External Grant Resources
Finding the right funding opportunity is only one part of developing a strong grant application. We’ve gathered local, regional, state, and national resources to help nonprofits and community organizations find funding opportunities, access useful data, strengthen grant applications, and build organizational capacity.
Explore the resources below by topic.
How to Search for Resources
Start with the topic area that best fits your project or organization. Within each section, you'll find both potential funding opportunities and data sources that may be useful when developing a proposal. You can also explore the general grant opportunities and grant-writing resources for tools that apply across many types of projects.
Here you can explore:
Grant opportunities from local, regional, state, and national funders, organized by area of interest.
Data and research that can help demonstrate community needs, provide local context, and strengthen the case for support in grant applications.
Grant-writing resources and tools to help with developing stronger proposals and identifying potential funding sources.
Professional development and organizational resources covering topics such as nonprofit management, technology, board development, and more.
Know of a resource we should add? We welcome suggestions from our community partners as we continue to build and improve this resource. Contact Lauren Clark: lauren@keweenawgives.org
Arts, Culture & History
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Upper Peninsula Arts & Culture Alliance - Grants for arts, cultural programs, and services throughout Michigan, ensuring that every citizen and community enjoys the civic, economic, and educational benefits of arts and culture. Learn more
Arts Midwest - Grants for artists, community reading, theatre, and traditional arts. Learn more
National Endowment for the Arts - Grants for community access to the arts, culture, and design. Learn more
National Trust for Historic Preservation - Grants to encourage preservation at the local level by providing seed money for preservation projects in small towns with populations of 10,000 or less. Learn more
Michigan Arts and Culture Council - Grants to support civic, economic and educational benefits of arts and culture. Learn more
Michigan Humanities - Reimbursement grants to help support the fees and expenses of touring performers, artists, exhibitors, and humanities presenters. Learn more
The Jeffris Family Foundation - Grants to support the development of important historic preservation projects. Learn more
Michigan District - Lutheran Church - Grants to assist a local congregation with an international mission project involving human care and gospel proclamation. Learn more
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National Endowment for the Arts - Data on arts and culture. Learn more
Americans for the Arts - Data and research on all aspects of the arts and culture industry. Learn more
Institute of Museum and Library Services - U.S. Museum and Library Data. Learn more
Keweenaw Time Traveler - Keweenaw Peninsula Historical Data. Learn more
Community and Economic Development
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Copper Shores Health Foundation - Grants to serve a health need in the community. Learn more
Michigan Saves - Financing for large-scale clean energy projects. Learn more
Carhartt - Grants to assist organizations with a focus on disaster relief and workforce development. Learn more
Council of Michigan Foundations - Grant opportunities for community foundations to fund technology, consultants, conferences, national standards processes and technical assistance. Learn more
Wells Fargo - Grant opportunities for nonprofits to fund financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability to strengthen underinvested communities by investing in pathways to economic advancement and generational wealth. Learn more
Foundation for Rural Service - Community Grant Program - Grants to fund technology and broadband enabled focused projects, projects that have a long-term impact for the community and its residents, projects that promote community participation and engagement, projects that create a more sustainable rural community. Learn more
Karma for Cara Foundation - Mini Grants for students 18 years of age and under to complete service projects in their communities throughout the United States. Learn more
Small Business Association of Michigan - Grants to provide support for established 1st stage and 2nd stage businesses who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more
Youth Service America - Grants to fund youth service, connection, and ending hunger. Learn more
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United for Alice - ALICE research quantifies and describes the number of households that are struggling financially in Michigan. Learn more
U.S. Census Bureau - The Census Bureau provides data about the citizens of the U.S. and the U.S. economy. Learn more
Census Reporter - Broken down version of the U.S. Census Bureau broken down by category. Learn more
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Statistics on U.S. employment rates, wages, workplace injuries, unemployment, productivity, inflation and prices, and geographic information. Learn more
Population Reference Bureau - Population and death data. Learn more
