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Grants & Loans
SWMPC staff members work with municipalities, non-profits, and community groups to research grant opportunities and assist with grant writing and administration for community development, economic development, recreation, the environment, and transportation. Please contact Jerrid Burdue, burduej@swmpc.org or 269-925-1137 ex. 1517, for more information.
Emerging and existing businesses interested in business development grants, loan, and other needs may be assisted through Cornerstone Alliance for businesses in Berrien County, Kinexus/Van Buren County Economic Development for businesses in Van Buren County, and Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce for businesses in Cass County, as well as the Cities and Townships of Niles and Buchanan, Villages and Townships of Galien and Three Oaks, and Bertrand Township.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development (TED)
This umbrella department includes Pure Michigan Travel, Talent Investment Agency, and the following grant program managers:
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation — MEDC offers grants and loans to redevelop Michigan’s downtowns and foster historic preservation.
- Michigan State Housing Development Authority — MSHDA provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing.
- Michigan Strategic Fund MSF supports business development, community development, and state marketing activities, including the promotion of tourism, film industry, arts and cultural affairs.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
The mission of HUD is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Michigan Department of Transportation
Grants available for projects related to economic development — Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF).
USDA Rural Development
Funding (mostly loans) for development of community facilities.
U.S. Economic Development Administration
Grants for industrial parks, infrastructure related to economic development, and economic development planning grants.
RECREATION & ENVIRONMENTAL
The GLFT provides funding to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to enhance, protect, and rehabilitate Great Lakes fishery resources.
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Directory of Grant and Loan Programs. Programs available for Coastal Management, Non-Point Source Pollution, Septic System Grants, and many more.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
A number of different grant programs including: Recreation, Boating, Forestry, Trails, Law Enforcement, and Wildlife. Of special note is the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (please see the SWMPC's MNRTF workshop page).
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
A comprehensive list of available funding sources. Also, see the Office of Grants and Disbarment, and, the EPA Grant Writing Tutorial.
TRANSPORTATION
Michigan Department of Transportation
MDOT administers several transportation grant programs.
U.S. Department of Transportation
US DOT administers transportation grant programs, including the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.
FIRE DEPARTMENT GRANTS
FEMA - U.S. Fire Administration
Grants for equipment, training, vehicles, and fire prevention programs.
NON-GOVERNMENTAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
American Electric Power Foundation
The AEP Foundation grants focus on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education; providing basic human services in the areas of hunger, housing, health and safety; protecting the environment; and enriching the quality of life in our communities through art, music and cultural heritage.
This foundation focuses on two program areas of protection, preservation and education: (1) American heritage expressed through its material culture; and, (2) Natural resources and agriculture through land use and growth management.
BCF offers grant opportunities to non-profit organizations serving Berrien County, Michigan, including the Berrien Community Foundation Competitive Grants, Berrien Community Foundation Scholarships, Frederick S. Upton Foundation Grants, Golden Acorn Awards, Golden Acorn Classroom Mini-Grants, Heart of Cook Grants, Powered By Honor, and William Deputy Fund Grants.
The focus of TCF is:
- Children’s Welfare, including: (a) Health care facilities and programs, with special emphasis on the prevention and treatment of hearing impairment; and (b) Recreational, educational and welfare programs especially for children who are disadvantaged for economic and/or health reasons; and
- Preservation of natural areas, open space and historic buildings and areas having special natural beauty or significance in maintaining America’s heritage and historic ideals, through assistance to land trusts and land conservancies and directly related environmental educational programs.
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
The Mott Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are working to strengthen their hometown of Flint and around the world, especially for their focus areas of civil society, education, and (especially in the Great Lakes basin) the environment.
The mission of the CEF is to help nonprofits create sustainable communities through grants in five focus areas: Social Welfare, Community and Civic Development, Education, Michigan Growth and Environmental Enhancement, and Culture and the Arts.
Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation
The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation's goal is to improve the educational, religious, economic, and cultural lives of Michigan's people.
The mission of the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation is to support and enrich the cultural, social and economic life of Greater Kalamazoo.
This foundation's program areas include Culture, Democracy, Education, Employment, Environment, Gun Violence Prevention and the Joint Fund for Education and Employment, within the Great Lakes region.
Kresge's programs seek to expand opportunity for low-income people so they can gain the tools and supports needed to lead self-determined lives and join the economic mainstream.
Meijer focuses on hunger relief, disaster relief, health, environment, and the Fred & Lena Meijer Scholarship program. The Foundation was started to fund Frederik Meijer Gardens, but they also fund trails and other projects.
Michigan Gateway Community Foundation
MGCF offers various community supporting grants in Buchanan, Niles, and Cass County.
The Pokagon Fund's mission is to enhance the lives of the residents in the New Buffalo area through the financial support of local governments, nonprofits, charities, and other organizations.
Walmart Foundation
Meets the needs of the under-served by directing charitable giving toward their core areas of focus: Opportunity, Sustainability and Community.
The Whirlpool Foundation has three types of grants: Strategic Grants (focused on qualify family life, cultural diversity and lifelong learning), Employee-Directed Programs (Matching Gifts Program, Disaster Relief Program, United Way Campaigns), and Sons & Daughters Scholarships.
Phone: 269.925.1137 Fax: 269.925.0288