Best Community & Civic Engagement Grants

The Jewish Life Grants by the Charles H. Revson Foundation support organizations in Israel and North America that address social and spiritual needs within diverse communities. With a focus on collaborative efforts, the Foundation aims to empower under-resourced fields and promote courageous leadership. Current initiatives include enhancing civic service and expanding community chaplaincy. Letters of inquiry are welcome, and grants are available for registered nonprofits, excluding endowments and capital campaigns.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation, established in 2005, aims to enhance community well-being through grants focusing on five key areas: Community Enhancement, Culture, Education, Health, and Native American Interests. Its competitive grant process supports organizations that benefit Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties. The Foundation prioritizes projects that promote environmental preservation, cultural appreciation, educational access, health services, and Native American culture, ensuring no discrimination in its funding practices.

The Scherman Foundation's Democracy Program champions the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. It focuses on enhancing civic engagement, safeguarding voting rights, and reforming democratic processes to ensure inclusivity and accountability. By supporting locally-rooted organizations in key states, the foundation aims to build a more equitable democracy where diverse voices are heard and political power is reclaimed by those historically marginalized. This program is pivotal for advancing racial justice and fostering systemic change.

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation aims to foster human development in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania by strategically distributing charitable resources. Guided by principles of collaboration and innovation, the Foundation supports community development and health initiatives. Their focus includes enhancing health care accessibility, promoting leadership, and addressing social determinants of health. They prioritize projects that engage diverse community members and encourage cross-sector collaboration to maximize impact and sustainability in these regions.

The New York Community Trust offers Technical Assistance Grants aimed at enhancing the management capacity of nonprofits in New York City. This program supports public charities and organizations with a focus on skill development and technical assistance. Eligible applicants include nonprofits that promote policy change and build organizational capacity. Grants are typically awarded for one year, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration and service improvements within the nonprofit sector.

The Open Competitive Grants Program by The New York Community Trust aims to enhance civic engagement in New York City. It supports initiatives that promote voting, accountability in government, and civic literacy, particularly among children and immigrants. Eligible applicants include public charities that drive policy change and improve community services. The program explicitly excludes individual grants and funding for general operational costs or religious purposes. This initiative is essential for fostering an informed and participatory citizenry.

The Emily Davie and Joseph S. Kornfeld Foundation Grant supports innovative organizations focused on civic engagement and arts education. With over 40 years of commitment, the foundation provides flexible funding to empower marginalized communities. Their trust-based grantmaking emphasizes simplicity in application processes, allowing nonprofits to concentrate on their missions. The foundation actively seeks to foster collaboration through high-impact partnerships, aiming for transformational change in creating a more equitable society.

The Sparkplug Foundation Grant supports innovative projects from early-stage organizations and established non-profits in education, community organizing, and music. The foundation emphasizes community-led initiatives that address systemic injustices and engage marginalized populations. Grants are available for one year and prioritize projects with small budgets that lack extensive funding sources. The foundation encourages applications from diverse communities, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ individuals, fostering equitable access to resources.

The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation, established in 1987, has invested over $70 million in grants to enhance community life through education, arts, health, and social services. The Foundation focuses on innovative solutions to persistent challenges, supporting projects primarily in Waco, Texas, while also engaging in discretionary funding for broader initiatives. Its mission emphasizes building resilience and fostering civic participation, ensuring that programs enrich lives, particularly for underserved populations.

The Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation Grant supports education, health and human services, civic organizations, and arts and culture within Northeast Ohio. Grants are awarded to organizations with a current 501(C)(3) status, and funding requests should not exceed $10,000. However, applications for program or operating support, endowment funds, or requests from religious organizations are not accepted. This grant aims to encourage impactful projects that align with its mission.

The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust focuses on enhancing health and well-being in Maricopa County, Arizona, through strategic grantmaking in six key areas: arts and culture, children, education, healthcare, older adults, and religious organizations. By collaborating with local nonprofits, the Trust aims to strengthen community support and leadership, ensuring that marginalized populations have access to vital services and opportunities that foster inclusion and development.

The CNN Small Grants Program, now in its 16th year, empowers grassroots organizations in D1EC to address community needs through collaborative projects. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 and a total funding of up to $40,000, this program provides essential resources, training, and support to strengthen community ties. By fostering connections among neighbors, it helps enhance living, working, and recreational spaces for future generations.

The T.L.L. Temple Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in East Texas by addressing poverty through targeted grants in education, health, economic development, and community revitalization. With a focus on marginalized communities, the foundation aims to break the cycle of poverty by improving access to essential resources and opportunities. By investing in health care, educational programs, and economic initiatives, they strive to foster thriving communities and promote sustainable growth in the region.