Data360 People - World Bank - Data, analytics, and resources focused on human capital (the wealth that is embodied in people as health, education, skills, and experience and that is essential for productivity), wellbeing, and their distribution within and across societies. Learn more
Data360 Prosperity - World Bank - Data, resources, and tools on prosperity to inform policy measures that foster inclusive and sustainable growth. Learn more
Data360 Infrastructure - World Bank - Data, analytics, and resources focused on infrastructure that supports inclusive and sustainable growth, expands markets, creates job opportunities by connecting people to opportunity, promotes competition, and contributes to a cleaner future. Learn more
Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget - Michigan Labor Market Data Search. Learn more
2021 Upper Peninsula Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) - Data on the Upper Peninsula covering demographics, chronic disease, behaviors, access to care, and community concerns. Learn more
KEDA Economic Development Strategic Plan - Economic development strategic plan for Houghton and Keweenaw counties. Learn more
Visit Keweenaw - Tourism and economic impact statistics and reports for the Keweenaw Peninsula. Learn more
Western Upper Peninsula Food Systems Collaborative - Data on annual reports, community food survey results, and farm to school. Learn more
Western Upper Peninusla Planning and Development Region - Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Learn more
USDA Rural Development - Rural Investments - Data Tables. Learn more
2024 Upper Peninsula Energy Report - Learn more
Education
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Michigan College Access Network - Grant funding to support direct service programs, high schools for innovative work, and those who are helping place college within reach for more Michigan youth. Learn more
Dollar General - Literacy grants for adults, K-12, etc. Learn more
Michigan Community College Association - Grants to support community college student success efforts. Learn more
Farm Bureau of Michigan - Grants to end hunger in Michigan through education, financial support and community engagement. Learn more
Wild Ones - Grants to plant native gardens and landscaping projects throughout the United States for outdoor learning areas that engage youth (preschool to high school) directly in planning, planting and caring for native plant gardens. Learn more
American Academy of Dermatology Association - Grants to fund shaded structures where children learn and play to schools, day-cares, parks, and other non-profit organizations. Learn more
Salad Bars 2 Schools - Funding for salad bars to schools to provide children with daily access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn more
Karma for Cara Foundation - Mini Grants for students 18 years of age and under to complete service projects in their communities throughout the United States. Learn more
Imagine Learning Foundation - Grants to support initiatives that enhance youth learning and well-being, study how well-being affects student achievement, and address issues like absenteeism and housing insecurity in K–12 education. Learn more
ProLiteracy - List of grants external and internal to ProLiteracy to improve child and adult literacy. Learn more
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National Center for Education Statistics - The NCES collects, analyzes, and reports data on the condition of U.S. education from early childhood to adult education to help improve student outcomes. Learn more
Data360 People - World Bank - Data, analytics, and resources focused on human capital (the wealth that is embodied in people as health, education, skills, and experience and that is essential for productivity), wellbeing, and their distribution within and across societies. Learn more
MI School Data - Michigan education data source. Learn more
Recreation
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Good Sports - Brand-new sports equipment, footwear, and apparel to schools and youth-serving organizations in communities all across the country. Learn more
Great Lakes Sports Commission - Grant to support and foster sports events and special projects that promote and develop the 36-county, Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula region as a premier destination for sports, recreation, and tourism. Learn more
Pitch In - Grants to support baseball and softball equipment for economically disadvantaged children (18 and under). Learn more
AthLife Foundation - Grant to support academic athletic coaches. Learn more
The USA Hockey Foundation - Grants to support youth hockey, inclusivity in hockey, girls hockey, etc. Learn more
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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Species research data, some recreational data. Learn more
Outdoor Industry Association - U.S. Outdoor Participation Trends Report. Learn more
BEA Outdoor Recreation - U.S. Outdoor recreation funding data. Learn more
University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute - Data on the Impacts of Tourism in the Western Upper Peninsula. Learn more
Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region - Recreation plans by city, county and township. Learn more
Visit Keweenaw - Tourism and economic impact statistics and reports for the Keweenaw Peninsula. Learn more
Wellness
