Innovative Program Grant
Description
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 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 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.
Timeline
Innovative Program Grants are available to apply for on a quarterly basis with 45-day application 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.
This funding does not support LCAN network development. Please see MCAN’s LCAN-specific grant programs for that purpose: www.micollegeaccess.org/lcan/grants
Application Assistance and Contact Information
You are encouraged to contact MCAN to inquire about eligibility and to request technical assistance. Ror assistance with your application or for help with the online application portal 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@micollegeaccessa.org, or 517-316-1713.
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.
About Michigan College Access Network
MCAN's mission is to increase college readiness, participation and completion rates in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students, and students of color. In order to build and sustain a vibrant economy and strong communities based on a highly educated population, MCAN works to ensure everyone in Michigan has the opportunity to access and succeed in postsecondary education. MCAN's goal is to increase the percentage of Michigan residents with high-quality degrees or credentials to 60 percent by the year 2030.
MCAN believes that:
College is Postsecondary Education: We use the term college to refer to attainment of education beyond high school, including postsecondary certificates and academic degrees.
College is a Necessity: Postsecondary attainment dramatically increases an individual’s economic independence in a knowledge-based economy.
College is for Everyone: We work toward changing the systems that perpetuate inequities in postsecondary attainment.
College is a Public Good: Postsecondary attainment is critical to a just and equitable society, strong economy, thriving democracy, and healthy communities.
2025-2026 Innovative Program Grant
Innovative Program Grant
Description
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 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 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.
Timeline
Innovative Program Grants are available to apply for on a quarterly basis with 45-day application 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.
This funding does not support LCAN network development. Please see MCAN’s LCAN-specific grant programs for that purpose: www.micollegeaccess.org/lcan/grants
Application Assistance and Contact Information
You are encouraged to contact MCAN to inquire about eligibility and to request technical assistance. Ror assistance with your application or for help with the online application portal 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@micollegeaccessa.org, or 517-316-1713.
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.
About Michigan College Access Network
MCAN's mission is to increase college readiness, participation and completion rates in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students, and students of color. In order to build and sustain a vibrant economy and strong communities based on a highly educated population, MCAN works to ensure everyone in Michigan has the opportunity to access and succeed in postsecondary education. MCAN's goal is to increase the percentage of Michigan residents with high-quality degrees or credentials to 60 percent by the year 2030.
MCAN believes that:
College is Postsecondary Education: We use the term college to refer to attainment of education beyond high school, including postsecondary certificates and academic degrees.
College is a Necessity: Postsecondary attainment dramatically increases an individual’s economic independence in a knowledge-based economy.
College is for Everyone: We work toward changing the systems that perpetuate inequities in postsecondary attainment.
College is a Public Good: Postsecondary attainment is critical to a just and equitable society, strong economy, thriving democracy, and healthy communities.