Michigan Law Justice and Legal Services Grants

This program provides $40 million in funding to support environmental and public health initiatives in underserved communities across the Great Lakes region, prioritizing tribal governments, small nonprofits, and local organizations addressing environmental challenges.

This program provides funding to local governments in Michigan to develop and implement accountability-based initiatives aimed at reducing juvenile crime and improving the juvenile justice system.

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The Administration of Justice Grants Program, funded by the Michigan State Bar Foundation (MSBF), is dedicated to fostering innovative projects that enhance the understanding and functionality of the American Justice system within Michigan. This program aligns directly with the MSBF's mission to support the administration of justice, by promoting legal education and conflict resolution. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on initiatives that demonstrate innovative approaches, benefit Michigan residents, and exhibit potential for independent financial and programmatic continuity. The underlying theory of change appears to be that by educating citizens and supporting legal aid, there will be an improved administration of justice and greater access to legal services for all. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are Michigan children and adults, with an emphasis on educating them about their legal rights and responsibilities. Beyond education, the program also aims to create opportunities for conflict and dispute resolution and support civil legal aid for the poor. The impact goals are to increase public understanding of the legal system, reduce conflict through resolution methods, and ensure access to justice, particularly for underserved populations. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate innovative approaches, benefit Michigan residents, and have the potential for sustained impact. Key focuses include projects that show community support, collaboration, and partnerships, avoiding duplication of services, and leveraging multiple funding sources. The MSBF also looks for proposals that have potential for replication across the state and include meaningful evaluation components. Expected outcomes include a more informed citizenry regarding legal matters, increased utilization of conflict resolution mechanisms, and enhanced access to civil legal aid for low-income individuals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable targets, the criteria for grant proposals suggest that projects should include a meaningful evaluation component, indicating an expectation of demonstrable progress and accountability. The average size of recent grants ($12,000-$15,000) also suggests a focus on projects that can achieve significant impact with moderate funding.

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. This program is designed to reduce environmental health burdens and impacts within Michigan’s Environmental Justice communities. The core mission of this grant aligns with the broader goal of promoting environmental equity and public health, particularly in areas disproportionately affected by environmental issues. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are residents within Michigan’s Environmental Justice communities. The overarching impact goal is to positively affect these residents by funding place-based and equity-focused projects. This direct focus on communities facing environmental injustice ensures that the grant addresses critical needs where they are most prevalent, aiming for tangible improvements in their living environments and health outcomes. The program prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include community improvement projects aimed at enhancing public health, initiating or expanding monitoring of background pollution levels in air, water, or soil (with air monitoring equipment classified as air quality sensors and not for regulatory use), new or improved equipment or management techniques to improve indoor air quality in schools, and the remediation/redevelopment of contaminated or blighted sites. These priorities reflect a comprehensive approach to environmental justice, addressing both pollution and its direct impacts on community well-being. Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in public health through community projects, enhanced understanding of pollution levels via monitoring, better indoor air quality in schools, and the revitalization of environmentally degraded areas. The program has a total of $20,000,000 available, with a maximum of $500,000 per applicant. This substantial funding allows for significant, impactful projects. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Tribes, community-based non-profit organizations (including grassroots and frontline organizations), schools, institutions of higher education, and local governments, reflecting a strategic approach to engage diverse stakeholders in achieving environmental justice.

The Michigan State Bar Foundation offers the Administration of Justice Grants Program, providing $10,000 to $100,000 for innovative projects that educate Michigan residents about their legal rights, the justice system, conflict resolution, and support civil legal aid to the poor, with a preference for proposals that demonstrate innovation, community support, potential for continuity, and fiscal responsibility.

The Main Street Micro Business Startup Grant Program, funded by Main Street Oakland County and Genisys Credit Union, offers grants between $1000 to $10,000 to support the creation, relocation, or expansion of small businesses in specific Main Street Districts, covering costs such as location renovations, rent assistance, equipment purchases, and other relevant expenses.

This grant provides financial assistance for transportation to local baseball and hockey games for accredited schools and nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan that demonstrate a need.

The Sisters of St. Francis (Sylvania) Foundation Grant Program, in partnership with the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, is offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations in selected counties of Ohio and Michigan, to support programs that combat human trafficking, assist immigrants and refugees, advance social justice and equal opportunity, and promote environmental preservation and sustainability.

