Grant Seekers
Learn how we are taking grant applications for nonprofits that align with our mission to make a positive impact in Michigan.
Helping Our Neighbors in Need
We award grants for funding and creative projects that align with our priorities for people, the planet and prosperity. We ask that grant seekers take a look at our priorities and ensure projects align with us. We’ll ask for metrics that show how your project supports these goals in the application.
Apply NowWhat We Fund
People
Will your project help address poverty or support people who are struggling in Michigan through:
- Higher high school graduation rates?
- Building more STEM or skilled talent?
- Helping those in need become more independent?
Planet
Does your project protect, preserve or restore any of the following in Michigan?
- Land
- Water
- Air
Prosperity
Will your project strengthen Michigan's economy by creating safe, vibrant neighborhoods, fostering job growth and new businesses, or helping make Michigan a desirable place to live and visit?
Our Geographic Focus
We mainly focus on communities in Michigan’s lower peninsula where we have a business presence. We will consider requests from organizations in other areas if they strongly align with our mission.
Funding Guidelines and Restrictions
There are legal and practical limits to what the Foundation supports. For example, the Foundation does not buy tickets or pay for fundraising events for charity, nor does it sponsor ads supporting these efforts.
To qualify for grant funding, your organization must meet the following criteria:
- Be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, a municipality, or a federally recognized Indian Tribal Government described in IRC Section 7701(a)(40)
- Operate in Michigan or have a project that benefits Michigan
- Serve a community or have a project within an area served by Consumers Energy [LB1.1]
- Serve communities without any discrimination on the basis of race, creed, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation or national origin
The following request fall outside of what the Foundation is able to fund:
- Debt-reduction campaigns
- Energy related projects or costs, including but not limited to electric and gas infrastructure, generators, lighting, solar panels, weatherization, energy efficiency projects, or direct energy bill payment assistance.
- Individuals
- Fraternal organizations, social clubs, or alumni organizations
- Labor organizations
- Individual K-12 schools or organizations that operate within an individual school
- Political Organizations or campaigns
- Private Foundations
- Religious organizations where funds will be used for activities that promote a specific denomination or sectarian beliefs
- Sports teams, athletic events, or related activities
- Talent or beauty contests
Frequently Asked Questions
The Foundation funds projects that align with our commitment to Michigan’s people, planet and prosperity. Our priorities include:
- Reducing poverty levels in Michigan with a focus on basic needs
- Education and workforce readiness
- Protecting and preserving Michigan’s land, water and air
- Economic development with a focus on cleaning up neighborhoods, job growth, and arts and culture
Most grant awards are between $5,000 and $50,000. While most grants are one-time, some may be multi-year.
No. When we review grant requests, we look at the need for the project or program, the budget, how much is requested, the plan and its impact on people and communities. We take many things into account including the statement of need, goals and objectives and the measurable impact. We may approve grants for less than the requested amount.
Our resources are limited. We encourage organizations to submit their top priority request for the year.
Grant proposals are reviewed on a quarterly basis. This is usually done at the end of each quarter. Once a decision has been made, we let applicants know whether their grant proposal has been accepted or not.
Yes. You are encouraged to call if you have questions about the application process, our guidelines and deadlines or to see if the program or project is something we might support.
Catherine Wilson
Secretary/Treasure
Consumers Energy Foundatio
One Energy Plaza, EP8-210
Jackson, MI 49201
Phone: 517-788-0432
No. The Foundation does not award grants to individuals.
No. The Foundation supports a small number of minority scholarship programs through other organizations. If you're interested, you can find these scholarships at financial aid offices at participating institutions.
There are no specific grant deadlines.
No. The Foundation provides financial aid primarily to Michigan organizations that are classified by the IRS as tax-exempt. This is listed under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
There are hundreds of school districts in the Consumers Energy service area. Since our resources are limited, we can't award grants to individual schools. However, if a Consumers Energy employee or retiree volunteers at your school, they may be eligible for a grant for your school. This is done through our Volunteer Investment Program.
Ask CE Watts
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