Michigan Environment Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Great Lakes states and tribes for collaborative projects aimed at preventing and managing aquatic invasive species across state and tribal boundaries.

The Community Funds, managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation (GTRCF), are designed to broadly support the region by funding a diverse array of organizations, including environmental nonprofits, arts and culture groups, Tribal organizations, and educational institutions. This program aligns with the GTRCF's mission to strengthen the community by providing financial resources to a wide range of initiatives that address various needs and opportunities within its service area. The foundation aims to foster a vibrant and thriving community by empowering organizations that contribute to the region's overall well-being. The target beneficiaries for these grants include nonprofit, educational, governmental, and Tribal entities operating across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties in Michigan. The impact goals are to support projects that have a significant community benefit, can leverage other funding sources, and ultimately contribute to the region's development. The program encourages organizations to apply for amounts ranging from $1,000 to $30,000, with a total of $300,000 available for Community Funds grants in 2024, indicating a commitment to flexible and accessible funding. A key priority for the GTRCF in this grant program is to provide unrestricted general operating support, allowing recipient organizations the flexibility to allocate funds where they are most needed. Furthermore, consideration is given to grant awards that can demonstrate a larger impact for the grant partner and the community. Grant requests that are informed by data on the Community Development Regional Scorecard or address community issues highlighted on this scorecard are prioritized in the review process. This strategic focus ensures that funding is directed towards evidence-based needs and initiatives that are aligned with documented regional challenges and opportunities. The expected outcomes include strengthened community organizations, significant community benefits, and the ability of grant partners to leverage additional funding. By prioritizing data-informed requests and those addressing issues on the Community Development Regional Scorecard, the GTRCF aims for measurable results that contribute to tangible improvements in the region. This approach reflects the foundation's strategic priorities, which likely involve a theory of change centered on empowering local organizations to drive positive change and address critical community issues through targeted and impactful investments.

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 Community Energy Management (CEM) Program, administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), offers grants to improve energy management, increase energy efficiency, and promote renewable energy adoption for local governments and tribes. This program is part of the EGLE Catalyst Communities Initiative, supporting Governor Whitmer’s climate change priorities. The grant period runs from January 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, with a total of $5,850,000 available, sourced from the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program (SEP) and Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG). Projects must focus on energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy installations, fleet electrification, EV charging infrastructure, and clean energy workforce development. The application deadline is June 30, 2024, or until funds are exhausted.

This program provides funding to Michigan cities and public transit agencies for projects that enhance public spaces, making them safer and more accessible for walking, biking, and transit use.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations in Genesee County, Michigan, to enhance community engagement and cultural initiatives through various arts programs.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

The Michigan Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate in the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) offers the Environmental Justice Impact Grant program to reduce environmental health burdens and impacts in Michigan’s environmental justice communities. The goal of the program is to positively impact residents in environmental justice communities by funding place-based and equity-focused projects. Award Amounts and Award Timeframes • $20,000,000 total funds available. • $500,000 maximum per applicant. • Grants will be awarded by August 30, 2024. Work must be completed by September 1, 2027

This program provides funding to private dam owners and government entities in Michigan for projects that reduce risks associated with dams, including repairs, removals, and planning activities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on preventing child abuse and neglect in specific counties of Indiana and Michigan.

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.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

Grant Opportunity: Outdoor Education Partnership Phase II Date: Jul 2019 Description: This grant opportunity is open to multiple organizations, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited, and Chippewa Nature Center. The goal of the project is to develop and expand place-based environmental and sustainability education at schools. Funding will support the creation of outdoor education areas that can be utilized by local public and private schools in their curriculum. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program will restore habitat through habitat restoration projects, with financial assistance from Ducks Unlimited. Chippewa Nature Center will lead the curriculum and program development for each site, tailoring it to the State of Michigan curriculum and school preferences. Approximately 3,000+ students are estimated to be educated in the outdoor classrooms every year. Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA (nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, small businesses etc.) Grant Opportunity: On-The-Ground Saginaw Bay Watershed Habitat Project _ MUCC Date: Dec 2014 Description: This grant opportunity is established by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and aims to partner with local groups, MUCC members, and others in improving wildlife habitat across the state. The project focuses on implementing habitat improvement projects on conservancy-owned properties as well as state-owned game areas in our region. Eligibility: Open to organizations of all types across the USA (nonprofits, startups, researchers, local governments, small businesses etc.) Grant Opportunity: Michigan Waterfowl Legacy Implementation in the Saginaw Bay Region Date: Nov 2012 Description: This grant opportunity supports an expanded Saginaw Bay component of the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy program. The program aims to promote wetland use by hunters, new hunters, and birders in order to improve waterfowl populations and habitat, increase waterfowl hunting participation, and engage citizens in conserv

