Gongwer
Feb. 17, 2023
Alyssa McMurtry
To encourage small nonprofit organizations to apply for funds from the $35 million MI Nonprofit Relief Fund, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Nonprofit Association launched an “intent to apply” initiative on Friday.
“LEO is excited to partner with the MNA to strengthen Michigan’s nonprofit ecosystem and deliver on our mission to close equity gaps within the state,” LEO Director Susan Corbin said in a statement. “We will prioritize partnerships with nonprofits who share the state’s commitment to educating Michiganders, providing services to lift residents out of poverty and removing barriers to employment and economic prosperity.”
The “intent to apply” form now available is a short questionnaire for nonprofits to assess their needs. A longer application will be made available sometime around March 22.
The funds come from the American Rescue Plan Act and is part of a two-year grant program. Though this money is specifically aimed at small nonprofits, LEO said in a release an additional $15 million in grants will be made available to larger nonprofits later this year.
“These relief funds, which MNA tirelessly advocated for on behalf of Michigan nonprofits, are a lifeline for those who are most in need across the state,” MNA president and CEO Kelley Kuhn said in a statement. “We will continue to advocate for nonprofits, while also ensuring that the program is consistent with federal and state requirements.”
To be eligible, the nonprofits must be based in Michigan and operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or a fiscally sponsored project by a 501(c)(3). In the release, LEO also said these grants will help those nonprofits who have an annual revenue of less than $1 million and can show how their funds were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In spring and summer 2023, small nonprofits will receive a one-time grant ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. The Michigan Nonprofit Association will administer the grant money.