Michigan grants for Independent school districts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service will support projects in the Great Lakes basin that implement the following strategic, priority actions: Mitigate Invasive Forest Insect and Disease ImpactsImplement targeted reforestation and forest protection actions to minimize invasive forest insect and disease impacts on watersheds. Reduce Runoff through Green Infrastructure Capture or treat stormwater runoff by planting trees and other vegetation as an integral component of green infrastructure. Restore and Connect Coastal and Riparian Forest Habitats Protect, restore, and enhance high-quality coastal zone and connecting riparian ecosystems where trees are an important component. The minimum and maximum Federal funding requests vary depending on program area, with an overall range of $50,000 to $300,000. Please review the funding table in the Request for Applications for the allowable ranges of each program area. An informational webinar will occur on July 23rd, 2024, at 9 am Central/10 am Eastern. The link is: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/91m9ed3hrjpkab7c1a5zly1ud025xxc5 The powerpoint can be found at: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/mffkiks7dyhmuewtir2liy7tllo06u16 The webinar recording is also posted on our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r9/workingtogether/grants/?cid=FSEPRD898819.

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 City of Flint has launched a new Youth Climate Action Fund, a microgrant program designed to empower youth-led climate initiatives. This program aims to support projects that advance critical community goals related to climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. The fund's mission aligns with the broader objective of fostering a more sustainable and resilient Flint by investing in its younger generation as agents of change. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are youth aged 15-24 residing in Flint, who will collaborate with local groups, organizations, nonprofits, and schools to implement their projects. The impact goals are far-reaching, intending to cultivate youth leadership, increase community participation in climate action, and produce tangible environmental improvements within the city. This approach recognizes that youth are not only vulnerable to climate change impacts but also possess unique perspectives and innovative solutions. The fund prioritizes a diverse range of youth-led projects, including awareness, education, research, and development initiatives such as climate education programs, hackathons, surveys, and public art campaigns. It also supports youth-driven climate mitigation and adaptation projects like community gardening, tree planting, reforestation, urban farming, recycling, waste reduction, and disaster preparedness programs. Additionally, the fund encourages co-governed youth climate action plans, fostering partnerships between city leaders and youth groups to inform climate-related policy and the formation of youth climate ambassadors or advisory boards. Expected outcomes include a more informed and engaged youth population, a reduction in environmental waste and an increase in green spaces, improved community resilience to climate-related challenges, and the development of new climate-related policies influenced by youth perspectives. Measurable results will likely involve the number of youth engaged, the types and scale of projects implemented, the amount of waste diverted, the number of trees planted, and the development of new community programs or policies. The City of Flint's strategic priority through this fund is to build a foundation for long-term climate action by investing directly in its youth, thereby creating a sustainable future rooted in community-led solutions and a strong theory of change that empowers the next generation to tackle pressing environmental issues.

The Community Foundation is offering multiple grant cycles in 2024, including 5 community grant cycles and two ongoing grant cycles. The grants focus on various areas such as arts and culture, education, environment and land use initiatives, community and economic development, civic improvement, human services, health and wellness projects, recreation, and youth projects. Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions (preschool through college), and all units of government serving Charlevoix County residents are eligible to apply. The application deadlines vary for each grant cycle. Applicants are encouraged to contact Ashley Cousens or Megan Havrilla DeHoog to discuss eligibility and receive an access code for the online grant application. Grant decisions will be announced in early December, and funded organizations will be required to submit a follow-up report within one year of the grant award.

The Circle Michigan Foundation Field Trip Transportation Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance for transportation to Michigan schools. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission to support educational institutions within the State of Michigan, specifically K-12 educational institutions, by removing financial barriers to field trip participation. The grant aims to facilitate enriching educational experiences for students that might otherwise be inaccessible due to transportation costs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are K-12 educational institutions located in Michigan, serving all counties within the state. The primary impact goal is to enable a greater number of students to participate in field trips, thereby enhancing their learning experiences and exposure to diverse educational opportunities. The Foundation prioritizes supporting schools in Michigan to ensure that students across the state have equitable access to these valuable educational outings. The program focuses on providing transportation grants, addressing a specific and often significant cost associated with field trips. While the exact size of individual grants is not available, the program is designed for a duration of less than one year, with an application period from April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, and a deadline for applications on June 30, 2024. This structured timeline ensures efficient allocation of funds for the upcoming academic year's field trip planning. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of field trips undertaken by Michigan schools and a corresponding increase in student participation. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of grants awarded, the schools benefiting, and potentially the number of students impacted. The Circle Michigan Foundation's strategic priority in this instance is to directly invest in the educational development of Michigan's youth by ensuring access to practical, outside-the-classroom learning experiences. Their theory of change suggests that by alleviating transportation costs, more students will be able to engage in educational field trips, leading to improved learning outcomes and broader experiential knowledge.

