Best Washtenaw County Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

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.

Richard & Elizabeth Jones Scholarship Fund

The Richard & Elizabeth Jones Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to individuals residing in Calhoun County who will be obtaining an education in graduate school at University of Michigan. The scholarship recipient(s) will be announced and honored annually at the Battle Creek Community Foundation scholarship celebration.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation focuses on enhancing democracy through initiatives aimed at voter engagement and fair election administration. With a commitment to supporting historically marginalized communities, the foundation fosters voter registration and turnout in Southeast Michigan. It also provides guidance to election administrators and combats misinformation to uphold electoral integrity. This strategic approach aims to preserve the foundations of American democracy and ensure equitable access to the ballot for all citizens.

The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR) offers the Student Travel Award to support students attending the SSAR meeting. Ten awards of $500 each are available to eligible students who are SSAR members, first authors of presentations, and have not previously received the award. Applicants must submit a letter from their advisor and an abstract. Winners are randomly selected and must volunteer during the event.

The AAACF Community Grantmaking Program aims to promote equity in education and reduce racial and economic disparities in Washtenaw County. Established in 1963, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation supports nonprofits and scholarships, focusing on literacy for marginalized youth, mental health services, and empowering programs. By engaging community-based organizations, AAACF fosters impactful partnerships to enhance the quality of life and build a sustainable future.

The Old National Bank Foundation provides sponsorships to enhance community initiatives in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their mission focuses on social responsibility, supporting underrepresented groups, and aligning with the Community Reinvestment Act. Sponsorships cover events such as fundraisers and sporting events, emphasizing active engagement and measurable impact. The Foundation aims to improve quality of life through strategic partnerships and meaningful contributions.

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.

The Ross Wagner Foundation Scholarship offers significant financial support for students pursuing degrees in various engineering fields, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. With awards up to $25,000 annually, students can receive up to $100,000 over four years. Applicants must maintain a B average, work in engineering labs, and be enrolled in top-ranked engineering schools in the U.S. and Canada. This scholarship honors Ross Wagner's legacy, promoting excellence in engineering education.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering sustainable business growth in Southeast Michigan. With a commitment to environmental stewardship, the Foundation supports initiatives that leverage funding to create favorable conditions for small businesses. By promoting networking and resource sharing, and diversifying industries, they aim to enhance regional resilience. Since 2008, over $180 million has been awarded to initiatives aligned with their mission, with plans to spend down all assets by 2034 to facilitate impactful investments.

The James A. and Faith Knight Foundation Grant Program, established in 1999, focuses on enhancing community support in Jackson and Washtenaw Counties, Michigan. It prioritizes general operating support for nonprofits, aims to protect the natural world, and advocates for women and girls' empowerment. The foundation underscores the importance of sound financial practices, governance, and diversity in grantmaking, fostering trust between funders and grantees while addressing critical societal issues.

The AAPS Education Fund, managed by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the educational experience for students in Ann Arbor Public Schools. With a total of $15,400 available in competitive grants, individual requests can reach up to $2,000. Projects must focus on key areas including literacy, science, the arts, mental health, and diversity. Priority is given to initiatives that benefit the entire school or involve collaboration with nonprofit partners.

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation aims to enhance mental health services in Michigan through its Capacity Building & Advocacy Grants. These grants, up to $50,000, support non-profit organizations in improving service quality and expanding access. The Foundation prioritizes collaboration, equity, and dignity, fostering initiatives that reduce stigma and enhance treatment practices. By integrating mental health into primary care and advocating for policy changes, the Foundation seeks to empower underserved communities and promote a holistic approach to mental health care.

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation is dedicated to enhancing mental health treatment for children and youth in southeast Michigan. With 1 in 5 youths facing serious mental health challenges, the Foundation funds evidence-based projects ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 annually to improve access to care. By implementing best practices in behavioral health, the Foundation aims to address the significant gaps in treatment and support, fostering better outcomes for young individuals and their families.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Michael J. Wolf Scholarship

Open to high school seniors graduating from a high school in the City of Grand Rapids and residents of the City of Grand Rapids, attending University of Michigan full time, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation aims to enhance adult mental health services in Michigan through evidence-based practices. Their grants, ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, support governmental and non-profit organizations in implementing innovative treatments. Focused on reducing stigma, improving access, and fostering collaboration, the foundation emphasizes the importance of research-informed approaches to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice in mental health care.

