Best St. Joseph County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

This Library Services and Technology Act grant program is designed to provide libraries with the opportunity to expand services for learning and access to information and/or to develop library services that provide all users access to information. The intent is to fund one-year projects that increase access to library collections and information. 

St. Ignace Area Community Foundation: CTE Technical Scholarship

The St. Ignace Community Fund annually awards scholarships assisting students with higher education, technical training, vocational training or retraining based largely on acknowledgement of student responsibility, community service, and civic involvement. These Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors to the various accounts within the St. Ignace Area Community Fund. Some accounts specifically are awarded to recognize higher education in the areas of special education, vocational/technical careers, teaching, law enforcement, and health care.

MI Healthy Climate Challenge

The MI Healthy Climate Challenge (The Challenge) is Michigan’s boldest call to action yet—putting millions in green energy grants into the hands of Michiganders to accelerate the clean energy transition.

There has never been a more urgent time to act. To reach our climate goals, Michigan must rapidly scale renewable energy, electrification, energy storage, and efficiency efforts. The Challenge is designed to break down barriers, spark new partnerships, and launch transformative projects that deliver real impact.

These grants will fuel high-impact initiatives that cut emissions, create good-paying jobs, and unlock even greater investment in Michigan’s clean energy economy. From energy efficiency and electrification to innovative financing models, we’re seeking bold, catalytic proposals that push boundaries and deliver real solutions for communities.

Local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and more—if you’re ready to lead in the clean energy transition, Michigan is ready to invest.

The "Challenges"

Throughout the year, the MI Healthy Climate Challenge will launch a series of grant competitions to drive clean energy deployment and unlock additional investment across Michigan. 

Go Big, Go Clean is the fourth grant program of the MI Healthy Climate Challenge supporting industrial decarbonization feasibility studies that help Michigan industries evaluate practical near-term decarbonization interventions while also identifying the technologies, conditions, and support needed to achieve deeper emissions reductions over time. Funding can be used to support studies, assessments, analyses, and related planning work that support industrial decarbonization at Michigan facilities. 

The program is designed not only to inform facility-level decisions, but also to help the State of Michigan understand what will be required to accelerate decarbonization across Michigan’s industrial sectors. In addition to highlighting what is feasible today, studies should help clarify what is not yet feasible, what is missing, and what role the state and other partners can play in expediting progress towards industrial decarbonization.

About Us

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.

Michigan Certified Local Government (CLG) Program

Communities across Michigan routinely and purposefully choose to engage preservation activities because of their role in supporting community character, sense of place, economic vitality, and quality of life. From Calumet to Detroit, many of these communities have taken the next step and joined the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, thus making a formal commitment to preservation by engaging in a partnership with SHPO to plan for effective preservation strategies. Through the partnership, Michigan SHPO provides technical assistance and funding support for preservation activities in these communities.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) strives to promote better health outcomes, reduce health risks, and support stable and safe families while encouraging self-sufficiency.

Crime Victim Services Commission (CVSC) Compensation Program

The Crime Victim Services Commission (CVSC) Compensation Program may help crime victims and their families with the financial costs of crime. We may cover costs including medical and dental treatment, non-medical remedial treatment, counseling, funeral expenses, crime scene cleanup, grief counseling, residential security, relocation expenses, transportation, loss of earnings or support, and other necessary services not paid by other sources. The program is administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. 

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity 

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities.

Consultation Education and Training (CET) Grants

Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) awards Consultation Education and Training (CET) grants on an annual basis for the development and implementation of safety and health training and services to supplement CET division activities. The CET Grant Program was initiated as part of the MIOSHA effort to help ensure a safe and healthful workplace. These grants are awarded on an open competitive basis to Michigan management/employer groups, labor/employee organizations and other non-profit groups such as universities, hospitals, and service organizations.

Startup grants are seed money for newly forming volunteer monitoring groups that want to get involved in aquatic macro invertebrate and stream habitat monitoring in wadable streams using MiCorps protocols. MiCorps staff will provide training and support to the grantees. Grantees use the information provided by MiCorps to train their own volunteers who will conduct most of the data collection work. Grantees together with volunteers identify macro invertebrates, process the data and work to turn their data results into actions that improve and protect water quality and stream habitat.

