Welcome to the Volunteer MICHIGAN Funding Alert! Volunteer MICHIGAN is the newest program of the Michigan Community Service Commission and encompasses a family of complimentary volunteer initiatives. As we strive to address community challenges through service, we hope the funding opportunities below will allow you to engage additional volunteers and ultimately improve the services you are able to provide.

The following funding opportunities are currently accepting applications. The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) compiles these opportunities - offered by outside organizations - and presents the relevant information to you. The MCSC is not offering these funding opportunities directly.  

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES  

Wells Fargo Homeownership Grant Program

The Wells Fargo Housing Foundation is committed to increasing homeownership through the development of affordable housing in the United States. The Foundation's Homeownership Grant Program supports local nonprofit housing organizations nationwide that help create sustainable homeownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income families. The program focuses on homebuyer education, pre- and post-purchase counseling, first-time homebuyer counseling, and foreclosure counseling and prevention activities. Funded programs must serve owner-occupied low- to moderate-income homebuyers only. Requests are reviewed three times per year.      

The deadline to submit applications is July 31, 2013. For more information on this opportunity, visit http://bit.ly/MGRD8K.

Saginaw Community Foundation YWCA Fund for Women & Girls Program

The Saginaw Community Foundation provides support for a wide variety of programs and purposes benefiting the citizens and communities of Saginaw County, Michigan. The Foundation's areas of interest are: arts, education, health, civic improvement, human services, environment, and youth. Currently, they are accepting applications in their YWCA grant program, which focuses on the physical, mental, and educational needs or women and girls in the community. YWCA grants of up to $10,000 are available. 

The deadline to submit applications is August 1, 2013. For more information on this opportunity, visit: http://bit.ly/12aGO3z.

2014 RSVP Competition

Established in 1971 and now one of the largest senior volunteer programs in the nation, RSVP offers a diverse range of volunteer activities that serve communities to create measurable impact, benefit volunteers through the service experience, and create community capacity. Through this competition, the Corporation for National and Community Service seeks to increase the impact of national service in 270 specific communities across the country. CNCS intends to fund RSVP grants that support volunteers 55 years and older serving in a diverse range of activities that meet specific community needs and respond to National Performance Measures.

The deadline to submit applications for this grant is September 10, 2013 but an Intent to Apply letter is due by August, 9, 2013. For more information on this opportunity visit: http://1.usa.gov/13zV6cQ.

Cities of Service Impact Volunteering Fund

The Cities of Service Impact Volunteering Fund is a multi-million dollar fund administered by Cities of Service and funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies to help cities use impact volunteering to tackle pressing local challenges. Grant sizes will range from $25,000 to $100,000 with larger amounts reserved for cities with multiple initiatives.

The deadline to submit applications is September 13, 2013. For more information on this opportunity, visit http://bit.ly/MxHiZP.

Bringing Theory to Practice Project Grants

Bringing Theory to Practice Project is accepting proposals from universities and colleges in the United States for projects aimed at promoting the nexus of engaged learning, civic engagement, and psychosocial well-being among college and university students. Types of grants include: seminar grants of up to $1,000 for projects that bring together diverse members of the campus community to discuss the civic mission of the institution and how the full expression of that mission can be achieved; and program development grants up to $10,000 to enhance or extend a program that promotes engaged learning, civic engagement, and the psychosocial well-being of students.

The deadline to submit applications is September 15, 2013. For more information on this opportunity, visit http://bit.ly/13eItnv. 

Kids in Need Teacher Grants

Kids In Need Teacher Grants provide K-12 educators with funding to provide innovative learning opportunities for their students. The Kids In Need Foundation helps to engage students in the learning process by supporting the most creative and important educational resource — our nation's teachers.  All certified K-12 teachers in the U.S. are eligible. Grants range from $100-$500, with 300 - 600 grants being awarded.

The deadline to submit applications is September 30, 2013. For more information on this opportunity, visit: http://bit.ly/7RtKZi.

State Farm Campus Chapter Matching Grants

Habitat for Humanity and State Farm are partnering to offer the Campus Chapter State Farm Matching Grant. They are offering: four $10,000 matching grants, six $5,000 matching grants, and six $2,000 matching grants. The matching grant funds can be used for rehab and A Brush with Kindness projects as well as house sponsorships. In addition to the matching grants, groups may also apply for a Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative bonus grant. Groups must apply for and receive a matching grant to be eligible for a bonus grant.

