Michigan Social Advocacy Grants

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.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Michigan, Minnesota, and Virginia that focus on addressing hunger, supporting military heroes, and promoting community engagement and career training.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Workforce Development (LEO-WD) is offering a grant opportunity called the Martin Luther King, Jr. - César Chávez - Rosa Parks (KCP) Initiative, Select Student Support Services (4S) funding. The 4S program is one of seven core programs under KCP and aims to develop retention programs for academically or economically disadvantaged legal residents of Michigan enrolled at 4-year public and independent educational institutions in the state. The goal of the program is to increase graduation rates by providing seed money that will stimulate institutional change and improve graduation rates of targeted students. The 4S funds will be awarded for a six-year grant cycle starting from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2029. The application must be completed in its entirety, and no modifications or deletions are allowed. The maximum length for the application is 21 pages. The grant guidance, requirements, assurances, certifications, and application can be found on the KCP website. The application process is competitive and aims to meet all legislative and state requirements for equal access and opportunity. Applicants with disabilities can contact the WD's KCP Office for assistance, and any questions regarding the application should be directed to [email protected].

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Northern Michigan that are led by or serve communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

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 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 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.

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 funding opportunity supports Michigan-based nonprofit organizations in developing community-driven health initiatives that address local health needs and promote health equity.

This grant provides funding to local governments and Michigan-based non-profits for projects that improve water quality and recreational access in the Chain of Lakes Watershed and surrounding areas in Antrim County, Michigan.

This grant provides $50,000 annually to nonprofit organizations in Berrien County, Michigan, to support sustainable projects that meet community needs and encourage collaboration.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, local governments, and public schools in selected states to implement sustainability initiatives, workforce development, and community resilience programs that enhance the quality of life and economic vitality in their communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Flint that empower youth and families through programs focused on resilience, mental health, and trauma-informed care.

This grant provides financial support to grassroots community organizing groups in the Midwest that focus on empowering low- and moderate-income populations, particularly those historically excluded from civic participation, to drive systemic change and promote social justice.

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.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on combatting human trafficking, aiding immigrants and refugees, promoting social justice, and addressing environmental concerns, particularly within a 100-mile radius of Sylvania, Ohio.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Saginaw region that are working to promote equity, inclusion, diversity, belonging, and justice within the community.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that offer services to improve the independence and well-being of individuals who are blind or visually impaired, as well as their caregivers, in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations in the Great Lakes Energy service area for one-time charitable projects that benefit a large number of people and assist individuals or families in crisis.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions that address community needs in Beaver Island, Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan, Michigan.