Best Calhoun County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Advancing Lives Grant, offered by the Advia Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to making a meaningful impact in their communities. This grant focuses on initiatives that drive progress and improve lives, ensuring that the funding is directed towards organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status and community involvement. Applications are limited to one grant per year per organization, fostering a fair distribution of resources.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Floyd C. & Gwendolyn M. Oglesby Scholarship Fund

The Floyd C. and Gwendolyn M. Oglesby Scholarship Fund was established to help provide assistance for high school seniors from BCCHS to attend Kellogg Community College. Floyd and Gwen Oglesby always had an interest in helping students to improve their lives through education. Both were active in the schools and community throughout their many years in Battle Creek. Floyd was involved as a teacher and coach at BCCHS, counselor at KCC and as city commissioner and mayor of Battle Creek. Gwen was in a lifetime supporting role with the Oglesby family, with Community Chorus, and as a dental hygienist for many years. Scholarship recipients must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, exhibit active community service and volunteerism to improve the lives of those living in Battle Creek, while also showing their strong work ethic and passion for civic responsibility

Grants from Albion Community Foundation help Calhoun County, Michigan nonprofits and public entities improve the Kalamazoo River, its surrounding areas, and the broader environment. Eligible 501(c)(3) charities, faith institutions, schools, and public entities in the greater Albion area can seek support for community-focused environmental and riverfront development projects that directly serve local residents.

Nonprofit public charities, faith institutions, public entities, and schools serving youth in Calhoun County, Michigan can apply for approximately US $10,000 to support youth development projects in the greater Albion area. Focused on youth services and leadership, the Albion Community Foundation’s James C. Kingsley Youth Fund backs local programs that meet community youth needs.

Nonprofit public charities, faith institutions, public entities, and schools in Calhoun County, Michigan serving the greater Albion area can apply for Albion Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee Fund; awards up to US $5,000 for local youth needs and youth development projects. Applicants must be in good standing on prior foundation grants.

Rolland and Dorothea Face Family Christian Ministry College Scholarship

Scholarships awarded to students who have received Jesus Christ as his/her Savior and are in good standing as a member of a local Christian church. Applicants must be pursuing a career as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or other full time ministry and show proof of enrollment to the following Christian colleges:

• Cornerstone University
• Springfield Bible Baptist College
• Moody Bible Institute
• Northland Baptist College
• Pensacola Christian College and/or any additional Christian colleges approved by the committee.

Preference may be given to applicants with associations to Calhoun County, Mich. and the surrounding area. Financial information is requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years.

Calhoun County, Michigan nonprofits and public entities can access funding through Albion Community Foundation to improve quality of life in the greater Albion area, with grants up to US $10,000. Eligible projects may address community improvement, cultural heritage, or youth development, and require a 10% cash match for the Fund for Greater Albion.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The MI Forest Legacy Grant Program, managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, aims to protect vital forest lands from conversion into non-forest uses. It promotes conservation through funding for projects like fee transactions and conservation easements, ensuring long-term stewardship and public access. Eligible projects receive up to 75% federal funding, with landowners contributing the remainder. This initiative is crucial for maintaining sustainable forests and their ecological benefits.

Catholic dioceses and parishes serving young people in Calhoun County, Michigan can seek support for ministries to children, teens, young adults, and families that provide faith formation. Catholic Extension’s Engaging Young Catholics grants help Extension dioceses fund campus ministry, youth ministry, religious education, and young adult programs through operational support, salary subsidies, or seed money.

Catholic dioceses serving Calhoun County, Michigan can apply for Building Capacity Grants to strengthen fundraising, financial management, and operational efficiency. Focused on Catholicism, Catholic Extension supports initiatives like development staff, fundraising technology, audits, strategic planning, and training that help Extension dioceses become more self-sustaining and better support Catholic schools institutionally.

Catholic dioceses in Calhoun County, Michigan that are approved as Extension Dioceses can seek support to enhance pastoral and social outreach ministries. With a mission to strengthen Catholic life, Catholic Extension provides funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, evangelization media, liturgical programs, social outreach, and minor post-disaster support.