The 2025 Juvenile Justice Community Agency Grants from Ingham County aim to provide financial support to community agencies, primarily non-profit organizations. This grant program is aligned with the Ingham County Board of Commissioners' mission to utilize a portion of the Juvenile Justice Millage proceeds to further the goals and objectives of the County’s Juvenile Justice Millage. The overarching goal is to increase the capacity of the county's juvenile justice system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are delinquent and disturbed youth within Ingham County. The program's core impact goal is to reduce the involvement of these youth in the formal adjudication process. By supporting community agencies, the county seeks to offer effective treatment and intervention strategies that divert youth from deeper engagement with the justice system. The grant prioritizes proposals from qualified vendors that can demonstrate a clear ability to enhance the county's juvenile justice system. The focus is on increasing capacity for treatment and support services, ultimately leading to a reduction in formal adjudications. The program emphasizes community-based solutions and aims to leverage the expertise of local non-profit organizations. Expected outcomes include an increased availability of effective treatment programs for at-risk youth and a measurable decrease in the number of youth entering or progressing through the formal juvenile justice system. While specific measurable results are not detailed in terms of percentages or absolute numbers within the provided text, the intent is clear: to see a tangible reduction in youth involvement in formal adjudication. The funding cycle makes $240,000 available for these efforts, underscoring the county's strategic priority to invest in prevention and early intervention within its juvenile justice framework.

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.

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.

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 "Main Street Connected" Grant Program, a collaboration between Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) and MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), is designed to bolster small businesses in designated downtowns and historic neighborhood commercial corridors within Oakland County, Michigan. Its primary mission is to provide technology and digitally based support, complementing MSOC’s existing economic vitality efforts. This alignment ensures that the grant directly contributes to the broader goal of fostering economic growth and stability at the local community level, particularly within these vital commercial districts. The program specifically targets small businesses that are up to 10 years old and located within one of the Main Street Districts in participating cities, including Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Ortonville, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak, Southfield, and Wixom. The impact goals are centered on supporting the attraction, retention, and growth of these small businesses by enhancing their digital capabilities and operational efficiency. By doing so, the program aims to strengthen the local economies of these selected cities. The grant prioritizes and focuses on a range of eligible activities designed to improve a small business's technological infrastructure and digital presence. These include the development or use of data analytics software, payment processing software or equipment (such as Point of Sale systems), website creation and e-commerce support, and social media or digital marketing costs. Additionally, the program supports cybersecurity and data protection, customer relationship management (CRM) costs, and project or inventory management software. The creation or implementation of pop-up operations or public markets also falls within the scope of supported activities. Expected outcomes include enhanced digital literacy and operational effectiveness for participating small businesses, leading to improved market competitiveness and sustainability. Measurable results would likely include an increase in the number of small businesses adopting new technologies, growth in online sales or customer engagement, improved data management, and a stronger presence in both physical and digital marketplaces. The grant’s theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance for technology and digital support, small businesses in these corridors will be better equipped to adapt to modern commerce demands, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and resilient local economy.

Youth Service America's (YSA) "We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants" program is designed to empower young changemakers aged 5 to 25. This initiative directly aligns with YSA's mission of engaging youth in service and fostering active citizenship. The grants support organizations, schools, and youth changemakers in planning and implementing service activities that honor and pay tribute to those affected by 9/11. The program emphasizes youth leadership, ensuring that projects are driven by the young participants themselves, thereby developing their leadership skills and sense of community responsibility. The program's target beneficiaries are primarily youth, with a strong focus on engaging those who are not typically asked to serve and face systemic barriers to participation. This includes young people of color, youth from underserved low-income families and neighborhoods, and youth who are often beneficiaries of service rather than participants. Specific groups identified include youth in rural communities, those experiencing homelessness, youth in foster care, youth with disabilities, youth in the juvenile justice system, immigrants or refugees, youth from military families, LGBTQ+ youth, and English language learners. The impact goal is to create a more inclusive service environment and empower a diverse group of young people to contribute to their communities. A key priority of this grant program is the engagement of at least 100 youth volunteers per project, with 80% of these volunteers identifying as youth facing systemic barriers to participation. Projects must include elements to honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, and those who responded in service. All activities must take place on or around September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance (September 11, 2024). This specific timing reinforces the program's focus on remembrance and national service. YSA expects to award up to 100 grants of $1,000 each. The expected outcomes include a significant increase in youth engagement in service, particularly among marginalized groups, and the successful execution of service activities that commemorate 9/11. Measurable results will include the number of grants awarded, the number of youth volunteers engaged, and the percentage of those volunteers who identify as facing systemic barriers. The program also aims to foster a sense of civic duty and historical awareness among participants. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on youth empowerment and inclusive participation in service. YSA's theory of change posits that by providing resources and opportunities, particularly to underserved youth, they can develop leadership skills, strengthen communities, and create a lasting impact. By focusing on youth-led projects and ensuring diverse representation, YSA aims to build a generation of civically engaged individuals who are committed to addressing community needs and remembering significant historical events. Applicants must be based in the United States, with activities benefiting people in the U.S., including its territories. This geographical focus ensures that the grants support local communities across the nation. The emphasis on reaching youth who face systemic barriers aligns with a broader strategic goal of promoting equity and inclusion within the service sector, demonstrating YSA's commitment to a more representative and impactful youth service movement.

