Best Van Buren County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The AFRL/AFOSR FY 2027 grant aims to establish a university-led Center for High-Speed Aerothermoelasticity, focusing on multidisciplinary research in fluid mechanics, thermal transport, and structural sciences. This initiative encourages collaboration among U.S. universities, including partnerships with HBCUs, to address aerothermoelasticity challenges critical to the Air Force mission. Proposals are sought from qualified teams to enhance academic research and workforce development for the Department of the Air Force.

Through the generosity of donors to the Foundation Council, MNRS is able to offer nurse researchers grant opportunities to further their work and contribute to the profession of nursing science. The Foundation and Grants Committee urges you to apply for one of the grant opportunities offered solely to MNRS members. You must remain a member of MNRS for the entire duration of the grant process.About MNRS Post-Dissertation GrantThe Midwest Nursing Research Society is pleased to offer TWO MNRS Post-Dissertation Grant of up to $2,500. The purpose of this grant is to support nurse researchers in the Midwest who have completed their doctoral degree and are in the post-doctoral phase and beyond. These grants are designed to provide funding that helps advance independent programs of research and contribute to the growth of nursing science and practice.

Funds are available to support quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies on any topic relevant to nursing science.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program offers federal funds aimed at reducing flood risks for buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program. This initiative supports states, U.S. territories, and local governments in implementing various flood mitigation activities, thereby lessening the financial burden on the NFIP. FEMA prioritizes applications that enhance multistate or regional capabilities, contributing to a safer infrastructure and community resilience against flooding.

The NIJ FY 2026 opportunity invites research proposals focused on violent crime linked to gangs and organized criminal groups, both domestically and internationally. This initiative aims to evaluate strategies that assist law enforcement in combatting these threats, including rigorous assessments of intervention methods. Projects may utilize various evaluation designs to analyze the impact of crime reduction strategies, specifically targeting violent crimes such as murder and robbery, while encouraging collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

The NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders program aims to fund rigorous evaluations of drone technology in law enforcement. The initiative seeks proposals that assess the effectiveness of drones in combating violent crime and immigration enforcement. By fostering collaboration between police agencies and researchers, the program intends to enhance the operational understanding of drones as first responders, evaluating both existing capabilities and new pilot programs.

The NIJ FY 2026 Research aims to enhance understanding of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation through scientific research. Proposals are sought in four key areas: the role of technology in fraud detection, forensic research for elder abuse investigation, evaluation of preventive programs, and the development of educational interventions against financial fraud targeting older adults. This initiative targets critical issues to improve safety and support for elderly individuals.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

About Patrick "Packy" McGaughan A popular instructor in Area II, Packy operated Banbury Cross Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland. The farm was developed into a premier training, breeding and boarding facility, specializing in eventing, dressage, hunters, and equitation. Packy produced numerous horses and riders to the highest level of the sport. He was a top instructor in Area II for both juniors, amateurs, and professionals alike and could often be found at events up and down the East Coast coaching riders of all ages and levels.

About Patrick “Packy” McGaughan Prize

Following his passing, an award in Packy McGaughan’s honor was established through the USEA Foundation. That award includes a beautiful bronze trophy and award recipients will be recognized at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, and a $5,000 award given annually to a USEA member who demonstrates a love of the sport similar to Packy. 

About Henry Luce FoundationThe Henry Luce Foundation was formed in 1936 by Henry R. Luce, the founder of Fortune, Life, and Sports Illustrated magazines co-founder of Time magazine. Our mission then and now is to empower and transform people, communities, and institutions by boosting access to knowledge and forward-thinking ideas. We envision a world in which diverse people and communities thrive— determining their own best futures and working together in pursuit of knowledge and shared understanding.American Art Program : Loan Exhibition GrantsOnce a year, the American Art Program invites institutions to seek funding for special exhibitions. These are scholarly projects that involve significant loans from multiple institutional and private collections and make new contributions to the field through research, interpretation, and publication.We’re Looking For

• Innovation and Rigor: in ideas, approach, research, and content
• Engagement/Collaboration/Partnerships: among colleagues, communities, institutions, and audiences 
• Impact: for the field of American art, for audiences, for communities

About Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)The Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.About MNRS Seed Research GrantThe Midwest Nursing Research Society is pleased to offer one Seed Grant of up to $5,000. The purpose of this grant is to support researchers in the Midwest that advance nursing science and practice. Funds are available for quantitative and qualitative research on any topic relevant to nursing science. This funding is available to all MNRS nursing researchers, regardless of prior funding history or time from dissertation. All applicants MUST be current active members of MNRS to be eligible for this grant.

