Michigan Community Development Grants

The Land and Water Conservation Fund offers matching grants to states and local governments for acquiring and developing public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Aligning with Michigan's 2023-2027 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), this grant focuses on assessing current resources and demands, evaluating trends, and setting strategic priorities for outdoor recreation improvements over the next five years. Applications are evaluated based on criteria that ensure alignment with the SCORP, and funding decisions are made by the National Park Service upon recommendation from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Application deadlines are set annually, with a process involving submission, evaluation, and final approval stages. Applicants must have a DNR-approved community five-year recreation plan to be eligible. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: April 1st

This funding opportunity provides up to $25,000 to nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan for innovative programs, program expansion, and capacity-building efforts that address community needs.

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.

The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Grant Program, managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Resources Division (FRD), assists rural fire departments in acquiring firefighting equipment. The program requires a 50/50 matching grant and is available to fire departments serving communities with populations of 10,000 or less. Eligible projects include personal protection gear for wildland fires, Class A foam generating equipment, dry hydrants, communications equipment, and breathing apparatus. Applications are reviewed and prioritized by the FRD, with awards capped at $4,999 per project. Projects involving multiple departments are considered on a case-by-case basis. Applications must be submitted by June 28, 2024, with awards announced around December 15, 2024. Projects must be completed by August 1, 2025.

The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust's grant program aims to enhance the quality of life for companion animals and native wildlife. This mission aligns with the foundation's core belief in supporting innovative projects that go beyond basic care, providing long-term benefits for animals today and in the future. The trust focuses on helping organizations deliver an enhanced quality of life for homeless and abused companion animals. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include homeless and abused companion animals, native wildlife, and owned companion animals in under-resourced urban/rural areas or those owned by socially vulnerable populations. Impact goals include increasing successful adoptions, improving staff and volunteer care delivery, promoting humane education, enhancing access to medical care, and controlling pet and feral animal populations through spay/neuter initiatives. The program prioritizes several key areas: animal adoption, behavior training, and fostering; continuing education and training for staff and volunteers; humane and wildlife education; medical care, rehabilitation, and wellness care for animals; pet and feral animal population control through spay/neuter; equipment directly benefiting animals; and other animal care initiatives that celebrate the human-animal bond. Preferred projects include non-capital means of expanding shelter capacity, opportunities for staff and volunteer development, school and community programs addressing humane care, and assistance for owned pets from under-resourced households. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased successful adoptions, improved delivery of care by staff and volunteers, enhanced community understanding of animal welfare, better access to medical care for vulnerable animal populations, and a reduction in unwanted pet populations. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on supporting initiatives that lead to a high quality of life for individual animals and significant improvements for large numbers of animals. Their theory of change is that by funding innovative projects and supporting eligible organizations, they can foster better humane care, improve animal well-being, and address critical issues such as overpopulation and lack of access to care, ultimately creating a more compassionate environment for animals.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations for projects that enhance health, education, arts, and community development in the Homer area of Michigan, particularly benefiting underserved populations.

This funding initiative provides financial support to Michigan-based nonprofits and higher education institutions that assist startups, aiming to boost innovation and economic development in the state.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational institutions and nonprofit partners in Michigan to assess and improve their strategies for enhancing student experiences and success.

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.

The Community Foundation is offering multiple grant cycles in 2024, including 5 community grant cycles and two ongoing grant cycles. The grants focus on various areas such as arts and culture, education, environment and land use initiatives, community and economic development, civic improvement, human services, health and wellness projects, recreation, and youth projects. Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions (preschool through college), and all units of government serving Charlevoix County residents are eligible to apply. The application deadlines vary for each grant cycle. Applicants are encouraged to contact Ashley Cousens or Megan Havrilla DeHoog to discuss eligibility and receive an access code for the online grant application. Grant decisions will be announced in early December, and funded organizations will be required to submit a follow-up report within one year of the grant award.

The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo offers Arts Fund Project Support grants to support organizations aiming to engage culturally diverse and/or underserved communities within Kalamazoo County, emphasizing ethnic/minority, tribal, and rural communities. This initiative seeks to enhance the quality and diversity of arts in the region. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations with annual budgets under $500,000, especially those targeting underserved communities. Projects must occur solely within and cater exclusively to Kalamazoo County's citizens. Two application periods are open for this grant: July 15 - September 20, 2024, and December 16 - February 14, 2025. The maximum grant amount is $5,500 or up to 50% of the project's budget.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local governments in Michigan for improving emergency shelters and expanding transitional housing programs to better assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

This program provides financial support and resources to small businesses in select U.S. cities that are dedicated to community upliftment and have been impacted by COVID-19.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan for innovative programs that improve community well-being, support families, and foster youth development.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

This grant provides funding to established nonprofits in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan for innovative programs that address community needs and empower families and youth.