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Recycling Unit is offering grants to advance research, development, or demonstration of innovative and practical approaches to increase the reuse and recycling of batteries and other critical minerals. EGLE's broader mission involves protecting Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land, and energy resources, with a focus on addressing climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion. This grant program aligns directly with EGLE's strategic priorities by promoting the circular economy and sustainable resource management, particularly in the context of clean energy production and electric vehicle technology. The target beneficiaries for these matching grants are Michigan public or private colleges or universities that grant baccalaureate degrees and are actively studying opportunities to recycle, innovate, and maximize the use of critical minerals from electric vehicles and other battery storage units. The impact goals are to support research into the reuse of critical materials for clean energy production and to increase the reuse and recycling of batteries and other critical minerals. Preference will be given to institutions with partnerships involving entities in the research, development, or demonstration of these innovative approaches. The program prioritizes research into the reuse of critical materials for clean energy production through circular economy efforts to capture and reuse critical minerals. Additionally, it focuses on research, development, or demonstration of projects that specifically recycle critical minerals from electric vehicles and other battery storage units. This focus reflects EGLE's theory of change, which posits that investing in innovative research and development within academic institutions, especially those with industry partnerships, will lead to practical solutions for critical mineral recovery and contribute to a more sustainable energy future. Expected outcomes include the development and demonstration of new concepts and projects that significantly increase the reuse and recycling rates of critical minerals from batteries. Measurable results would involve the number and impact of research, development, and demonstration projects supported, the amount of critical minerals recycled or reused as a direct result of these projects, and advancements in the understanding and implementation of circular economy principles for clean energy materials. A total of $4.75 million in funding is expected, with individual grant awards ranging from $500,000 to $2,500,000, further demonstrating the significant investment EGLE is making to achieve these outcomes over the anticipated grant period of October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2029.

The "Building Healthy Communities: Reducing Health Disparities in Elementary Schools" program, funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, is a school-based initiative designed to address the social determinants of health contributing to widespread disparities across Michigan communities. This program aligns with a broader mission to foster healthier environments and reduce health, education, and economic disparities at the elementary school level. It recognizes the critical link between social determinants and a child's overall well-being and academic success, positioning schools as key environments for intervention. The primary beneficiaries of this program are elementary school children, educators, and the broader school community within districts most affected by health, education, and economic disparities in Michigan. The impact goals are multifaceted, aiming to facilitate healthier school environments, assist educators in recognizing and addressing issues of trauma in children, improve children's mental health, and ultimately increase school attendance and academic achievement. By focusing on these areas, the program seeks to create a more supportive and equitable learning environment for all students. The program's priorities and focuses include providing necessary resources and professional development to educators. This involves equipping them with the tools to identify and respond to trauma, promote mental well-being, and implement strategies that enhance overall school health. The core strategy is to engage entire school districts, from central administrators to individual teachers, to ensure a comprehensive and sustained commitment to the program's objectives. This district-wide approach is crucial for integrating the program effectively into the existing educational framework. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a significant improvement in children's mental health, a demonstrable increase in school attendance, and enhanced academic achievement. The program also aims to create measurably healthier school environments and reduce the impact of trauma on children's education. While specific metrics are not detailed, the emphasis on state and national data to identify and recruit participating districts suggests a data-driven approach to tracking progress and demonstrating impact on reducing disparities in health, education, and the economy within targeted communities.

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Michigan-based organizations for innovative projects that promote waste diversion and enhance the state's circular economy.

This program provides funding to government agencies and nonprofit organizations for the maintenance, expansion, and restoration of public off-road vehicle trails and facilities in Michigan.

This grant provides funding to charitable organizations in Michigan that are focused on improving community well-being through effective, sustainable, and collaborative initiatives.

This program provides a four-month learning experience for small to mid-sized nonprofits in Macomb County, Michigan, focusing on nonprofit management, leadership, and sustainability through mentorship and collaboration.