Nonprofits Encouraged to Apply for Prosperity Awards

Nonprofits that enhance the community could be in for a big windfall for their missions hrough a grant program.

The Consumers Energy Foundation is calling on nonprofit organizations across the state to submit letters of intent for the 2023 Prosperity Awards. The grants will provide as much as $250,000 to two or more Michigan nonprofits or municipalities to support economic development and improve community welfare. A total of $500,000 will be awarded through the grant program.

The Prosperity Awards are the third of three $500,000 signature grant rounds in 2023, totaling $1.5 million. Planet Award winners were announced in April and People Award winners were announced in July. Letters of intent must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, to be considered for the next phase of the application process.

The foundation is accepting letters of intent in support of its neighborhood revitalization and arts and culture priorities. Neighborhood revitalization programs cultivate attractive neighborhoods, revitalize commercial corridors, encourage downtown development, reduce blight, and create safe and affordable housing. Arts and culture projects enhance public assets and enrich the lives of community members, provide job and educational opportunities, attract visitors, and support community vibrancy.

Last year, the Consumers Energy Foundation’s Prosperity Awards helped Oxford and Muskegon Heights start major downtown and community transformations.

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy. The foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in people, the planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2022, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $18.5 million to Michigan nonprofits.