Foundation

As of: 8:43 PM, 5/13/21

Consumers Energy has been giving back to Michigan for 134 years, and since 1990 we have been helping local communities grow and thrive through the Consumers Energy Foundation. We invest in three key areas crucial to all of us in the Great Lakes State - our people, our planet and our prosperity. We provide grants and mobilize volunteers to create a positive impact - in 2020 alone, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy and its employees and retirees contributed more than $19 million to Michigan nonprofits. This includes $9.7 million from the Foundation, of which more than $5.4 million was directed to Michigan’s nonprofits to support COVID relief. We do it all without using funds generated from our customers. Instead, we use shareholder funds, along with contributions from current employees and retirees.

We continue to accept applications from nonprofits supporting Michigan’s small businesses and those who may need help with food and other critical needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we have opened our grant applications for regular capital program and operational support.

Working together, we can make a positive impact on Michigan. Grant seekers are encouraged to review our priorities and ensure projects/programs align with the outcomes we seek. Metrics related to outcomes will be requested within the grant application. Click on the following to learn more about our priorities and outcomes.

Quick Check:

PEOPLE: Will your project/program contribute to reducing poverty levels/ALICE numbers in Michigan through increased high school graduation rates; increasing the STEM/skilled labor talent pool; or supporting our most vulnerable residents and providing them with pathways to self-sufficiency?
PLANET: Will your project/program protect/preserve or restore land, freshwater bodies, or air quality in Michigan?
PROSPERITY: Will your project/program contribute to Michigan’s economy by creating safe, desirable neighborhoods, supporting job growth and entrepreneurs, or attracting visitors?
COVID-19 RESPONSE: Will funding support the critical and urgent needs of Michigan’s people, communities and/or small businesses hit hardest by the impacts of COVID-19?

Apply for a Consumers Energy Foundation grant here.

Supporting Michigan During COVID-19

$5.4 Million for COVID Relief

How We Are Helping

The Consumers Energy Foundation has provided more than $3.8 million to assist Michigan nonprofits with Covid-19 relief

We are committed to assisting our neighbors in need. Since March of 2020, we have provided more than $5.4 million to Michigan’s nonprofits to care for our communities during these difficult times.

$1.8 Million Supporting Small Businesses

Discover More

In May 2020, the Consumers Energy Foundation donated $1.8 million to nine community organizations to provide a lifeline during COVID-19 to small businesses across Michigan - focusing in particular on helping female and minority-owned businesses. Other local organizations also worked with us to provide financial support, bringing the total to $5.4 million.

See How We’re Making An Impact

A Consumers Energy Energy grant helped a local alpaca farm during the COVID-19 pandemic

Helping a Family Alpaca Farm

An award-winning Alpaca farm is just one of the local small businesses we were able to help during the pandemic.

In Spring of 2020 Consumers Energy donated more than $1 million to Michigan food banks and non-profits

Helping Food Banks and Other Non-Profits

In spring of 2020 we gave more than $1 million to Michigan food banks and other non-profits.

Consumers Energy donated $1.8 million to help small businesses deal with the effects of the pandemic, including this bowling alley

Grants Help Bowling Center Reopen

We donated $1.8 million to help Michigan small businesses during COVID-19, including this bowling center.

A Battle Creek Dance studio was one of the 200 small businesses to receive grants to help during the pandemic

Helping Create a Virtual Dance Recital

The Battle Creek Dance Studio was one of 200 small businesses to receive grants to help during the pandemic.

Removing Barriers for Entrepreneurs

Our grant helped the LEAP One&All program support small business owners who fall at and below the ALICE threshold.

Consumers Energy has a new initiative to clean up Michigan lakes, rivers and streams

Protecting Lakes, Streams and Rivers

Read how we helped a new initiative to clean up Michigan waterways.

Together, We Can Make a Positive Impact

People: Ending Poverty in Michigan

Planet: Land, Water and Air

Prosperity: Economic Development