Michigan Employment Labor and Training Grants

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to museums and nonprofit organizations in Michigan to help stabilize their operations, expand their capacity, and implement strategic initiatives over the next five years.

The City of Dearborn is accepting applications for its Small Business Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Dearborn State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program will enable Dearborn Small Businesses with 15 or fewer employees who have been in business in Dearborn for at least five years and are in good standing with the City to apply for $5,000 in assistance to improve their business, with an expected $2,500 match from the business themselves. The grant dollars can be put towards the following improvements: Facade improvements (paint, windows, building face materials, etc.) Awnings Other exterior improvements (signage, patios, walkways, landscaping, etc.) Eligibility Criteria Any Dearborn business that meets the following requirements can apply for funding: In business in Dearborn for at least 5 years No more than 15 employees  In good standing with the City, State, and IRS, and not in bankruptcy.  Business owner(s) must not be listed on the MI State Police Sex Offender Registry For more information, visit City of Dearborn.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

This grant provides funding for research and training projects that help protect Michigan's horticulture industry from pests and safeguard plant products.

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is pleased to announce the availability of $57 million in grant funds to provide inperson before-school, after-school, before-and-after-school, and/or summer programming to children in any of grades K to 12. Donor Name: Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/25/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: MiLEAP prioritizes education from preschool through postsecondary with a focus on preparing children for kindergarten and helping more people earn a skill certificate or degree to help them get a good-paying job.  Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs must provide educational programming in core subject areas, including, but not limited to, mathematics, reading, and science. Allowable Activities Allowable activities may include:  Expansion of existing program: number of weeks and hours, number of children served, summer programming, new site(s). Establishment of a new program  Hands-on academic enrichment in core subject areas  Field trips related to the academic and enrichment activities.  Professional learning and training related to the improvement of the program(s)  Development of school-community partnerships  Support expanded learning opportunities such as:  mentoring  leadership  community engagement  agriculture  visual and performing arts  financial literacy  science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM)  health and wellness  recreation  career and college exploration  youth voice  21st century skills  Social-emotional learning Cultural engagement programming  other innovative programming Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for a grant under this legislation, the applicant must meet, at a minimum, all of the following criteria: Be a community-based organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 USC 501, including but not limited to, faith-based organizations and indigenous/tribal organizations, an institution of higher education, a public library, a local government, or an intermediate district. Must be a licensed child care organization (for before/after school, school-age program, or camp license), an entity that has an active application in process to be a licensed child care organization, or an exempt entity from child care licensing by the State of Michigan Licensing Bureau 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111 to 722.128. Upon award, programs with an active child care or camp licensing application must complete the process before the entity starts service and funds will be released. Upon completion, the entity must submit a copy of the approved license to the MiLEAP-OST Team. At least 80 days of program services during the school year for at least 15 students 1 hour before school, or 2 hours after-school, or 3.5 hours for both (before-and after-school), and/or at least 4 hours per day for a minimum of 24 days during the summer for at least 15 students.  Must be used to support expanded learning opportunities, including, but not limited to, mentoring, leadership, community engagement, agriculture, visual and performing arts, literacy, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, financial literacy, health and wellness, physical fitness, recreation, career and college exploration, youth voice, 21st-century skills, conflict resolution, and social engagement programming. Provide educational programming in core subject areas, including, but not limited to, mathematics, reading, and science. Must address measurable goals, including, but not limited to, improved school attendance, academic outcomes, improved attitudes toward the school, improved positive behaviors, skill development and retention, higher education aspirations, improved family engagement, and include activities linked to research or quality practices. For more information, visit MiLEAP.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

This funding opportunity is designed to help nonprofit organizations improve their internal operations and effectiveness through expert-led initiatives in areas like leadership development, strategic planning, and diversity training.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

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 Mission Support grant program provides funding to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and culture organizations throughout the state of Michigan that have a primary charitable purpose related to arts and culture as defined by the organization’s NTEE code assigned by the IRS. Donor Name: Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) State: Michigan County: All Counties Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Applicants can submit one grant application to request funding in any/all of these categories: Operational Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development, Transportation and Arts Education programming. Available FY25 Mission Support Funding Opportunities Operational Support (up to $25,000) Operational Support funding is designed to assist an arts and culture organization with basic operating expenses related to the programming, services, and/or activities the organization provides to its audiences and communities. 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 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 the Mission 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. Arts Education (up to $10,000) Arts Education funding is designed to assist organizations in projects that partner directly with schools to provide arts and culture programming/services/activities that specifically enhance pre-established curriculum for students at those schools. Projects may take place either at the applicant’s facility or inside the classroom of the PreK-12 partner school. Applicant organizations that propose projects must specifically partner with one or more PreK-12 educational institutions which can include public or private schools, home schools, school districts, regional educational service agencies, and/or accredited Head Start programs. Grant Period All funding must be spent within the grant period: October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  Organization has received tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization from the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS). Organization is physically located in Michigan with programs/services open to the public. For more information, visit MACC.