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

MDOT is responsible for Michigan’s nearly 10,000-mile state highway system, comprised of all M, I, and US-routes. It is the backbone of Michigan’s 122,000-mile highway, road and street network. The state owns over 4,800 highway, railroad and pedestrian bridges, 665 miles of railroad track, roughly 2,700 miles of non-motorized trails, and three airports. Additionally, MDOT administers state and federal transportation programs for aviation, intercity passenger services, rail freight and local public transit services.

Mission: Serving and connecting people, communities, and the economy through transportation. Vision: To provide people with a safe, future-driven, interconnected multimodal transportation network that ensures equitable options.

Transportation Economic Development Fund Category A

The goal of Category A (Economic Development Road Projects) is to promote increased economic potential and improve the quality of life through the support of job creation and retention in Michigan. Category A provides funding for transportation projects that:

• Improve the network of highway services essential to economic competitiveness.
• Improve accessibility to target industries as a catalyst for economic growth.
• Support private initiatives that create or retain jobs.
• Encourage economic development and redevelopment efforts that improve the health, safety, and welfare of Michigan residents. 

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)

MDOT is responsible for Michigan’s nearly 10,000-mile state highway system, comprised of all M, I, and US-routes. It is the backbone of Michigan’s 122,000-mile highway, road and street network. The state owns over 4,800 highway, railroad and pedestrian bridges, 665 miles of railroad track, roughly 2,700 miles of non-motorized trails, and three airports. Additionally, MDOT administers state and federal transportation programs for aviation, intercity passenger services, rail freight and local public transit services.

Mission: Serving and connecting people, communities, and the economy through transportation. Vision: To provide people with a safe, future-driven, interconnected multimodal transportation network that ensures equitable options.

Transportation Economic Development Fund Category F

The goal of Category F (Cities in rural counties) is to provide system continuity with the secondary all-season road system. Category F provides funding for transportation projects that:

• Improve access to the state all-season system.
• Improve safety and all-season capabilities on routes having high commercial traffic.
• Are coordinated with the secondary all-season system (TEDF Category D) or provide all-season routes within an urban area.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

The MEDC is a public-private partnership that serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, equitable job growth, and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. Our mission is to achieve long-term economic prosperity for Michiganders through the Make It in Michigan economic development strategy by attracting and developing people, cultivating and revitalizing places, and competing for and winning projects of all sizes.

Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP)

Program Description

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in conjunction with Detroit-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity, and in partnership with the Michigan Municipal League, has developed Public Spaces Community Places, a creative placemaking and funding program.

Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) is a grant match program that utilizes donation-based crowdfunding to generate public interest and funding to revitalize or create public spaces. By utilizing web-based donations, projects are accessible to anyone willing to donate in real-time. This model we call crowdgranting engages the public as each person plays a part in achieving place-based improvements and instills community pride as residents become invested in their surroundings.

About AOTF

For over 60 years, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation has been the premier catalyst for occupational therapy research, transforming how people with disabilities and health challenges participate in meaningful daily activities.

Established in 1965, AOTF is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable, scientific, and educational organization. We serve as the premier resource for occupational therapy research and scholarship, working alongside researchers, educators, practitioners, community partners, and students to build evidence-based practice that improves lives.

As the only foundation dedicated exclusively to advancing occupational therapy science, we bridge the critical gap between innovative research and real-world practice. Our work ensures that occupational therapy interventions are grounded in rigorous scientific evidence, ultimately improving outcomes for millions of people worldwide.