The Live & Give Longmont Grants Program, managed by the Longmont Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations with operational budgets under $1 million. Grants aim to enhance the lives of residents in the St. Vrain Valley, focusing on areas like Animals, Arts, Civic engagement, Education, Environment, and Health. This initiative fosters community involvement by promoting board diversity and term limits, ensuring inclusive participation from local stakeholders.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County offers Strategic and General Grants aimed at fostering sustainable community improvements. Strategic Grants focus on key aspirations identified through community conversations, such as affordable housing and inclusive initiatives. General Grants support a variety of programs, including health services and education. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations benefiting Carroll County residents. The Foundation emphasizes quality applications and innovative projects that demonstrate community impact.

The Belvedere Community Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Belvedere and the Tiburon Peninsula through funding various community projects. Grants support initiatives in education, public safety, and environmental preservation, among others. Eligible applicants must be located in Marin County and demonstrate how their projects align with the foundation's mission. The program encourages matching funding and focuses on community enhancement.

The Competitive Community Grants - Fall Cycle by the Santa Fe Community Foundation offers funding opportunities for nonprofits in Santa Fe, Mora, Rio Arriba, and San Miguel counties. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 based on the organization's annual budget, supporting diverse areas such as arts, education, and animal welfare. Eligible organizations must be at least three years old, tax-exempt, and serve local communities without discrimination. This program aims to enhance community welfare through impactful projects.

The Nord Family Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting a variety of initiatives in the areas of arts and culture, civic affairs, education, and health and social services. The foundation prioritizes projects that engage youth, strengthen communities, and address basic human needs, particularly in Lorain County, Ohio. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and selected public sector activities that can demonstrate a significant impact and engagement with disadvantaged populations.

The June G. Outhwaite Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Santa Barbara County, focusing on areas such as medical care, assistance for the disabled, and wildlife preservation. Established by June Outhwaite, the foundation prioritizes projects benefiting Southern Santa Barbara County. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations. The trust aims to strengthen the community by funding diverse initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

The Commonwealth Foundation's Open Grants Call invites proposals from registered not-for-profit civil society organizations (CSOs) in eligible Commonwealth member countries. This initiative supports projects that engage civil society in governance, focusing on three priority themes: Health Justice, Freedom of Expression, and Climate Justice. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches that integrate gender considerations and promote partnerships, particularly involving young people and small, vulnerable states. Grants range from £15,000 to £30,000 per year for a maximum of two years.

Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing CompanyOne of the largest employee-managed funds of its kind in the world, the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company has been empowering employees to make a greater impact by pooling their tax-deductible donations for more than 60 years. Employee-led grantmaking committees at 20 Boeing sites- provide combined employee donations to nonprofits in their communities through ECF grants.Charitable or educational organizations can apply for grants from the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company.South Carolina ChapterThe Employees Community Fund of Boeing (ECF) is a unique employee managed giving program that allows employees to make a positive difference in the communities where they live and work. ECF is an employee run non-profit managed by chapter Grantmaking committees (CGC) and governance board with each chapter having separate funding priorities and focus areas depending on local needs.ECF Focus The South Carolina ECF Chapter Grantmaking committee awards grants to non-profits that align to the following five focus areas: Arts & Culture, Civic, Education, Environment and Health & Human Services.Grants must support funding in Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester counties, align to the ECF focus areas and all nonprofits who previously received grant awards must submit an impact report with the grant request that describes the progress made towards planned outcomes along with the tangible benefits to the community.

The Small Grants That Enrich Communities Grant Program, supported by The Amcor Cares Foundation, aims to enhance community welfare through funding for various initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501c3 designated nonprofits and accredited educational institutions. The program supports youth sports, educational enrichment, and community events, while it does not accept applications from individuals or political organizations. Committed to community development, Amcor Cares has been actively contributing since 1959.

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 Pathways Grants Programme supports community and voluntary organizations in Ealing and Brentford, focusing on projects that alleviate poverty, tackle homelessness, and promote healthy living. The program invites applications for diverse initiatives aimed at strengthening local communities and addressing challenges faced by disadvantaged groups, including those impacted by domestic violence and unemployment. Grants may cover startup costs and are intended for projects that foster collaboration and enhance community well-being.

The Pathways Grants Programme, managed by Housing Pathways, supports small community and voluntary groups in Ealing, focused on providing affordable housing and aid to disadvantaged individuals. Grants range from £250 to £5,000, aimed at projects aiding low-income families, those with disabilities, and domestic violence survivors. Eligible applicants must be active for at least 12 months and demonstrate a commitment to community needs. This initiative fosters local engagement and strengthens the voluntary sector in the area.

The Hoblitzelle Foundation Grant, established in 1942, supports nonprofit organizations in Texas, particularly in the Dallas area, with funding for capital projects such as construction and technology. The foundation prioritizes initiatives in arts, education, medical, and social services, investing over $252 million in various sectors. Eligible applicants must have a 501(c)(3) classification, and grants are not awarded for religious purposes or to individuals. This grant is a valuable resource for enhancing community impact.

The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County, focusing on enriching cultural experiences, education, health services, and human services. By prioritizing general operating support and capital projects, the Foundation aims to empower local organizations to address diverse community needs, fostering civic engagement and leadership. With a commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations, the Foundation plays a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for Southern California.