Michigan College Access Network
Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) is a public charity based in Lansing, Michigan. Founded in 2010, it works with partners across Michigan to increase college readiness, participation, and completion, with particular attention to low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color.
Michigan College Access Network at a glance
In short: Michigan College Access Network gave $1.1M across 75 grants in 2025 (avg $14K), mostly in Michigan. 53% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,063,389
- -34.0% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 75
- -2.6% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $14,179
- -32.2% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $4,933,034
- -57.4% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 53% first-time grantees (39 of 74, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Michigan (99% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Michigan College Access Network
- How to Apply
-
MCAN uses an online grant submission and review system. Innovative Program Grant applications are submitted online during quarterly application windows when funding is available. LCAN Planning Grant applications are submitted online and reviewed throughout the year. Grant-specific eligibility, application instructions, and match requirements apply.
- Review Cycle
- Innovative Program Grant windows are listed as September 1–October 15, December 1–January 15, March 1–April 15, and June 1–July 15, but applications are currently closed until further notice. LCAN Planning Grants are accepted throughout the year, except that grants are not awarded September 1–30.
- Deadline
- Innovative Program Grant windows are listed as September 1–October 15, December 1–January 15, March 1–April 15, and…
- Contact
Mailing address: 200 N Washington Square 420, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 316-1713
Website: https://micollegeaccess.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
8 open opportunities from Michigan College Access Network
Educated Workforce Pathway Planning Grant
Michigan College Access Network
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Innovative Program Grants
Michigan College Access Network
Amount
Up to $10,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
LCAN Grants
Michigan College Access Network
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Michigan College Access Network funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Michigan State University ($166K). Together the top 10 received $428K.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($30,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
363 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 349 grants of 363 (96%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
MCAN’s stated work is focused on Michigan. In 2025, 99% of its grant dollars went to recipients in Michigan and 1% to recipients in Connecticut.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 75 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Michigan College Access Network open to new grantees?
53%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 39 of 74 grantees (53%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $10K; repeat grants $19K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $10K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $725K (2023) to $1.6M (2024). In 2025 it made 75 grants totaling $1.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University East Lansing, MI | College Advising Grant | $165,805 |
| Genesee Intermediate School District Flint, MI | Lcan Implementation Grant | $80,000 |
| Community Foundation for Oceana County Pentwater, MI | Lcan continuous improvement grant, summer melt grant, innovative program grant | $39,000 |
| Bay City Public Schools Bay City, MI | College planning course grant, cbmi mini grant, align grant, activate grant | $35,500 |
| Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI | Innovative Program Grant | $20,000 |
| Northeast Michigan Consortium Onaway, MI | Innovative program grant, asa bold grant, 2025-26 partnership planning grant | $20,000 |
| Montcalm Community College Sidney, MI | Reconnect now - pathway 1, gateway course redesign faculty academy grant | $18,000 |
| Grow Benzie Benzonia, MI | Summer Melt Grant, Innovative Program Grant | $18,000 |
| Public School Academies of Detroit - University Prep Science & Math Detroit, MI | Dcan college bound mini grant program, dcan middle school mini grant | $16,000 |
| Detroit Leadership Academy Detroit, MI | CBMI Mini Grant, Dcan College Bound Mini Grant | $15,500 |
Ready to take the next step with Michigan College Access Network?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4,933,034 | $8,234,642 | $13,170,756 | $1,063,389 | 75 | $107,297 |
| 2024 | $11,575,367 | $14,657,793 | $12,718,565 | $1,609,982 | 77 | $107,037 |
| 2023 | $8,454,483 | $10,860,106 | $9,982,888 | $725,007 | 20 | $43,849 |
| 2022 | $6,420,267 | $9,806,026 | $8,429,669 | $1,461,867 | 29 | — |
| 2021 | $5,083,649 | $7,946,913 | $7,073,559 | $1,166,570 | 162 | — |
| 2020 | $4,245,174 | $7,814,956 | $6,484,474 | $1,438,152 | 160 | — |
| 2019 | $2,687,656 | $7,395,899 | $5,652,273 | $1,033,258 | 46 | — |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
MCAN’s mission is to increase college readiness, participation, and completion in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color. It describes its approach as equity-focused, student-centered, data-driven, and attainment-oriented.
Its programs include AdviseMI, which places AmeriCorps college advisors in high schools to help students with college applications, FAFSA, and scholarship applications; College Completion Corps, which places AmeriCorps completion coaches at tribal and community colleges; and the Detroit College Access Network, a collaborative network promoting higher education in Detroit. MCAN also supports community-based LCANs through planning, implementation, and continuous-improvement grants.
Grant recipients in 2025 included universities, community colleges, school districts, public school academies, community foundations, and community organizations. The Community Foundation for Oceana County describes its mission as enhancing the lives of Oceana County residents by connecting resources with needs. An individual recipient describes its mission as strengthening community prosperity and well-being through systemic action, collaboration, and reduced duplication.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, MCAN reported 75 grants totaling $1,063,389. Grant amounts ranged from $5,500 to $165,805, with a median of $10,000. The largest listed awards included $165,805 to Michigan State University for a college advising grant; $80,000 to Genesee Intermediate School District for an LCAN implementation grant; and $39,000 to the Community Foundation for Oceana County for LCAN continuous improvement, summer melt, and innovative program grants. Other listed awards included $35,500 to Bay City Public Schools and $20,000 each to Central Michigan University and Northeast Michigan Consortium.
