Grant Seekers

Assisting Our Neighbors In Need

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We are investing in what’s most important to Michigan – its people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. We award grants for capital funding and innovative projects and campaigns that align with our priorities for each.

Grant seekers are encouraged to review our priorities and ensure projects/programs align with the outcomes we seek. Metrics related to outcomes will be requested within the grant application.

Important Update: We are moving to a new grantee and applicant portal starting on August 25, 2025. Please be advised that your application history will be starting over in the new portal. If you are a previous applicant, and you would like to view and save your application history prior to August 25, 2025, you may access your in-progress and submitted applications by logging into your account.

Geographic Focus

We are primarily focused on communities in Michigan's Lower Peninsula where Consumers Energy has a business presence. We will consider requests from organizations located elsewhere for programs or projects that significantly benefit our state and the communities served by Consumers Energy.

What the Foundation Does Not Fund

There are legal and practical limits to what the Foundation supports. For example, the Foundation does not purchase tickets or make payments to events or celebrations to raise funds for charitable purposes, nor does it sponsor advertising supporting these efforts. The following is a list of requests that fall outside of the Foundation's scope.

Individuals
Individual scholarships
Individual sponsorships related to fundraising
Organizations that do not qualify as charitable organizations as defined by the Internal Revenue Service
Organizations that practice discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, gender identity/expression, age, height, weight, marital status, race, religion, sexual orientation, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by law
Political organizations and political campaigns
Religious organizations when the contribution will be used for denominational or sectarian purposes
Labor organizations
Fraternal orders
Social clubs
Debt-reduction campaigns
Sports tournaments
Talent or beauty contests
Loans for small business
Energy-related projects or costs (including utility costs, lighting, street lights, etc.)

Check Your Grant Request Against These Standards:

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PEOPLE:
Will your project/program contribute to reducing poverty levels/ALICE numbers in Michigan through increased high school graduation rates; increasing the STEM/skilled labor talent pool; or supporting our most vulnerable residents and providing them with pathways to self-sufficiency?
PLANET:
Will your project/program protect/preserve or restore land, freshwater bodies, or air quality in Michigan?
PROSPERITY:
Will your project/program contribute to Michigan’s economy by creating safe, desirable neighborhoods, supporting job growth and entrepreneurs, or attracting visitors?

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of projects does the Consumers Energy Foundation fund?

The Consumers Energy Foundation funds capital projects and provides program and operation support in alignment with our commitment to Michigan’s people, planet and prosperity. Our priorities include reducing poverty levels/ALICE numbers in Michigan by focusing on basic needs, education and workforce readiness; protecting/preserving Michigan’s land, water & air; and economic development by focusing on neighborhood revitalization, job growth, and arts and culture.

What is the average Consumers Energy Foundation grant award?

The majority of Consumers Energy Foundation grants are between $5,000 and $50,000. While most grants are one-time, some may be multi-year.

Is there a limit on the amount of money I can request in my Consumers Energy Foundation grant application?

No. In evaluating grant requests, the Consumers Energy Foundation looks at the need for the project or program, the budget, how much is requested, the plan and its impact on people and communities. We weigh a variety of factors, including the statement of need, description of goals and objectives and the measurable impact, and may approve grants for less than the requested amount.

Can the same organization apply for a Consumers Energy Foundation grant more than once during a year if the requests are for different projects?

Because our resources are limited, the Consumers Energy Foundation encourages organizations to submit their top priority request for the year.

How often does the Consumers Energy Foundation’s board of directors meet to approve grant requests?

Once an internal review process has taken place, grant proposals are reviewed by the Consumers Energy Foundation’s board of directors on a quarterly basis, generally at the end of each quarter. Once a decision has been made, applicants will be notified whether their grant proposal has been accepted or declined.

Can I contact the Consumers Energy Foundation if I have questions about the grant application?

Yes. You are encouraged to call if you have questions about the application process, our guidelines and deadlines or to see if the program or project is something we might support.

Catherine Wilson

Secretary/Treasurer

Consumers Energy Foundation

One Energy Plaza, EP8-210

Jackson, MI 49201

Phone: 517-788-0432

foundation@cmsenergy.com

Does the Consumers Energy Foundation award grants to individuals?

No, the Foundation does not award grants to individuals.

Does the Consumers Energy Foundation fund scholarships?

No. The Consumers Energy Foundation supports a small number of minority scholarship programs through outside organizations. Applications for these scholarships are available through financial aid offices at participating institutions.

Are there deadlines for applying for Consumers Energy Foundation grants?

There are no specific grant deadlines.

Does the Consumers Energy Foundation provide grants for groups that are not considered nonprofit?

No. The Consumers Energy Foundation provides financial support primarily to Michigan organizations that are classified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Does the Consumers Energy Foundation provide grants to schools?

There are several hundred school districts within Consumers Energy service area. Because our resources are limited, we are unable to award grants for individual schools, however if you currently have a Consumers Energy employee or retiree actively volunteering at your school they may be eligible for a volunteer grant for your school through our Volunteer Investment Program.

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