In a region where technology opportunities and digital equity have historically been lacking in diversity and inclusion, the Song Foundation has filled the void with a bold new vision. The Denver-based nonprofit focuses on Southeast Michigan while supporting organizations that are led by or serve Black, Brown, and immigrant communities. This blog will explore what the Song Foundation funds, who is eligible to apply, how to apply, and why this is a unique opportunity for nonprofits to receive grants.
What the Song Foundation Funds
The Song Foundation has outlined their goals for grants in three strategic areas: Diverse & Emergent Leadership, Inclusive Technology & Entrepreneurship, and Transformative Social Justice & Activism.
Diverse & Emergent Leadership
The Song Foundation has a focus on developing young leaders in Southeast Michigan. This means they fund efforts to help children, youth, and young adults become leaders in their communities. This could mean leadership academies for young people, youth organizing networks, mentorship programs for young people, or civic engagement initiatives.
Inclusive Technology & Entrepreneurship
The Song Foundation has a strong focus on digital equity. This means they fund efforts to help close the digital divide in Southeast Michigan. Additionally, they fund efforts to make Southeast Michigan's technology ecosystem more accessible, diverse, and inclusive. This could mean grants for building digital infrastructure in underserved communities, coding programs for young people, or supporting immigrant-led startups.
Transformative Social Justice & Activism
In this case, the focus is on grassroots organizing, culture, and movement building. The funding is meant to enable the organization to enhance civic engagement, change the narrative, mobilize communities, and challenge the status quo systems of inequality.
In terms of the geographic region, the foundation focuses on organizations based in Southeast Michigan. Specifically, the cities and regions that the foundation targets are Detroit, Flint, Dearborn, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor. The foundation wants to use its resources where systemic challenges intersect with emerging leadership and tech potential.
Who Is Eligible?
Although the Song Foundation does not provide all eligibility requirements in one place, the following details are clear:
- The organization must be Black, Brown, or immigrant-led, or serve these communities in Southeast Michigan
- The organization must be based in the foundation’s target region
- The project must align with one of the three strategic pillars
- The Song Foundation uses a trust-based grantmaking approach and aims to minimize applicant burden
- Organizations may apply for both small and large grants, with different review processes depending on size
- Organizations that are unconventional or early-stage are encouraged to apply if alignment is strong
Why This Grant Opportunity Matters
Putting Technology & Leadership in Underserved Spaces
Organizations focused on tech equity, youth leadership, and grassroots justice often struggle to find funders that value both infrastructure and power-building. The Song Foundation understands the importance of pairing digital access with emergent leadership to create lasting change.
Strategic Regional Focus with National Relevance
While the foundation’s work centers on Southeast Michigan, its approach to supporting diverse leaders, inclusive technology, and activism offers a model with broader applicability. For nonprofits in the region, this increases the likelihood of strong alignment and partnership.
Streamlined Application & Trust-Based Approach
At a time when nonprofits are burdened by complex applications, the Song Foundation offers a streamlined and humane process. The emphasis is on fit, leadership, and mission rather than paperwork, making it accessible to newer and under-resourced organizations.
Alignment With Movement & Narrative Change
By funding organizing, cultural work, and tech access alongside leadership development, the foundation supports not only program delivery but also long-term movement and narrative change.
Tips for a Competitive Application
- Clearly demonstrate alignment with one strategic pillar: leadership development, inclusive technology and entrepreneurship, or social justice and activism
- Emphasize leadership rooted in community, particularly service to Black, Brown, or immigrant communities in Southeast Michigan
- Highlight transformative potential and how your work can shift systems or open new pathways
- Keep your application concise and compelling
- Demonstrate organizational readiness, even if you are early-stage
- Apply during the grant cycle that best fits your capacity and timeline
- Emphasize learning, adaptation, and responsiveness
- Be transparent about budget and scale, and show how funds will be used strategically
Moving Forward with Equity, Innovation & Power
The Song Foundation challenges organizations to think beyond incremental change and imagine systems that equitably distribute access, leadership, and prosperity. It envisions a technology landscape where underrepresented voices lead and community narratives rise.
If your organization is based in Southeast Michigan, led by or serving Black, Brown, or immigrant communities, and focused on technology, entrepreneurship, leadership development, or organizing, this foundation may be the partner you have been looking for.
For information on funding windows, how to apply, or current grantees, visit the Song Foundation’s application page.
