Funding search · robotics and AI · Michigan
Who funds robotics and AI work in Michigan
15 funders have a record of paying for robotics and AI work by Michigan recipients: 85 grants totaling $3.6M, most recently in 2025 — mostly private foundations, plus grantmaking charities. The largest by matched giving are For Inspiration and Recognition of ($106,884), Kla Foundation ($154,023) and Jackson Community Foundation ($1.5M).
From IRS Form 990-PF and 990 Schedule I filings, 2019–2025. Grants already paid to Michigan recipients — evidence of what these funders back, not open calls.
For Inspiration and Recognition ofManchester, NHCharity · may take applications
18 matching grants · $106,884 · through 2024Largest: $21,000 to Pontiac Robotics — program support
Largest: $10,000 to MOTOR CITY ROBOTS ALLIANCE — expansion of first robotics program and support for high school frc team
Jackson Community FoundationJackson, MICharity · may take applications
7 matching grants · $1.5M · through 2025Largest: $500,000 to FIRST in Michigan — robotics grant
Largest: $2,500 to RICHMOND ROTARY CLUB — amanda robotics
Largest: $67,450 to FIRST ROBOTICS OF MICHIGAN — robotics and s.t.e.m.
Whirlpool FoundationBenton Harbor, MI
5 matching grants · $40,000 · through 2024Largest: $12,500 to COLOMA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS — sponsorship robotics
Largest: $228,000 to FIRST IN MICHIGAN — 2022-23 first robotics for high school and middle school
Fremont Area Community FoundationFremont, MICharity · may take applications
4 matching grants · $55,290 · through 2024Largest: $20,020 to St Mary's Catholic School — general operating and program support, robotics - expand participation & upgrades
Largest: $173,978 to UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN — to launch nationally the distributed teaching collaborative (dtc), which seeks to revolutionize msi-to-r1 graduate pathways in robotics
Roberts P & Ella B HudsonSault Ste Marie, MI
6 matching grants · $7,500 · through 2024Largest: $2,000 to BRIMLEY AREA SCHOOLS — robotics team 4392
Bay Area Community FoundationBay City, MICharity · may take applications
4 matching grants · $105,050 · through 2025Largest: $63,301 to BAY ARENAC INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT — bay-arenac isd career center health technology and law enforcement programs, baisd career center cte summer camp, 3d printed robotic dog, college readiness and future planning educ…
Largest: $100,000 to CITIZEN ROBOTICS — arts & culture
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Start with one paperBroader: robotics and AI funders nationally · all Michigan-based grantmakers