Best Academic Success Enrichment Grants

The Martin M. Sacks Memorial Fund Grant, established in 1984, supports nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged youth in south central PA, particularly in Harrisburg. It prioritizes innovative programs that empower at-risk children and families. Eligible activities include counseling, after-school programs, and services for homeless women and children. The fund seeks measurable outcomes and collaboration among organizations, ensuring that grants are awarded to initiatives that provide unique solutions to community needs.

The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation Grant Making program provides funding between $2,000 and $25,000 to support initiatives that enhance community vitality in Northern New England. The foundation prioritizes projects that leverage additional resources, produce measurable results, and foster collaboration between public and private sectors. Quarterly and bi-annual reviews ensure timely consideration of applications. With a commitment to improving workforce and economic development, the foundation aims to make a meaningful impact in education, health, and civic services.

The Grays Harbor Community Foundation's Community Building Grants Program aims to enhance the quality of life throughout Grays Harbor County by supporting various nonprofit organizations. Emphasizing community needs, the program prioritizes initiatives in education, health, and arts, focusing on collaborative efforts that address local challenges. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding to drive meaningful change and foster engagement, with two grant cycles each year, ensuring a responsive approach to community development.

The GHCF: Impact Grants Program aims to enhance the quality of life in Grays Harbor County by providing quarterly grants to eligible organizations. With a focus on immediate impact, grants are available for projects under $5,000, supporting diverse community needs. Organizations may apply for one small grant per year, ensuring funds are allocated efficiently. Priority is given to initiatives that utilize funds quickly, fostering timely support for community-driven projects and enhancing overall well-being.

The Gulf Coast Medical Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Wharton, Fort Bend, and Matagorda Counties, focusing on health, education, and human services. Grants can reach up to $40,000 annually, with priority given to health-related initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 entities, while individual grants are not permitted. The foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in the community through targeted projects, ensuring that funding is directed towards impactful and identifiable purposes.

The Community Grants for Educational Success aim to enhance educational achievement for underperforming children and youth in South Hampton Roads. By supporting innovative programs, the grant focuses on preparing students for kindergarten, preventing dropouts, and facilitating transitions to higher education. The initiative emphasizes the importance of education in fostering economic development and personal prosperity, aiming for measurable outcomes like improved graduation rates and increased enrollment in post-secondary education.

The Educational Enhancement Mini Grant provides funding for innovative projects that enhance classroom curriculum, offer co-curricular opportunities, or promote health and wellness in schools. Designed for teachers and staff in Manchester and Amherst public schools, the grant encourages creative initiatives that benefit entire classes or equitably selected students. Applications are accepted year-round, with a final report due by July 15. This initiative aims to enrich education and foster student engagement in meaningful ways.

The Fairfield County Foundation Grant supports local 501(c)(3) nonprofits aimed at enhancing community well-being. Established in 1989, the Foundation connects resources to address local needs, prioritizing quality of life and inclusivity. With both restricted and unrestricted funds, it empowers organizations to apply for grants that align with their community-focused missions. The Foundation encourages partnerships with nonprofits that serve the Fairfield County area, fostering collaboration for a sustainable future.

Ninety-nine Girlfriends offers annual Impact Awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 to nonprofits in the Portland Metro/SW Washington area. The grants focus on four key areas: educational equity for youth, environmental sustainability, housing stability, and women's economic empowerment. Emphasizing equity and trust-based philanthropy, they seek organizations that demonstrate a commitment to community impact and inclusivity. Applications are open to 501(c)(3) entities and fiscally sponsored groups, requiring a minimum annual revenue of $100,000.

The Skillman Foundation Grant Partners program aims to empower Detroit youth through strategic partnerships that transform education systems. While they typically invite applications proactively, they remain open to connecting with organizations that support young people in Detroit. Eligible partners include nonprofit organizations and public agencies, with a focus on those offering inclusive opportunities for all youth. The foundation emphasizes advocacy for policy changes that benefit children in the community.

The John T. Vucurevich Foundation Grant focuses on supporting low-income families by addressing essential needs such as food access, health services, and transportation. The foundation aims to foster community collaboration and strategic partnerships to enhance the well-being of families and children in the Rapid City Area. Grant applications are accepted for projects that demonstrate community need and secure additional funding, with a commitment to transparent and engaged grantmaking.

