Best Washtenaw County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR) offers the Student Travel Award to support students attending the SSAR meeting. Ten awards of $500 each are available to eligible students who are SSAR members, first authors of presentations, and have not previously received the award. Applicants must submit a letter from their advisor and an abstract. Winners are randomly selected and must volunteer during the event.

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: Prosperity

Will your project/program contribute to Michigan’s economy by creating safe, desirable neighborhoods, supporting job growth and entrepreneurs, or attracting visitors?

Growing Our Local Economy and Resources

The Consumers Energy Foundation is dedicated to ensuring Michigan businesses and communities are growing and have world-class cultural resources. We’re deeply involved in community development efforts across the state. We award grants supporting our economic development priority to improve the welfare of whole communities, with a focus on funding projects with long-term benefits on Michigan’s economy. 

The KeyBank Foundation offers Community Sponsorships to support local organizations in their fundraising efforts. These sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund events or provide general operating support. Applications are accepted from January to October, with a decision made within 90 days. Eligible nonprofits must serve areas where KeyBank operates and adhere to strict ineligibility criteria, including no support for individuals or organizations that discriminate based on various identities.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Thomas R. Shaw Scholarship Fund

It is with great pride and a deep sense of humility that the Shaw family presents this scholarship in honor of Thomas R. Shaw. Thomas R. Shaw was a lifelong Battle Creek resident and a third generation funeral director. He was born April 2, 1935 in Battle Creek and remained dedicated to his community his entire life. He was an active civic and professional leader, a devoted family man and supporter of education and youth. He attended the University of Michigan and graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Mortuary Science. This scholarship aims to support greater Battle Creek and Bellevue area student obtain higher education at Wayne State University, Central Michigan University, or the University of Michigan. Thomas R. Shaw was a lifelong Battle Creek resident and a third generation funeral director. He was born April 2, 1935 in Battle Creek and remained dedicated to his community his entire life. He was an active civic and professional leader, a devoted family man and supporter of education and youth. He attended the University of Michigan and graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Mortuary Science. 

The Carl Gans Travelling Fellowship, established by the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR), supports graduate students and postdoctoral researchers attending herpetological meetings. In 2026, this fellowship will cover travel expenses for selected fellows, prioritizing those in greatest need and from underrepresented groups. Awards will be available for up to 24 recipients, with funding varying based on geographic location, aiming to enhance global participation in herpetology research.

The AAACF Community Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, provides vital financial support to eligible students in Washtenaw County. This scholarship aims to assist Pell Grant-eligible students, youth of color, and first-generation college graduates who are recent high school graduates. With a minimum GPA of 2.0, recipients can pursue their post-secondary education and contribute positively to their communities. Over $650,000 was awarded in 2025 across various scholarship funds.

The Consumers Energy Foundation Grant aims to assist Michigan communities by funding innovative projects that enhance people's lives, protect the environment, and promote economic prosperity. Eligible applicants must align their initiatives with the foundation's focus areas, which include reducing poverty, environmental preservation, and economic development. Notably, the foundation primarily supports tax-exempt organizations based in Michigan, while also considering projects that significantly benefit the state. Applicants are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and grant standards before applying.

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 Ann Arbor Ad Club Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports students from Washtenaw County pursuing degrees in advertising, communications, public relations, marketing, or journalism. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year institution. With over $650,000 awarded across 26 scholarship funds, this initiative aims to empower local youth to achieve their educational goals.

The AWC Scholarship Fund for Women in Computing, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports female students pursuing careers in technology. This initiative reflects a commitment to empowering women in the tech field, offering financial aid to those attending colleges or universities in Washtenaw County. With over $650,000 awarded in 2025 across various scholarships, this fund specifically aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster diversity within the computing industry.

The Gamma Rho Boule Education Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports African American male students graduating from high schools in Washtenaw County. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to attend college or university. With over $650,000 awarded across various scholarship funds, this initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for local youth.

The James K. Stringwell Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, provides financial support to graduating seniors from public high schools in Washtenaw County who plan to attend a Michigan public university or college. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrate financial need, and show involvement in athletics or artistic activities. This scholarship aims to empower students with emotional intelligence and an entrepreneurial spirit, contributing to their educational pursuits.

The Josephine C. Otto Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports students aged 17-30 who are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter, MI. Applicants must be enrolled full-time (minimum 12 credit hours) and demonstrate financial need. In 2025, the foundation awarded over $650,000 across 26 scholarship funds, showcasing its commitment to enhancing the educational opportunities for youth in Washtenaw County.

