Best Wayne County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Jacobs Research Funds (JRF) provide grants for research on aboriginal peoples of the Americas, supporting projects that focus on endangered cultures and languages, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Grants range from $3,000 to $9,000, and applicants must submit all required documents, including support letters, by February 15. JRF prioritizes new data collection and does not fund proprietary or non-aboriginal research. Eligible researchers must typically hold a Master's degree or have a designated Sponsor.

The SHC Student Research Grant supports research utilizing herbarium resources across various taxa, including plants, fungi, lichens, and algae. Eligible projects may involve fieldwork, data collection, or meta-analysis of herbarium data, with an emphasis on enhancing herbarium collections. Three grants are awarded annually: two for $500 and one specifically for undergraduates for $250. Applicants must be student SHC members with projects likely to lead to publication.

The NFWF's Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program aims to enhance community capacity for sustaining local natural resources through financial assistance for diverse partnerships. With approximately $2.5 million available, projects focus on improving water quality, restoring habitats, and engaging underserved communities. By promoting ecological improvements and community outreach, this program seeks to increase access to nature's benefits while addressing environmental hazards. A blend of urban and rural initiatives is expected for effective implementation.

The Sara Corrie Memorial Grants, administered by the National Speleological Society, support group cave exploration in the U.S. and its territories. Up to six grants of $1,000 each are awarded annually to NSS members. Applications must detail exploration plans, including costs for necessary equipment. Grants are not provided for activities outside of exploration. Successful recipients must report findings and may have their proposals published on the NSS website.

The Frances M. Peacock Scholarship, established in 1994 by the Garden Club of America, supports college seniors and graduate students studying seasonal habitats for endangered native birds in the U.S. With an annual award of $4500, this scholarship aims to promote effective land-management practices. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a U.S. institution. Note that international applicants are not eligible for funding due to IRS restrictions.

The Garden Club of America Board of Associates Centennial Pollinator Fellowship offers funding for research on pollinator decline, specifically targeting bees, bats, butterflies, and moths. This fellowship, established in 2013, supports graduate students in U.S. institutions with annual funding typically around $4,000. It aims to enhance knowledge in pollinator science while fostering a new generation of scientists dedicated to conservation. Recipients may reapply for additional funding in subsequent years.

The Norman S. Baldwin Fishery Science Scholarship is awarded annually to graduate students conducting research in Great Lakes fisheries. Sponsored by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, this scholarship promotes academic excellence and encourages young scientists to contribute to fishery biology. Eligible candidates must be master's or Ph.D. students with relevant research topics, and they must present their findings at an IAGLR conference. The winner receives a one-year IAGLR membership and a subscription to the Journal of Great Lakes Research.

The AABP Amstutz Scholarship aims to support outstanding veterinary students with a one-time cash award, promoting their education in bovine medicine. Funded by the AABP Foundation and member donations, the scholarship encourages recipients to attend the AABP Annual Conference to receive their awards. Eligible applicants must be student AABP members enrolled in accredited veterinary programs, graduating in 2025 or 2026, and intending to practice in the U.S. or Canada.

The AISES A.T. Anderson Scholarship honors the legacy of A.T. Anderson, a founder of AISES. This scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at accredited institutions who are members of AISES and demonstrate tribal affiliation. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and pursue any STEM degree. Enrollment documents are required to confirm eligibility, promoting educational opportunities for Native American students.

The Antoinette Lierman Medlin Scholarship, administered by the Geological Society of America, supports graduate students in coal science. It offers two awards: $2000 for laboratory research and $1500 for fieldwork. This scholarship aims to recognize and assist students in completing their research projects successfully. Contributions from personal and corporate sponsors help sustain this valuable fund, encouraging commitment to advancing knowledge in energy geology.

The AECOM Academic Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), supports graduate students pursuing engineering degrees focused on innovative solutions for improving urban drinking water. This $5,000 scholarship aims to invest in the future of the water industry by aiding talented students dedicated to enhancing water supply systems. AWWA emphasizes the importance of education in fostering the next generation of water professionals.

The Zone VI Fellowship in Urban Forestry, funded by the Garden Club of America, aims to promote urban forestry education among U.S. graduate and advanced undergraduate students. Established in 2006, this fellowship awards $7,500 annually to support students studying urban forestry and related fields. Recipients can reapply for additional funding, fostering ongoing research and engagement with the urban forest ecosystem. This initiative highlights the importance of healthy urban forests and their impact on communities.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and KidsGardening offer the GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant to enhance community gardens across the U.S. This initiative supports programs that engage under-resourced communities, focusing on youth participation. In 2026, 120 grants of $750 will be awarded, with additional funding opportunities available through specialty awards for programs addressing specific needs, including those serving LGBTQ+ youth and communities of color.