Calhoun County, Michigan Catholic school educators and dioceses can access funding through Catholic Extension to develop promising leaders through a graduate-level Certificate in Catholic School Administration. The program covers most tuition plus travel for an LMU leadership academy, building capacity in mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership for Catholic K–12 schools.

The Duncan Aviation Family Trust Grant supports organizations that enhance public school education and improve community quality of life, particularly in Lincoln, Nebraska, Battle Creek, Michigan, and Provo, Utah. Established in 2004 by the Duncan family, this grant prioritizes education, human services, and aviation-related initiatives. With over $1 million contributed annually, the trust is now investing in an endowment plan to ensure sustainable support for impactful donations in the future, while also addressing immediate community needs.

Mission Catholic dioceses in Calhoun County, Michigan and other pre-approved areas can apply for Catholic Extension’s Francis Grants to fund major diocesan events and bishop education. These grants support occasions like episcopal ordinations, significant anniversaries, papal visits, and a bishop’s continued personal education in poor mission dioceses across the U.S.

The BCCF Mini Grants provide funding up to $1,500 to support community-driven initiatives in Battle Creek. These grants aim to enhance health, education, and livable communities by addressing local needs effectively. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public entities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing for quick responses to urgent community needs, ensuring that important projects can receive timely support to foster positive change.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Cheryl A. DeBoer Soar Higher Award, a $5,000 scholarship, honors the former President & CEO of Advia Foundation. It is available to students who are currently enrolled in or accepted to Western Michigan University's College of Aviation. Applicants must have an account with Advia Credit Union before the application deadline and plan to attend WMU's College of Aviation no later than Fall 2025.

The Teachers and Educators Scholarship, funded by the Advia Foundation, invites teachers to propose financial literacy projects aimed at enhancing students' understanding of money management. This initiative supports the development of effective financial decision-making skills among students, fostering a generation of informed individuals. Eligible proposals should focus on innovative classroom strategies that promote financial knowledge and empower students to make sound financial choices.

Marshall Community Foundation: Mini Grant

Funding Amount

• Up to $750

The Marshall Community Foundation reviews/awards grants quarterly and yearly based upon the size of the grant request. (Grant applications can be submitted at any time.) Grants are awarded to agencies across Calhoun County that benefit residents of the City of Marshall and surrounding townships. Grants are intended to be a flexible local funding opportunity that can respond to community needs.

Application priorities include, but are not limited to:

• Yields substantial community benefits for the resources invested
• Facilitates cooperation and enhances collaboration among organizations
• Avoids duplication of services
• Benefits the greatest number of people in the community and attracts volunteer resources
• Strengthens or improves the self-sufficiency and efficiency in areas such as, but not limited to:
  • Capacity Building
  • Workforce Development
• Represents innovative, start-up efforts
• Supports low income/underserved populations with:
  • Access to Resources
  • Poverty Intervention
  • Food Insecurity
• Promotes youth development in areas such as, but not limited to:
  • Student Performance
  • Teacher Training
  • Supplemental Programs
  • Youth Mental Health
• Examines and addresses underlying causes of local challenges
• Seeks challenge or matching financial resources

The Marshall Community Foundation will only consider granting to organizations who have submitted final reports for all previous grants. Final reports must be approved by the Board of Trustees. The approval process may take up to three months.

Marshall Community Foundation: Impact Grant

The Marshall Community Foundation reviews/awards grants quarterly and yearly based upon the size of the grant request. Grants are awarded to agencies across Calhoun County that benefit residents of the City of Marshall and surrounding townships. Grants are intended to be a flexible local funding opportunity that can respond to community needs.

Requests will only be considered for:

• Capacity Building
• New Major Projects
• Challenge Grants

The Advia Youth Scholarships Program, initiated by the Advia Foundation, aims to empower graduating seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community service. By providing financial support, the program fosters the growth of future leaders while enhancing financial literacy and education within the community. Advia Foundation's mission is to improve the overall quality of life, making significant contributions to the lives of young individuals and their communities.