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Consumers Energy Foundation Opens Call for 2026 Planet Awards Letters of Intent

The Consumers Energy Foundation has initiated the process for the 2026 Planet Awards, inviting interested organizations to submit Letters of Intent. This prestigious grant initiative focuses on enhancing Michigan's environmental quality and sustainability, specifically in land, air, and water conservation efforts. The cutoff date for submitting these Letters of Intent is February 4, 2026.

Overview of the Planet Awards

Each year, the Consumers Energy Foundation allocates a total of $500,000 in funding through the Planet Awards to support Michigan-based nonprofits, municipalities, and educational institutions that are passionate about environmental stewardship. This program is part of a broader funding commitment of $1.5 million annually, aimed at transformative projects that uplift communities.

Brandon Hofmeister, the president of the Consumers Energy Foundation, expressed the Foundation's dedication: "We are proud to invest in projects that enhance Michigan's natural resources for generations to come. We look forward to reviewing innovative, community-driven proposals for the 2026 Planet Awards that will make a real difference across our state." This reflects the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing initiatives that resonate with the community's environmental needs.

Previous Recipients and Project Objectives

In 2025, the Foundation distributed $500,000 to various projects centered around habitat restoration and bolstering environmental resilience within Michigan. Notable recipients comprised the City of Eastpointe, City of Parchment, and the Infrastructure Planning and Facilities team at Michigan State University. These grants highlight the type of impactful community-oriented environmental initiatives that the Foundation intends to support in the forthcoming award cycle.

Eligibility Criteria and Project Requirements

Organizations eager to apply for a 2026 Planet Award must meet specific eligibility criteria:

• - Must be a Michigan-based nonprofit, municipality, or public agency.
• - Educational institutions are also welcomed to apply.

Eligible projects should concentrate on one or more of the following objectives:

• - Land preservation or restoration efforts
• - Improving water quality
• - Enhancing air quality

The focus on actionable environmental projects underlines the Foundation’s philosophy of fostering sustainable community practices.

The Role of the Consumers Energy Foundation

The Consumers Energy Foundation serves as the philanthropic segment of Consumers Energy, Michigan's leading energy provider. By investing in local initiatives that matter most, such as environmental and social responsibility, the Foundation aims to propel community growth and strengthen Michigan's prosperity at large. In 2024, combined efforts from the Foundation, CMS Energy Foundation, and its employees amounted to over $15 million in contributions benefitting Michigan nonprofits and community projects.

For additional information, prospective applicants and community members can visit the Consumers Energy Foundation's dedicated webpage at consumersenergy.com/foundation.

In summary, the Consumers Energy Foundation continues its longstanding tradition of supporting vital environmental projects through its Planet Awards. By providing substantial grant funding, the initiative seeks to foster community-driven solutions to pressing environmental challenges across Michigan. As 2026 approaches, collaborative efforts and innovative proposals will be crucial in paving the way for a sustainable future in the region.