The Linda Grasselli Sprankle Scholarship, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports African American, Latino/Hispanic, and first-generation college students from Washtenaw County. Eligible applicants must be high school graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and demonstrate financial need. In 2025, the foundation awarded over $650,000 across 26 scholarship funds, empowering local youth to pursue their post-secondary education and achieve their academic goals.

The Morse B. Barker Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports students attending Washtenaw Community College. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, reside in Washtenaw County, hold a high school diploma, and be aged 18 to 30. Recipients must enroll in at least nine credit hours and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Previous recipients may reapply for the award up to two additional times, contributing to their educational advancement.

The Nathan Lyndell Hall Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Community High School. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 and demonstrate two years of community service. This scholarship aims to assist students in pursuing their education at two-year or four-year colleges or universities, contributing to the future of Washtenaw County youth.

The Pipe Dream Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports undergraduate or graduate students at the University of Michigan or Eastern Michigan University. Eligible applicants must be Polish nationals living in the U.S. on a valid visa or have Polish parents, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2025, over $650,000 was awarded across 26 scholarship funds to enhance educational opportunities for Washtenaw County youth.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

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 Rachael Townsend Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports female students majoring in Kinesiology at the University of Michigan. Applicants must be enrolled full-time and demonstrate a commitment to physical education and leadership within the community. This scholarship aims to empower young women to excel in their academic pursuits while fostering diversity and social responsibility, ultimately contributing to the enrichment of Washtenaw County's youth.

The Richard D. & Grace P. Leslise Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing Retail, Business, or Marketing at Washtenaw Community College. This scholarship prioritizes residents of Washtenaw County who demonstrate financial need and a desire to advance their education. With over $650,000 awarded in 2025 across multiple scholarship funds, this initiative aims to enrich the educational opportunities for local youth and foster community growth.

The Walter & Florence E. Aupperle Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports undergraduate students pursuing a major or minor in German Studies at Eastern Michigan University or the University of Michigan. Applicants must be enrolled full-time, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is part of a broader initiative that awarded over $650,000 to local students in 2025.

The Welcome Home Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports honorably discharged veterans returning from active duty in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. This scholarship is part of a broader initiative that awarded over $650,000 in 2025 to help local youth pursue post-secondary education. It aims to ease the transition back to civilian life for veterans, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed in their educational endeavors.

Community Foundation of Monroe County

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Greater Milan Area Community Foundation

The Greater Milan Area Community Foundation (GMACF) was born in 2005 from a powerful vision shared by three dedicated residents – Isabelle Schultz, Donald Harkness, and Millard Phillips. Their mission: To improve the cultural, economic, educational and environmental quality of life in the Milan, Michigan area. 

As a geographic affiliate of the Community Foundation of Monroe County, GMACF combines local leadership with proven charitable infrastructure, ensuring Milan-area residents have direct access to grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities focused exclusively on this community’s unique needs and aspirations.

Greater Milan Area Community Foundation Grants

The Greater Milan Area Community Foundation supports projects that strengthen the cultural, economic, educational, and environmental quality of life in the Milan area. Grants are available for initiatives that respond to local needs, build community connections, and benefit residents of the Greater Milan Area.

The KLA-Tencor Foundation's Education Opportunity Fund aims to enhance educational access, promote emotional well-being, and improve educational systems, particularly for under-resourced K-12 students. Grants between $50,000 and $250,000 are available for innovative projects that eliminate barriers to education and foster sustainable partnerships. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a significant impact in communities served by KLA, focusing on systemic change rather than direct student assistance.

The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund Fellowships provide financial support for U.S. citizens pursuing graduate studies in various fields at accredited institutions. The fellowships cover tuition and offer an annual stipend of $18,000 for living expenses. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and have an outstanding undergraduate record. Applications are submitted through the dean of the university, with deadlines in January and notifications by mid-June. This program honors Dolores Zohrab Liebmann's legacy of supporting education.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers a four-week clinical mentorship for psychology graduate students, focusing on the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis. This opportunity allows students to observe assessment strategies, learn about current research, and engage in comprehensive care. Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, the mentorship includes a $3,000 award. Students will gain invaluable experience addressing neurocognitive and psychosocial issues related to MS, promoting synergies in research and clinical practices.