Sanback Dam Removal & Stream Restoration Design Phase: This grant opportunity is for the design and permitting phase of fully removing Sanback Dam in Rose City, MI. The existing dam is deteriorating and poses safety hazards. If the dam were to fail, it could endanger people downstream and damage property and infrastructure. The grant is open to organizations of all types seeking to restore the stream habitat downstream. Shiawassee Access and Riverfront Development: The Village of Byron proposes to develop a publicly accessible riverfront viewing platform as part of their Economic & Public Space initiative along the Shiawassee River. The plan aims to attract new commerce, residents, and visitors to enhance the commercial corridor. The project will catalyze redevelopment efforts after a fire destroyed several sites in 2012. Nonprofits, startups, local governments, small businesses, and researchers are eligible to apply. Smith Park Fishing Access: The City of Essexville's Smith Park includes a boat launch and recreation area near Saginaw Bay. However, fishing opportunities are limited due to irregular riverbanks and failed erosion control measures. This grant supports park improvements with a focus on fishing access, including the development of a floating fishing pier. Nonprofits, startups, local governments, small businesses, and researchers can apply for this grant opportunity. Finn Road Park Improvements: Proposed by Hampton Township, this grant supports improvements at Finn Road Park along Saginaw Bay's shoreline. The project includes native plantings and restoration, a universally accessible kayak launch, parking improvements, and a new playground area. Grant funds will specifically be used for the kayak launch and native plant rain garden. Nonprofits, startups, local governments, small businesses, and researchers are eligible to apply. An updated Development/Capital Improvement Plan for the Shiawassee River Water Trail Coalition: This grant supports updating and publicly distributing the Development/Capital Improvement Plan for the Shiawassee River Water Trail Coalition. The plan aims to enhance public launch sites along the river

The Building Healthy Communities: Middle School Program, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, is a grant opportunity designed to provide physical, mental, and emotional health support to Michigan schools, students, and staff. This program emphasizes a whole-child approach to health, recognizing the diverse needs of school communities across the state. It offers flexible instructional options, including in-person and virtual learning, and allows schools to prioritize investments in critical areas such as mental health, self-care, and physical activity resources. The program's mission aligns with fostering sustainable cultures of wellness in schools through education, policy, and environmental change. The primary beneficiaries of this program are middle school students in 5th, 6th, or 7th grade attending eligible public, charter, or private nonprofit schools in Michigan. The program also indirectly benefits school staff and the broader school community by promoting a healthier environment. The overarching impact goal is to establish knowledge and behaviors for a healthy lifestyle that lasts a lifetime, starting from a young age. This is achieved by tailoring health and wellness initiatives to the unique needs of each school. The program's key priorities and focuses are to encourage students to: eat more fruits and vegetables, choose fewer sugary food and beverages, eat less fast and fatty food, be active every day, and spend less entertainment time in front of screens. These specific goals guide the implementation of health and wellness initiatives within participating schools. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in students' dietary habits and physical activity levels. While not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the measurable results would likely track changes in student consumption of healthy foods, reduction in sugary and fatty foods, increased daily physical activity, and decreased screen time for entertainment, all contributing to a healthier student population. The foundation's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, include promoting community health, especially among youth, and addressing the identified needs for physical, mental, and emotional health support within the Michigan school system. The theory of change appears to be that by partnering with schools and implementing tailored health and wellness initiatives, students will develop healthier habits and contribute to a sustainable culture of wellness within their school communities, ultimately leading to improved long-term health outcomes.

This grant provides flexible funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in the greater Holland/Zeeland area of Michigan to address various community needs through capital investments or new and expanded programs.

This grant provides funding to public and nonprofit organizations in Michigan to implement solar energy projects that benefit low-income households by reducing their energy costs and promoting equitable access to clean energy solutions.

Grant Opportunity: Outdoor Education Partnership III Description: The Chippewa Nature Center and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service are collaborating to restore wetland, grassland, and pollinator habitat as outdoor classrooms on school lands in the 22 County Saginaw Bay Watershed. County or city-owned lands can also be developed as outdoor education areas if local schools can incorporate them into their curriculum. The projects will be funded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, with an average cost of $2,000 per acre for restoration. Priority will be given to schools, and each project will include a customized curriculum guide, lessons, supplies, and teacher training. Grant Opportunity: Great Mural Project Description: The Downtown Saginaw Association is leading the Great Mural Project, which aims to transform eyesores or forgotten spaces in Saginaw with beautiful murals and community art installations. The project focuses on sustainability, the river system, non-motorized trails, and other WIN investment projects. WIN will provide a small advisory committee to support the project. Grant Opportunity: Places Create Stories : The Power of Nature Description: Heart of the Lakes and Little Forks Conservancy are partnering to develop a media project that highlights the value of nature from an economic and community perspective. The project aims to create three short videos that emphasize the importance of nature for community character, job retention/recruitment, and economic development. The videos will be distributed through land conservancies and can be tailored for different groups' use. Grant Opportunity: Nature Kindergarten Pilot Description: This grant supports the development of a nature-based kindergarten pilot project at Bullock Creek Schools in cooperation with Chippewa Nature Center. Building on the success of a nature-based preschool program at Chippewa Nature Center, this pilot project aims to incorporate nature-based learning into two kindergarten classrooms. Grant Opportunity: MI Great Bay Regional Tourism Marketing & Development Phase 1 Description: This project seeks funding

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in Charlevoix County that are working to improve youth mental health and create a positive school environment.

