Michigan grants for Small businesses

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.

This grant provides funding to local governments and private entities in Michigan to replace old diesel vehicles and equipment with all-electric alternatives, promoting cleaner air and sustainable practices.

The City of Alpena Downtown Development Authority (the “DDA”) established its Façade Improvement Grant Program for Commercial & Mixed-Use Properties. Donor Name: Alpena Downtown Development Authority State: Michigan City: Alpena Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In October 2023, the Alpena DDA was awarded $400,000 grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through its Façade Restoration Initiative (FRI) Program to supplement our local program. Projects may now apply for grants of 50% of their façade project total. All projects must be complete by April 30, 2025. Funding Information The Design Committee may award grants under the program in any amount requested from a minimum award of $500.00 to up to 50% of eligible renovation costs. All requests must be approved by the DDA Board. Building Eligibility Requirements Location and Nature of Building Use.  Properties located within the legal boundary of Alpena’s DDA district engaging in retail, restaurant, commercial, entertainment, office services, or properties that are mixed- use shall be deemed eligible for grant funding. Any question concerning the eligibility of a specific property may be submitted to the Executive Director of the DDA. A determination of location and building use eligibility will be provided to the interested party within two business days following receipt of the inquiry. Payment of Taxes and Other Public Accounts. All previously billed and currently payable property taxes and annual installments of assessments must be paid in full for the subject property before an application for a façade improvement grant will be considered. Additionally, all City of Alpena accounts in the name of the applicant and/or attaching to the subject property must be current. All taxes, assessments, and other city accounts must be kept current during the application, review, construction, and post-construction processes. Nature of Façade. Grant funding may be requested for any façade (front, side, or rear) that fronts on a public right of way (street, alley, or public parking lot). Applicants may apply for up to 50% of eligible renovation costs per façade. All requests for funding must be approved by the DDA Board of Directors. Greater consideration for funding will be given to work proposed on a façade fronting a city street. Structural Integrity of Building. Buildings for which improvements are proposed must have basic structural integrity and an intact roof as confirmed by the City of Alpena Building Department, thereby protecting the DDA’s potential investment in the façade. Insurance Coverage. The applicant or the owner of the subject property must carry suitable property insurance coverage on the subject property and must provide a certificate of coverage to the DDA with the application. The applicant or owner is strongly encouraged to also carry a builder’s risk policy of insurance covering potential damage to the building’s structure by the contractor. For more information, visit Alpena DDA.

This grant provides funding for organizations experienced in wetland management to acquire, restore, and create wetlands in the Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay watersheds, promoting ecological health and community engagement.

This grant, under the authority of Public Act 53 of 2022, is part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, designated to enhance public outdoor recreation facilities through the development, renovation, or redevelopment of local parks and trails. The funding aims to modernize these facilities and promote public recreation, equity, tourism, and economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible subrecipients must maintain an active SAM registration and use the funds in accordance with the established terms, including meeting deadlines for expense obligations and expenditures by specific dates in 2024 and 2026 respectively.

This program provides funding to organizations in Michigan to help low-income households access solar energy, prioritizing projects that serve predominantly low-income subscribers.

This program provides financial assistance to Michigan's food and agriculture businesses to help them meet wastewater regulations and improve their infrastructure.

The MIWISH Grant Program, administered by MIOSHA, offers matching grants of up to $5,000 to small employers (250 employees or less) for purchasing safety and health-related equipment and training. The program aims to enhance workplace safety and health, focusing on high-hazard industries and MIOSHA emphasis programs. It operates on a reimbursement basis until funding is depleted. Eligible projects must directly contribute to reducing the risk of injury or illness to employees. Grant renewed every year. The annual open date is October 1st (until funding is depleted)

This program provides rent support to new, innovative retail businesses in Downtown Grand Rapids, particularly those that are women- or minority-owned, to enhance the area's retail diversity and economic vitality.

This program provides matching funds to commercial and mixed-use property owners and lessees in Newaygo's TIFA district for permanent improvements to their building facades.

Grant Opportunity: Parcel Assessment and Strategy Development for Permanent Preservation in the South Branch Flint River - Description: This grant opportunity supports a deeper analysis of two parcels totaling 1200 acres in the upper Flint River Basin. The analysis includes on-the-ground ecosystem assessment, habitat delineation, mapping, valuation/appraisal, title search, and overall environmental evaluation. The goal is to prepare for making an offer and potential campaign to acquire the properties or a conservation easement. - Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA seeking grant opportunities. Grant Opportunity: Shiatown Park Improvement Readiness - Description: This grant opportunity supports various improvements at Shiatown Park along the Shiawassee River. Funding will be used for wetlands determination and assessment, installation of park boundary and trail markers, historic interpretive signage, floodplain determination, and enhancing community resilience. - Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA seeking grant opportunities. Grant Opportunity: Gladwin City Park FAA Site Invasive Species Eradication and Habitat Restoration - Description: This grant opportunity supports the restoration and revitalization of a 1.3 acre section of land near Gladwin City Park. Funding will be used for invasive species eradication, habitat restoration, benches, plantings along the trail, interpretive signage, and educational components. - Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA seeking grant opportunities. (Note: The breakdowns for other grant opportunities are not included due to character limitations.)

