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To honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) is offering MLK National Day of Service grants to support volunteer projects that respond to community needs such as food insecurity, recent disasters, and activities that promote Equity and Social Justice. Eligible organizations include nonprofit and faith organizations, municipalities, schools and universities.
Funding is based on the quality of the project to meet community needs and for the project to create significant volunteer involvement with a special emphasis on youth engagement at all levels of the activity from planning, coordinating and implementing. There is not a match requirement, but additional sponsors are encouraged. Additionally, reviewers will evaluate applications based on use of partnerships and equitable geographic representation.
Grant awards are available as follows:
$1000 grant to engage 101 volunteers or more
$750 grant to engage 76 to 100 volunteers
$500 grant to engage 50 to 75 volunteers
$250 grant to engage 26 to 50 volunteers
$100 grant to engage up to 25 volunteers
Steps to take in designing your project:
Create Project Plan. Develop a plan to address a community need. Projects will focus on one or more of the following areas: disaster services, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, education, healthy futures, racial equality, diversity, equity and inclusion, veterans and military families and other community needs.
Design Project Budget:
Develop a list of all supplies needed and the costs. Grants are not awarded for staff salary, items volunteers can bring from home (markers, crayons, rakes, etc.,) expensive equipment, gift cards, volunteer meals and there should be an explanation as to how reusable items (i.e., yard equipment) will be stored and available for future service. Funds are reimbursed after the event when proof of expenses and project results are submitted. Awarded organizations must register as a vendor of the state to receive payment.
Timelines:
Complete grant applications should be received by December 13, 2023. Projects should be held between January 5 and January 22, 2024. MCSC Staff may need further clarification on projects and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Click here to complete the grant application.
Please Note:
Similar grant opportunities are available in Ohio and Indiana with earlier deadlines. There are multiple National Days of Service funding opportunities throughout the year for all three states. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please reach out to the academics team.
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