Michigan grants for Independent school districts

This grant provides funding to community nonprofits, churches, schools, and government agencies in northeast Michigan to support initiatives that address issues important to women in the region.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies in Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, or Presque Isle County for innovative projects that benefit the community.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Circle Michigan Foundation Field Trip Transportation Grant Program. Donor Name: Circle Michigan Foundation State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The Circle Michigan Foundation will award a transportation grant to a Michigan school, any K through 12 educational institutions within the State of Michigan. Project Period Transportation Grant application period is April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024. For more information, visit Circle Michigan Foundation.

The Community Funds broadly support the region and can fund all types of organizations, from environmental nonprofits and arts and culture groups to Tribal organizations and educational institutions. Donor Name: Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation State: Michigan County: Antrim County (MI), Benzie County (MI), Grand Traverse County (MI), Kalkaska County (MI), Leelanau County (MI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Details: Organizations are encouraged to submit a grant application for the amount they need, whether that’s $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 or $30,000. They have a total of $300,000 available for Community Funds grants in 2024. Nonprofit, educational, governmental, and Tribal entities across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties are eligible to apply by submitting an online application. Previous grant partners can reapply for a Community Funds grant. Grant awards may include unrestricted general operating support. Consideration is given for grant awards that can have a larger impact for the grant partner; provide a significant community benefit; and/or can leverage other funding sources. Grant requests that are informed by data on the Community Development Regional Scorecard and/or address a community issue that appears on the Scorecard are prioritized in the review process.  For more information, visit GTRCF.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Northern Michigan that are led by or serve communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

The Michigan Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate in the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) offers the Environmental Justice (EJ) Impact Grant program to reduce environmental health burdens and impacts in Michigan’s Environmental Justice communities. Donor Name: Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of the program is to positively impact residents in Environmental Justice communities by funding place-based and equity-focused projects. Eligible Activity Categories Community improvement projects designed to improve public health. Initiating or expanding monitoring of background pollution levels in air, water, or soil. (Air monitoring equipment funded through this grant will be classified as air quality sensors and will not be used for regulatory purposes.) New or improved equipment or management techniques designed to improve the indoor air quality in schools. Remediation/redevelopment of contaminated or blighted sites. Funding Information $20,000,000 total funds available. $500,000 maximum per applicant. Eligibility Criteria Federally recognized Tribes Community-based non-profit organizations (including grassroots and frontline organizations) Schools Institutions of higher education Local governments For more information, visit EGLE.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture Marketing Services (AMS), is entering into cooperative agreement with Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program Cooperative Agreements (RFSI). Donor Name: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of the Michigan RFSI program is to build resilience in the middle-of-thefood-supply-chain and strengthen local and regional food systems by creating new revenue streams for Michigan producers. MDARD will make subawards in the form of Infrastructure Grants to middle-of-the-supply businesses to create more diverse local and regional market options and create more economic opportunities for communities, allowing them to retain more of the value chain dollar. RFSI investments aim to create a food systems infrastructure to support competitive and profitable market access for domestic farm products. The program also aims to: Support development of value‐added products available to consumers; Support proposals that provide fair prices, fair wages and new and safe job opportunities that keep profits in rural communities; and Increase diversity in processing options in terms of business model approaches, geography, and availability to underserved communities. Priorities USDA intends for RFSI program to focus funding Infrastructure Grant activities that: Expand capacity for processing, aggregation, and distribution of agricultural products to create more and better markets for producers; Modernize manufacturing, tracking, storage, and information technology systems; Enhance worker safety through adoption of new technologies or investment in equipment or facility improvements; Improve the capacity of entities to comply with federal, state, and local food safety requirements; Improve operations through training opportunities; Support construction of a new facility; Modernize or expand an existing facility (including expansion and modifications to existing buildings and/or construction of new buildings at existing facilities); Construction of wastewater management structures, etc.; Modernize processing and manufacturing equipment; and Develop, customize, or install equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases efficiency in water use, improves air and/or water quality, and/or meets one or more of USDA’s climate action goals. Funding Information Michigan has been awarded over $10 million dollars. Equipment Only Grant: These projects offer a simplified application to fund smaller grants from $10,000 up to $100,000 Infrastructure Grants: Infrastructure grants will have a maximum award of $475,000. Eligibility Criteria The following entities are eligible for Infrastructure Grants made by MDARD: Agricultural producers or processors, or groups of agricultural producers and processors Nonprofit organizations operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural products Local government entities operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural products Tribal governments operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural products. Institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals bringing producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment that will benefit multiple producers middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural product. For more information, visit MDARD.