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Copper Shores Health Foundation - Grants to serve a health need in the community. Learn more
Superior Health Foundation - Grants for community health programs, health education, accessibility, etc. Learn more
Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care of Michigan - Grants to fund work related to health disparities, physical health, behavioral health, substance use disorder, mental health, maternal-infant health, health inequities, social determinants of health. Learn more
National Institutes of Health - Health-centered grant opportunities. Learn more
Michigan Health Endowment Fund - Grants to reduce health disparities, improve health equity, build community wellness, increase social integration for marginalized populations, bolster community support systems, and expand community engagement efforts. Learn more
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation - Grants to support economic Inclusion for family well-being, equitable and accountable public health and healthcare systems, and healthy and equitable community conditions. Learn more
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The Annie E. Casey Foundation - Data, policy recommendations, and tools to advance policies that benefit children. Learn more
National Cancer Institute - Cancer data and research. Learn more
ChildStats - Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics. Learn more
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) - Health policy development, policy coordination, legislation development, strategic planning, policy research, evaluation, and economic analysis. Learn more
Data360 People - World Bank - data, analytics, and resources focused on human capital (the wealth that is embodied in people as health, education, skills, and experience and that is essential for productivity), wellbeing, and their distribution within and across societies. Learn more
CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System - Statistics on health-related behaviors and experiences that can lead to death and disability among youth and adults. Learn more
Population Reference Bureau - Population and death data. Learn more
Michigan Health and Human Services - Michigan Health Services Reports and Statistics. Learn more
County Health Rankings & Roadmaps - Health data by U.S. county. Learn more
2021 Upper Peninsula Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) - Data on the Upper Peninsula covering demographics, chronic disease, behaviors, access to care, and community concerns. Learn more
Western Upper Peninsula Food Systems Collaborative - Data on annual reports, community food survey results, and farm-to-school. Learn more
Environment
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Michigan Department of Natural Resources - Grants to make communities healthier, safer and more vibrant through recreational opportunities, enhancing wildlife habitat and ensuring public safety. Learn more
Quadratec - Grant to support an individual or group currently pursuing a program or initiative designed to benefit the environment. Learn more
Michigan Saves - Financing for large-scale clean energy projects. Learn more
The Lawrence Foundation - Grants to fund initiatives for the environment, human services, and disaster relief. Learn more
Great Lakes Protection Fund - Grants to protect and improve ecosystems in the Great Lakes region. Learn more
Carhartt - Grants to assist organizations with a focus on disaster relief and workforce development. Learn more
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation - Orchard donations are available for recipients who pledge to care for the trees and utilize them for a charitable purpose, with the goal of improving surrounding environments and providing a source of healthy nutrition for the community. Learn more
National Fish and Wildlife Service - Grants to sustain, restore and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife and plants, and their habitats. Learn more
National Geographic - Grants to fund environmental projects in science, conservation, storytelling, education, and technology. Learn more
Captain Planet Foundation - Funding and supplies for project learning gardens. Learn more
Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots USA - Grants to plan, start, support, or celebrate a community-action project that helps people, animals or the environment. Learn more
GroMoreGood - Grants for needs of existing garden projects, new garden projects, outdoor green space projects (land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation and an option for children and the community to learn). Learn more
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United Nations Environmental Programme - Environmental Data from around the world. Learn more
Data360 Planet - World Bank - Data, resources, and instruments designed to shape policies that foster sustainable growth, all within the bounds of the planet. Learn more
United States Geological Survey - The USGS provides science through an array of earth, water, biological, and mapping data and expertise to bear in support of decision-making on environmental, resource, and public safety issues. Learn more
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Species research data, some recreational data. Learn more
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community - Forest Stewardship Plan for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Learn more