Mary J. Bridle First Research Award

The Mary J. Bridle First Research Award fosters scholarship and encourages first research efforts within the occupational therapy community. This Pi Theta Epsilon member-exclusive award supports students, young practitioners, and recent graduates conducting their initial formal research projects, helping to build the foundation for lifelong scholarly contributions to the field.

Award Purpose

The Mary J. Bridle Award provides an opportunity for Pi Theta Epsilon members to:

• Have their research manuscript reviewed by experts in the field
• Be considered for publication in OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research
• Receive recognition and financial support for their first research effort
• Build confidence and experience as emerging OT researchers
• This award supports Pi Theta Epsilon’s mission to promote research and scholarly activities within the field of occupational therapy.

About

Our programs and activities improve the quality of everyday life for people and families with autism along seven key dimensions that are critical to living each day fully.

We aim to provide a path for education and/or employment during the day; opportunities for physical and social activity outside of work/school; and the tools to be safe, supported, and informed at all times.

Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant

Kodi Lee Creates "Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant" in Partnership with Flutie Foundation

We are proud to join forces with our good friend and winner of America's Got Talent, Kodi Lee, for the "Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant!" Thanks to Kodi's leadership, the Flutie Foundation can provide grants to autism self-advocates 15 years of age and older in pursuit of music-related classes, scholarships, therapies, music equipment, and more. Together, through the Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant, Kodi and the Flutie Foundation will help more people with autism pursue their musical dreams and passions, like Kodi!

Apply for a Music Scholarship

Together with the legendary performer and autism self-advocate Kodi Lee, the Flutie Foundation is thrilled to provide the collaborative Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant. This is a unique opportunity for autistic teens and young adults to elevate their music dreams.

Are you an aspiring musician looking to take your talent to the next level? 

This grant supports autistic people of all musical backgrounds and ability levels. Whether you are just getting started, or looking to build a career in music, you can apply to receive a scholarship to invest in your music journey.

Kodi's leadership in the autism community is paving the way for more representation of people with autism to access music opportunities. This grant will cover a wide range of music-related opportunities, including:

• Workshops or music master classes
• Voice coaching or instrument lessons (introductory or advanced)
• Studio recording sessions
• Music therapy
• Music business development opportunities
• Marketing or social media support
• Connecting to performance and career business opportunities in the music industry

The FY26 DRL/IRF Global Request for Statements of Interest invites organizations to submit proposals aimed at promoting religious freedom. This global competition allows for up to five statements of interest from each organization, focusing on addressing restrictions on religious freedom aligned with U.S. foreign policy. Programs funded will support the principles established by the International Religious Freedom Act and Executive Order 13926, emphasizing religious freedom as a moral and national security imperative.

The University Centers for Developmental Disabilities program, funded by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, aims to support entities designated as University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service. These centers will receive grants for five years to enhance education, research, and community services, addressing critical areas such as health, employment, and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is funding a three-year cooperative agreement to enhance the Direct Care Workforce Strategies Center. This initiative focuses on addressing the critical shortage and high turnover rates among direct care workers. By bolstering this workforce, ACL aims to ensure older adults, individuals with disabilities, and family caregivers can live, work, and engage fully in their communities, thereby improving overall quality of life.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants aim to support eligible entities in assessing and planning the cleanup of brownfield sites. This funding opportunity is targeted at government organizations, federally recognized tribes, and nonprofit organizations, allowing for a collaborative approach through Assessment Coalition Grants. The lead entity can request up to $1,000,000 to assess sites, with individual site costs capped at $200,000, promoting effective resource allocation and community engagement.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants offer funding for eligible entities, including government organizations and nonprofits, to prevent, inventory, assess, and plan the cleanup of brownfield sites. This grant supports community involvement, site assessments, and the development of reuse plans, ensuring that communities can effectively address their brownfield challenges. It is essential for applicants to note that funds cannot be allocated for cleanup activities, focusing instead on assessment and planning.

