Best Washtenaw County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on community transformation in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With a spend-down structure by 2035, the foundation prioritizes collaborative investments in key areas like active lifestyles, success preparation, caregiver support, and economic development. Emphasizing urgency and innovation, it seeks to create lasting impacts by fostering partnerships and supporting visionary projects that address significant community needs.

The Speckhard-Knight Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations in Jackson and Washtenaw Counties, providing essential resources for individuals to live inspired and independent lives. The foundation prioritizes existing programs but is open to considering start-ups. While funding is available, ongoing support is not guaranteed, and the initial grant must meet specific parameters. Geographic preferences include areas familiar to the Board, particularly in Michigan.

The Inclusive Arts Fund supports small to mid-sized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on arts and culture within Southeast Michigan. This highly competitive fund aims to enhance accessibility, boost organizational capacity, and drive regional economic impact across seven counties. By fostering affordable, high-quality arts experiences, the fund seeks to ensure that the arts are a vital contributor to community vitality and growth.

The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Charitable Foundation Fund empowers charitable organizations focused on enhancing the lives of children and youth in southeast Michigan. Since its establishment in 1999, it has allocated over $6.4 million to support local nonprofits. The fund prioritizes sustainability, regional impact, collaboration, and leveraging additional resources to ensure lasting benefits for the community. Applications are welcomed from 501(c)(3) organizations serving the defined region, with an emphasis on impactful, collaborative projects.

The Senior Citizens Housing of Ann Arbor (SCHAA) Grant Program, established by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, aims to support organizations and programs that assist older adults and their caregivers. For 2025, the focus will be on technology and transportation initiatives within Washtenaw County. This program reflects the foundation's commitment to community empowerment, equity, and collaboration, ensuring that all residents have access to vital resources and support.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The Glacier Hills Legacy Fund Golden Opportunities grant program, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the well-being of vulnerable older adults in Washtenaw County. By addressing pressing issues such as housing stability, food security, healthcare access, and transportation, the program seeks to reduce inequities faced by this demographic. Funding will support innovative solutions and partnerships to ensure older adults can thrive in their communities.

The James A. & Faith Knight Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Jackson and Washtenaw Counties, Michigan. The foundation values sound financial management, governance practices, and a clear mission, with a focus on gender, diversity, and outcomes. Key funding priorities include general operating support, environmental sustainability, and initiatives benefiting women and girls. Organizations are expected to demonstrate their commitment to these values during the application process, which may include site visits.

The James A. and Faith Knight Foundation Grant Program, established in 1999, focuses on enhancing community support in Jackson and Washtenaw Counties, Michigan. It prioritizes general operating support for nonprofits, aims to protect the natural world, and advocates for women and girls' empowerment. The foundation underscores the importance of sound financial practices, governance, and diversity in grantmaking, fostering trust between funders and grantees while addressing critical societal issues.

The AAACF Community Grantmaking Program aims to promote equity in education and reduce racial and economic disparities in Washtenaw County. Established in 1963, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation supports nonprofits and scholarships, focusing on literacy for marginalized youth, mental health services, and empowering programs. By engaging community-based organizations, AAACF fosters impactful partnerships to enhance the quality of life and build a sustainable future.

The AAPS Education Fund, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the educational experience for students in Ann Arbor Public Schools. With a total of $15,400 available in competitive grants, individual requests can reach up to $2,000. Projects must focus on key areas including literacy, science, the arts, mental health, and diversity. Priority is given to initiatives that benefit the entire school or involve collaboration with nonprofit partners.

The Creators of Culture Grants, initiated by CultureSource, aim to enhance access to funding for grassroots arts organizations in Southeast Michigan. Grants ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will support projects that intersect art with community wellbeing, focusing on issues like mental health and food justice. Eligible applicants include small creative organizations and returning grant recipients located in specific counties. This initiative encourages collaboration with cross-sector partners to foster a diverse and equitable arts ecosystem.

The Ann Arbor Farm & Garden Grants, supported by the Women's National Farm and Garden Association, aim to promote local gardens and environmental stewardship through financial support for nonprofits in Washtenaw County. Eligible applicants must align with the mission of AAF&G, provide volunteers for community events, and present their projects. This initiative fosters community engagement, educational opportunities, and enhances the beauty of local spaces, contributing to a strong network of environmental advocates.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Clarence and Lillian Constantakis Environmental Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, supports students from specific counties pursuing undergraduate degrees in environmental science or related fields at select Michigan universities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 preferred. The scholarship aims to promote education in environmental stewardship, ensuring financial support for tuition and other educational expenses.