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community - Community Priority Climate Action Plan. Learn more
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community - Wetlands Program Plan. Learn more
USDA Rural Development - Rural Investments - Data Tables. Learn more
2024 Upper Peninsula Energy Report - Learn more
General Opportunities
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The Americana Foundation - Grants for projects and organizations that positively impact people’s lives by creating systematic and/or structural change. Learn more
The Awesome Foundation - Grants for projects of any kind that "do awesome" in the community. Learn more
Thrivent - Start-up funds for fundraisers and community projects. Learn more
Nonprofit Collective Foundation - Unrestricted capacity-building grants. Learn more
Joe D. Pentecost Foundation - Grants for any need that a nonprofit may have. Learn more
T-Mobile - Grants for projects that foster local connections, like technology upgrades, outdoor spaces, the arts, and community centers. Learn more
O'Reilly Auto Parts - Grants to support nonprofits serving and improving communities, demonstrate innovative approaches to addressing a defined social issue, and create opportunities to reach targeted audiences. Learn more
Kentucky Fried Chicken - Grants for nonprofits who work on investing in projects that help expand program offerings, repair a critical infrastructure, or create new resources. Learn more
GEICO Philanthropic Foundation - Grants for financial literacy, food insecurity, environmental conservation, animal welfare and advocacy, and health and wellness initiatives. Learn more
Upper Peninsula Power Co. - Grants to support Upper Peninsula non-profit organizations and associations with grants and volunteer support that improve the quality of life in our region through arts & culture, community development, education, environment and health & human services. Learn more
Semco Energy Gas Company - Grants to support healthy and safe communities, bright futures, and environmental champions. Learn more
W.K. Kellogg Foundation - Grants to fund organizations that are advancing innovative, community-driven solutions. Learn more
Dr. Scholl Foundation - Grants are awarded to nonprofits for initiatives for education, social service, healthcare, cvic and cultural, and environmental. Learn more
The Mullick Foundation - Grants to fund educational initiatives, community impact initiatives, culture initiatives and health initiatives. Learn more
Walmart - Spark Good Local Grant - Grant Opportunity for nonprofits or religious organizations to strengthen communities. Learn more
Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation - Grants for homes for the elderly, health care and research, research institutions, colleges and universities, youth work and general community support. Learn more
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The Pew Center American Trends Panel - Probability-based survey panel made up of roughly 10,000 adults who are selected at random from across the entire United States. Learn more
Data.gov - United States government data. Data from a multitude of locations in the United States for all topics. Learn more
Data360 Digital - World Bank - Data, analytics, and resources on digital transformation topics. Learn more
2021 Upper Peninsula Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) - Data on Upper Peninsula covering demographics, chronic disease, behaviors, access to care, and community concerns. Learn more
Michigan State University Extension - Houghton County demographic data. Learn more
Recommendations and Tools for Grant Writing
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MTU Library Book Borrowing - Community members and other patrons are eligible for the Courtesy Borrowing Card to borrow books from the MTU library. Learn more
MTU Library Grant Writing Tips - Tips and resources for grant writing. Learn more
Grants.gov- Grant writing basics and tips for proofreading grant applications. Learn more
National Institutes of Health - General grant writing tips. Learn more
U.S. Department of Agriculture: National Institute of Food and Agriculture - 20 Tips for Grantwriting Success. Learn more
Environmental Protection Agency - Tips for a Successful Grant Application. Learn more
National Environmental Education Foundation - 7 Tips for Writing an Effective Grant Proposal. Learn more
Harvard Catalyst - Grantwriting tips and resources. Learn more
Center for Rural Health - Grant Writing Tips. Learn more
MTU Grant Writing Consultation Request - Resource for help with grant writing through MTU. Learn more
To schedule a funding search or proposal consultation, please contact: rd-l@mtu.edu
DataHaven - Guide to Grantwriting: Conducting a Needs Assessment. Learn more
Wastyn & Associates - 6 Ways to Effectively Use Data in Grant Applications. Learn more
Professional Grant Writers - Using data to strengthen grantwriting. Learn more
The Grantsmanship Center - Grant Proposal Data Dos and Don'ts. Learn more
The Capacity Collective - Using Data for Grant Writing. Learn more
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The Rural Development Eligibility Lookup Tool - Enables user flexibility in determining programmatic eligibility based on their location across multiple programs simultaneously. Learn more
