Innovative Program Grants
Context and Need
MCAN recognizes the great work of college access programs across the state to move Michigan closer to the Sixty by 30 goal, to increase the percentage of Michigan residents with postsecondary certificates or degrees to 60 percent by the year 2030. The Innovative Program Grant is designed to support this goal with new ideas and initiatives that increase Michigan’s postsecondary attainment rates, leverage unique partnerships and funding sources that bring creative interventions to students and families across the state.
Funding and Administration
Innovative Program Grants will fund programming that increases college readiness, enrollment and completion in local communities across the state through grants of up to $10,000. Grants require 50 percent match funding, of which at least 50 percent must be in cash with the remainder being in-kind support. For example, if an applicant requests $10,000, match funds of at least $5,000 must be provided. Of that $5,000, $2,500 must be in cash and the remainder may be matched by in-kind support. Innovative Program Grants are not intended to be renewable or long-term funding for a program. MCAN staff will work with grantees to help design sustainability plans for programming if desired.
Applying For Grant Funding
Proposals are only accepted using Michigan College Access Network’s online grants system, SurveyMonkey Apply. To apply for an Innovative Program Grant, click on the "Apply Now" link below.
If you would like to review the online application components, you are welcome to review this document. You cannot submit the application using this PDF. This is for review purposes only.
Timeline
Innovative Program Grants applications open on a quarterly basis with 45-day windows in September/October (September 1-October 15), December/January (December 1-January 15), March/April (March 1-April 15), and June/July (June 1-July 15). Applications will be reviewed and grants awarded during the 30-day period following the closing of the application windows. Grant applications should be submitted with an expected implementation of no more than 12 months from award date. No-cost extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis upon request of a grantee.
Application Preferences
Preference will be given for applicants or programs that are connected to a Local College Access Network as a comprehensive approach to increasing postsecondary attainment within a community. This includes the work of action teams, network members, individual schools, etc., that operate within an LCAN. Other organizations and programs are also eligible to apply.
Note: This funding does not support LCAN development. Please see MCAN’s LCAN-specific grant programs for that purpose.
Award Decisions
A cross-departmental team of MCAN staff will review proposals. Final decisions regarding awards are contingent upon the recommendations of the staff and available funds. MCAN is committed to reviewing grants and notifying applicants on a timely basis, typically 30 days or less. If desired, applicants can schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss the decision regarding their award.
Application Assistance and Contact Information
You are encouraged to contact MCAN to inquire about eligibility or to request technical assistance. For assistance or help with the online application, please contact Dominique Devereaux, director of community mobilization strategy, at dominique@micollegeaccess.org or 517-316-1713 or Bob Ewigleben, Program Manager Community Mobilization Strategy, at robert@micollegeaccess.org, or 517-316-1713.
Note: Please see the IPG info sheet to help prepare your application.