This funding opportunity supports community-focused projects in Berrien County, Michigan, providing financial assistance to nonprofits, schools, religious organizations, and government agencies addressing various local needs such as education, the arts, health, and community improvement.

This funding opportunity supports charitable and community-based projects in Berrien County, Michigan, providing resources to eligible nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities to enhance quality of life across various focus areas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to creative teachers in Berrien County for innovative classroom projects that enhance student learning and engagement.

This grant provides $50,000 each to local nonprofits, schools, churches, and government agencies in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, and Stevensville to support programs that improve the lives of children and youth.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, and government entities that provide youth programs in Berrien County, particularly at designated Howard facilities in St. Joseph and the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Recycling Unit is offering grants for organics (food waste) infrastructure projects. Donor Name: Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: EGLE protects Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land, and energy resources, and is focused on addressing climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion. In fiscal year (FY) 2024, EGLE will provide matching grants to support Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s climate priorities by supplementing efforts to increase access to food waste diversion projects and grow the statewide food waste composting and recycling rate.  Objectives Increase access to food waste diversion infrastructure while building diversity, equity, and inclusion across Michigan. Increase collection and processing capacity for food waste diversion. Increase participation rate in existing food waste diversion programs. Priorities Programs with the largest projected increases in processing or collection capacity volume and/or access and participation. Programs with sustainable funding mechanisms in place. Programs that currently provide or propose robust, continuing education programs. Applicants with demonstrated ability to collaborate and partner with other groups and organizations. Projects that leverage concurrent project funding from other sources, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Closed Loop Fund, or local foundations or businesses. Projects that support Governor Whitmer’s climate change priorities through measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Projects that will benefit an environmental justice community or underserved and vulnerable populations within a community. Funding Information A total of $1 million in funding. The maximum amount of funding that can be requested for an EGLE Organics Infrastructure Grant is $250,000. The minimum grant funds an applicant may request is $5,000. The State anticipates the grant period will start November 29, 2024, and will end on September 30, 2027.  Eligibility Criteria  For purposes of this RFP, the following types of entities are eligible to apply non-profit organizations, tribal governments, school districts, universities/colleges, local health departments, regional planning agencies, cities, villages, townships, charter townships, counties, municipal solid waste authorities, resource recovery authorities, businesses, corporations, and private sector entities located in Michigan. Eligible Organics Infrastructure Grants include but are not limited to: The implementation of curbside food waste carts; creation or enhancement of drop-off food waste collection; public space food waste collection containers; school food waste collection and processing projects, food waste collection vehicles, multi- family food waste collection projects, and food waste processing projects. For more information, visit EGLE.