The Child Protection Compact Annual Program Statement invites proposals aimed at combating child trafficking through collaborative efforts between the United States and other countries. This initiative focuses on enhancing the capacity to prosecute traffickers, providing care for victims, and implementing preventive measures. Organizations interested in applying must align with the objectives of the CPC to ensure comprehensive support and effective intervention against all forms of child trafficking.

The TIP Office of the US Department of State invites applications for projects aimed at combating human trafficking, adhering to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. This initiative prioritizes prosecuting traffickers, protecting victims, and preventing trafficking through strategies outlined in the National Security Strategy, executive orders, and the annual Trafficking in Persons Report, while aligning with America First Foreign Policy priorities.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. The intent is to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies.

Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program

A total of $75,000 is available across three grant types for volunteer benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring and habitat assessment in wadeable streams and rivers. Benthic invertebrates are small, bottom-dwelling aquatic animals such as larval insects, snails, worms, and beetles. Local units of government, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply for the following:

• Startup grants
• Implementation grants
• Maintenance grants

Maintenance Grants

These grants are for groups who are already monitoring with MiCorps procedures. Funds can pay for staff time, equipment, and travel to MiCorps trainings and conferences, are a maximum of $3,000, and last for eight months.  

Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program

A total of $75,000 is available across three grant types for volunteer benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring and habitat assessment in wadeable streams and rivers. Benthic invertebrates are small, bottom-dwelling aquatic animals such as larval insects, snails, worms, and beetles. Local units of government, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply for the following:

• Startup grants
• Implementation grants
• Maintenance grants

Implementation Grants

These funds support volunteer training and macroinvertebrate data collection for the purpose of assessing water quality that help state and local efforts to protect and manage water resources. Grants may be used to fund a monitoring coordinator and/or purchase water quality monitoring supplies. There is a maximum dollar amount of $20,000 per grant award for two-year projects under this funding area.

Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a competitive grant program for projects such as bike paths, pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements, and preservation of historic transportation facilities that enhance Michigan’s intermodal transportation system and provide safe alternative transportation options. These investments support place-based economic development by offering transportation choices, promoting walkability, and improving quality of life. The program uses federal transportation funds designated by Congress for these types of activities.

Approximately $43 million is available annually:

• $29 million administered statewide by MDOT (Statewide TAP)
• $14 million administered by Metropolitan Planning Organizations in large urban areas

Competitive project types

• Pedestrian‑safety‑focused streetscapes
• Safe Routes to School initiatives
• Pedestrian and bicyclist improvements for transit systems
• Regional trail development
• Local-regional trail connections
• Historic transportation facility preservation

What's most competitive?

• Ideas that originate from local residents and businesses
• Robust community engagement
• High likelihood of being constructed on schedule

Project requirements

• A minimum 20% local cash match
• Compliance with federal and state standards
• Completion of planning, environmental review, and other readiness steps

The DOW Combat Readiness – Medical Research Program's FY26 Translational Research Award supports innovative research aimed at improving trauma care outcomes. This program emphasizes hypothesis-driven studies that can transition promising technologies into practical solutions for enhancing casualty survivability. Applicants must provide preliminary data and utilize validated animal models, with a focus on projects that meet a minimum technology readiness level of 4, ensuring a mature translational research effort.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is funding research to enhance drug susceptibility testing (DST) for mycobacteria. This initiative aims to improve testing for tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, which are on the rise. Current methods are slow and ineffective against drug-resistant strains, making rapid DSTs essential for effective treatment and reducing transmission rates. Innovative approaches, including rapid genotypic and phenotypic methods, will be supported to address these challenges.

The Childhood Asthma in Urban Settings Clinical Research Network (CAUSE) aims to enhance asthma prevention and treatment in economically disadvantaged pediatric populations. Funded by the NIH, CAUSE supports multi-site clinical studies to identify innovative strategies and treatment targets for asthma. Utilizing systems biology, the network seeks to discover specific disease endotypes suitable for new therapeutic approaches, addressing the high burden of asthma in urban settings.

The BRAIN Initiative seeks to develop innovative tools and approaches for neuroscience research, focusing on cell-specific and circuit-specific processes within the central nervous system. This initiative encourages projects that enhance our understanding of brain architecture and function through novel technologies for characterizing neural components and advancing methods for recording and modulating neural activity. Applications are invited to address significant challenges and promote transformative breakthroughs in neuroscience.