The County of Alpena Youth and Recreation Committee offers mini-grants funded by a voter-approved millage established in 2010. This program aligns directly with the committee's mission to support recreational activities and improve recreational sites for youth and all residents of Alpena County. The mini-grants are one-time discretionary awards of up to $7,500 designed to support projects and initiatives that impact the county's residents, bolstering community well-being through accessible recreation. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are the youth and residents of Alpena County, as well as nonprofit organizations that serve them. The program aims to foster engagement in various recreational activities, encompassing sports, indoor and outdoor pursuits, and events that promote enrichment and community involvement. Impact goals include enhancing the quality of life for Alpena County residents through diverse recreational opportunities and supporting the organizational capacity of nonprofits working towards these objectives. The committee prioritizes projects that align with its broad understanding of recreation, which includes all types of sports and sporting events, indoor and outdoor activities, and events focused on enrichment and community engagement. Furthermore, priority is given to mini-grant applications that do not fit the normal Youth & Recreation application schedule, indicating a desire to support agile and responsive initiatives. The program also emphasizes capacity building for organizations to achieve the goals of the Youth & Recreation Commission, sustain their mission, and ensure long-term impact. Expected outcomes include an increase in available recreational activities and improved recreational sites for Alpena County residents, particularly youth. Measurable results could involve the number of participants in new or enhanced recreational programs, the successful completion of site improvement projects, and the strengthened capacity of recipient nonprofit organizations. The grant's reimbursement structure ensures that funds are directly tied to documented expenditures, promoting accountability. The County of Alpena's strategic priority is to continually invest in community recreation and youth development, with a theory of change that postulates that by funding diverse recreational activities and supporting relevant organizations, the overall health, engagement, and development of its residents will significantly improve.

Sanback Dam Removal & Stream Restoration Design Phase: This grant opportunity is for the design and permitting phase of fully removing Sanback Dam in Rose City, MI. The existing dam is deteriorating and poses safety hazards. If the dam were to fail, it could endanger people downstream and damage property and infrastructure. The grant is open to organizations of all types seeking to restore the stream habitat downstream. Shiawassee Access and Riverfront Development: The Village of Byron proposes to develop a publicly accessible riverfront viewing platform as part of their Economic & Public Space initiative along the Shiawassee River. The plan aims to attract new commerce, residents, and visitors to enhance the commercial corridor. The project will catalyze redevelopment efforts after a fire destroyed several sites in 2012. Nonprofits, startups, local governments, small businesses, and researchers are eligible to apply. Smith Park Fishing Access: The City of Essexville's Smith Park includes a boat launch and recreation area near Saginaw Bay. However, fishing opportunities are limited due to irregular riverbanks and failed erosion control measures. This grant supports park improvements with a focus on fishing access, including the development of a floating fishing pier. Nonprofits, startups, local governments, small businesses, and researchers can apply for this grant opportunity. Finn Road Park Improvements: Proposed by Hampton Township, this grant supports improvements at Finn Road Park along Saginaw Bay's shoreline. The project includes native plantings and restoration, a universally accessible kayak launch, parking improvements, and a new playground area. Grant funds will specifically be used for the kayak launch and native plant rain garden. Nonprofits, startups, local governments, small businesses, and researchers are eligible to apply. An updated Development/Capital Improvement Plan for the Shiawassee River Water Trail Coalition: This grant supports updating and publicly distributing the Development/Capital Improvement Plan for the Shiawassee River Water Trail Coalition. The plan aims to enhance public launch sites along the river

The Building Healthy Communities: Middle School Program, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, is a grant opportunity designed to provide physical, mental, and emotional health support to Michigan schools, students, and staff. This program emphasizes a whole-child approach to health, recognizing the diverse needs of school communities across the state. It offers flexible instructional options, including in-person and virtual learning, and allows schools to prioritize investments in critical areas such as mental health, self-care, and physical activity resources. The program's mission aligns with fostering sustainable cultures of wellness in schools through education, policy, and environmental change. The primary beneficiaries of this program are middle school students in 5th, 6th, or 7th grade attending eligible public, charter, or private nonprofit schools in Michigan. The program also indirectly benefits school staff and the broader school community by promoting a healthier environment. The overarching impact goal is to establish knowledge and behaviors for a healthy lifestyle that lasts a lifetime, starting from a young age. This is achieved by tailoring health and wellness initiatives to the unique needs of each school. The program's key priorities and focuses are to encourage students to: eat more fruits and vegetables, choose fewer sugary food and beverages, eat less fast and fatty food, be active every day, and spend less entertainment time in front of screens. These specific goals guide the implementation of health and wellness initiatives within participating schools. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in students' dietary habits and physical activity levels. While not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the measurable results would likely track changes in student consumption of healthy foods, reduction in sugary and fatty foods, increased daily physical activity, and decreased screen time for entertainment, all contributing to a healthier student population. The foundation's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, include promoting community health, especially among youth, and addressing the identified needs for physical, mental, and emotional health support within the Michigan school system. The theory of change appears to be that by partnering with schools and implementing tailored health and wellness initiatives, students will develop healthier habits and contribute to a sustainable culture of wellness within their school communities, ultimately leading to improved long-term health outcomes.

This grant provides flexible funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in the greater Holland/Zeeland area of Michigan to address various community needs through capital investments or new and expanded programs.