Best Washtenaw County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The Lynda Andrus Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports nursing students at Eastern Michigan University. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of life in Washtenaw County by providing financial assistance to students pursuing higher education. In 2025 alone, over $650,000 was awarded across 26 scholarship funds, reflecting the commitment of local donors to empower the youth of the community.

The Mullick Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on education, community impact, culture, and health. Based in Saline, Michigan, it aims to build intergenerational pathways to success. Organizations must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3) to apply. The board reviews inquiries quarterly, potentially inviting promising applicants for further discussions. This grant offers a unique opportunity for nonprofits to enhance their impact in the community.

The Robert E. Newsted Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Detroit Public Schools. This initiative is part of AAACF's broader mission to enrich the quality of life in Washtenaw County, through generous donations that have funded over $650,000 in scholarships in 2025 alone. This fund aims to assist students in their pursuit of higher education across the nation.

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 Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

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.

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation aims to enhance adult mental health services in Michigan through evidence-based practices. Their grants, ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, support governmental and non-profit organizations in implementing innovative treatments. Focused on reducing stigma, improving access, and fostering collaboration, the foundation emphasizes the importance of research-informed approaches to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice in mental health care.

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation is dedicated to enhancing mental health treatment for children and youth in southeast Michigan. With 1 in 5 youths facing serious mental health challenges, the Foundation funds evidence-based projects ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 annually to improve access to care. By implementing best practices in behavioral health, the Foundation aims to address the significant gaps in treatment and support, fostering better outcomes for young individuals and their families.

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 Toledo Walleye Transportation Fund offers grants to accredited schools and nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, facilitating transportation to Toledo Mud Hens baseball or Walleye hockey games. Aiming to eliminate financial barriers, the fund provides awards up to $1,000 for eligible applicants. Schools and nonprofits can receive one transportation award for each game annually, promoting enriching experiences for students and communities.

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 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.

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.

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.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Lavina Laible Scholarship

Open to students who identify as female who are attending University of Michigan.

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.

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.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Norman J. and Maureen L. Campbell Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Maureen Campbell who established the Norman J. & Maureen L. Campbell Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Norman Campbell was a proud graduate of Muskegon Heights High School and the University of Michigan with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at U of M, he met a nurse named Maureen. Shortly after, they moved to California where he was employed by Lockheed Aircraft, in the "Skunk Works" division, and was the youngest engineer working on the super-top secret SR71 Blackbird spy plane. His specialty was Titanium, of which the SR71 was made. Later, he worked as an engineer for General Electric in Warren, MI., and in 1970 they moved back to Muskegon to go into business with his father Hugh to form Campbell Grinder Company. He became president in 1985 until the business was sold and he retired in 2001. Norm took pride in the fact that all of his employees were treated as family in a family business. He was an active golf and tennis player. He spent 15 years at the Detroit Tiger Fantasy Camp, where he played baseball with the "Old Tigers", and was honored to be selected to throw out the "First Pitch" at a Tiger's game at Comerica Park in 2011. Norm also enjoyed weekend trips with his family to Glen Arbor. He was a humble, kind man, friend to all, and never condemning. Being a family man was his greatest joy of all. Maureen established this fund to honor her late husband Norman. This scholarship is for students attending the University of Michigan with first preference to an engineering student and second preference to a nursing student. 

University of Michigan Alumni Club of Saginaw Scholarship

The University of Michigan has the largest organization collegiate alumni body in the United States with over 324,000 graduates and 195 alumni clubs.

The Saginaw Alumni Club is one of the oldest U-M alumni organizations in the country dating back to its formation in the early 1920s. The Saginaw club first began its tradition of honoring Saginaw County students in the 1940s when it recognized outstanding football players with the All Saginaw Valley Selections. This format was later changed to an All Saginaw County Team. For the next 10 years, the club recognized both the outstanding football player and academic student. Beginning in 1992, the club recognized the outstanding academic scholar and outstanding athlete, male or female as selected by each of the schools in the county. The University of Michigan Alumni Club of Saginaw takes pride in having been the first club in the nation to honor scholars and athletes in a recognition program.

We continue our tradition by joining the Saginaw Community Foundation in providing scholarships for young adults to achieve their educational goals. The Saginaw Alumni Club takes pride in presenting this award.

The Andersons Fund Supporting Organization aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, particularly in the greater Toledo area. It supports nonprofit organizations with grants for programs in education, social services, mental health, urban affairs, natural resources, and the arts. The Fund prioritizes capital projects and evaluates the financial stability and operational issues of requesting organizations.

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation offers the Mental Health Awareness, Education and Outreach Mini-Grants Program to enhance mental health services in Michigan. This initiative focuses on improving treatment programs, promoting early intervention, and reducing stigma associated with mental health. By collaborating across sectors and prioritizing underserved populations, the foundation aims to increase access to quality mental health care and evaluate the impact of its efforts, ultimately fostering a healthier community.

The Old National Bank Foundation provides sponsorships to enhance community initiatives in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their mission focuses on social responsibility, supporting underrepresented groups, and aligning with the Community Reinvestment Act. Sponsorships cover events such as fundraisers and sporting events, emphasizing active engagement and measurable impact. The Foundation aims to improve quality of life through strategic partnerships and meaningful contributions.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.