Michigan Grants

The Arc Fund, an initiative by CultureSource, is a $1.5 million grant program designed to support culture-workers of color in Southeast Michigan. Its core mission aligns with addressing historical disadvantages, underrepresentation, and oppression faced by these professionals due to their race. The fund aims to spur growth and provide opportunities for career advancement, contributing to a more equitable and vibrant arts and culture ecosystem in the region. The program specifically targets culture-workers of color living and working full-time in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties in Southeast Michigan. Eligible beneficiaries include arts administrators, artists, arts organizers, curators, and arts programmers whose primary professional focus is advancing arts and culture in the region. The impact goal is to empower these individuals to make significant career leaps, fostering professional development and reducing financial or other obligations that limit their flexibility and growth. The Arc Fund prioritizes individuals prepared to invest in new skills, pursue novel artistic endeavors, or address financial burdens that hinder their career trajectory. It focuses on providing unrestricted awards, professional development experiences, and social networking opportunities. This comprehensive approach reflects a strategic priority to not only offer financial support but also to build capacity and community among culture-workers of color. The expected outcomes include the distribution of 74 unrestricted awards of $15,000 each, enabling recipients to fund various aspects of their professional growth. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of awards distributed, the engagement in professional development, and the overall career advancement reported by the awardees. While a formal theory of change is not explicitly detailed, the initiative implicitly operates on the theory that targeted financial support, skill-building, and networking will directly counter historical inequities, leading to significant career progression and a more inclusive cultural landscape.

This program provides financial support and resources to small businesses in select U.S. cities that are dedicated to community upliftment and have been impacted by COVID-19.

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 O’Connor Fund for Historic Preservation, established in 2000 by Pam and Terry O’Connor, is administered by the City of Kalamazoo to support historic preservation activities within the city. Its core mission aligns with the Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission (KHPC)'s goals, aiming to safeguard and enhance Kalamazoo's historical resources. The fund provides grants between $2,000 and $10,000 to eligible projects that contribute to the preservation of buildings, areas, and other resources more than 50 years old. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)(3) or other non-profit organizations, public agencies, and governmental units operating within the city of Kalamazoo that own historic properties. The impact goals are centered on fostering a vibrant historical landscape, ensuring the longevity of significant structures, and promoting an understanding of the city's heritage. The fund seeks to prevent dilapidation, encourage respectful rehabilitation, and support comprehensive planning efforts that contribute to the overall historic preservation strategy of Kalamazoo. The fund prioritizes projects that fall into two main categories: Rehabilitation Projects and Preservation Planning Projects. Rehabilitation projects focus on the physical restoration and repair of exterior components of historic resources, including roofs, chimneys, walls, windows, doors, fire escapes, elevators, and foundations. Preservation Planning Projects encompass a broader range of activities such as Economic Feasibility Studies, Historic Building Condition Reports, architectural rehabilitation plans, historic district study reports, under-represented communities surveys, and designation nominations. All projects must be carried out or supervised by qualified professionals. Expected outcomes include the successful preservation and rehabilitation of historic structures, the creation of robust preservation plans, and increased community engagement with Kalamazoo’s historical assets. Measurable results could include the number of historic properties successfully rehabilitated, the completion of planning documents that inform future preservation efforts, and the designation of new historic sites or districts. The fund's strategic priorities are deeply integrated with the KHPC Annual Work Plan, goals and plans of Imagine Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County Housing Plan, and the Michigan Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, signifying a comprehensive approach to historic preservation as a component of broader community development and cultural enrichment.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Recycling Unit is offering grants to support recycling infrastructure projects. EGLE's mission is to protect 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 with EGLE's broader mission by directly contributing to environmental protection through improved waste management and resource recovery, thereby supporting a healthier and more sustainable Michigan. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide range of Michigan-based entities, such as 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, and resource recovery authorities. The impact goals are to increase access to recycling services and grow the statewide recycling rate, ultimately contributing to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s climate priorities. This program aims to achieve measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and benefit environmental justice communities or underserved and vulnerable populations. The program priorities include supporting initiatives with the largest projected increases in processing or collection capacity volume, access, and participation. Preference is given to programs with sustainable funding mechanisms, robust and continuing education programs, and applicants demonstrating strong collaboration and partnerships with other groups and organizations. Additionally, projects that leverage concurrent funding from other sources, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or various foundations and businesses, are highly valued. Projects that directly support Governor Whitmer’s climate change priorities through measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are also a key focus. Expected outcomes include a higher statewide recycling rate, increased access to recycling services across Michigan, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The measurable results will be evaluated by the projected increases in processing or collection capacity volume, participation rates, and the quantifiable environmental benefits, especially in environmental justice communities. The maximum funding request is $1 million, with a minimum of $5,000, for eligible projects such as the transition to recycling carts, public space recycling containers, new or improved processing infrastructure, school and multifamily recycling projects, and collection vehicles. Ineligible projects include organics/food waste, household hazardous waste, electronic waste, scrap tire recycling, and one-day collection events, which further refines the program's strategic priorities.