The Ypsilanti Area Community Fund Grant Program aims to enhance community health and educational outcomes through collaborative partnerships. Focused on racial equity and economic empowerment, it supports projects in public health, youth education, and community support, prioritizing mental health, violence prevention, mentoring, and homelessness prevention initiatives. By investing in systemic transformation, the program seeks to create sustainable improvements for families in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, ultimately fostering economic well-being and resilience.

The Chelsea Community Foundation, a permanent endowment founded in 1995, supports community-driven initiatives in Chelsea, Michigan, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. It prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and educational institutions that serve the Chelsea School District. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $1.6 million to local nonprofits, addressing critical community needs and fostering collaboration among civic leaders and donors.

The Arts and Culture Program, initiated by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF), aims to bolster arts and culture nonprofits in Washtenaw County through a focus on racial equity. This program supports community-driven projects that engage BIPOC groups, promote equity in arts education, and foster entrepreneurship in the arts. AAACF is dedicated to enhancing access to cultural resources for all residents, ensuring that the artistic identity of every community member is celebrated and supported.

The EmpowerMENt Fund Grant, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, aims to uplift young Black males in Washtenaw County by promoting their educational success. This initiative focuses on a holistic approach, providing mentorship, vocational training, and college readiness support. By investing in collaborative efforts, the fund seeks to address the systemic inequities faced by this demographic, fostering positive outcomes and community contributions over a one-year period.

The Consumers Energy Foundation Grant aims to assist Michigan communities by funding innovative projects that enhance people's lives, protect the environment, and promote economic prosperity. Eligible applicants must align their initiatives with the foundation's focus areas, which include reducing poverty, environmental preservation, and economic development. Notably, the foundation primarily supports tax-exempt organizations based in Michigan, while also considering projects that significantly benefit the state. Applicants are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and grant standards before applying.

The Creators of Culture Grants, initiated by CultureSource, aim to enhance access to funding for grassroots arts organizations in Southeast Michigan. Grants ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will support projects that intersect art with community wellbeing, focusing on issues like mental health and food justice. Eligible applicants include small creative organizations and returning grant recipients located in specific counties. This initiative encourages collaboration with cross-sector partners to foster a diverse and equitable arts ecosystem.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Lavina Laible Scholarship

Open to students who identify as female who are attending University of Michigan.

The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Charitable Foundation Fund empowers charitable organizations focused on enhancing the lives of children and youth in southeast Michigan. Since its establishment in 1999, it has allocated over $6.4 million to support local nonprofits. The fund prioritizes sustainability, regional impact, collaboration, and leveraging additional resources to ensure lasting benefits for the community. Applications are welcomed from 501(c)(3) organizations serving the defined region, with an emphasis on impactful, collaborative projects.

The Ethel and James Flinn Foundation offers the Mental Health Awareness, Education and Outreach Mini-Grants Program to enhance mental health services in Michigan. This initiative focuses on improving treatment programs, promoting early intervention, and reducing stigma associated with mental health. By collaborating across sectors and prioritizing underserved populations, the foundation aims to increase access to quality mental health care and evaluate the impact of its efforts, ultimately fostering a healthier community.

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.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Norman J. and Maureen L. Campbell Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Maureen Campbell who established the Norman J. & Maureen L. Campbell Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Norman Campbell was a proud graduate of Muskegon Heights High School and the University of Michigan with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at U of M, he met a nurse named Maureen. Shortly after, they moved to California where he was employed by Lockheed Aircraft, in the "Skunk Works" division, and was the youngest engineer working on the super-top secret SR71 Blackbird spy plane. His specialty was Titanium, of which the SR71 was made. Later, he worked as an engineer for General Electric in Warren, MI., and in 1970 they moved back to Muskegon to go into business with his father Hugh to form Campbell Grinder Company. He became president in 1985 until the business was sold and he retired in 2001. Norm took pride in the fact that all of his employees were treated as family in a family business. He was an active golf and tennis player. He spent 15 years at the Detroit Tiger Fantasy Camp, where he played baseball with the "Old Tigers", and was honored to be selected to throw out the "First Pitch" at a Tiger's game at Comerica Park in 2011. Norm also enjoyed weekend trips with his family to Glen Arbor. He was a humble, kind man, friend to all, and never condemning. Being a family man was his greatest joy of all. Maureen established this fund to honor her late husband Norman. This scholarship is for students attending the University of Michigan with first preference to an engineering student and second preference to a nursing student. 

The KeyBank Foundation offers Community Sponsorships to support local organizations in their fundraising efforts. These sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund events or provide general operating support. Applications are accepted from January to October, with a decision made within 90 days. Eligible nonprofits must serve areas where KeyBank operates and adhere to strict ineligibility criteria, including no support for individuals or organizations that discriminate based on various identities.