Best Wayne County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Tower Family Foundation Scholarship offers merit-based financial assistance to employees and dependents of NATE Member Companies, including those affected by severe injuries or disabilities. Valued up to $5,000 annually for full-time students, this scholarship supports tuition and related expenses. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and can renew their scholarships for up to four years. Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement and written essays.

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 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 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 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 Burney - Cecil E. Burney Scholarship, established in memory of Cecil E. Burney, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by supporting students who have graduated from high schools in the CBCF seven-county area. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors or current college students maintaining a GPA of 3.0, and they must be enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university in the United States.

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 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 Horizon Bank Community Grant Program aims to enhance local communities by funding initiatives in education, arts, and economic development. With grants starting at $5,000, the program supports 501(c)(3) organizations addressing housing needs for low- to moderate-income families. Applications are accepted annually, with a strong emphasis on corporate citizenship and community involvement. However, grants are not available for political activities or organizations that discriminate. This commitment reflects Horizon Bank's dedication to fostering community growth and responsibility.

The Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program Grant, initiated by State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council, aims to support volunteer fire departments in acquiring critical safety equipment. In 2025, the program will award $1.5 million in grants, providing $10,000 each to 150 eligible departments. This initiative not only enhances firefighter safety and operational efficiency but also fosters community service, ensuring that these departments are well-equipped to respond effectively to emergencies.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

The Store-Based Giving Program by Ross Stores Foundation supports socioeconomically disadvantaged youth by providing gift cards for school or professional clothing. Organizations must be federal tax-exempt and serve at least 60% low-income youth. Eligible programs include academic achievement and life skills initiatives. Award amounts typically range from $300 to $500, depending on budget and mission alignment. Applications are not accepted from organizations that have received donations within the past 12 months.

The CHEST 2025 Travel Grant aims to foster inclusivity in chest medicine by supporting diverse healthcare professionals. Recipients receive complimentary registration and $1,000 for attending the CHEST Annual Meeting in Chicago. Open to CHEST members from historically excluded backgrounds, the grant enhances professional growth and engagement in the field. With a focus on diversity and equity, the program also offers opportunities for mentorship, contributing to the development of future leaders in chest medicine.

The Peer Education Grant, offered by the Organization for Autism Research, aims to enhance autism acceptance among children by providing educational resources and funding for initiatives. Grants of up to $10,000 support school-wide projects, with smaller grants available for other activities. Eligible applicants include educators and community organization leaders focused on autism awareness, particularly in low-income areas. This initiative fosters inclusive relationships and understanding between children and their autistic peers.

The Founders’ Award by SAX LLP honors nonprofit organizations demonstrating perseverance in their mission. With a rich history since 1956, SAX aims to empower nonprofits through a $20,000 unrestricted gift for the first place, alongside additional support for second and third places. Eligible applicants must hold a 501(c)(3) tax exemption and attend the awards ceremony if selected among the Top 75. This initiative reflects SAX's commitment to advancing impactful nonprofits in their communities.

The Open Ocean Research Grant Program, funded by Global Fishing Watch Inc, aims to enhance ocean governance through data sharing on human activity at sea. It invites researchers to improve technologies for better governance, offering up to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for small groups. This initiative strengthens the community of practice and optimizes Global Fishing Watch datasets to maximize their impact on ocean conservation efforts.

USA Football’s Flag Equipment Grant supports youth organizations and schools in need of flag belts and footballs for girls flag football programs. Eligible applicants include legally designated non-profits in good standing with USA Football. The grant provides USA Football-branded equipment, with quantities determined by the application responses. Organizations are unable to select items from a catalog, as awards are issued directly from warehouse partners, ensuring accessibility for participants.

The AED Grant, offered by USA Football, supports youth organizations, middle schools, and high school girls flag football programs in acquiring essential Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This initiative ensures that lifesaving equipment is readily available during emergencies. Recipients receive specific AED models, comprehensive training, and certification to guarantee proper usage. Eligible applicants must be non-profits in good standing with USA Football, promoting safety and preparedness on the field.

The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Foundation Grant supports healthcare initiatives in the greater Cleveland area, focusing on medical research, public health promotion, and assistance to local hospitals. The foundation prioritizes grant requests from private sector organizations and favors projects with a duration of three years or less. It does not fund national campaigns, individual scholarships, or endowment contributions. Eligible projects must align with the foundation's commitment to enhancing health services for all, particularly low-income populations.

The North Central Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes one graduate student from each of the Entomological Society of America's six branches. This award promotes graduate-level entomology and encourages attendance at the ESA Annual Meeting. Benefits include an all-expense-paid trip to the national meeting, a $500 cash prize, and a certificate presented during the meeting. Eligibility includes current enrollment in a graduate entomology program or recent graduation.

The ASTRO-AstraZeneca SCLC Therapy Challenge RFP aims to enhance research on limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) through innovative combination therapies, particularly integrating immunotherapy with advanced radiation techniques. Proposals are encouraged to explore various aspects, including care patterns, treatment workflows, prognostic biomarkers, and toxicity management. The target budget for projects ranges from $175,000 to $375,000, with consideration given to higher requests based on scientific merit, fostering significant advancements in radiation oncology.

The Stanley V. and Mary G. Mahalick Scholarship is a one-year award for deserving students from Mahanoy Area High School or Marian Catholic High School. Funded by the Center for Scholarship Administration, this scholarship supports students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who demonstrate financial need and good moral character. Recipients may reapply for additional funding up to four years, provided they maintain full-time enrollment in an accredited college or university.

The CSA Grace D. Dreher Memorial Scholarship supports deserving students from Stroudsburg High School. Funded by the Grace D. Dreher Memorial Trust, it offers one-year scholarships for full-time college enrollment at accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Current recipients may reapply, but awards are not guaranteed and depend on the applicant pool each year.

The CSA Elizabeth Soeder Scholarship provides financial support to deserving students from Cape May County, NJ, facilitating their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship is available for one academic year and is open to high school seniors and current college students who demonstrate financial need and academic ability, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Recipients can reapply for funding in subsequent years, with awards not guaranteed, ensuring a competitive selection process.

The Mumford & Keller Grant and Scholarship Program, initiated by Indiana Audubon in 2010, offers financial support for projects focusing on natural resources and Indiana's birdlife. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, it aims to promote conservation, research, and education. Priority is given to initiatives targeting key species and habitats within Indiana. This program honors the legacy of Russell Mumford and Charles Keller, enhancing bird conservation efforts for future generations.

The Travel & Training Fund, established by the Women’s Sports Foundation, has supported over 1,500 female athletes since 1984, including Olympians and national team members. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 aim to alleviate financial burdens for women athletes pursuing elite competition. Prioritizing those with a plan to contribute back to women's sports, the fund emphasizes eligibility for U.S. citizens or legal residents, ensuring a significant impact on the recipients' athletic journeys.