Michigan Environment Grants

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 funding opportunity is designed to assist rural communities in Michigan by supporting projects that enhance land-based industries and infrastructure.

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

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, governmental entities, and religious organizations for community-focused initiatives in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon Counties, Michigan.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to government entities, non-profit organizations, and universities in Michigan for projects aimed at preventing, detecting, managing, and eradicating invasive species in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to municipalities, schools, nonprofits, and volunteer groups in Michigan for projects that improve urban forestry, such as tree planting, management plans, and educational initiatives.

The Huron County Community Foundation is seeking applications for its fall grant cycle. Donor Name: Huron County Community Foundation State: Michigan County: Huron County (MI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/23/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Huron County Community Foundation is a nonprofit, community corporation created by and for the people of Huron County to make a positive impact on the community. Huron County Community Foundation will focus on Prosperity by supporting Community & Economic Growth with a focus in the following Strategic Priority areas: Retaining and attracting a talented, trained workforce Creating vibrant and dynamic communities Cultivating an environment for business development. Focus Areas  Projects addressing one or more of the Strategic Priority areas will be given preference for unrestricted grantmaking dollars, however, HCCF also holds funds to benefit numerous interest areas. Projects addressing these areas are encouraged to apply:  Arts and Culture Education Health & Medicine Basic Needs Services Beautification of Huron County Natural Areas Preservation Disadvantaged Youth Recreation Women in STEM  Application Guidelines  To apply for a grant, please complete and return the attached application form along with a less than two page project narrative outlining the following topic areas as they relate to the project: Project Description  A description and purpose of the project, including location How many people will be served? What is the project’s long-term impact? Are there measurable results? How would a grant from HCCF be recognized before/during/after the project? Applicant Organization  A brief description of the history of the applicant organization, including when it was founded and who it serves. Only one application per application organization will be considered per grant cycle Project Team  List the names and responsibilities of persons and organizations involved Evaluation Describe how you will determine if you accomplished your purpose. Budget  Provide estimated project income and expenses, include other income sources and their approval status, as well as any fundraising. If partial funding from HCCF was awarded, would the project continue as presented? For more information, visit HCCF.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, government entities, and educational institutions in Charlevoix County to implement projects focused on environmental education, protection, restoration, and sustainability.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in West Michigan focused on enhancing education, environmental sustainability, arts and culture, and community health for historically under-resourced populations.

The Gratiot County Community Foundation in Michigan is accepting grant applications for projects that improve the quality of life in Gratiot County, focusing on areas such as community development, arts and culture, education, and health, with preference given to innovative, sustainable projects with wide-reaching benefits and strong local support.

This grant provides funding to organizations and institutions to develop a comprehensive maritime strategy for Michigan that promotes sustainability, equity, and environmental justice in the state's shipping and boating sectors.

The Community Funds broadly support the region and can fund all types of organizations, from environmental nonprofits and arts and culture groups to Tribal organizations and educational institutions. Donor Name: Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation State: Michigan County: Antrim County (MI), Benzie County (MI), Grand Traverse County (MI), Kalkaska County (MI), Leelanau County (MI) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Details: Organizations are encouraged to submit a grant application for the amount they need, whether that’s $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 or $30,000. They have a total of $300,000 available for Community Funds grants in 2024. Nonprofit, educational, governmental, and Tribal entities across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties are eligible to apply by submitting an online application. Previous grant partners can reapply for a Community Funds grant. Grant awards may include unrestricted general operating support. Consideration is given for grant awards that can have a larger impact for the grant partner; provide a significant community benefit; and/or can leverage other funding sources. Grant requests that are informed by data on the Community Development Regional Scorecard and/or address a community issue that appears on the Scorecard are prioritized in the review process.  For more information, visit GTRCF.

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.

This funding opportunity supports community-focused projects in Berrien County, Michigan, providing financial assistance to nonprofits, schools, religious organizations, and government agencies addressing various local needs such as education, the arts, health, and community improvement.

This funding opportunity supports charitable and community-based projects in Berrien County, Michigan, providing resources to eligible nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities to enhance quality of life across various focus areas.

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 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.

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.