The Public Welfare Foundation's Grant Program aims to support community-led, restorative, and racially just approaches to justice in the United States. The focus areas include innovative criminal justice reform in specific states and cities, dismantling structures that have harmed people of color, investing in community-based solutions to reduce mass incarceration, and reframing the narrative around the U.S. criminal justice system through storytelling and journalism.

Grant Opportunity: Community Priorities Grant Cycle Funding Organization: Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F) Contact Information: To discuss eligibility and get started, contact Ashley Cousens at [email protected]. For technical assistance with the online grant application, reach out to Megan Havrilla DeHoog. Award Details: The Community Priorities Grant Cycle offers funding opportunities for projects and programs that address needs in Charlevoix County, including health needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, all units of government, and educational institutions serving Charlevoix County residents. Donor advisors can also make grants through this cycle. There are no restrictions on the size or scope of grant requests, and grants of all sizes are encouraged. The grant period is one year. Eligibility: Eligible organizations must be current with follow-up reports for all previous grant awards from C3F and be in good standing with the IRS. Faith-based organizations must demonstrate a clearly demonstrated public benefit and be fully accessible to all people regardless of religious beliefs and lifestyle choices. Other Relevant Information: Proposals should address new needs or try new approaches, encourage self-help, focus on prevention, avoid duplication of services, and demonstrate collaboration. The evaluation criteria include the organization's impact and relevance in the community, organizational capacity and solvency, proposed activities' comprehensiveness and planning, duration of impact in the community served. Applications for the Community Priorities Grant Cycle are due by May 1st each year. To apply for a grant, contact Ashley Cousens to discuss eligibility. If eligible, you will receive an access code for the online grant application available on the C3F website. Complete the online application and save your progress as needed before submitting it. Grant decisions will be announced in early June. After receiving a grant, organizations are required to submit a follow-up report within one year of the grant award. The governing board of the organization is responsible for appropriate use of funds and project implementation. Please note that this breakdown is specific to the Community Priorities Grant Cycle. For information on other grant cycles and guidelines, please refer to the provided links or contact the appropriate staff member.

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.

AUTOMOBILE THEFT PREVENTION AUTHORITY (ATPA) GRANT APPLICATION OVERVIEW The Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA), established in 1986, aims to reduce motor vehicle theft in Michigan. Through competitive grants, the ATPA funds programs targeting motor vehicle theft reduction. Grant funds are exclusively allocated for this purpose. Eligibility: Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Grant Usage: Grants are awarded for enforcement, prosecution, community awareness, and prevention programs aimed at reducing motor vehicle theft. Match Required: Non-profit organizations: No matching funds required. All other agencies: 50% cash match of the total approved budget is required. Deadline: Applications must be received by June 3, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Required Submissions: Completed application with signatures and supporting budget documentation. An 8 ½” x 11” map displaying the area served by the proposed project. Additional Requirements for Non-profit Organizations: Copy of the organization’s bylaws. Copy of the organization’s Articles of Incorporation filed with the State of Michigan. Copy of the organization’s determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service recognizing tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Submission Method: Scan and email an electronic copy of the signature page along with the saved electronic version of the application and supporting documentation to [email protected]. Retain a copy of the entire application, including instructions and attachments, for your records. Paper copies are not required. For Further Assistance: Contact the ATPA at [email protected] for additional information or application assistance. Website: www.michigan.gov/atpa