Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits

Community Investment Fund

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.

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 William E. & Maude S. Pritchard Charitable Trust Grant supports community development, health care, education, environmental conservation, and social services in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, New York. Established in memory of William E. Pritchard in 1982, it primarily funds project and capacity building initiatives. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, and proposals from research institutions are welcome. Funding is not available for individuals or private foundations.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The Michael J. Connell Foundation Grant supports a variety of initiatives in the Pasadena/Los Angeles area, focusing on cultural, educational, environmental, and medical endeavors. The foundation emphasizes performing and visual arts, environmental preservation, and healthcare access for under-resourced groups. Grants are available for programs that align with these priorities, including arts education and community health projects. However, funding is limited to specific criteria and does not support unsolicited applications or multi-year grants.

The VCF Special and Urgent Needs Grant (SUN) supports Vermont nonprofits facing unexpected expenses that hinder their mission. Grants, typically up to $5,000, are available for emergencies or unanticipated opportunities. Eligible organizations must serve Vermont residents and basic human needs. The program prioritizes those with budgets under $500,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until November 14, 2025, with decisions made within 20 business days. Reopening is scheduled for February 2026.

The Vermont Community Foundation offers the Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant to support consultant fees for nonprofits aiming to enhance their organizational capacity. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for strategic planning, financial sustainability, and diversity initiatives. Applications are prioritized for organizations with annual budgets under $250,000, and the program is open to tax-exempt entities serving Vermont. The grant program closes on November 14, 2025, and will reopen in February 2026.

The San Antonio Area Foundation's Annual Responsive Grants - Cycle 2 focuses on Livable and Resilient Communities and Successful Aging. By providing multi-year grants, the foundation aims to enhance access to affordable housing, transportation, wellness resources, and support for older adults and their caregivers in the San Antonio area. This initiative emphasizes trust-based philanthropy and community partnership, ensuring that organizations can effectively address the needs of underserved populations.

The Semi-Annual Competitive Grant from the Robert G III and Maude Morgan Cabell Foundation supports capital projects for tax-exempt organizations in Virginia. Established in 1957, the foundation emphasizes strategic grants that inspire community engagement and leverage donor generosity. Eligible nonprofits, particularly in the Richmond area, can apply for matching funds to enhance cultural arts, education, and social services. The foundation's goal is to address philanthropic needs while fostering long-term community development.

The Competitive Community Grants - Spring Cycle invites proposals from organizations in Santa Fe, Mora, Rio Arriba, and San Miguel counties. Focus areas include civic and economic opportunities, health and human services, and empowerment of Black futures. The program supports initiatives that promote workforce development, affordable housing, food security, and community engagement. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 based on annual budget, fostering impactful change in local communities.

The Investors Foundation Grant aims to create positive, lasting impacts in communities through support for arts, education, health and human services, youth programs, and affordable housing. With over $40 million awarded since 2005, the Foundation aligns its efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on key areas such as poverty alleviation and quality education. Organizations eligible for grants must be 501(c)(3) compliant and serve specific communities in New Jersey and New York.

The Mike & Gillian Goodrich Foundation offers Program, Operating, and Capital Campaign Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Birmingham area and the Black Belt of Alabama. Since 2009, it has distributed over $26 million to enhance education, neighborhood revitalization, cultural arts, and environmental initiatives. Applications are accepted quarterly, with specific deadlines for different types of grants, ensuring that funds align with the Foundation's mission to strengthen communities and improve quality of life.

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation's grants enhance the quality of life in Northwest Ottawa County by supporting projects in arts, diversity, economic development, education, environment, and health. They prioritize initiatives that foster inclusion, cultural experiences, community betterment, and sustainability. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities, government units, and educational institutions that demonstrate alignment with these goals. The foundation aims to empower local communities and ensure equitable access to resources for all residents.

The Alliant Energy Foundation offers community grants to support local organizations within its service areas. With a focus on strategic areas such as hunger, housing, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety, the foundation has invested over $76 million since 1998. Applications are accepted year-round, and funding is available for specific programs aimed at enhancing community well-being and innovation. Organizations may receive one grant per year, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to diverse community support.