MCAN’s grant opportunities include Innovative Program Grants for initiatives that increase college readiness, enrollment, and completion; LCAN grants for community-based networks; Summer Melt Grants; and Reconnect Now Grants. Innovative Program Grants offer up to $10,000, require a 50% match with at least half of the match in cash, and are not intended as renewable or long-term program funding. MCAN states that FY26 Innovative Program Grant funding has been expended and applications are closed until further notice; it anticipates the application process may restart after September 1, 2026.
LCAN Planning Grants offer up to $20,000 for strategic planning. LCAN grants are competitive and subject to available funds; MCAN also provides tools, templates, and technical assistance. Planning applications are accepted throughout the year, except that grants are not awarded from September 1–30. Summer Melt Grants are currently listed as open for eligible Local College Access Networks and community ambassadors. New applicants may receive up to $8,000 with a 25% cash match, while returning applicants may receive up to $6,000 with at least a 50% cash match. Reconnect Now opportunities are also listed as open, with pathways focused on institutional support for eligible students and employer and professional networks.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Sharon Mortensen as chairperson, David Gamlin as vice chairperson, Scott Ward as secretary, and Catherine McNamara as treasurer. Directors listed include Melissa Isaac, Madalene Day, Greg Handel, and Elizabeth Guerrero Lyons. The filing also notes that Dave Campbell left in January 2025 and Doug Leisenring left in February 2025.
Michigan College Access Network is led by Ryan Fewins-Bliss, Executive Director since 2020 (on filings since 2019); 3 of 19 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Ryan Fewins-Bliss
Executive Director
Interim Executive Director → Executive Director, 2020
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$76K (2019) → $190K (2025)
Cyekeia Lee Left July
Executive Director
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$120K (2025)
Sharon Mortensen
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson → Vice President, 2023
Vice President → Chairperson, 2024
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Greg Handel
Director
Director → Member, 2022
Member → Director, 2024
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Patrick O'Connor
Director
Director → Member, 2022
Member → Director, 2024
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Melissa Isaac
Director
Director → Member, 2022
Member → Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Guerrero Lyons
Director
Member → Director, 2024
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John Kaczynski
Director
Member → Director, 2024
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tarek Sobh
Director
Member → Director, 2024
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Madalene Day
Director
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ben Frederick
Director
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brock Tessman Left July
Director
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dave Campbell Left January
Director
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Khalilah Burt Gaston
Director
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jamie Doan
Deputy Director
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$96K (2022) → $143K (2025)
Catherine Rozanski McNamara
Treasurer
Director & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Gamlin
Vice Chairperson
Director → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Vice Chairperson, 2024
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Ward
Secretary
Member → Director, 2024
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Doug Leisenring Left February
Secretary
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (21)
- Former: Amy Smitter (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: Dave Campbell (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Doug Leisenring (2022–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Cyekeia Lee (2023–2024) — Executive Director
- Former: Niko Kanagawa Left Dec (2024) — Director
- Former: Sara McCauley Left Nov (2024) — Chairperson
- Former: Maddy Day (2019–2023) — Member
- Former: Sara Wycoff McCauley (2019–2023) — President
- Former: Niko Kanagawa (2022–2023) — Member
- Former: Bart Daig (2019–2022) — Member
- Former: Donna Givens Davidson (2021–2022) — Member
- Former: Aaron Kinzel (2022) — Member
- Former: Dave McGhee Left June (2022) — Member
- Former: Daniel Little (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Dave McGhee (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Ashley Johnson (2021) — Executive Director
- Former: Donna Givens (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Robert Ferrentino (2019–2020) — Director & Vice Chair
- Former: Scott Menzel Left (2020) — Director
- Former: Brandy Johnson Left (2019) — Executive Director
- Former: Scott Menzel (2019) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $190K, to Ryan Fewins-Bliss (Executive Director). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Michigan College Access Network
How much does Michigan College Access Network give each year?
Michigan College Access Network gave $1.1M across 75 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.6M across 77 grants.
What is Michigan College Access Network's typical grant size?
Michigan College Access Network's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $14,179, across 75 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Michigan College Access Network that year got $10K on average.
Where does Michigan College Access Network give grants?
Michigan College Access Network gives mostly in Michigan: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Detroit, MI (10 grants), Flint, MI (3 grants), Muskegon, MI (3 grants) and Mount Pleasant, MI (2 grants).
Does Michigan College Access Network give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 75 grants with a stated purpose on Michigan College Access Network's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Reconnect Now - Pathway 1" (12 grants), "Innovative Program Grant" (11 grants) and "Gateway Course Redesign Faculty Academy Grant" (11 grants).
Who are Michigan College Access Network's largest grantees?
Michigan College Access Network's largest 2025 grantees include Michigan State University ($165,805), Genesee Intermediate School District ($80,000) and Community Foundation for Oceana County ($39,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($30,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 27% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Michigan College Access Network?
Michigan College Access Network reported $4.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $8.2M.
What does Michigan College Access Network fund?
MCAN’s mission is to increase college readiness, participation, and completion in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color. It describes its approach as equity-focused, student-centered, data-driven, and attainment-oriented. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Michigan College Access Network?
MCAN uses an online grant submission and review system. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Michigan College Access Network's EIN?
Michigan College Access Network's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 36-4619621. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS August 17, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 3, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 20, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 19, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS March 6, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS March 19, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Michigan College Access Network's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Michigan College Access Network funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/michigan-college-access-network-morg_eca33f0ca563441ebc9f1451a12ccc19
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_364619621_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Michigan College Access Network funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/michigan-college-access-network-morg_eca33f0ca563441ebc9f1451a12ccc19},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Michigan College Access Network's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Michigan College Access Network down — hundreds of funders to go?