The Beckman Scholars Program offers a 15-month mentored research experience for outstanding undergraduate students in chemistry and biological sciences. Each participating institution can submit one application, with awards totaling $21,000 per student and $5,000 per mentor. The program emphasizes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. For more details, refer to the FAQs on the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation's website.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship supports students pursuing healthcare careers, continuing a 30-year tradition of helping those dedicated to caring for others. Eligible applicants must be U.S. residents, graduate students or seniors enrolling in graduate school for the 2024-25 academic year, and provide proof of enrollment in an accredited healthcare program. Scholarships cover tuition, fees, and necessary supplies, ensuring that future healthcare professionals receive the support they need.

The Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation Grant aims to support projects that promote environmental restoration, preservation, and education, with a focus on sustainable resource use and community development. This grant encourages innovative approaches that connect urban and rural settings, enhance biodiversity, and foster creativity in addressing societal challenges. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated non-profits that align with the foundation's vision. The foundation also supports small presses and periodicals that creatively address sustainability issues.

The GCA: Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship in Conservation Horticulture, provided by the Garden Club of America, offers an annual research grant of up to $4,500 for graduate students in biology or horticulture. This fellowship aims to promote the conservation of rare and endangered flora in the U.S., particularly focusing on the southeastern region. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a U.S.-based institution, with preference given to those studying plants native to the Carolinas.

The Food and Farm Communications Fund's Wildseed Grants program supports grassroots organizations in the U.S. that aim to bring transformative change to food and agricultural systems. With grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for one year, and up to $75,000 for two years, the program emphasizes strategic communications, community engagement, and racial equity. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with the Fund’s mission and have a revenue of less than $3 million.

The William E. Dean III Charitable Foundation, established in 2009, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and D.C. with a focus on animal welfare, education, human services, and religious initiatives. Grants are specifically aimed at programs aiding canines and veterans transitioning to civilian life, as well as preventing animal cruelty. Organizations must wait one grant cycle before reapplying, ensuring a fair distribution of funds to various causes.

The Warren L. and Florence W. Calvert Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1974, supports deserving geological students pursuing graduate studies in Economic Geology. Awarded first in 1978, the fund is sustained by contributions from HGS members and investment returns. Recipients, selected based on academic merit and endorsements from Earth Science professionals, must carry a minimum of 9 credit hours and can renew for subsequent years with satisfactory progress.

The East and Inner Asia Council of the AAS offers small grants up to $2,000 for dissertation-level students and scholars focusing on China, Taiwan, or Inner Asia. Eligible projects include short research trips and conference organization. Preference is given to junior scholars and projects that enhance communication and curriculum development. Successful applications will clearly outline research questions and significance, and demonstrate the project's broader impact within the field. For further guidelines, visit the AAS FAQ page.

The Northeast Asia Council Japan Studies Grants support American citizens and permanent residents conducting scholarly research on Japan within the U.S. Offering up to $2,500, including daily expenses, these grants aim to enhance the quality of teaching and research in Japanese studies. Eligibility includes being an AAS member and not having received funding in the last three years. Applications are reviewed based on project merit and financial need, prioritizing those with limited access to institutional funding.

The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Fellowship supports graduate students in North America conducting research on waterfowl or wetland biology. The fellowship, offering up to $9,500 annually, emphasizes applicant qualifications, research proposal soundness, originality, and potential contributions to conservation efforts. This competitive opportunity is renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students and once for Masters students, pending satisfactory progress reports.

The Dr. Bruce D. J. Batt Fellowship in Waterfowl Conservation honors the legacy of Dr. Bruce Batt, a leading figure in waterfowl research. This fellowship offers up to $5,000 annually to graduate students at North American universities conducting vital research on waterfowl and wetlands. Renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students, the fellowship promotes the integration of sound science in conservation efforts, supporting the next generation of waterfowl professionals.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

The Gladys W. Cole Memorial Research Award, established by the Geological Society of America (GSA), supports research in geomorphology of semiarid and arid terrains in the U.S. and Mexico. Aimed at GSA Members or Fellows aged 30 to 65, it recognizes significant contributions to the field. Candidates can reapply if additional funding is needed. Notably, funds cannot be allocated for completed work. This award honors Dr. W. Storrs Cole's legacy and contributions to geosciences.