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 provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Oakland County, Michigan, for impactful projects in areas such as arts, education, environment, family, and health, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 over a three-year period.

The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo offers Arts Fund Project Support grants to support organizations aiming to engage culturally diverse and/or underserved communities within Kalamazoo County, emphasizing ethnic/minority, tribal, and rural communities. This initiative seeks to enhance the quality and diversity of arts in the region. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations with annual budgets under $500,000, especially those targeting underserved communities. Projects must occur solely within and cater exclusively to Kalamazoo County's citizens. Two application periods are open for this grant: July 15 - September 20, 2024, and December 16 - February 14, 2025. The maximum grant amount is $5,500 or up to 50% of the project's budget.

This funding opportunity is designed to support K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and local governments in Michigan in enhancing educational programs about Native American history and culture, revising offensive mascots, and promoting mutual respect.

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 City of South Bend Department of Public Works is currently accepting applications for its 2024 Lamppost Lighting Program. This initiative is designed to assist homeowners within South Bend's city limits by providing lighting enhancements for their neighborhoods through a cost-share program. The program directly aligns with the city's mission to improve public infrastructure and enhance community safety and quality of life for its residents. By offering solar-powered lampposts for residential front yards, the program aims to address practical needs while promoting sustainable solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this program are homeowners residing within the City of South Bend. The program specifically targets two areas selected based on income levels, the number of vacant lots, and the existing need for improved lighting. Homeowners in these target areas receive a reduced cost share of $50, compared to $250 for those outside these areas, demonstrating a focus on supporting communities with greater need. The overarching impact goal is to enhance neighborhood safety, visibility, and overall aesthetics by increasing accessible lighting. The program's priorities and focuses include ease of installation, accessibility, and community empowerment. It offers easy self-install, solar-powered lampposts, placing responsibility for pickup, installation, and maintenance on the homeowner, fostering a sense of ownership. While the City's Division of Engineering will inspect installations, the emphasis is on enabling residents to directly contribute to their neighborhood improvements. A limit of one lamppost per household ensures equitable distribution among participating residents. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a greater number of illuminated residential front yards, particularly in historically underserved or underlit areas. Success can be measured by the number of lampposts installed, the geographic spread of the installations, and anecdotal evidence or surveys from residents regarding perceived improvements in safety and neighborhood appearance. The cost-share model is a strategic priority, allowing for broader participation while distributing costs, and fostering a collaborative approach between the city and its residents for community betterment.

The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) offers grants to community organizations and programs that promote or provide oral health care and initiatives aligning with their strategic aims in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. These grants support DDF's mission to improve oral health in these states by funding local nonprofit programs dedicated to this cause. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on increasing access to dental care, reducing sugary food and beverage consumption, educating pregnant women and their babies about oral health, and improving children's oral health, particularly in school-based settings. The primary target beneficiaries of these grants are at-risk populations and children, as well as pregnant women and their babies. The DDF aims to achieve several impact goals, including enhancing access to essential dental services for underserved communities, mitigating the prevalence of dental issues linked to high sugar intake, and fostering better oral health habits from early stages of life through educational initiatives. The grants are limited to a maximum of $10,000, indicating a focus on supporting a broad range of smaller, impactful community-based projects. The DDF prioritizes programs that demonstrate a clear dedication to local nonprofit efforts in Michigan, Ohio, or Indiana. Key areas of focus include increasing access to dental care for vulnerable groups, implementing strategies to reduce the consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and developing educational programs about oral health care for pregnant women and their infants. Furthermore, a significant emphasis is placed on improving children's oral health, especially through initiatives within school environments, recognizing the critical role of early intervention. The expected outcomes and measurable results for grant recipients include a tangible increase in the number of individuals from at-risk populations receiving dental care, a demonstrable reduction in sugary food and beverage consumption within program participants, and improved oral health knowledge and practices among pregnant women, new mothers, and children. The foundation evaluates applications based on merit, conformity with grant guidelines, funds available, and the potential to achieve desired results and program priorities, suggesting a theory of change that links targeted interventions with measurable improvements in community oral health.

