Michigan grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

The Charlevoix County Community Foundation invites applications to its Community Priorities Grant cycle to enhance quality of life for residents of Charlevoix County, Michigan. The cycle offers eligible nonprofit partners and public entities an opportunity to seek support for projects and programs addressing local needs, and donor advisors may also recommend grants through the cycle. Proposals are evaluated for organizational impact and relevance, leadership and capacity, financial solvency, the extent to which funds strengthen the organization or the community served, the comprehensiveness of planning and proposed activities, and the expected duration of impact. The program is intended to reach a variety of needs in the county. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, units of government, and educational institutions from preschool through college that serve Charlevoix County residents and do not discriminate in hiring or service provision. Grant size and duration are not stated in the description. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the foundation’s process. Applicants should consult the Community Foundation for official details and submission instructions.

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

This funding opportunity provides financial support for healthcare entities to deliver comprehensive preventive health screenings to full-time firefighters in Michigan, aiming to enhance their long-term health and early detection of occupational illnesses.

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 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 Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F) is offering Housing Solutions Grants to increase the supply of housing units across various price points in Charlevoix County, Michigan. This initiative directly aligns with C3F's mission to address critical community needs, specifically focusing on housing choice and supporting mixed-income neighborhoods. The grants aim to remove barriers at the predevelopment stage of housing projects and leverage partnerships to maximize impact. The target beneficiaries for these grants are year-round residential occupants in Charlevoix County, with a particular focus on maintaining affordability for a portion or all of the housing units. The impact goal is to increase the overall supply of diverse housing options, ensuring that development is compatible with local goals and objectives. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to the long-term affordability and availability of housing in the area. The C3F's Housing Solutions Fund focuses its resources on pre-development activities and capacity-building efforts for housing organizations. This strategic focus is designed to address fundamental challenges that hinder housing development. By supporting these early stages, the foundation aims to create a stronger pipeline of viable housing projects, reflecting a theory of change that early intervention and foundational support lead to greater housing availability. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of housing units available in Charlevoix County, catering to a range of price points. Successful projects will demonstrate sustained affordability for residents and contribute to the creation of inclusive, mixed-income communities. The grant program seeks to foster collaboration among housing stakeholders and streamline the development process, ultimately leading to a more robust and equitable housing market.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to state, Tribal, and local governments in the Midwest to develop and enhance programs for protecting and restoring wetlands through innovative research and community engagement.

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 grant provides financial support to Michigan-based organizations that deliver specialized training to law enforcement, enhancing their communication with limited English-speaking and Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.

Grant Opportunity: Saginaw Bay Watershed Pollution Prevention/Chemical Collection Program Description: This grant opportunity is for the construction of a permanent facility to collect pesticides from farmers, homeowners, nurseries, etc. The facility will allow any end user of pesticides to dispose of unwanted materials at no cost. The project was completed in 1999 and is a joint project of the Saginaw County Department of Health and the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Grant Opportunity: Demonstrate Effectiveness of Biodegradable Two-Cycle Engine Oil Description: This grant opportunity is for field testing a soy-based oil that can be used as an alternative to petroleum-based oil in engines such as jet skis, outboard motors, and snowmobiles. The soy-based oil is environmentally preferable as it is 96% biodegradable and does not emit pollutants into the air and water. The funding will be used to demonstrate the safety and performance of the oil and document reductions in emissions into the environment. Grant Opportunity: Saginaw Bay Watershed Native Planting Preserve at Saginaw Valley State University Description: This grant opportunity aims to fund the development of a native planting preserve on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University. The preserve will include plants, signage, and walking trails. The project intends to encourage the use of native plantings in the general public and serve as a demonstration/research site at the university. Grant Opportunity: Alternative Energy from Agriculturally-Derived Pellet Fuel Description: This grant opportunity involves analyzing the technical and economic viability of manufacturing renewable pellet fuel derived from agricultural sources. The research includes studying the economic and environmental impact of using biomass combustion furnaces for heating residential and light industrial buildings. The project also includes developing a web-based interface for real-time telemetry information. Grant Opportunity: Conservation Tillage Risk Protection Program Description: This grant opportunity aims to demonstrate the use of conservation tillage in two subwatersheds of the Tittabawassee River. The

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 grant provides funding for organizations experienced in wetland management to acquire, restore, and create wetlands in the Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay watersheds, promoting ecological health and community engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible organizations in Michigan to engage AmeriCorps members in community service activities that address critical local needs in areas such as education, health, and environmental stewardship.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, government units, and educational institutions in Charlevoix County, Michigan, to improve youth mental health and foster a positive school atmosphere.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to government entities, non-profit organizations, and universities in Michigan for projects aimed at preventing, detecting, managing, and eradicating invasive species in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.

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 acousens@c3f.org. 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.