USDA Income and Property Eligibility Site - Learn More
Resources for Professional Development
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Trello - Project management software with discounted rate for nonprofit organizations. Learn more
Smartsheet - Project management software with a discounted rate for nonprofit organizations. Learn more
Wrike - Project management software with discounted rate for nonprofit organizations. Learn more
Monday - Project management software with discounted rate for nonprofit organizations. Learn more
Freedcamp - Project management software with discounted rate for nonprofit organizations. Learn more
Asana - Project management software with discounts for nonprofits. Learn more
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Nonprofit Learning Lab - Online nonprofit training on training, facilitation, fundraising, strategic planning, communications, volunteer management, and free resources for nonprofit organizations. Learn more
Nonprofit Ready - Free online training resources for nonprofit professionals. Learn more
Class Central - Some paid and some free courses and certificates for professionals. Learn more
Candid Learning - Free webinars and training resources for nonprofit professionals. Learn more
Education Plus X - Paid courses, certificates and degrees. Learn more
Allstate - The nonprofit leadership center is a fully funded program that is designed for nonprofit leaders who have more than 10 years of professional experience. Learn more
FreeWill - Mostly free webinars, writing templates, reports and case studies for nonprofit professionals. Learn more
Nonprofit Hub - Free online webinars for nonprofit professionals. Learn more
Fundraising Academy - Free online webinars for nonprofit professionals. Learn more
The Nonprofit Cooperative - Free professional development resources for nonprofit professionals (podcasts, webinars, white papers and guides). Learn more
Firespring - Free webinars for creative marketing, commercial printing and web development. Learn more
Alliance Research Co. - Free webinars for nonprofits. Learn more
Grant Station - Paid webinars for nonprofits. Learn more
National Grant Foundation - Paid courses and other free resources for nonprofits. Learn more
Wallace - Resources to strengthen nonprofit financial management. Learn more
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! - Training resources for employees and hiring resources for employers. Learn more
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Acorn Host - Discounted web hosting for nonprofits and other organizations who serve the public good. Learn more
Dreamhost - Web host provider that offers free shared website and email hosting for nonprofits. Learn more
Google - Discounted online resources for nonprofit organizations (excluding governments and schools). Learn more
Intuit Quickbooks - Discounted accounting tools for nonprofits. Learn more
Zoom - 50% off video conferencing platform for nonprofit organizations. Learn more
Apple - Discounted technology for educators and university students. Learn more
Techsoup - Discounted technology for nonprofits. Learn more
PCs for People - Refurbished computers to nonprofits for affordable prices. Learn more
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BoardSource - Paid year-round governance guidance, resources, and leadership development for nonprofits and nonprofit boards. Learn more
Nonprofit Ready - Free online board and governance trainings and courses. Learn more
OnBoard - Strategies for forming an efficient and effective nonprofit board and tools to inspire increased collaboration between nonprofit board members. Learn more
Council of Nonprofits - Board and governance tips and tools for nonprofits. Learn more
The BrigeSpan Group - Nonprofit board resource center. Learn more
501 Commons - Nonprofit boards and governance resources. Learn more
Kellogg Executive Education - Free, on-demand videos that cover essential topics for nonprofit board members. These practical tools and insights offer guidance to strengthen board effectiveness. Learn more
Nonprofit Quarterly - Free nonprofit board development resource. Learn more
Global Giving - Free nonprofit board development resource. Learn more
Wallace - Free nonprofit governance toolkit. Learn more
Leading with Intent - Data and insights on nonprofit boards. Learn more
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Canva - Graphic Design Software with Nonprofit rates. Learn more
National Council of Nonprofits - Free tools, research, and resources for nonprofits to operate more effectively, efficiently, and ethically. Learn more
Michigan Nonprofit Association - Membership required. Offers document support for legal assistance, cyberattack assistance, immigration, etc. and also offers webinars and other helpful nonprofit resources. Learn more
Adobe - Nonprofit discounts for Adobe Creative Cloud and Acrobat Pro. Learn more
Amazon Business - Nonprofit pricing to help nonprofits manage grant funds with spend tracking, bulk discounts, and approval workflows. Amazon Business can also create custom wishlists for donors to access. Learn more
Need Help? Let’s Meet 1:1
Our team is available to meet one-on-one with community groups and nonprofits. Talk through an idea, get an extra pair of eyes on your grant application, and more.
If we don’t have the answer or resource you need, we will connect you with someone in our network who does. Learn more.