The Experience Support grant program provides arts and culture-related project funding to Michigan organizations for which arts and culture is not the primary focus of the organization’s mission. Donor Name: Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) State: Michigan County: All Counties Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development and Transportation. Available FY25 Experience Support Funding Opportunities Project Support (up to $20,000) Project Support funding is designed to support the production, presentation, and creation of arts and culture experiences for Michigan communities. Projects may range anywhere from a single, one-day event to a program that takes place over the entire grant period. Experience opportunities resulting from grant funds must be open to the public. Grant funds can only be used for the specific arts and culture related project that is awarded (cannot be used for any of the organization’s non-arts and culture-related programs). Facility Improvement & Equipment (up to $30,000) Facility Improvement & Equipment funding is designed to assist organizations with both facility improvements and/or the purchase of equipment related to the arts and culture programming, services, and/or activities the organization provides to its audiences and communities. Organizations may request any combination of facility improvement and/or equipment needs up to the maximum request amount. Organizations applying for Facility Improvement needs must have proof of ownership of the building or evidence of a long-term lease. Professional/Organizational Development (up to $1,500) Professional/Organizational Development funding is designed to assist an organization in providing arts and culture-related educational opportunities that increase the knowledge and skills of the organization’s personnel. Only staff members, contracted employees, board members, and/or volunteers may be selected to participate in the organization’s Professional/Organizational Development request. Transportation (up to $1,500) Transportation funding is designed to assist organizations that have a need to transport participants in “field trip” style events to engage in arts and cultural programming/services/activities. The transportation costs may be associated with both in-state and out-of-state travel. The transportation funding may be related to (or may be separate from) any other project applied for within this Experience Support grant application. The funding may be used in one (or both) of the following ways: Transporting a group of participants to the applicant’s venue to participate in the applicant’s arts and cultural programming/services/activities. Transporting a group of the applicant’s participants to a different organization’s venue to participate in arts and cultural programming/services/activities. Grant Period All funding must be spent within the grant period: October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025.  Eligibility Criteria  Eligible Michigan applicants for Experience Support: PreK-12 Schools (public or private schools, home schools, school districts, young adult special education, regional educational service agencies, and/or accredited Head Start programs) Colleges/Universities Municipalities and Tribal Entities 501(c)(3) Nonprofit organizations (with non-arts and culture-related missions). For more information, visit MACC.

The City of Flint has received a $50,000 grant to empower youth-led climate initiatives through microgrants. Donor Name: City of Flint State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This new Youth Climate Action Fund is designed to support a wide range of projects, from tree-planting and public education campaigns to recycling and waste reduction initiatives. Flint youth ages 15-24 are invited to apply for funding for projects that will advance critical community goals such as climate resilient infrastructure planning, flood mitigation and prevention, increasing participation in recycling, and access to sustainable modes of transportation. Whether you’re interested in launching a new project or enhancing an existing effort, this fund offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the environment and community. Eligible Projects  Eligible projects and efforts could include, but are not limited to: Youth-led awareness, education, research, and development initiatives, including: youth-led climate education programs; youth climate hackathons; youth-developed climate surveys and research; youth-informed clubs or curriculum; and youth-designed public art and awareness campaigns. Youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects, including: youth-led community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, and urban farming campaigns; youth-managed recycling and waste reduction programs; and youth-produced climate resilience workshops and disaster preparedness programs. Co-governed youth climate action plans, including: partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy ideas, decisions, or actions or the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards. Who Can Apply? Youth ages 15-24 in collaboration with local groups, organizations, nonprofits, and schools are encouraged to apply. Please note this is a grant with expenditure responsibilities for compliance. The receiving entity for the project or initiative must be able to provide evidence of legal status (for-profit, nonprofits, private foundations, new organizations with pending public charity status); current financial statements, annual report or organizational summary, list of leadership, evidence of receiving grants in the past. Ineligibility  Grant funds cannot be used for: Services covered by existing city initiatives  Rent or Utilities Nonprofit/NGO incorporation fees Speaker honorariums Improvement projects that primarily serve churches and/or other religious organizations Scholarships or other direct support to individuals or families Partisan political organizations, political candidates, fundraisers, or projects Capital campaigns, endowments, or endowed chairs Events or fundraisers not related to youth climate action. For more information, visit City of Flint.