The Climate Action Equity Project (CAEP) is an initiative distributing grants through the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) to support equitable climate action projects. This program aligns with GNOF's mission to address climate challenges by focusing on equity, ensuring that underserved communities in the Greater New Orleans area are actively involved and benefit from these efforts. The grants aim to further the goals outlined in the "Taking Steps Together for Equity & Climate" framework, emphasizing a collaborative and inclusive approach to climate resilience. The primary beneficiaries of this program are nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations serving the Greater New Orleans area, particularly those located in New Orleans and led by, or in partnership with, residents of underserved neighborhoods. The grants also encourage applications from smaller organizations and those with limited grant application experience, providing support to ensure broader participation. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more equitable and sustainable future for the region by empowering local communities to lead climate action. The CAEP focuses on several key priority areas: modernizing energy use, improving transportation choices, reducing waste, and creating a culture that supports workforce and small business opportunities in climate action. The program offers flexible support, covering general operations, various programs, and advocacy efforts including legislative, judicial, or executive advocacy, community organizing, campaigns, leadership development, and policy development. Additionally, capacity building is a significant focus, supporting technology needs, collaboration, professional development, communications training, organizational effectiveness, and evaluation and research. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in local climate resilience, increased community engagement in climate solutions, and the growth of a green economy that benefits underserved populations. Applications will be evaluated on criteria such as meeting eligibility and guidelines, the plan for evaluating program impact, the proposed use of funds, and the organization's collaboration with underserved communities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed as a collective target, the evaluation criteria suggest a focus on demonstrable project impact and community benefit, aligning with a theory of change that posits local, equitable initiatives will lead to broader regional climate resilience and social equity.

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) is offering the Women’s Education Coalition Grant Program, designed to support women in pursuing educational and employment goals. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster increased financial independence and career advancement within the community. By providing renewable grant assistance, KZCF aims to break down financial barriers that often hinder women from accessing further education or professional development, thereby promoting economic mobility and overall community well-being. The Women's Education Coalition is a collaborative effort involving Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; the YWCA of Kalamazoo; and the former Kalamazoo Network, highlighting a collective commitment to empowering women through education. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are women residing in Kalamazoo, Barry, Calhoun, Allegan, St. Joseph, or Van Buren County who have experienced a significant break in their education or are seeking additional education to improve their career and pay opportunities. The primary impact goal is to enhance the financial independence of these women and facilitate their career progression. The grant can be utilized for various educational pathways, including professional development, trade, technology, vocational or certificate programs, as well as associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree programs, accommodating both part-time and full-time students. The program prioritizes underemployed working mothers and those enrolling or already enrolled in not-for-profit educational institutions. This focus underscores KZCF's strategic emphasis on supporting vulnerable populations and promoting access to education within the non-profit sector, which often serves a broader community benefit. Applicants are required to demonstrate how post-high school education will contribute to their goals of increased financial independence, ensuring that the grant's impact is directly linked to tangible personal and economic improvements. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the financial independence and career opportunities for grant recipients. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the program's design suggests that success would be evaluated by the number of women who successfully complete their chosen educational programs, secure better employment, or achieve higher income levels as a direct result of the grant. The foundation's theory of change appears to center on the belief that targeted financial assistance for education directly leads to improved economic stability and empowerment for individuals, which in turn contributes to a more vibrant and equitable community.

This grant provides financial support to local school districts, churches, and non-profit organizations for educational and cultural events held at the Granum Theatre in Alpena, Michigan.

This grant provides financial support for large-scale improvement projects in the Calumet Downtown Development Authority district, aimed at enhancing community development and economic vitality.

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 Michigan Gateway Community Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for projects that benefit South Berrien and Cass Counties in Michigan. Grants are aimed at projects that promote the development or strengthening of community assets, have a long-term positive impact, lead to the prevention of recurring needs, encourage cooperation among organizations with related missions, and are financially sustainable without ongoing grant funding. Applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation before applying to understand the grantmaking process and requirements. Prior consultation with the foundation is strongly encouraged for applicants. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Winter deadline: February 1st

This funding opportunity supports innovative health-focused projects in the Upper Peninsula, aimed at improving community well-being through initiatives led by students, local groups, and individuals.

The Michigan Gateway Community Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for projects that benefit South Berrien and Cass Counties in Michigan. Grants are aimed at projects that promote the development or strengthening of community assets, have a long-term positive impact, lead to the prevention of recurring needs, encourage cooperation among organizations with related missions, and are financially sustainable without ongoing grant funding. Applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation before applying to understand the grantmaking process and requirements. Prior consultation with the foundation is strongly encouraged for applicants. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Summer deadline: August 1st