Ecology Center Incorporated
Ecology Center (founded 1970) is an Ann Arbor, MI-based environmental nonprofit focused on healthy people and a healthy planet, running programs on toxics (Healthy Stuff Lab), PFAS action, climate and energy equity, recycling education, and community science.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Michigan- or Great Lakes–based environmental or public-health nonprofit focused on lead reduction, PFAS action, clean-air/community monitoring, zero-waste, or environmental justice with capacity to manage grants in the roughly $5K–$60K range.
Good Fit
- • Project clearly tied to lead reduction, PFAS, clean air monitoring, zero waste, or climate/energy equity
- • Organizational presence or partnership in Michigan or the Great Lakes region
- • Track record of community-based monitoring or community engagement
- • Capacity to manage grants in the typical award size (many grants clustered under $25K)
- • Willingness to collaborate with regional networks and coalitions
- • Clear, measurable outcomes for public health or environmental equity
Geography
Grants are regionally focused: the foundation is MI-based and about 73% of 2024 dollars stayed in Michigan, but recipients span eight states, indicating a Great Lakes/regional reach rather than purely local or national focus.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows a broad recipient set (24 distinct organizations) including both local grassroots groups and larger regional/national partners, and 16 new grantees in that year, so the portfolio is diverse for the funder's size despite top-five concentration.
New Applicants
Behavioral evidence shows substantial turnover with two-thirds of 2024 recipients being new and eight repeating across years; while no formal application guidelines were found, the grant pattern demonstrates that unfamiliar organizations have recently entered the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