The Building Healthy Communities: Middle School Program is available to schools serving students in 5th, 6th or 7th grade. Donor Name: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program recognizes that Michigan schools, students and staff continue to need physical, mental, and emotional health support. This program is helping meet these needs by encouraging a whole-child approach to health, while recognizing the unique needs of every school community across the state. This includes a variety of instructional options that meet the needs of both in-person and virtual learning environments, as well as a flexible implementation model that allows your school to prioritize investments in areas of need such as mental health, self-care and physical activity resources. Building Healthy Communities: Engaging Middle Schools through Project Healthy Schools partners with schools to champion a sustainable culture of wellness throughout the school’s community. Through education, policy and environmental change, this program tailors health and wellness initiatives to the unique needs of each school. Healthy habits start young, and this program helps establish the knowledge and behaviors needed for a healthy lifestyle that lasts a lifetime. The goals of the program are for students to: Eat more fruits and vegetables Choose less sugary food and beverages Eat less fast and fatty food Be active every day Spend less entertainment time in front of screens. Eligibility Criteria  Public, charter or private nonprofit schools in Michigan are eligible. Building Healthy Communities is available to all Michigan schools regardless of their: Free and reduced-price school meals percentage Geographic location Schools taking part in other healthy eating, nutrition education, physical activity or physical education programs are eligible. Schools that applied in prior years but weren’t selected are encouraged to apply again. Middle schools must serve students in the fifth, sixth or seventh grade to be eligible. Schools that already have Project Healthy Schools aren’t eligible. Schools that previously received a Building Healthy Communities program aren’t eligible. For more information, visit BCBSM.

The Elementary School Program is school-based and focused on addressing the social determinants of health that have contributed to wide disparities in many communities across Michigan. Donor Name: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Building Healthy Communities: Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools is a school-based program focused on addressing the social determinants of health that have contributed to wide disparities in many communities across Michigan. The program offers necessary resources and professional development to: Facilitate a healthier school environment. Assist educators in recognizing issues of trauma that children may be experiencing that could affect their education. Improve the mental health of children. Increase school attendance and academic achievement. Reduce communities highlighted by state and national data that illustrates rampant disparities in health, education and the economy. Eligibility and Program Requirements  Using state and national data documenting health, education and economic disparities throughout Michigan communities, they are recruiting school districts to join the Building Healthy Communities program where these disparities affect residents the most. They’re presenting the opportunity to central district administrators, school-level administrators and teachers in an effort to achieve districtwide support and commitment. Participation in Building Healthy Communities: Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools requires a school district to: Complete a Memorandum of Understanding between the school district and the program. Secure support from central district administrators, school-level administrators and teachers. Make sure all elementary schools in the district participate. Commit to implementing the entire program. Each district is unique, and discussions are welcome to address modification requests to successfully integrate the program in all elementary schools. For more information, visit BCBSM.

The Manistee County Community Foundation is seeking applications to create and fund numerous projects that improve the lives of those who live in Manistee County. Donor Name: Manistee County Community Foundation State: Michigan County: Manistee County (MI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The interest areas encompass all aspects of life including youth and education, arts and culture, the environment, health and human services, recreation, community development and more. The Community Foundation generally seeks to invest in projects that do the following, although they do not expect that all of these elements will be addressed in every application:  Address root causes  Will make a lasting impact on community and are sustainable  Attract funding and other resources to community  Demonstrate collaboration and/or coordination of efforts or resources  Target underserved members of community  Are accessible to participants, regardless of their identity or physical, social, financial or other circumstances  Include diverse perspectives, especially of those who stand to benefit Funding Information Generally, the minimum grant award will be $1,000 and the maximum grant award will be up to $10,000, with the exception of recreation grants which, through the remarkable generosity of a donor, may be up to $100,000. Grant Period Generally, projects should be completed within one year of a grant award. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, school districts, units of government, including federally recognized tribes. Support may also be considered for religious institutions. Projects must be located in Manistee County, unless pre-approved by the Community Foundation, and benefit residents of Manistee County Foundation does not make grants to individuals, or grants to cover deficits, or other previously incurred obligations In general, they will not consider a new grant to an organization that has an open grant or has not met prior grant requirements For more information, visit MCCF.

The Native American Heritage Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that honor and promote Native American culture and heritage within the State of Michigan. Eligible projects include those undertaken by public or private K-12 schools (including charter schools), accredited colleges or universities, and local units of government such as school districts, community college districts, cities, villages, townships, road commissions, or counties. Non-profit organizations can also apply, provided they have an eligible educational institution or local government entity as their sponsor and fiduciary. The application deadline for this grant is 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 7, 2024. The grant provides financial support for projects that foster understanding and appreciation of Native American culture within the Michigan community.

This funding opportunity supports a variety of Michigan organizations, including schools, municipalities, and nonprofits, to improve access to arts and cultural experiences for residents and visitors.