The Hellen Tallman Fund, established by Helen Tallman through the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, offers educational scholarships to engineering and medical students at Wayne State University. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need. The fund honors Helen's family legacy of giving back to the community, ensuring support for students pursuing their educational goals.

The Miguel Cabrera Family Scholarship aims to support educational opportunities for high school graduates in Michigan and Florida, prioritizing those from specific counties. Each selected student receives $1,000, renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining good academic standing. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be first-generation college students or from historically underrepresented groups. This initiative is backed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, which has a rich history of philanthropy since 1984.

The Otis Smith Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, provides non-renewable scholarships of up to $3,000 for single parent mothers pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Established to honor Otis M. Smith's mother, the program aims to empower women in southeastern Michigan, particularly those demonstrating financial need and strong academic potential. Applications are open until February 12, 2025, and recipients may use funds for tuition or educational expenses.

The Robert Stempel Memorial Scholarship, established by Mrs. Patricia A. Stempel, provides financial support for students from select Detroit high schools pursuing careers in science and engineering. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and show financial need. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, ensuring that dedicated students can pursue their educational goals without financial burden. The application deadline is February 12, 2025.

The VVA Detroit Chapter #9 Descendants of Vietnam Veterans Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to students aged 16-30 who are direct descendants of Vietnam veterans. Scholarships of up to $3,000 for full-time and $1,500 for part-time students are available, renewable for up to four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain good academic standing, and provide documentation of their veteran lineage, including DD Form 214. Priority is given to those with ties to VVA Detroit Chapter #9.

The Winnifred Stinson Basile Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, supports business students at accredited private institutions in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and financial need, while also providing a personal statement outlining their educational and career goals. This one-time award encourages reapplication, although it remains a competitive process with no guarantee of renewal. The scholarship aims to empower local students pursuing business careers.

The Jeptha Wade Schureman Scholarship Program, managed by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, aims to support students from specific counties in Michigan. Annually, it offers up to ten scholarships of $7,500 each to eligible candidates pursuing degrees in law, nursing, medicine, or dentistry. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance. The program is open to high school seniors and college students, fostering opportunities for those who are fatherless and committed to their education.

The Built to Play Skatepark Grants, funded by the Tony Hawk Foundation, aim to support the creation of free, public skateparks in low-income communities across Southeast Michigan and Western New York. With grants up to $250,000, the program emphasizes community involvement, environmental sustainability, and accessibility. It prioritizes projects designed by experienced contractors that engage local skaters in leadership roles. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles and combating childhood obesity through active play.

The Arts and Culture Program, initiated by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF), aims to bolster arts and culture nonprofits in Washtenaw County through a focus on racial equity. This program supports community-driven projects that engage BIPOC groups, promote equity in arts education, and foster entrepreneurship in the arts. AAACF is dedicated to enhancing access to cultural resources for all residents, ensuring that the artistic identity of every community member is celebrated and supported.

The Dedicated Grant Program by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation will allocate over $60,000 in 2025 to support four distinct Field of Interest Funds, each aimed at improving the lives of residents in Washtenaw County. Grants are available for 501(c)(3) nonprofits focusing on areas such as education, community enhancement, veteran services, and violence prevention. This initiative emphasizes a collaborative approach to address local needs and foster community well-being.

About the Community Foundation

Inspired Giving. Lasting Impact. Leading Change.

Since 1984, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has invested nearly $1.5 billion in people, communities and organizations to help ensure everyone in our region can thrive. We serve Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, Livingston and St. Clair counties with generous support from thousands of donors, individuals, families and businesses.

What We Do:

• Advise donors on how to make lasting impact in the region
• Build long-term assets through endowments
• Serve as a trusted convener, partner and funder in community problem-solving
• Create lasting, positive change through thoughtful philanthropy

HOPE Fund Grants

The HOPE Fund (Helping Others through Partnerships and Education) was created to strengthen organizations and projects that support LGBTQ+ individuals and families, through targeted grantmaking, projects and technical assistance.

The HOPE Fund provides grants and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations serving local LGBTQ+ communities in Southeast Michigan. The Fund will consider applications from either LGBTQ+ -specific nonprofit agencies or nonprofit agencies that have a broader mission but are meaningfully serving the LGBTQ+ community in some way.