MCAN: Innovative Program Grants

MCAN: Innovative Program Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Michigan College Access Network
Amount: Up to US $10,000
Last Updated: March 03, 2026

Summary

The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) offers Innovative Program Grants to enhance college readiness and completion among low-income and first-generation students across Michigan. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to support innovative initiatives that align with MCAN's goal of increasing postsecondary attainment to 60% by 2030. Applicants are encouraged to partner with Local College Access Networks, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community-based educational support.

Overview

NOTE: 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). Michigan College Access Network Our Mission Increase college readiness, participation, and completion in Michigan, particularly among low income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color. Our Goal Increase the percentage of Michigan residents with postsecondary certificates or degrees to 60 percent by the year 2030. 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 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. 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.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Ineligibility

Innovative Program Grants are not intended to be renewable or long-term funding for a program. MCAN staff will work with grantees to design sustainability plans for programming, if desired.