The Historical Society of Michigan's U.P. Centennial Farms grant opportunity is available for Upper Peninsula farming families who have owned and operated a working farm of 10 or more acres continuously for at least 100 years. This program aims to recognize the historical significance of these farms and their contribution to the culture and development of Michigan. Once certified through the Michigan Centennial Farm Program, owners will receive a certificate and a display marker for their farm. The green-and-yellow markers are sponsored by UPPCO in their Upper Peninsula service area. The following Centennial Farms have been recognized by UPPCO: - Augustus Schaffer Farm (1857) in Ontonagon, certified on 02/01/1962 - James Daniels Farm (1865) in Ontonagon, certified on 01/18/1966 - Jermiah Penegor Farm (1850) in Ontonagon, certified on 06/16/1966 - Alex Rheault Farm (1866) in Houghton, certified on 9/22/1969 - Patrick DeLoughary Farm (1882) in Menominee, certified on 04/15/1982 - August and Sophia Krans Farm (1882) in Iron, certified on 03/08/1985 - Joel David and Anna Millard Farm (1857) in Ontonagon, certified on 05/10/1985 - Peder Olaus Olsen Farm (1884) in Iron, certified on 09/23/1985 - Fred A. and Regina Hall Farm (1889) in Iron, certified on 05/20/1986 - Carl Kunde Farm (1881) in Marquette, certified on 11/24/1986 And many more farms have been recognized.

Grant Opportunity: Outdoor Education Partnership III Description: The Chippewa Nature Center and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service are collaborating to restore wetland, grassland, and pollinator habitat as outdoor classrooms on school lands in the 22 County Saginaw Bay Watershed. County or city-owned lands can also be developed as outdoor education areas if local schools can incorporate them into their curriculum. The projects will be funded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, with an average cost of $2,000 per acre for restoration. Priority will be given to schools, and each project will include a customized curriculum guide, lessons, supplies, and teacher training. Grant Opportunity: Great Mural Project Description: The Downtown Saginaw Association is leading the Great Mural Project, which aims to transform eyesores or forgotten spaces in Saginaw with beautiful murals and community art installations. The project focuses on sustainability, the river system, non-motorized trails, and other WIN investment projects. WIN will provide a small advisory committee to support the project. Grant Opportunity: Places Create Stories : The Power of Nature Description: Heart of the Lakes and Little Forks Conservancy are partnering to develop a media project that highlights the value of nature from an economic and community perspective. The project aims to create three short videos that emphasize the importance of nature for community character, job retention/recruitment, and economic development. The videos will be distributed through land conservancies and can be tailored for different groups' use. Grant Opportunity: Nature Kindergarten Pilot Description: This grant supports the development of a nature-based kindergarten pilot project at Bullock Creek Schools in cooperation with Chippewa Nature Center. Building on the success of a nature-based preschool program at Chippewa Nature Center, this pilot project aims to incorporate nature-based learning into two kindergarten classrooms. Grant Opportunity: MI Great Bay Regional Tourism Marketing & Development Phase 1 Description: This project seeks funding

Grant Opportunity: Saginaw Bay Watershed Pollution Prevention/Chemical Collection Program Description: This grant opportunity is for the construction of a permanent facility to collect pesticides from farmers, homeowners, nurseries, etc. The facility will allow any end user of pesticides to dispose of unwanted materials at no cost. The project was completed in 1999 and is a joint project of the Saginaw County Department of Health and the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Grant Opportunity: Demonstrate Effectiveness of Biodegradable Two-Cycle Engine Oil Description: This grant opportunity is for field testing a soy-based oil that can be used as an alternative to petroleum-based oil in engines such as jet skis, outboard motors, and snowmobiles. The soy-based oil is environmentally preferable as it is 96% biodegradable and does not emit pollutants into the air and water. The funding will be used to demonstrate the safety and performance of the oil and document reductions in emissions into the environment. Grant Opportunity: Saginaw Bay Watershed Native Planting Preserve at Saginaw Valley State University Description: This grant opportunity aims to fund the development of a native planting preserve on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University. The preserve will include plants, signage, and walking trails. The project intends to encourage the use of native plantings in the general public and serve as a demonstration/research site at the university. Grant Opportunity: Alternative Energy from Agriculturally-Derived Pellet Fuel Description: This grant opportunity involves analyzing the technical and economic viability of manufacturing renewable pellet fuel derived from agricultural sources. The research includes studying the economic and environmental impact of using biomass combustion furnaces for heating residential and light industrial buildings. The project also includes developing a web-based interface for real-time telemetry information. Grant Opportunity: Conservation Tillage Risk Protection Program Description: This grant opportunity aims to demonstrate the use of conservation tillage in two subwatersheds of the Tittabawassee River. The

Grant Opportunity: Outdoor Education Partnership Phase II Date: Jul 2019 Description: This grant opportunity is open to multiple organizations, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, and Chippewa Nature Center. The goal of the project is to develop and expand place-based environmental and sustainability education at schools. Funding will support the creation of outdoor education areas that can be utilized by local public and private schools in their curriculum. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program will restore habitat through habitat restoration projects, with financial assistance from Ducks Unlimited. Chippewa Nature Center will lead the curriculum and program development for each site, tailoring it to the State of Michigan curriculum and school preferences. Approximately 3,000+ students are estimated to be educated in the outdoor classrooms every year. Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA (nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, small businesses etc.) Grant Opportunity: On-The-Ground Saginaw Bay Watershed Habitat Project _ MUCC Date: Dec 2014 Description: This grant opportunity is established by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and aims to partner with local groups, MUCC members, and others in improving wildlife habitat across the state. The project focuses on implementing habitat improvement projects on conservancy-owned properties as well as state-owned game areas in our region. Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA (nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, small businesses etc.) Grant Opportunity: Michigan Waterfowl Legacy Implementation in the Saginaw Bay Region Date: Nov 2012 Description: This grant opportunity supports an expanded Saginaw Bay component of the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy program. The program aims to promote wetland use by hunters, new hunters, and birders in order to improve waterfowl populations and habitat, increase waterfowl hunting participation, and engage citizens in conserv