Crain’s Detroit Business
March 22, 2022
Sherri Welch
The Michigan Nonprofit Association has opened the application process for $32.5 million in nonprofit relief funds to support small nonprofits in the state.
Michigan 501(c)3 or public benefit nonprofits with less than $1 million in annual revenue and that incurred demonstrable expenses and/or losses after March 3, 2021, due to the pandemic, are eligible. They’ll have through May 5 to apply.
One-time grants of $5,000-$25,000 will be disbursed by the beginning of July, MNA said.
The formal application comes nearly a month after MNA launched an “intent to apply” application process to gauge statewide need and interest.
Thousands of nonprofits filled out that form but were told they would need to return and formally apply for the program when the application launched, chief communications officer Tammy Pitts said in an email.
Eligible nonprofits that did not fill out the earlier form and those that are not members of MNA are eligible to apply for a relief grant, MNA said.
Each eligible application will be reviewed by nonprofit and community leaders from the applicant’s region. Applications will be scored based upon demonstrated need, narrative and supporting documentation.
“We received an overwhelmingly positive response during the ‘intent to apply’ phase from nonprofits expressing interest in the Michigan Nonprofit Relief Fund,” MNA President and CEO Kelley Kuhn said in a release.
“We encourage nonprofits — especially those from underrepresented, under-served and rural areas — to apply. Michigan’s nonprofits have given so much to their communities every day, and this fund helps give back to those who give.”
Public and private schools, higher education institutions, hospitals, associations and religious programs are not eligible to apply.
MNA and Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, which co-designed the grant program, will work together to select grantees and manage the application portal and award payments.
The state department will make another $15 million in grants available to larger nonprofits with innovative ideas for impacting poverty this spring.
The $50 million fund was approved as part of the state’s FY23 budget and is funded with part of the American Rescue Plan Act funding that came to Michigan for coronavirus relief.
“LEO is proud to join this effort to provide much-needed support to Michigan’s nonprofit ecosystem,” said Kim Trent, deputy director for prosperity of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
“Nonprofits who are committed to lifting Michiganders out of poverty and removing barriers to economic prosperity are invited to apply for aid that will help them further serve hard-hit communities.”