The Roger Kresge Foundation Grant supports the physical, mental, and educational development of children and young adults. It is available to organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, primarily serving Broome County, New York. Interested entities should contact the Executive Director before the respective application deadlines of March 15 and August 1 to discuss their proposals. This grant aims to fund innovative projects that contribute to the community's growth.

The Cabarrus County Community Foundation Grant Cycle aims to enhance local initiatives through competitive grantmaking. The Foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs in areas such as Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Health, and Housing. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions serving Cabarrus County residents. Note that applications for specific food-related programs will not be accepted this year, as the focus is on sustainable food options and nutrition.

The Keystone Savings Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in the Lehigh Valley, focusing on education, health services, arts, community development, and economic revitalization. Grants of $25,000 or more are reviewed annually, with applications due by August 15. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and can apply for funding in various categories, but restrictions apply to consecutive funding years. The foundation does not support certain fundraisers or debt reduction efforts.

The McKeen Fund Grant is dedicated to enhancing the lives of vulnerable populations, including seniors and disadvantaged children and families. This private fund supports medical, educational, and social service programs, prioritizing initiatives that cannot secure outside funding. The Fund emphasizes grants for capital projects and specific programs aligned with its mission, while also engaging in direct charitable activities. Organizations eligible must be 501(c)(3) public charities, primarily in Florida, Massachusetts, and New York.

The Mathews CF Community Impact Grants support local nonprofits to enhance cultural vibrancy, economic prosperity, educational success, and health and wellness in Mathews County. Funded by generous donors, the program focuses on impactful projects that yield positive, lasting changes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities, which may apply once a year. This initiative fosters collaboration with grantees to achieve essential community goals and adapt to evolving needs.

The River Counties Community Foundation offers competitive grants to nonprofit organizations in Lancaster, Middlesex, and Northumberland counties. Funded by generous donors, these grants focus on enhancing community vibrancy, economic prosperity, educational success, health and wellness, and environmental stewardship. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) and can apply for support once per calendar year, with certain exceptions for high-impact projects. This initiative aims to foster long-lasting community improvements and meet emerging needs.

The Gloucester Community Foundation (GCF) offers Community Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in Gloucester County, aiming to foster a vibrant community through innovative, collaborative, and sustainable initiatives. This annual competitive grants program focuses on areas like cultural vibrancy, economic prosperity, educational success, and health & wellness, ensuring positive and lasting change. GCF encourages proposals that directly address community needs and challenges, making a significant impact in the region.

The Edgar A. Thurman Charitable Foundation for Children provides financial support to 501(c)(3) organizations serving needy children in Virginia, particularly in the Western region and Roanoke Valley. Grants typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 for first-time applicants, while returning grantees may receive up to $20,000. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to the welfare and education of children, ensuring compliance with all grant conditions.

The AnnMarie Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Wisconsin that were home to Phillips Plastics Corporation employees. It prioritizes educational, humanitarian, cultural, and recreational activities, providing monetary awards and scholarships. Eligible applicants must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status or have a fiscal agent. The foundation favors projects that engage students in STEM and prefers requests for durable items. Funding excludes consumables, ongoing fees, and political or religious purposes.

The Community Investment Fund by Freeport-McMoRan aims to enhance community resilience and well-being in various regions, including Climax (CO), Globe-Miami (AZ), and Henderson (CO). Prioritizing education, economic opportunity, and leadership capacity, this fund supports projects over $10,000 that directly benefit local communities. Eligible organizations must have 501c-3 status or equivalent. The initiative fosters transformative change through collaborative partnerships and strategic investments, addressing essential community needs and promoting sustainability.

The Community Investment Fund in Greenlee County, AZ, is dedicated to fostering long-term community resilience through strategic collaborations. With a focus on education, economic opportunity, and capacity building, the fund supports initiatives that empower individuals and organizations to thrive. Projects must exceed $10,000 and align with the foundation's commitment to transformative change, ensuring that funding directly benefits local communities, enhancing their overall well-being and capacity to navigate economic challenges.

Community Investment Fund - Grant County (NM)

Community Investment Funds (CIFs) have been established in communities near our operations in Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. The CIFs engage community leaders in cultivating and assessing community projects that address identified community priorities (developed at Community Partnership Panels), and allow them to allocate Freeport-McMoRan Foundation funds to programs and projects that encourage a strong focus on local capacity-building, community development and sustainability.

