Best Community & Civic Engagement Grants

The AJ Muste Foundation's Rapid Response Grants support U.S.-based organizations engaged in grassroots activism for social justice. These grants, up to $5,000, are aimed at addressing immediate needs of groups fighting for equality and liberation. The funding is designed for unexpected opportunities and emergencies, promoting powerful organizing efforts. The foundation prioritizes groups lacking traditional funding sources and those focused on systemic change rather than individual support.

Watertown-area public entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking to expand civic and community engagement programs can apply for Watertown Community Foundation’s Community Engagement Grants, offering up to US $5,000 for direct program costs. Eligible projects increase access to community programs, foster intercultural communication, or strengthen community connections for Watertown residents.

Nonprofits, public schools, and certain local agencies in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga counties can seek US $500 - US $10,000 for racial justice and equity initiatives. Grants from The Community Foundation for South Central New York help community and civic engagement efforts in leadership, health, economic opportunity, arts, youth education, and related capacity building.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for organizational planning, strategy, or DEIA-focused capacity work can apply for the Rhode Island Foundation’s Capacity Building Grants, offering up to US $15,000. Funding and technical assistance can strengthen strategic, business, fundraising, communications, financial management, and board development efforts that advance community and civic engagement priorities.

Grants from Patterson Family Foundation help Kansas and western Missouri nonprofits, school districts, and government entities test innovative community engagement projects in rural communities. Eligible applicants located in or serving the foundation’s catchment can request US $25,000 - US $500,000 to strengthen civic participation, volunteerism, and cross‑generational involvement in local life.

Nonprofit organizations in Barnstable County, Massachusetts with operating budgets of at least $25,000 can apply for The Cape Cod Foundation’s Open Door Grants, which award up to US $10,000 for general organizational needs and capacity-building. Groups advancing community development, civic engagement, education, health, housing, arts, or environmental initiatives may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups hosting programming or fundraising events in the Chicago region can apply for up to US $10,000 in sponsorship support from The Chicago Community Trust. Focused on community and civic engagement, this opportunity can back meetings, panels, forums, conferences, galas, and similar events, with one sponsorship per organization each year.

Nonprofits, government entities, and academic institutions in Rhode Island can seek multi-year funding for collaborative civic engagement and education initiatives, with awards up to Up to US $250,000. Grants from The Rhode Island Community Foundation support innovative, DEIA-centered projects that catalyze lasting community change across priorities like education, health, housing, climate resilience, and equity.

Nonprofits and other providers offering adult basic skills, literacy, and civics education in New Jersey can apply for funding to deliver Adult Education and Family Literacy Act services. With a mission to strengthen workforce readiness, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development supports programs that build literacy, career pathways, and civic understanding for adult learners and immigrant communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities serving the Aurora, Marionville, and Verona area can seek up to US $3,000 to fully fund a single community-strengthening project. Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ Hometown Partners Giving Circle supports initiatives that build civic engagement, community services, and local revitalization in Lawrence County, Missouri.

Graduating high school seniors interested in communications, journalism, leadership, or historic preservation can apply for the Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship, awarding US $500 - US $2,500 toward college tuition. Students from Coral Gables High, Miami Senior High, or ISPA planning full-time study at a four-year institution may benefit, including those in civic engagement fields.

Rural-focused 501(c)(3)s, community foundations, tribal and local governments, cooperatives, and similar entities in the U.S. can seek up to US $25,000 to run experimental civic participation programs that engage residents in shaping community priorities and solutions. Community and civic engagement nonprofits in eligible regions may be referred to the Trust for Civic Life’s Civic Experiment Grants, distributed via local Civic Hubs.

Youth-led teams working on civic engagement and community projects in the U.S. can receive funding and stipends through the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Fellowship. Focused on civic education and youth leadership, the Institute for Citizens & Scholars invites young changemakers ages 14–24 to design and implement local initiatives that build civic skills and dialogue.

Nonprofits and community groups working on community services or civic engagement in Bloomfield, within Hartford County, can apply for grants of US $500 - US $10,000 to address local needs and strengthen civic life. The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s Bloomfield Greater Together Community Fund supports resident-led solutions and broad, inclusive community participation.

Kentucky K–12 educators planning, enacting, or showcasing student civic engagement projects can receive US $100 - US $1,000 to support Kentucky Civic Seal activities. The Kentucky Civic Education Coalition’s mini-grants fund curriculum planning, hands-on implementation, and public presentations that deepen civic engagement and education in schools and communities.

Youth-led groups and youth ages 5–25 in the U.S. and Canada can receive US $250 - US $500 to design and run community service, advocacy, awareness, or philanthropy projects. With a mission to empower young changemakers, Youth Service America supports civic engagement efforts that engage diverse youth volunteers and build social and emotional skills.