The Kelley Foundation Grant Program provides funding to tax-exempt organizations in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, focusing on community enrichment through health services, housing, youth development, food security, arts, and environmental initiatives. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review process that may take up to six months. Note that grants are not awarded to the same organization within a three-year period, and private foundations are ineligible for funding.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation focuses on improving the lives of underserved individuals in the DC area through grants in five key areas: Arts and Humanities, Community Services, Education, Environment, and Health & Wellness. The Foundation supports organizations that demonstrate cultural competence and systemic change, aiming for self-sufficiency and holistic well-being for all community members. Grants emphasize access to resources and equitable opportunities to foster meaningful community engagement.

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation aims to enhance community vitality through grants supporting affordable housing, environmental education, and workforce development. Focusing on low- to moderate-income populations, the Foundation prioritizes innovative programs that foster community connections and educational opportunities. By investing in both community vitality and education, they strive to create vibrant neighborhoods and empower individuals with the skills needed for success in today's workforce. Their commitment extends across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

The Charles H. Farnsworth Trust Grant aims to support older adults in living independently and with dignity, focusing on affordable housing and essential support services. Established in 1930, the trust funds projects related to housing development, healthcare services, and community planning. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $250,000, prioritizing projects in the Greater Boston area that enhance the quality of life for seniors, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support.

The Ecolab St. Paul, MN Area NPO Grant Program supports 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on youth development, community and civic engagement, environmental conservation, and arts education. Grants are available to current grantees in the St. Paul area, with applications opening on September 8, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance health, sustainability, and operational efficiency in local communities, aligning with Ecolab's mission of protecting people and the planet.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company empowers employees to make a significant impact through pooled donations. Established over 60 years ago, this employee-managed fund supports charitable organizations in communities where Boeing operates. The Potomac Region Chapter, formed in 2000, focuses on education, veterans, and low-income communities, with over 130 members contributing to the cause. Grants are available to nonprofits that align with these focus areas, fostering community engagement and support.

The Bank of Marin's Annual Grant Program focuses on enhancing community welfare through support for nonprofits that promote social and economic vitality, education, and wellness. With a commitment to collaborative efforts since 1990, the bank has invested millions into local initiatives. It prioritizes funding for basic needs, educational programs, and arts access, and has been recognized as a leading corporate philanthropist in Northern California.

The AAACF Community Grantmaking Program aims to promote equity in education and reduce racial and economic disparities in Washtenaw County. Established in 1963, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation supports nonprofits and scholarships, focusing on literacy for marginalized youth, mental health services, and empowering programs. By engaging community-based organizations, AAACF fosters impactful partnerships to enhance the quality of life and build a sustainable future.

The Huntington Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program aims to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance self-sufficiency and social equality. With a focus on areas such as community revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development, the program prioritizes initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income individuals. Organizations with IRS tax-exempt status can apply for funding to address critical community needs, fostering a more equitable environment for all.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas. Since 2019, the foundation has contributed over $13 million to promote community resilience, affordable housing, and environmental conservation. Eligible candidates include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants aim to address local needs while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship, enhancing community vitality, and fostering sustainable development.

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation provides grants focused on education, human services, and health and medicine. They support high-performing educational institutions, scholarships, and nonprofits that enhance learning experiences. In human services, they assist organizations tackling hunger, shelter, and mental health issues. Their health initiatives include funding for medical research and treatment services. All support is by invitation only, ensuring that funding aligns with their mission to reduce suffering and promote community well-being.

The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) offers the Responsive Grant to enhance health in Greater Williamsburg. This private foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government agencies focused on improving opportunities for uninsured and underinsured populations. Priority is given to proposals that align with WHF's mission, demonstrate collaboration, and create stronger health systems. For more details, visit their Strategic Plan online.

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) offers the Community Impact Grant to enhance the quality of life in St. Joseph County, Michigan. This grant supports nonprofit-led initiatives in key areas such as community development, housing, early learning, and educational attainment. Proposals must align with SACF's funding priorities and serve local residents. With a commitment to lasting impact, SACF builds permanent endowment funds to address future community needs.