This grant provides funding to educators and coaches within the Colon Community Schools district to enhance academic programs, particularly in the arts, drama, and special education.

This grant, under the authority of Public Act 53 of 2022, is part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, designated to enhance public outdoor recreation facilities through the development, renovation, or redevelopment of local parks and trails. The funding aims to modernize these facilities and promote public recreation, equity, tourism, and economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible subrecipients must maintain an active SAM registration and use the funds in accordance with the established terms, including meeting deadlines for expense obligations and expenditures by specific dates in 2024 and 2026 respectively.

The Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists (The Bitsie Fund), housed at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, aims to support individual artists in pursuing new work and achieving specific creative and career goals. This aligns with the Foundation's broader mission to foster a thriving community by supporting local talent and development. The fund's focus is on individual artist development, rather than community development, signifying a strategic priority to invest directly in the artistic growth of residents within the Foundation's service area in Greater New Haven. In 2024, The Bitsie Fund will award two $5,000 grants, one specifically for a Black artist and another open to all eligible artists. This targeting reflects a commitment to equitable support within the artistic community and addresses potential disparities. The grant's impact goals are centered on enabling artists to tackle major artistic development goals, take risks on new directions in their work, or advance their careers. The expected outcomes include a more vibrant artistic community with empowered individual artists. The fund prioritizes individual artists at a significant point in their personal development, encouraging both established artists with a substantial body of recent work and those emerging in their field to apply. This inclusive approach to eligibility ensures a broad reach within the artist community. The focus is on supporting a wide array of creative disciplines including dance, music, theater, visual arts, design, craft, literary arts, voice, poetry, playwriting, composition, and film. Measurable results would be evidenced by artists successfully utilizing the funds for approved uses such as purchasing materials, compensating for time spent developing projects, hiring others, covering performance or touring costs, travel for proposals, renting studio space, and production expenses. Ultimately, the Bitsie Fund's theory of change posits that by directly supporting individual artists in these ways, it will contribute to their personal and professional growth, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Greater New Haven.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to schools and organizations to promote safe walking, biking, and rolling to school, fostering healthier transportation habits and improving community infrastructure for students in grades K-12.

This grant provides financial support and recognition to innovative K-12 public school programs in Michigan that positively impact students and their communities.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal program administered in Michigan by the Department of Natural Resources on behalf of the National Park Service. It aims to develop public outdoor recreation facilities and offer matching grants to local governments for creating public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The grant focuses on aligning with the priorities of the 2022-2027 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which includes trails, community recreation, green technology, coordination, communication, and universal access. Acquisition of land is not eligible for funding under this grant. Eligible applicants include state agencies and local government units such as cities, villages, townships, counties, and Native American Tribes. The application process is exclusively online via the MiGrants system, and the funding requires a 50% match from the applicant. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: April 1st

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.

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.

The Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) offers the Experience Support Grant Program to expand access to meaningful arts and cultural experiences across the state. This program is designed specifically for organizations whose primary mission is not arts- or culture-centered but that wish to incorporate creative projects into their work. By providing funding for one-year initiatives, MACC aims to foster collaboration between the arts and other community sectors, encouraging innovation, cultural engagement, and community enrichment through creative programming. Applicants may apply for funding in one or more of four categories: Project Support, Facility Enhancement & Equipment Purchase, Professional/Organizational Development, and Transportation. Project Support grants, offering up to $20,000, fund the creation, presentation, or production of arts and culture experiences that are open to the public. These projects may range from single events to ongoing programs throughout the grant period. Funding must be dedicated solely to arts-related activities rather than any of the applicant organization’s non-arts programs, ensuring that each supported initiative creates a direct cultural impact. Facility and Equipment grants provide up to $30,000 to help organizations improve venues, studios, or community spaces used for arts programming, or to purchase necessary equipment for cultural activities. To qualify for facility improvements, applicants must demonstrate either ownership of the property or a long-term lease. Professional/Organizational Development grants, capped at $1,500, support training opportunities for staff, contractors, board members, or volunteers to build capacity and deepen their knowledge in arts and cultural management or practice. Transportation grants, also up to $1,500, assist with the costs of moving participants to and from arts experiences, whether traveling to an organization’s own venue or visiting another site for cultural engagement. Eligible applicants include a broad range of Michigan-based entities such as PreK–12 schools (including home schools, districts, and Head Start programs), colleges and universities, municipalities, tribal entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose missions are not primarily arts-focused. This inclusive approach allows civic, educational, and community organizations to bring arts and culture directly into environments that may not otherwise have access to them. All funded projects must occur within the grant period of October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Through the Experience Support program, MACC reinforces its commitment to embedding the arts in everyday community life. By empowering organizations from diverse sectors to integrate creative expression into their missions, the program helps broaden public access to the arts, inspire local participation, and enrich Michigan’s cultural identity. This initiative not only enhances the visibility of the arts but also demonstrates their essential role in education, community well-being, and civic vitality across the state.