Greater Hartford County civic engagement and community service organizations can receive funding to address local needs and strengthen inclusive participation. Greater Hartford Gives Foundation provides Hartford County civic engagement and education groups with grants of US $500 - US $7,500 to support community-driven projects that encourage residents to take ownership in improving Suffield and surrounding towns.

Nonprofit organizations serving Boone, Campbell, or Kenton counties in Northern Kentucky with health, mental health, or substance use disorder programs can apply for The 410 Grant, awarding US $15,000 for innovative, high-impact projects. Focused on community well-being and civic leadership, Horizon Community Funds engages young professionals to collectively fund solutions that leverage local resources.

Nonprofit and community organizations running single-state AmeriCorps programs in Vermont can seek funding to support community service, civic engagement, and volunteerism initiatives. With a mission to strengthen service in communities, SerVermont provides Vermont civic engagement and education programs with access to AmeriCorps State 2026 competitive and formula awards for the 2026–2027 program year.

Nonprofit and public organizations planning AmeriCorps programs in Texas can receive up to US $100,000 to design evidence-based service initiatives that strengthen community and civic engagement. The Onestar Foundation supports planning for AmeriCorps projects in areas like education, economic opportunity, disaster services, environmental stewardship, health, and services for veterans and military families.

Nebraska community organizations that run AmeriCorps programs to address local needs and expand civic engagement can apply for this competitive funding opportunity. ServeNebraska supports evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions that strengthen communities through volunteering, collaboration, public service, and related activities across the state, which may include civic education and leadership development initiatives.

The Park Foundation Grants for Civic Participation aim to enhance democracy through active civic engagement. Focused on mobilizing voters and protecting their rights, this program supports grassroots organizations addressing social injustices. By fostering year-round involvement rather than just election-focused efforts, the foundation seeks to empower communities and ensure robust participation in the democratic process, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.

The Park Foundation Grants: Community Needs program focuses on supporting low-income residents of Tompkins County, NY. Emphasizing equity, the foundation funds initiatives in health, youth services, social justice, and capacity building. Priority is given to historically disenfranchised groups, encouraging proposals that engage these communities in developing solutions and addressing barriers. This approach aims to foster sustainable and equitable outcomes, reflecting the foundation's commitment to advancing social justice and improving community well-being.

The AmeriCorps Program Grant in Wyoming supports non-profits in hosting AmeriCorps members to serve communities in need. This grant facilitates the development of impactful programs across various sectors, including education and healthcare. Organizations must submit a concept paper to outline their proposed projects and member needs. By engaging volunteers, the grant aims to foster community resilience and create meaningful service opportunities for individuals, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in Wyoming.

The AmeriCorps State Competitive Program Grant in Wisconsin empowers organizations to engage AmeriCorps members in addressing critical community needs through service and volunteering. It focuses on enhancing community resilience by funding direct service and capacity-building activities. Priority is given to organizations serving marginalized populations and those focused on youth mental health, veterans' support, environmental stewardship, and reducing community polarization. This initiative fosters civic engagement and strengthens local communities across Wisconsin.

ServeMinnesota provides annual grants to support nonprofits, local governments, institutes of higher education, and Indian Tribes in hosting AmeriCorps programs. Grantees must use research-based measures of program outcomes to generate valid and reliable data that are available to ServeMinnesota for evaluation and public reporting purposes.

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits. After successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education  Award they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

For this funding opportunity, AmeriCorps will prioritize consideration from organizations that:

Serve Communities:

•  Serve communities with concentrated poverty, rural communities, tribal communities, and historically underrepresented and underserved individuals. These may include people of color, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with arrest or conviction records, religious minorities, etc.;
• Implement programs for or expand access to high-quality youth mental health and substance use recovery services and prepare AmeriCorps members to enter behavioral health careers. These may include individuals with lived experience with substance use and mental health challenges to support youth mental health efforts and continued AmeriCorps work on the opioid epidemic;
• Focus on improving the quality of life for veterans, active-duty members of the Armed Forces, and their families by recruiting veterans, military spouses, and their older children into national service;
• Promote environmental stewardship to help communities (especially underserved households and communities) to be more resilient by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving land and water, increasing renewable energy use and improving at-risk ecosystems;
• Support civic bridgebuilding programs and projects to reduce polarization and community divisions; and providing training in civic bridgebuilding skills and techniques to AmeriCorps members;

The AmeriCorps Oregon Planning Grants offer funding to assist organizations in developing new AmeriCorps programs that tackle community challenges. These cost-reimbursement grants provide essential resources for planning and capacity building. Successful applicants receive training and technical assistance from OregonServes, enhancing their ability to implement compliant programs. By completing the planning grant, organizations will be better positioned to apply for fully-funded AmeriCorps grants in the future. Applications are accepted year-round with a final deadline of December 29.