The U.S. Geological Survey's Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center is providing a funding opportunity for research into seabed mineral formation through a cooperative agreement with the California Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of ocean processes and inform resource management strategies. It fosters collaboration and expertise sharing among CESU partners, ensuring timely and relevant scientific contributions to address submarine geohazards and mineral enrichment.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) invites applications for its Endowments for Advancing the Humanities program. This initiative aims to enhance the financial stability of organizations dedicated to humanities education and research. It supports projects exploring Western civilization, significant literary works, civic education, and cultural literacy. Grants combine NEH matching funds with private donations, fostering long-term investment in the humanities across educational institutions. Detailed application guidelines are provided in the accompanying Notice of Funding Opportunity.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants invite eligible entities, including states, tribes, and Alaska Native corporations, to apply for funding aimed at assessing and planning the cleanup of brownfield sites. The grants support activities such as site assessments, community involvement, and developing reuse plans. However, state and tribal universities are not eligible for these specific grants. This initiative by the EPA is crucial for promoting environmental health and revitalizing impacted communities.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Cleanup Grants provide essential funding for eligible entities, including government organizations and nonprofits, to conduct cleanup activities at brownfield sites. The program aims to revitalize these properties, addressing environmental contamination and health disparities while fostering community engagement and economic development. Applicants are limited to one grant application per competition cycle, ensuring focused and effective use of resources to enhance local environments and economies.

About Us

We endeavor to help individuals reach their full potential, families to thrive and communities to flourish through grants to a range of charitable organizations. To these ends, our grantmaking is framed by two potentially contrasting convictions: that tradition is an important resource and that fundamental rethinking often is necessary to respond effectively to new challenges and circumstances. These convictions arise from the encouragement J.K. Lilly, Sr. gave to his sons to be conservatively progressive. That philosophy was evident in their leadership of their company and the establishment and administration of the Endowment.

LE Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative

Lilly Endowment is pleased to announce its Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative (Serving Neighbors). This initiative has two complementary aims: 1) to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families by encouraging stronger collaborations in local communities between Christian congregations and charitable organizations (e.g., human and social service agencies, youth-serving organizations, arts and cultural organizations, neighborhood associations, and parks and outdoor recreational organizations, among others) that utilize their respective strengths to jointly undertake efforts that address community needs and priorities and 2) to deepen the faith of individuals and enhance the vitality of congregations by providing opportunities for Christians to practice their faith through acts of love and care for their neighbors.

Through Serving Neighbors, the Endowment anticipates awarding grants of up to $5 million each to approximately 60 charitable organizations to develop and implement programs that advance the aims stated above and the following four objectives:

Helping Christian congregations identify and explore compelling human and social needs and priorities in their neighborhoods and local communities (e.g., hunger relief, after-school and educational enrichments programs, violence reduction, homelessness, outdoor recreational opportunities, community building festivals).

Assisting these congregations in building relationships with community organizations and, when appropriate, other faith-based organizations focused on those needs and priorities.

Guiding leaders from these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities through a planning process to help them develop new and/or strengthen current collaborative joint endeavors that address the identified community needs or priorities.

Providing support and resources to help these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities launch and, if successful, sustain these collaborations into the future.

Funding Opportunities 

Lilly Endowment will conduct Serving Neighbors through a two-stage process.

Concept Papers: In the first stage, interested charitable organizations may submit concept papers that explain their interest in the initiative and provide initial descriptions of potential Serving Neighbors programs that would advance the initiative’s aims and objectives.

The Endowment will review the concept papers and anticipates providing planning grants of up to $50,000 each to approximately 60 organizations that submit the most promising descriptions of potential collaborative programs. Selected organizations may use their planning grants to develop their concepts and prepare proposals for implementation grants.

Concept papers must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Concept Paper Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Concept papers are due by January 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates notifying organizations of planning grant awards by the end of March 2027.

Implementation Grant Proposals: In the second stage, selected charitable organizations that receive planning grants may submit proposals for implementation grants of up to $5 million each that may be used for up to a four-year period to execute their plans.

Implementation grant proposals must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Implementation Grant Proposal Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Implementation grant proposals are due by July 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates announcing implementation grant awards by the end of November 2027. Guidelines for preparing an implementation grant proposal will be provided with notice of approval of a planning grant.