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 Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) is seeking applications for its Women’s Education Coalition Grant Program. Donor Name: Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) State: Michigan County: Allegan County (MI), Barry County (MI), Calhoun County (MI), Kalamazoo County (MI), Saint Joseph County (MI), Van Buren County (MI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Pursue your educational and employment goals with the Women’s Education Coalition Grant Program. Get connected with renewable grant assistance to increase your financial independence and move your career forward. The Women’s Education Coalition is a collaborative of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; the YWCA of Kalamazoo and the former Kalamazoo Network. The grant can be used to enroll in a professional development opportunity, trade, technology, vocational or certificate program, or an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree program. The grant may be used by part-time or full-time students. Eligibility Criteria Women residing in Kalamazoo, Barry, Calhoun, Allegan, St. Joseph or Van Buren County who have had a significant break in their education or are seeking additional education to improve their career and pay opportunities are eligible. Applicants should be able to demonstrate how post-high school education will assist in reaching goals of increased financial independence. Priority will be given to underemployed working mothers and those enrolling or enrolled in not-for-profit educational institutions. For more information, visit KZCF.

The Food Safety Education Fund grants program is funded through assessments of $3 to $5 from each licensed Michigan food establishment to provide food safety training and education to consumers; and training and education to food service establishment employees and agents of the director who enforce Michigan’s food regulations (i.e., local health department sanitarians and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development food safety inspectors). Donor Name: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) State: Michigan County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding Information Up to $365,000 is available for the 2024-2025 grant cycle for projects focused on food safety training and education. Of the $365,600, $242,500 will be available for consumer food safety education and $114,100 for education to food service establishment employees and agents of the director of MDARD. The monies that go into the fund come from assessments of $3.00 to $5.00 on food establishment licenses. Grant Period The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is now accepting proposals for grants that will run from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Multi-year proposals will be considered on an individual basis, contingent on future year funding. Eligibility Criteria  The Michigan Food Law of 2000, Section 4117, directs money in the fund to be used for providing food safety training and education to consumers, food service establishment employees and agents of the director who enforce the Michigan Food Law of 2000. Applicants must be Michigan governmental and non-profit organizations and entities. Producers, marketers, processors, growers are NOT eligible for this grant opportunity. Proposals with subgrantees will be considered. Proposals should not include funding for required routine training such as HACCP or manager certification such as ServSafe. Proposal Considerations and Selection Criteria  Proposals will be scored and selected based on the following criteria: Goals/objectives to improve food safety Statewide need and audience Measurable outcomes Partnering with other organizations Matching funds Opportunities to build upon previously funded projects. For more information, visit MDARD.

Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) is investing in strengthening arts & culture nonprofits in Washtenaw County through a racial equity lens. Donor Name: Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation State: Michigan County: Washtenaw County (MI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program invests funds to activate the artistic and cultural identity of all people in Washtenaw County and ensure a fundamental level of access to arts and culture for everyone. AAACF is seeking opportunities to invest funds in new and existing community-based projects that are serving communities through arts and culture focusing on racial equity to support: Community driven art programs and organizations that serve and engage/collaborate with Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities Arts programs and organizations with BIPOC leadership Equity in arts education Empowering the digital capacity of organizations to reach BIPOC communities Vocational training for the marginalized community in the Arts. Funding Information Available Grant Dollars: $120,000 Grant Request: up to $15,000 Geographic Reach Washtenaw County For more information, visit AAACF.

The Arc Fund seeks to invest in Southeast Michigan culture-workers of color. Donor Name: CultureSource State: Michigan County: Livingston County (MI), Macomb County (MI), Monroe County (MI), Oakland County (MI), Saint Clair County (MI), Washtenaw County (MI), Wayne County (MI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Arc Fund seeks individuals looking and prepared to make a leap in their career trajectory. Fund awards might be used to invest in learning new skills, pursue novel or delayed artistic endeavors, finance or pay off obligations (loans, leases, caregiving expenses, etc.) that limit career flexibility, and fund anything else that supports awardees making a professional leap. This $1.5 million initiative aims to spur growth in the careers of culture workers who have experienced historical trends of disadvantage, underrepresentation, and oppression due to their race. The initiative offers funding, professional development, and social networking opportunities to culture workers of color to those trends and help culture workers of color advance their careers. The initiative will distribute 74 unrestricted awards of $15,000 each. Plus, all Arc Fund applicants aligned with the vision of the initiative will be awarded access to professional development experiences as well. Eligibility Criteria  All are welcome to apply! Applicants will be considered for awards if they align with the points below: They live full-time and work in one of the seven counties of Southeast Michigan: Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, Wayne. Their primary professional focus is advancing arts and culture in Southeast Michigan, whether they be an arts administrator, artist, arts organizer, curator, or arts programmer. They are a practicing arts and cultural professional who has continued to experience historical trends of disadvantage, underrepresentation, and oppression given their race. They share a compelling vision for making a leap in their career whether it be artistically, professionally, and/or personally, and are prepared to make the leap. For more information, visit CultureSource.

This program provides financial support to small nonprofit organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 to enhance their operations and community programs.

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 initiative provides financial and technical support to small businesses in Detroit that have been operating for 30 years or more, recognizing their cultural and economic contributions to the community.