Michigan Diversity Equity and Inclusion Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Michigan-based farm businesses and food distributors, particularly those owned by BIPOC and women, to help them expand operations and improve access to healthy food while promoting economic development and climate resilience.

This funding opportunity is designed to help Michigan communities develop resilience against coastal hazards, improve public access to coastal areas, and restore natural resources through projects that prioritize environmental justice and nature-based solutions.

This program provides financial assistance to homeowners in Dearborn for the rehabilitation, repair, or replacement of damaged porches and outdoor steps.

This grant provides $5,000 to small for-profit businesses in Kalamazoo that have been operating for at least a year, have 10 or fewer employees, and are located in historically underserved neighborhoods.

The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 under the Ypsilanti Area Community Fund, prioritizing projects that support racial equity through community public health, youth educational support, and community support initiatives, with a total of approximately $70,000 available for the Ypsilanti/Ypsilanti Township area.

This grant provides funding to municipalities in the Harbor Country area of Michigan for community projects that enhance the quality of life for local residents.

The Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation seeks to maximize the positive impact by partnering with charitable organizations to accomplish common objectives for improving the lives of people and communities. Donor Name: Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley Foundation State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Effectiveness, efficiency, organizational sustainability, strategic thinking, environmental stewardship and community collaboration are among the strengths they encourage in the grantees. Grants Guidelines The Foundation generally adheres to the following: The geographic area of primary interest is Michigan. Individuals and private foundations are not eligible for grants, loans or scholarships. Grants are generally not made for conference attendance, travel, books, publications, films, tapes and other communications media. Educational conferences hosted by the applicant are eligible. Capital project grant requests may not exceed 10% of the total cost of the project.  If approved, these grants are normally paid in equal annual installments over a 3 to 5 year period. Projects or organizations that are political or seek to influence legislation are not eligible. The Foundation does not generally meet or communicate with grant applicants unless requested to do so by the Grants Review Committee after considering the organization’s on-line application. The Foundation encourages financial sustainability and self-sufficiency, and does not fund programs or organizations on an annual or ongoing basis. A diversity of funding sources is encouraged An organization that has previously received support from the Towsley Foundation may not submit another grant request until at least two years have elapsed since the date of the final payment.  Furthermore, an organization that has submitted a prior grant application for which funding was declined may not submit another request until at least one year has elapsed since the date of the most recent letter advising the consideration and declination of an application.  Notifications that a request is not eligible are not considered declinations.  Exception may be made by the Foundation for organizations with separately functioning units or funds covered under the same tax exemption number.  Discretionary grants or matching gift requests initiated by a Foundation trustee are not considered in determination of a wait period.  Note that this timetable and the application deadlines below are changes from prior practices necessitated by the significant increase in number of applications as well as frequency of applications from the same organizations. For more information, visit HMTF.

This grant provides funding for projects that enhance community and economic growth in Huron County by supporting workforce development, vibrant community initiatives, and business development, among other areas of interest.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Michigan's colleges and nonprofit organizations to help remove barriers for students, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds, by covering essential expenses like childcare, transportation, and textbooks.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to postsecondary institutions in Michigan to develop systems and partnerships that help remove barriers for low-income students and those facing poverty, enabling them to complete their education.

This funding opportunity supports regional initiatives in Michigan aimed at increasing college enrollment for adults and improving access to postsecondary education through community collaboration.

This grant provides funding to colleges and nonprofit organizations to enhance successful educational programs that help students complete their degrees faster, stay enrolled, and close achievement gaps.

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.

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 Catholic Foundation of Michigan is accepting applications for its grant program. Donor Name: Catholic Foundation of Michigan State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/26/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Catholic Foundation of Michigan inspires charitable giving and assists donors in investing in the future of Catholic parishes, schools and nonprofit organizations. Focus Areas The Catholic Foundation grants in three major focus areas. Empowering Social Outreach The Gospel call is to respond to vital social service needs such as food, shelter, medicine for the sick, and hope for those in despair within the community. Examples include but are not limited to: Sustaining Archdiocesan, religious or parish-sponsored nonprofit organizations Leveraging local nonprofit organizations in line with Catholic Social Teaching. Building Vibrant Parish Life The parish is where they encounter Christ – in the sacraments, as well as in the people of the faith community. It’s where they worship, learn, and serve. It’s the home, and it is the privilege to create a strong parish environment. Examples include but are not limited to: Building welcoming and attractive Catholic parishes in Michigan Supporting resource equipment, materials, technology development for communications and outreach related to parish community development Encouraging training opportunities and new staff positions related to parish community development. Fostering Catholic Education and Formation Catholic education encompasses all types of faith formation for people of every age. They encourage all stages of educational and spiritual development to enhance vibrant discipleship. Examples include are but not limited to: Supporting innovative faith formation Fostering high quality young adult, youth or senior ministries Improving access to parochial schools Promoting leadership development for religious order ministries. Eligibility Criteria  Before submitting an online LOI, please review the following requirements: Nonprofit entities in Michigan that serve communities primarily in Michigan. The organization’s mission, values and behaviors are in line with Catholic Teachings. Organization is a U.S. 501(c)(3) with audited financial statements. Project addresses one or more of the funding focus areas: social outreach, education/formation, and parish life. Foundation will not likely consider funding the following: Individuals Requests designated for endowment funds, deficit financing, capital campaigns, or loans Programs operated to benefit for-profit organizations Organizations that discriminate based on any federally protected status. For more information, visit CFM.

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 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are requesting applications for its Step Up for School Wellness grant. 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: The Building Healthy Communities: Step Up for School Wellness, or BHC: SUFSW, program is recognized by health and education leaders as a successful and innovative program that empowers school health leaders, educators, administrators, families and communities to improve the health and well-being of students and staff. The program focuses on creating a healthier school environment and building a culture of wellness that supports physical activity, healthier food choices, mental health and overall well-being. The program is available to schools through a collaboration between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association, Michigan Fitness Foundation, Michigan Recreation and Park Association, Michigan State University Extension, Michigan Virtual, SHAPE Michigan, United Dairy Industry of Michigan and University of Michigan. Collaborating organizations have aligned under BHC: SUFSW for greater collective impact. Program Goals Creating healthier environments can lead to the development of lifelong healthy behaviors that reduce the incidence of obesity and undernourishment, combat absenteeism, address trauma, and nurture a more productive teaching and learning atmosphere. The program’s fivestep model translates into program goals that drive impacts focused on improved knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. Empower students to be more physically active every day. Empower students to make healthy choices that include fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains and lean protein every day. Empower students to learn and practice social and emotional skills. Empower staff to implement and participate in well-being initiatives that support a culture of wellness at school for all employees. Encourage staff to make changes in policies, systems and environments that support the well-being of students and staff. Focus Areas Focus Area 1: Physical Activity and Physical Education Resources. Focus Area 2: Healthy Eating and Nutrition Education Resources. Focus Area 3: Well-Being Resources. Eligibility Criteria  All public, charter or private nonprofit schools in Michigan, serving any grade level K-12, can apply each year regardless of their economic status, geographic location or participation in other school wellness grants, programs or initiatives. School awards are based on need, readiness, alignment with grade requirements and prerequisites, and available funding. For more information, visit BCBSM.

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.