requests can be submitted at any time. They are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the process generally takes three to four months from application submission to notification.

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.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

About MEDC Community Development

MEDC's Community Development Team

The Community Development unit focuses on creating vibrant, sustainable and unique places by providing economic development services and programs to attract and retain talent in Michigan communities.The global economy has drastically shifted how municipalities and regions establish and maintain a competitive advantage. Success is determined by the ability to attract and retain the best people and ideas. These "knowledge workers" balance job opportunities with lifestyle, seeking more than just employment when deciding where to live. The concept of placemaking considers cultural and natural amenities, resources and social and professional networks.

MiPlace is a website dedicated to community development and placemaking in Michigan. Content on this site is relevant for communities, developers and individuals interested in topics ranging from redevelopment and brownfield tools to crowdfunding. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @miplacenews to find updates and latest news.information on the availability of place-based resources.

Build MI Community Grant Initiative

Program Overview & Goals

The Build MI Community Grant is an initiative designed to promote private investment in Michigan communities. Administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on behalf of the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), this tool provides access to real estate development gap financing and technical assistance for small scale, incremental redevelopment projects.

The Build MI Community Initiative has been established to re-activate underutilized or vacant space into vibrant areas by promoting capital investment into redevelopment projects being taken on by developers and property owners with limited real estate development experience and familiarizing them with the development process in order to position them to potentially undertake more complex projects in the future.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.