Best Washtenaw County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Mud Hens-Walleye Transportation Fund supports schools and nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan by providing transportation grants for attending Toledo Mud Hens baseball and Toledo Walleye hockey games. With awards up to $1,000, the fund aims to eliminate financial barriers for educational field trips to these events. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and adhere to specific guidelines regarding the use of funds for transportation services.

The Ross Wagner Foundation Scholarship offers significant financial support for students pursuing degrees in various engineering fields, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. With awards up to $25,000 annually, students can receive up to $100,000 over four years. Applicants must maintain a B average, work in engineering labs, and be enrolled in top-ranked engineering schools in the U.S. and Canada. This scholarship honors Ross Wagner's legacy, promoting excellence in engineering education.

The Burke/Tharp Legacy Scholarship, managed by the Brown County Community Foundation, provides crucial tuition assistance to students accepted at Purdue, Ball State, or Michigan University. Since its inception, the foundation has focused on educational support, offering scholarships primarily to Brown County High School graduates. The scholarship aims to empower female students, minorities, and those facing financial hardships, ensuring they have access to higher education opportunities and can fulfill their academic ambitions.

The Ypsilanti Area Community Fund Grant Program aims to enhance community health and educational outcomes through collaborative partnerships. Focused on racial equity and economic empowerment, it supports projects in public health, youth education, and community support, prioritizing mental health, violence prevention, mentoring, and homelessness prevention initiatives. By investing in systemic transformation, the program seeks to create sustainable improvements for families in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, ultimately fostering economic well-being and resilience.

Thomas J. and Barbara J. Weadock Scholarship

Oftentimes, stress and strain can be experienced by individuals when facing the high cost of higher education. In order to help provide assistance to highly-motivated students seeking post-secondary education, Tom and Barbara Weadock have established the Thomas J. and Barbara J. Weadock Scholarship. This scholarship will support students attending Michigan State University or Saginaw Valley State University. The Thomas J. and Barbara J. Weadock scholarship is especially interested in assisting students that are likely to return to the Great Lakes Bay Region following graduation to work and live.

Tom and Barbara are grateful and proud of the services that Saginaw Community Foundation performs on behalf of the citizens of this area and have full confidence that the Foundation will continue to administer our scholarship as directed.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The Washtenaw Artist Grants program, in partnership with the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, promotes racial equity and supports local artists in Washtenaw County. It funds community-based projects that enrich the artistic landscape and engage diverse audiences. Eligible projects include exhibitions, performances, and arts education, focusing on BIPOC communities. Grants can cover artist fees, materials, and other project costs, fostering inclusive cultural experiences for residents.

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 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 EmpowerMENt Fund Grant, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, aims to uplift young Black males in Washtenaw County by promoting their educational success. This initiative focuses on a holistic approach, providing mentorship, vocational training, and college readiness support. By investing in collaborative efforts, the fund seeks to address the systemic inequities faced by this demographic, fostering positive outcomes and community contributions over a one-year period.

The MI Forest Legacy Grant Program, managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, aims to protect vital forest lands from conversion into non-forest uses. It promotes conservation through funding for projects like fee transactions and conservation easements, ensuring long-term stewardship and public access. Eligible projects receive up to 75% federal funding, with landowners contributing the remainder. This initiative is crucial for maintaining sustainable forests and their ecological benefits.

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.

Michael J. Wolf Scholarship

Open to high school seniors graduating from a high school in the City of Grand Rapids and residents of the City of Grand Rapids, attending University of Michigan full time, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

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 scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2025, we awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 500 students, including $1.3 million to 110 students in western NC through our Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. 

Fred M. Parrish, Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund

Graduating high school seniors from public high schools in Johnston County who are continuing their studies at an accredited college, university, community college or technical school. The Scholarship committee shall have the power to make recommendations to the Foundation as to deserving individual recipients and appropriate scholarship amounts, based on academic performance and on financial need.

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund Grants

Empowering People to Move, Live, Work, and Play

Bridgestone has awarded over $60 million to nonprofit organizations in the United States since 1951, and we are committed to continuing our legacy of giving back by supporting communities around the U.S.

Bridgestone works with grantseekers that offer solutions to keep society moving forward. Strong partners offer a human-centered approach to societal challenges in one or more of the following areas of focus: 

In addition to our three areas of focus, we will consider applications from organizations that have hosted volunteer or community engagement events with Bridgestone volunteers and organizations that have received funding in previous years. 

The scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2025, we awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 500 students, including $1.3 million to 110 students in western NC through our Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. 

Ernestine J. Williams Scholarship Endowment Fund

Award decisions are based on academic performance and potential and on financial need. (This award is renewable for a maximum of four years. Recipients must submit a current transcript annually to renew to be eligible for renewal, recipients must maintain a full course load and remain in good standing as defined by their school. Recipients who transfer to a four-year institution after study at a two-year institution will remain eligible for funding after transfer.

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

The Renee Powell Education Grant, established in 2022 by The LPGA Foundation, aims to empower female, African American LPGA Professionals pursuing certification. This initiative supports their educational journey through financial aid for various certification costs, including membership fees and registration. With over 60 years of dedication to golf education, the LPGA Foundation is committed to enhancing opportunities for African American women in the golf industry, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

The Scottie W. Cox Memorial Scholarship of NCCCLA supports employees of learning resources centers in North Carolina pursuing advanced degrees in library and information studies. Eligible applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree and be enrolled in accredited programs. This scholarship, administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, opens for applications on December 16, 2025, and closes on March 3, 2026. It aims to enhance professional development in the library sector.

The Reid Sasnett Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports graduating seniors from Pungo Christian Academy and Beaufort County high schools pursuing higher education. This scholarship aims to aid students who exhibit strong character, leadership, and community service, especially those passionate about agriculture and wildlife. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, with preference for volunteer firefighters and Pungo Academy alumni.

SparkForce: The FMA Foundation

Formerly known as Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (or NBT), SparkForce is the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. While our name has changed, our mission has not. Our purpose is to inspire, attract, and support individuals in discovering an interest in manufacturing and to encourage their pursuit of a manufacturing career.

2020 marked the 50th Anniversary of FMA. Started by one man and his vision, FMA has transformed into an association dedicated to helping metal manufacturers thrive and move the industry forward.

Scholarships

SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, awards scholarships twice each year to students pursuing degrees or certifications related to manufacturing careers.

3 Scholarship Awards, 1 Application

• Community College, Trade School, or University; The U.K. Gupta & Family Scholarship; and The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship.

Scholarship funds can be used to cover tuition, school fees, books purchased through the college store, and required tools or equipment such as PPE (if available for purchase through the college store). Funds cannot be used for housing, meals, or costs unrelated to the program.

FMA Scholarship: Community College, Trade School, or University

Open to eligible students pursuing degrees or certifications related to a career in manufacturing.

The Bertha Sawyer Meiggs & Winfred B. Meiggs Sr. Family Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Camden, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans counties, with a preference for Camden County residents. Eligible candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership skills, and community involvement while enrolling full-time in a two- or four-year college. The scholarship may be renewed at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee, subject to academic criteria and available funds.

The Sammy and Shirley Church Scholarship supports students from Ashe County, NC, including those graduating from the NC School of Science and Math. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, physical vigor, and leadership in various activities. Financial need is considered but not the only criterion. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Ensure to meet specific eligibility requirements set by the donor for successful application.

The Ruby A. Trivette Ruritan Scholarship, administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashe and Watauga counties in North Carolina. Eligible applicants must reside in Todd or be active members or children of active members of the Todd Ruritan Club. This scholarship opens for applications on December 16, 2025, and closes on March 3, 2026, providing crucial financial assistance for students pursuing higher education.

The Robert E. Barnhill, Sr. Scholarship Fund provides financial support for North Carolina high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year college or university as full-time students. Eligible applicants are evaluated on leadership potential, community involvement, academic achievement, and financial need. The scholarship may be renewed for up to three additional years, contingent upon maintaining a 2.0 GPA and continuous enrollment. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

The RAK Education Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to residents of Camden, Chowan, Gates, Pasquotank, or Perquimans Counties who have earned a high school diploma or GED. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees or certificates in Career and Technical Education fields such as trade education, computer science, business, health science, and more. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, encouraging eligible students to apply.

The Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE) program, supported by the National Institutes of Health, aims to fund pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies. These studies will assess the biological activity of therapeutic agents, including small molecules and biologics, for diseases prioritized by participating institutes. The initiative emphasizes the development of non-opioid analgesics with minimal addiction risks. Although applications are not currently solicited, this notice encourages potential applicants to prepare collaborative projects.