The application deadline for this program is October 1st. For more information on this opportunity, visit: http://bit.ly/16vufz2.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation Grants

The Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation is committed to improving communities and impacting the lives of children and families by supporting nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada. The Foundation's areas of interest include children’s health and wellness, literacy and education, animal welfare, and the environment. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, with an average grant amount of $1,500. Priority is given to organizations located near Build-A-Bear Workshop stores.

The deadline to submit applications is October 31, 2013. For more information on this opportunity, visit: http://bit.ly/f4rYKN.

Fuel Up to Play 60

Funding is available to K-12 schools who wish to enroll in Fuel Up to Play 60. The competitive, nationwide funding program can help schools to jumpstart and sustain healthy nutrition and physical activity improvements. Funds can be used to conduct in-school promotions focused on creating a healthier school and to implement healthy eating and physical activity plays. Funds can also be used for professional development, nutrition education materials, and physical education equipment & materials.

The deadline to submit applications for this grant is November 1, 2013. For more information on this opportunity, visit http://bit.ly/gdkkoY.

Environmental Conservation Programs Grants

The Wallace Genetic Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations nationwide that believe in the long-term conservation of the soil and of the environment, rather than exploitation of natural resources for temporary profits. Specific areas of interest include the following: sustainable agriculture, protection of farmland, conservation of natural resources, biodiversity protection, reduction of environmental toxins, and global climate issues. Grants generally range from $25,000 to $40,000.

There is no set deadline for this grant. For more information on this opportunity visit: http://bit.ly/yiUwK3.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

The Battle Creek Community Foundation provides support to a wide variety of nonprofit programs, organizations, and community groups that enhance and support the quality of life in Battle Creek, Michigan. The programs they support serve the needs of people in such areas as health, education, human services, arts and culture, public affairs, youth, and community development. Competitive grants are accepted quarterly and applicants may apply for grants up to $10,000 or mini-grants up to $1,000.

These deadline to submit applications is rolling. For more information about this opportunity, visit: http://bit.ly/11HiwyF.

Wells Fargo Charitable Foundation

Wells Fargo believes that grant-making decisions are more effective when made locally. That's why Wells Fargo is actively involved in the communities where they live and work, and why their team members are leaders in helping communities succeed. As a result, Wells Fargo has grants available for nearly every state, including Michigan specific grants for the U.P. and Lower Peninsula. These grants will be awarded to support non-profit organizations that provide human services, community development, educational, artistic, cultural, civic and environmental programs.

The deadline to submit applications is rolling. For more information about this opportunity, visit: http://bit.ly/15iKtwt.

SCHOLARSHIP/AWARD OPPORTUNITIES

The Heroes of the Heart® Scholarship Awards Program

The Heroes of the Heart® Awards Program is a national recognition program that identifies inspirational individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to enrich the lives of others.  The Heroes of the Heart® Awards Program is celebrated in schools across the country and includes two scholarships: The Christopher Reeve Award and The Gee Whiz Kids® Award.

The deadline to submit applications is October 31, 2013. For more information on this opportunity, visit: http://bit.ly/9AlFOh.

AIFS Study Abroad Scholarship and Grants

Each year, more than $600,000 in scholarships and grants is awarded to deserving students who wish to study abroad through the AIFS Study Abroad Grant Program. Students that hope to study abroad for a summer or a semester are encouraged to apply for one of  AIFS' multiple scholarships and grants to help make those hopes a reality. Funds are available for both summer and semester programs.

The deadline to submit applications is based on the various scholarship types. For more information about the requirements and guidelines, visit: http://bit.ly/Tw2tu.

Everyday Young Heroes Award

The Everyday Young Hero program highlights one outstanding youth a week that are making extraordinary contributions and commitments to service. Nominations must come from a parent, teacher, or other adult mentor; supporting material is recommended. The Everyday Young Hero award is open to those between the ages of 5-25. Winners receive an announcement in Youth Service America's (YSA) weekly National Serving e-Briefing, a certificate and letter from YSA's President and CEO, a customized press release, local market media coverage, and publicity on the YSA's website, Twitter, and Facebook accounts.

The deadline to submit applications is rolling. For more information on this opportunity, visit: http://bit.ly/dTdxVe.