MI Impact Grant for Nonprofits open for applicants

On Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced the $15 million MI Impact Grant application is now open. Michigan nonprofits who provide programming to lift people out of poverty should apply by June 23.

“Michigan nonprofits play a vital role in lifting Michiganders out of poverty,” said Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “The MI Impact Grant will allow our nonprofits to continue their critical work to create meaningful change in their communities and serves as another vital investment from the state to close equity gaps and remove barriers to economic prosperity for all Michiganders.”

The grant program, which is designed to support the critical work of nonprofits who provide meaningful and sustained impact in the communities they serve,
will prioritize partnerships with larger nonprofits that share the state’s commitment to providing services that help lift Michigan residents out of poverty and above the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold.

“The Poverty Task Force is excited to lead the charge on providing much needed and deserved support to our state’s nonprofits,” said Kim Trent, deputy director for Prosperity of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and key staffer for the Poverty Task Force. “The MI Impact Grant will further the state's efforts to assist individuals living in poverty and ensure Michigan families have access to the support they need.”

Large nonprofits could receive one-time grant funds between $1 to $2 million for the time period of August 24, 2023 – August 24, 2025, to create programming or expand current programming that supports disproportionally impacted communities in their recovery from the pandemic. To be eligible for this funding, organizations must be a Michigan-based, 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) nonprofit or a fiscally sponsored project by a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19). Nonprofits that have demonstrated experience and success in providing programming and resources to support the communities they serve while prioritizing equitable outcomes, are encouraged to apply for the funding. Nonprofits must submit the application by noon on Friday, June 23.

The MI Impact Grant program supports Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI New Economy plan that set a goal of lifting 100,000 families out of working poverty during the next five years. The grant program also supports the recommendations of the Michigan Poverty Task Force, whose goal is to address the disparities that affect Michiganders’ abilities to afford necessities such as housing, child care, food, health care and transportation.

The funding is supported through the American Rescue Plan Act, Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) with a goal to build a strong, resilient and equitable recovery by making investments that support long-term growth and opportunity. $50 million in funding was made available to support nonprofits who have been negatively impacted due to the pandemic. The funding will be distributed through two separate programs, with a $35 million relief fund made available to smaller nonprofits earlier this year. Nonprofits may receive either the MI Nonprofit Relief Fund or the MI Impact Grant, not both.

For additional information, and to apply for the grant, visit the Michigan Poverty Task Force’s nonprofit webpage at https://bit.ly/3Bv7gfv or email LEO-PovertyTaskForce@michigan.gov.