The National Institute of Mental Health is inviting research applications for the AIDS Research Center program, which includes Developmental Centers and full Research Centers. This initiative aims to enhance interdisciplinary HIV/AIDS research through collaboration and innovative approaches across various scientific domains. The program emphasizes alignment with national strategies and encourages applications from teams skilled in fostering partnerships with diverse stakeholders. Although applications are currently not being solicited, this notice allows potential applicants time to prepare strong proposals.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is advancing research on immune tolerance through its Collaborative Network. This program aims to clarify the mechanisms of immune tolerance and develop interventions for related diseases, including transplant rejection and autoimmune disorders. Key objectives include conducting clinical trials on tolerogenic strategies and refining immune assays. This initiative is supported by regulations under the Public Health Service Act, ensuring a structured approach to improving patient outcomes.

The Clinical Data, Safety and Statistical Centers (CDSSC) program, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), aims to enhance clinical research through comprehensive support. This includes statistical analysis, protocol development, and oversight of safety monitoring in studies related to asthma, autoimmune diseases, and transplantation. By coordinating these efforts, the program seeks to facilitate impactful research outcomes and improve public health outcomes through informed data-driven decisions.

About McElhattan Foundation

Founded in 2017 following the sale of Industrial Scientific Corporation, McElhattan Foundation invites bold ideas that advance the goals of its four program areas, including Ending Death on the Job.

Zero Electrocution Challenge

Despite decades of regulations, training, and personal protective equipment, workers continue to die from electrical contact every year.

McElhattan Foundation’s Zero Electrocution Challenge seeks breakthrough solutions that present pathways to eliminate life-threatening tasks that lead to fatal electrocution on the job by the year 2050, while increasing enterprise profitability and productivity. This is the inaugural ZERO 2050 challenge, awarding two Winners up to $1 million each.

The FY27 Communications and Networking Applied Research program aims to advance technologies essential for Naval operations. This initiative aligns with the Design for Maritime Superiority, focusing on the Naval Tactical Grid (NTG) to ensure seamless connectivity among distributed units. The technologies developed will operate under challenging conditions across multiple domains, enhancing command and control capabilities for effective decision-making in maritime and other operational theaters.

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) aims to combat discriminatory housing practices through funding provided to various organizations. Established by Congress in 1988 and made permanent in 1992, FHIP supports entities that educate the public and enforce fair housing rights. The program offers competitive grants across four initiatives, including the Private Enforcement Initiative, which enables national non-profit organizations to investigate violations and uphold fair housing laws effectively.

About Us

Wisconsin Sea Grant is a statewide program of basic and applied research, education, outreach and technology transfer dedicated to the stewardship and sustainable use of the nation’s Great Lakes and ocean resources.

Headquartered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the institute is housed in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research’s Aquatic Sciences Center. (See our Water and Land Acknowledgement.) Wisconsin Sea Grant is part of a national network of 34 university-based programs funded through the National Sea Grant College Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce and through matching contributions from participating states and the private sector. 

John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship

The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant College Program is accepting applications from graduate students statewide for the National Sea Grant College Program’s John A. Knauss Marine (and Great Lakes) Policy Fellowship Program. The program, established in 1979, provides a unique educational experience to applicants who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The program matches highly qualified graduate students with “hosts” in the legislative and executive branch of government located in the Washington, D.C. area, for a one year paid internship. Placement opportunities are numerous and very diverse and have typically included offices within Congress, the Executive Office of the President, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Departments of State, Treasury, Transportation, and Energy, in addition to others. Applicants from a variety of backgrounds including natural and social sciences, law, engineering, and communications can be competitive for this fellowship. Fellowships begin June 1, 2027.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) aims to enhance broadband access and adoption on Tribal lands, supporting initiatives for remote learning, telework, and telehealth. Administered by NTIA, this program provides vital funding to eligible entities under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This funding is crucial for fostering digital inclusion and improving connectivity in underserved Tribal communities.

The Native Entities Grant Program, initiated by NTIA under the Digital Equity Act of 2021, aims to support Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations. This program streamlines funding through a unified application for two significant initiatives: the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant. By focusing on reducing administrative burdens, it enhances access to digital resources and equity in underserved communities.

The DoW Bone Marrow Failure Idea Development Award supports innovative, high-impact research aimed at understanding and curing bone marrow failure diseases. This grant is available to both Established Investigators and Early-Career Investigators, with no preliminary data required for applications. Reviewers assess proposals based on specific criteria tailored to the investigator's career stage. The focus is on achieving interpretable results that contribute significantly to the field.