Michigan Environment Grants

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.

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 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 program provides funding to neighborhood groups in Ann Arbor for community-driven projects that promote sustainability and support the city's climate action initiatives.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are offering the Step Up for School Wellness (SUFSW) grant, an innovative program designed to empower school health leaders, educators, administrators, families, and communities. This initiative aims to improve the health and well-being of K-12 students and staff across all public, charter, or private nonprofit schools in Michigan. The program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering healthier school environments and cultivating a culture of wellness, which directly contributes to the development of lifelong healthy behaviors. The primary beneficiaries of this program are K-12 students and school staff throughout Michigan. The program's core impact goals revolve around reducing the incidence of obesity and undernourishment, combating absenteeism, addressing trauma, and nurturing a more productive teaching and learning atmosphere. Through a five-step model, the SUFSW program translates into specific goals focused on improving knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to health and wellness. The program prioritizes several key areas, including empowering students to be more physically active daily and make healthy food choices that incorporate fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean protein. Furthermore, it aims to empower students to learn and practice social and emotional skills, and equip staff to implement and participate in well-being initiatives. A significant focus is also placed on encouraging staff to instigate policy, system, and environmental changes that bolster the well-being of both students and staff within schools. Expected outcomes include improved physical activity levels, healthier eating habits, enhanced social and emotional skills among students, and a stronger culture of wellness for all school employees. The program also anticipates policy and environmental changes within schools that support overall well-being. These measurable results are driven by three distinct focus areas: physical activity and physical education resources, healthy eating and nutrition education resources, and well-being resources, all working towards a greater collective impact.

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

The Worthington Family Foundation Grant is currently accepting applications, focusing its philanthropic efforts on specific areas of community support. The foundation’s mission, as evidenced by its grant priorities, centers on fostering well-being and development within communities, particularly in Michigan, though its reach extends nationally. This grant program is a direct reflection of that mission, aiming to provide targeted funding rather than contributing to general operating funds, ensuring that each grant supports clearly defined projects with measurable outcomes. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries, from children to young adults, recognizing the critical importance of early-life development and continued support through formative years. Beyond direct youth programs, the foundation also champions performing and visual arts endeavors, acknowledging their role in cultural enrichment and community vitality. Furthermore, a significant focus is placed on environmental stewardship, underscoring a commitment to preserving and enhancing natural resources for current and future generations. The overarching impact goal is to create positive, tangible change in these key areas across the United States. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly outlined through its eligible requests and explicit exclusions. It prioritizes programs that are based in and spend funds within the United States, with a notable preference for Michigan-based non-profit organizations, indicating a strong commitment to its home state while maintaining a national scope. The exclusion of general fund contributions highlights a strategic decision to invest in specific projects that align with its defined pillars of support, ensuring resources are directed towards initiatives with clear objectives and demonstrable results. Eligibility criteria further refine the foundation's strategic approach, emphasizing organizational stability and impact. Applicants must be non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, demonstrating a foundational level of legal and financial integrity. Beyond this, the foundation seeks organizations with strong board involvement, competent leadership, and a proven track record of fostering relationships within their communities and with other organizations. These criteria suggest a theory of change that values strong organizational infrastructure and collaborative efforts as crucial elements for achieving sustainable and significant positive outcomes through the grant funding.

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.

Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program Our Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program extends our mission by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations that actively work towards improving and preserving outdoor environments. The grants focus on: Community Gardens: Creating, rehabilitating, and enhancing community gardens that provide educational opportunities and serve community needs. Neighborhood and School Beautification: Beautifying and enriching outdoor environments in economically disadvantaged areas, particularly around neighborhoods and schools. Parks and Greenspaces: Revitalizing parks and public greenspaces through planting and the addition or upgrading of efficient irrigation systems. Sustainable Impact: Projects that align with Toro's purpose of enriching the beauty, productivity, and sustainability of the land, impacting beautification, and increasing the utilization of public greenspaces. Community Engagement: Encouraging broad community involvement in project design and implementation, ensuring tangible and sustainable results. Eligibility Location: The benefiting organization must be located within 40 miles of a Toro Company location in the following cities: Arkansas: Batesville California: El Cajon, Riverside Florida: Sanford Michigan: Iron Mountain Nebraska: Beatrice Texas: El Paso, Abilene Wisconsin: Lake Mills The grant program seeks to empower communities to create and maintain beautiful, sustainable, and functional outdoor spaces, emphasizing those in need. Through these grants, The Toro Company continues to build on its long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities where our employees live and work.

The Nahikian Family Foundation provides grant funding to support initiatives that promote mental health, healing, and independent living. Its mission centers on enhancing quality of life through programs that foster emotional well-being, physical recovery, and humane connections between people and animals. The foundation supports work in the areas of **environment and animals**, **health**, and **human services**, with a particular interest in projects that tangibly improve the lives of vulnerable or underserved populations. While the foundation accepts proposals from across the United States, it places strong geographic emphasis on **Alabama, Florida, Michigan, and South Carolina**—the home states of Nahikian family members. Within these regions, preference is often given to **capital projects**, such as facility improvements or expansions that enhance an organization’s capacity to deliver direct services. Funding decisions prioritize projects that embody compassion, sustainability, and practical impact, aligning with the foundation’s focus on long-term community well-being. The foundation supports a range of beneficiaries, including **children, service and assistance dogs, and companion animals**. This reflects its holistic approach to healing and independence—recognizing the vital role animals can play in emotional recovery and in improving the quality of life for individuals facing physical or mental health challenges. Programs that link therapeutic interventions with animal care or environmental stewardship are especially well-aligned with the foundation’s interests. To be eligible, applicants must be **IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations**. All applications must be submitted through the foundation’s **online grant application portal**, though an alternative accessible version is available for users requiring assistive technology. The foundation’s process emphasizes accessibility and inclusion, ensuring all qualified applicants have the opportunity to apply. Though specific grant sizes and durations are not published, the Nahikian Family Foundation typically prioritizes projects with clear, measurable outcomes and a strong potential for lasting benefit. Through its giving, the foundation continues to advance its vision of communities where individuals—human and animal alike—can heal, grow, and thrive with dignity and independence.

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

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

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 provides financial support and recognition to innovative K-12 public school programs in Michigan that positively impact students and their communities.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal program administered in Michigan by the Department of Natural Resources on behalf of the National Park Service. It aims to develop public outdoor recreation facilities and offer matching grants to local governments for creating public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The grant focuses on aligning with the priorities of the 2022-2027 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which includes trails, community recreation, green technology, coordination, communication, and universal access. Acquisition of land is not eligible for funding under this grant. Eligible applicants include state agencies and local government units such as cities, villages, townships, counties, and Native American Tribes. The application process is exclusively online via the MiGrants system, and the funding requires a 50% match from the applicant. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: April 1st