Quick Start Grants

The Quick Start Grants, offered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), aim to support institutions of higher education and their nonprofit partners in efforts to enhance student success through strategic assessment and planning. This funding initiative aligns with MiLEAP's broader goal to strengthen the educational pipeline from early learning through postsecondary education, ultimately preparing more residents for rewarding careers through degree and certificate attainment. The grant provides funding for institutions to undergo an action-oriented assessment of their current strategies and approaches, particularly in areas that directly affect student experience. The process is intended to elevate student voice, assess institutional barriers, and inform the development of comprehensive student success strategies. These activities can also serve as a preparatory phase for institutions planning to apply for larger grants in the College Success or Barrier Removal – Growing Institutional Capacity categories in future cycles. Grant funds may be used to support data collection and analysis efforts, facilitate campus-wide engagement with findings, and develop collaborative proposals with input from students, faculty, staff, and senior administrators. Projects funded under this grant are expected to be strategic, inclusive, and grounded in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Successful applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of the role student experience data plays in driving institutional change and a logical, inclusive design for planning efforts. Evaluation of proposals will consider the applicant’s plan to utilize research findings for broad institutional engagement, the quality of self-assessment tools selected, and the strength of the proposed planning team. For those preparing for future College Success or Barrier Removal grant applications, the emphasis will be on creating a data-driven, strategically aligned proposal that includes participation from both frontline personnel and senior leadership. While the Quick Start Grants are not currently accepting applications, the official submission process will occur through the EGrAMS Portal when re-opened. No paper applications are accepted, and the current downloadable form is intended only for planning purposes. The typical performance period for funded projects ranges from six to eight months, with grant amounts between $50,000 and $75,000. This grant opportunity is open to Michigan-based community colleges, tribal colleges, public colleges and universities, and nonprofit organizations in partnership with an eligible institution. For future cycles, applicants are encouraged to monitor the MiLEAP website and sign up for email alerts. Additional information may be available through the program’s FAQ section.