Michigan Impact Grant Program

Denise Flannery
LEO-PovertyTaskForce@michigan.gov

The Michigan Impact Grant Program will provide funding for projects that work to lift people in Michigan out of poverty and address the disparities that affect the ability to afford necessities such as housing, child care, food, healthcare, and transportation. The program is focused on geographically disadvantaged areas of the state.

Projects must focus on lifting people out of poverty and above the Asset Limited Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) threshold, especially as it pertains to the effects COVID had on this population. Funding will be used to advance initiatives that:

• Improve outcomes for low-income families transitioning to self-sufficiency. This may be accomplished through a variety of means, including cash assistance programs, assistance with food, and/or other transitional programs.
• Provide services for those without bank accounts. This may be accomplished by providing low or no cost financial services or providing financial literacy programming.
• Provide assistance to unemployed or underemployed workers. This may be accomplished through job training, subsidized employment, employment supports or incentives.
• Expand services to foster youth or families involved in the child welfare system, including educational supports.
• Support strong, healthy communities through neighborhood features that promote health and safety. This can be accomplished though programs to increase access to healthy food, revitalize public spaces, and provide access to neighborhood-based entrepreneurial supports.
• Provide mental health services for underserved communities. Programs may include programs that divert people with behavioral health needs away from the justice system.

Eligibility requirements:

• Be a nonprofit, operating in Michigan, certified as a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) by the Internal Revenue Service
• Provide expanded services to meet the needs of individuals in poverty and to lift families above the ALICE threshold
• Demonstrate financial stability and capacity to manage additional funds
• Be compliant with state and federal regulatory bodies including the IRS, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and Michigan Attorney General
• In operation prior to January 1, 2019

Expected award range: $1,000,000 - $2,000,000
Project period: 2 years

Links to additional guidance and the application instructions are available on the program website. Submit an application online using the Apply for MI Impact Grant button.

Applicant webinar recording - Overview of the grant opportunity

Applicant webinar recording- How to use the online application system