Outreach & Grants
Your donations and purchases enable us to provide support to individuals and families in Washtenaw County. We provide emergency assistance through the sale of donated gently used clothing, housewares, and other items. Over 300 volunteer/members accept, sort, price and sell thousands of donated goods in our retail shop each month.
Who We Help
Since 1932, the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop (AATS) has provided emergency assistance to fill financial gaps that individuals and families in our community may face as they struggle to be safely housed or to meet health needs. The AATS provides annual grants to local agencies who use the funds to provide assistance to those who are underemployed or unemployed, are struggling with substance abuse or health challenges, are unhoused or have other emergency needs.
Emergency Assistance Grants
During March of each year, qualifying organizations may apply for a Housing Grant and/or a Health Grant. Application instructions and qualifications are available at the link below:
Beginning in August 2026, grants totaling $575,000 will be distributed to the following organizations over a 12 month period to assist their clients facing housing, utilities, food, and health-related needs.
Congratulations to:
- A Brighter Way
- Avalon Housing
- Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw
- Community Action Network
- Corner Health Center
- Dawn Farm
- Faith In Action
- Food Gatherers
- Friends in Deed
- Home of New Vision
- Alpha House – IHN
- Jewish Family Services
- Ozone House
- Packard Health
- Peace Neighborhood Center
- Safe House Center
- Shelter Association of Washtenaw
- SOS Community Services
- St. Andrews Breakfast Program
Anne M. Hayes Memorial Fund Program Grant and Community Impact Grant
The Ann Arbor Thrift Shop accepts applications from qualified social service agencies with designated 501 c 3 status to receive an Anne M. Hayes Program Grant and/or a Community Impact Grant.
The Anne M. Hayes Program Grant is funded from the income of the Anne M. Hayes Memorial Fund, with annual grants up to $6,000 for the purpose of programming. The proposed program may be new, adapted from previous programs, or be an existing program applied to a new or expanded population.
The Community Impact Grant, in the amount of $10,000, is awarded to an agency seeking to build capacity to strengthen its infrastructure or management systems to better serve the organization’s constituents.
An agency may apply for one or both grants. Applications are reviewed and considered separately.
To qualify:
- Agencies must have 501 c 3 status and serve clients within Washtenaw County.
- An agency is eligible to receive an Anne M. Hayes Program Grant every three years.
- Agencies are eligible for the Community Impact Grant regardless of whether they have received an Anne M. Hayes Program Grant in the last three years.
- Agencies must be willing to submit a report on grant progress.
Anne M. Hayes Grant Recipients
In 2026 four organizations received youth program grants totaling $20,000:
Community Impact Grant Recipients
In 2026 two organizations received grants of $10,000 each to support capacity building:
Grant Questions?
Grant Recipients
Who We Help
Packard Health
Packard Health provides compassionate primary and mental health care across three Washtenaw County locations. The Emergency Grant from the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop directly supports our patients by covering transportation to appointments, essential medical equipment, and critical resources — removing barriers to care and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Dawn Farm
The Ann Arbor Thrift Shop's Emergency Grant funds provide critical support to Dawn Farm residents in early recovery through emergency housing assistance and transportation support. For many individuals, a bus pass or assistance with housing costs can be the difference between moving forward in recovery and facing setbacks. Their support helps remove financial barriers at a time when residents are working hard to rebuild stable, healthy lives.
Ozone House
AATS has been paramount in providing Ozone House young people with life-changing, housing-related supports such as security deposits to a safe home, moving costs, and lifesaving hotel stays when there are no other options. As costs are rising and the climb feels steeper for many of our young people, AATS provides the ability for individuals to gain shelter in dire situations and stay safely housed to reach their full potential.
Peace Neighborhood Center
Since 1971, Peace Neighborhood Center has successfully helped thousands of youth, adults, & families in our community overcome social and economic challenges—helping them build futures that include self-sufficiency and positive community involvement. Thanks to the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop’s support, Peace can provide emergency assistance to hundreds of families every year, helping them stay housed and keep their utilities on.