Each CIF is governed by a committee of 7 to 10 community representatives as well as two company representatives. The committee reviews all proposals and determines which projects best address the community’s priorities.

Applications must align with one of the established Community Priorities and Focus Area for your community. In addition, they must deliver one of the identified Community Outcomes for your community. 

Focus Areas

Education and Workforce Development:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Education & Workforce Development priority and goals.

• PK-12:
  • Professional development programs for teachers and/or school administrators
  • Student preparation, incentive or other programs that drive achievement /performance and matriculation (including early childhood)
  • Classroom equipment or supplies that are proven to drive achievement /performance and are tied to a program or training/professional development
  • Programs that remove barriers or address problems related to lack of performance
  • Programs that engage parents in supporting their student’s achievement in reading, math or the pursuit of graduation and/or enrollment in higher education
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs
• Higher Education:
  • Student counseling or advising services that help students navigate the process of enrollment in a higher ed program
  • Programs that increase access / remove barriers to enrollment or the pursuit of higher ed
  • Teacher/school administrator or counselor training needed to fully understand the higher education landscape, what is available to students and how to access it
  • Student preparation, awareness, incentive or other campaigns or efforts that drive enrollment and attainment
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs

Economic Opportunity:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Economic Opportunity priority and goals.

• Small Business Development:
  • Programs that provide training or skill-building to entrepreneurs on start-up or growth
  • Access to capital programs
  • Other support services that drive start-up, expansion or retention
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs among small business owners
• Affordable Housing:
  • Loan funds or other resource programs that help families access housing options or make housing more affordable for them
  • Housing improvement programs that allow families to stay in safe, quality housing
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps, needs or viable models
• Other Economic Opportunity:
  • Programs that provide transportation to health, education, recreation or other critical activities
  • Programs that increase the availability of and access to quality healthcare facilities and services
  • Projects that create or improve parks or other recreational activities
  • Projects that improve or eliminate blight or beautify high traffic areas in the community
  • Restoration of lands for habitat or public use
  • Projects that improve river or waterway health

Capacity and Leadership:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Resiliency, Capacity and Leadership priority and goals.

• Programs that provide leadership or other skills for staff, board, volunteers or other community constituents to improve organizational or community performance.
• Organizational self-assessment or diagnoses activities to determine gaps and needs.
• Efforts to develop leadership succession plans that protect and prolong organizational effectiveness.
• Planning initiatives to evaluate, identify and/or consider supports needed to weather future economic disruptions (commodities market or global economy downturns, health pandemics, technological disruptors to the future of jobs/economies, etc.)
• Programs, training or other efforts that aid organizations in understanding the broader social context of which they are part and how they can collectively mobilize to address community needs and create resiliency.
• The development of leadership networks as a tool for transformative social change and amplifying impact across social systems or issues.
• Projects to increase citizen engagement in solving or addressing community challenges or opportunities.

This philosophy includes securing and maintaining our social license to operate and delivering transformation through robust stakeholder engagement and consultation, social investment, and impact evaluation. 

The Eddie C. and C Sylvia Brown Family Foundation Grant, established in 1994, aims to support charitable initiatives in health, the arts, and K-12 education, focusing on the African American community in Baltimore. The foundation prioritizes programs addressing mental health, cancer prevention, and educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Eligible applicants include public charities under 501(c)(3) that do not discriminate. The foundation seeks impactful projects over time rather than transient programs, ensuring a lasting benefit to the community.

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has been granting funds for over a century, focusing on impactful initiatives across eight counties in Western New York. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster racial equity, economic mobility, environmental stewardship, and cultural vibrancy. Special funding will support programs for the visually, speech, or hearing impaired, with an emphasis on aligning with the foundation's community goals. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and serve the designated areas.

Baptist Community Ministries (BCM) offers Transom Grants to enhance community health, education, and public safety across the greater New Orleans region. These grants, starting at $50,000, support initiatives that promote wellness and development in local organizations. BCM seeks tax-exempt entities and governmental organizations to apply, excluding capital projects or general operating support. With a focus on improving quality of life, BCM aims to foster a healthier community through strategic partnerships and funding.

The Achelis and Bodman Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on grantmaking in New York City and northern New Jersey, addressing critical issues in six program areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Employment, Health, Public Policy, and Youth and Families. Emphasizing support for nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3), the Foundation aims to improve local communities through impactful grants while prioritizing accountability and excellence in various sectors.