Michigan Community Development Grants

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is offering $57 million in grant funds for in-person before-school, after-school, before-and-after-school, and/or summer programming for children in grades K-12. This initiative aligns with MiLEAP's mission to prioritize education from preschool through postsecondary, focusing on kindergarten readiness and helping individuals earn skills or degrees for good-paying jobs. The grant specifically supports Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs that provide educational programming in core subjects such as mathematics, reading, and science. The target beneficiaries are children in grades K-12. The impact goals are to improve school attendance, academic outcomes, attitudes toward school, positive behaviors, skill development and retention, and higher education aspirations, as well as to enhance family engagement. MiLEAP's strategic priority is to prepare children for kindergarten and help more people earn a skill certificate or degree, and this grant directly contributes to that by funding programs that offer expanded learning opportunities and academic enrichment. The grant prioritizes the expansion of existing programs, establishment of new programs, hands-on academic enrichment, field trips, professional learning, and the development of school-community partnerships. It also supports expanded learning opportunities in areas like mentoring, leadership, community engagement, agriculture, visual and performing arts, financial literacy, STEM, health and wellness, recreation, career and college exploration, youth voice, 21st-century skills, social-emotional learning, and cultural engagement. Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in areas such as improved school attendance and academic performance, enhanced positive behaviors and skill development, and increased aspirations for higher education. The grant's theory of change posits that by investing in comprehensive OST programming that addresses both academic and social-emotional needs, children will be better prepared for academic success and future career opportunities, thereby contributing to MiLEAP's broader goal of lifelong education and advancement.

This grant provides funding to eligible organizations focused on improving environmental health and justice in the Great Lakes region, particularly addressing water quality, lead hazards, and air quality in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties in Michigan.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan that are seeking financial assistance for capital improvement projects to enhance community quality of life.

This program provides funding to support businesses and organizations involved in processing, storing, and distributing locally produced food in Michigan, helping to strengthen the state's food supply chain.

The Mecosta County Community Foundation in Michigan is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 from its Community Needs Fund to support projects in arts, culture, community development, education, health, historical preservation, and environmental conservation, open to applications from 501(C)3 or tax-supported organizations impacting Mecosta County.

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 program provides financial assistance to local governments in Michigan to adopt policies and make changes that promote affordable housing development.

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 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.

This program provides funding to organizations in Michigan to help low-income households access solar energy, prioritizing projects that serve predominantly low-income subscribers.

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.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan for projects that promote understanding of Muslims and the Islamic faith through education, dialogue, and community cooperation.

The Food Safety Training and Education grant, offered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), aims to provide up to $365,000 for projects focused on food safety training and education. The fund is divided into $242,500 for consumer education and $114,100 for training food service establishment employees and agents enforcing the Michigan Food Law of 2000. Grants will be awarded from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, with multi-year proposals considered based on future funding. Applications are solicited from May 3 to June 24, 2024.

This grant provides financial support for property owners in the Village of Calumet to improve their buildings and enhance the downtown area's economic vitality through significant renovations.

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 funding opportunity supports small, for-profit businesses in Kalamazoo's downtown areas that are looking to grow or enhance their operations, with potential grants of up to $25,000 available for eligible applicants.

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.