Michigan Community Development Grants

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 funding opportunity supports projects that benefit organizations in Branch County, with a focus on initiatives that empower and uplift women in the community.

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.

This funding opportunity supports Michigan-based nonprofit organizations in developing community-driven health initiatives that address local health needs and promote health equity.

This funding opportunity is designed for local artists and organizations in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, as well as the Ceded and Home Territories of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, to create a movable mural that celebrates the culture and identity of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is offering $57 million in grant funds for in-person before-school, after-school, before-and-after-school, and/or summer programming for children in grades K-12. This initiative aligns with MiLEAP's mission to prioritize education from preschool through postsecondary, focusing on kindergarten readiness and helping individuals earn skills or degrees for good-paying jobs. The grant specifically supports Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs that provide educational programming in core subjects such as mathematics, reading, and science. The target beneficiaries are children in grades K-12. The impact goals are to improve school attendance, academic outcomes, attitudes toward school, positive behaviors, skill development and retention, and higher education aspirations, as well as to enhance family engagement. MiLEAP's strategic priority is to prepare children for kindergarten and help more people earn a skill certificate or degree, and this grant directly contributes to that by funding programs that offer expanded learning opportunities and academic enrichment. The grant prioritizes the expansion of existing programs, establishment of new programs, hands-on academic enrichment, field trips, professional learning, and the development of school-community partnerships. It also supports expanded learning opportunities in areas like mentoring, leadership, community engagement, agriculture, visual and performing arts, financial literacy, STEM, health and wellness, recreation, career and college exploration, youth voice, 21st-century skills, social-emotional learning, and cultural engagement. Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in areas such as improved school attendance and academic performance, enhanced positive behaviors and skill development, and increased aspirations for higher education. The grant's theory of change posits that by investing in comprehensive OST programming that addresses both academic and social-emotional needs, children will be better prepared for academic success and future career opportunities, thereby contributing to MiLEAP's broader goal of lifelong education and advancement.

This grant provides funding to eligible organizations focused on improving environmental health and justice in the Great Lakes region, particularly addressing water quality, lead hazards, and air quality in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties in Michigan.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan that are seeking financial assistance for capital improvement projects to enhance community quality of life.

The Mecosta County Community Foundation in Michigan is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 from its Community Needs Fund to support projects in arts, culture, community development, education, health, historical preservation, and environmental conservation, open to applications from 501(C)3 or tax-supported organizations impacting Mecosta County.

This grant provides funding to public and nonprofit organizations in Michigan to implement solar energy projects that benefit low-income households by reducing their energy costs and promoting equitable access to clean energy solutions.

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