THE FOLLOWING IS FROM Kati Mora: President & CEO Middle Michigan Development Corporation

Hello MMDC Partners,

As we just celebrated the 4th of July weekend, I wanted to make sure to remind everyone of these funding opportunities out to you before everyone heads out for the holiday.

At MMDC, one of our goals is to help connect organizations with the resources they need to grow, invest, and strengthen our communities. Whether you’re planning a capital project, expanding your organization, investing in infrastructure, or growing your business, there may be funding available to help.

Below is a roundup of current opportunities with upcoming deadlines and several programs that accept applications year-round.

Grants & Funding Opportunities for Businesses

Edward Jones & New Leaf Small Business Growth Program

Approximately $30,000 in funding over six months, plus technical assistance and mentorship

The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking applicants for this excellent small business growth opportunity. The program is designed to help rural businesses strengthen operations, prepare for long-term sustainability, improve retirement readiness for owners and employees, and increase their community impact.

Businesses may qualify if they:

• Are located in a rural community

• Have operated for at least three years

• Have annual revenues between $100,000 and $5 million

• Employ 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees

• Are independently owned (not a franchise)

• Have a physical business location (not home-based or fully online)

• Provide products or services that positively impact their community

If your business qualifies or you know a business that would, we encourage you to apply or contact the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for additional information.

Michigan Clean Diesel Program 

Available on a first come, first serve basis

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is offering grants for projects that will reduce diesel emissions by replacing old vehicles, engines, and equipment, with all-electric vehicles and equipment, focusing on local government fleets, recycling vehicles, compost and food waste recovery vehicles, agriculture, and irrigation equipment. 

Grants & Funding Opportunities for Nonprofits, Schools and Community Organizations

AARP Community Challenge Grant

Deadline: July 15, 2026

The AARP Community Challenge provides quick-action grants to fund projects that make communities more livable for residents of all ages. Eligible projects often include public spaces, transportation improvements, digital access, housing, public art, and community engagement initiatives.

Homeland Security Grant Program

Various grant opportunities are currently available through the Homeland Security Grant Program. Deadlines vary by individual funding opportunity and support projects related to emergency preparedness, cybersecurity, public safety, and resilience.

Organizations interested in emergency preparedness or community resilience are encouraged to review the available opportunities.

Skills in Sync Grant Program

Deadline: July 10, 2026

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has opened the Skills in Sync funding opportunity to support employer-driven workforce training partnerships that address critical talent shortages across Michigan.

This program is ideal for employers, workforce organizations, educational institutions, and industry partnerships working together to develop skilled talent pipelines.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grants 

Applications and LOIs accepted year-round. 

Funds education, health, food systems, and workforce as integrated systems, with racial equity running throughout. The application process is always open with no fixed deadlines, and the foundation has a strong track record with rural organizations. Considers letters of inquiry from nonprofits doing community-driven work. Deadline: Rolling. LOIs accepted year-round through the WKKF Fluxx portal.

Grants & Funding Opportunities for Municipal Partners

FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities (BRIC)

Deadline: July 23, 2026

The BRIC program provides funding for hazard mitigation and infrastructure projects that help communities become more resilient to natural disasters. Eligible projects may include flood mitigation, stormwater improvements, utility hardening, and protection of critical public infrastructure.

Communities should begin discussions early, as Michigan has an earlier internal application process before the federal deadline. 

Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program (USDA Rural Development)

Applications accepted year-round

This USDA program helps rural communities finance essential public facilities, including community centers, libraries, healthcare facilities, emergency services buildings, public works equipment, and other critical community infrastructure.

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program (USDA Rural Development)

Applications accepted year-round

Provides funding for drinking water, wastewater, sanitary sewer, stormwater, and solid waste infrastructure projects serving rural communities. Grant and loan combinations are available depending on community need and eligibility.

Consumers Energy Community Street & Boulevard Tree Planting Grant 

Deadline: July 23, 2026

The purpose of this program is to assist local municipalities with tree planting projects that focus on appropriate selection of tree species and planting locations on public streets and/or boulevards. Municipalities in a Consumers Energy service area are eligible to apply.  

Additional Resources

If you’re looking for funding but don’t see a program that fits your project, don’t hesitate to reach out. MMDC regularly tracks new grant opportunities for businesses, nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations and is happy to help identify potential funding sources.

If you would like to discuss a project, determine eligibility, or explore additional grant opportunities, please contact our office. We’d be happy to schedule a conversation and help point you in the right direction.

Thank you for everything you do to strengthen our region.

Sincerely,

Kati Mora
President & CEO
Middle Michigan Development Corporation