Find eligible grants. Michigan has numerous grants, including the Michigan tuition grant, but many have very specific requirements. Some grants are need based, some are based on grades or other merits and some are even based on the school being attended. For example, the Michigan tuition grant requires that students have a financial need and meet certain educational standards. The Online Education Database (see References) offers many grants available in the state of Michigan that students can pursue.
Fill out an FAFSA application. Though many grants by private institutions do not require an FAFSA, any Michigan state grant will require an FAFSA and many need-based grants will also require this to be filled out. The FAFSA can be filled out online at the FAFSA website or can be filled out by hand using an application form found in college financial aid offices.
Write a grant proposal. Unlike scholarships, which often require short essays or simple applications, a grant often requires a proposal outlining information about why the grant is needed, the amount needed for college, what the money will be spent on and information about the individual receiving the grant. The specifics of what should be written will vary on the grant and the reason the grant is awarded, as well as the guidelines laid out by the company or government agency that is awarding the grant. Be careful to name a figure amount that does not exceed the maximum amount allowed through the grant. A grant that offers only $600 should not have a proposal requesting $2000.
Attach a copy of school transcripts. This is not required of every grant, but many grants will ask for school transcripts to prove that there is a high school graduation or GED and that the grades are acceptable. Any merit-based grant will require a transcript as most of these are based on school grades.
Send the grant proposal to the appropriate address. Though some grants will have online availability, all grant proposals can be sent through the mail.
Apply to as many Michigan grants as eligibility allows. It is possible that the first grant will go through, but the best way to have a chance at receiving at least one grant and possibly more is to apply to any grants that are available. There are numerous Michigan state grants, especially for those with a financial need, and there are even grants through many schools in the state of Michigan.