Best Community & Civic Engagement Grants

The Woman's Club of Pewaukee Grant supports community initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Pewaukee. This service organization dedicates itself to fundraising and volunteer efforts, benefiting around twenty local groups. These groups focus on arts, education, health, and civic engagement, helping individuals and families in need. By fostering collaboration and outreach, the Woman's Club plays a vital role in nurturing a thriving community.

The West Central Initiative Grant supports sustainability, equity, and civic engagement projects in a resilient region. Grants range from $3,000 to $25,000, with most awards between $3,000 and $10,000. The funding prioritizes community-led initiatives focusing on sustainable development, support for historically marginalized populations, and nonpartisan civic engagement efforts. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and units of government serving West Central Initiative's nine-county geography.

Quest for the Best® is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Pennsylvania by providing project-based grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. The grant aims to support initiatives that focus on long-term sustainability, secured co-funding, and specific programs. Priorities include police and nurse training, education for underserved communities, and humanitarian efforts such as clean water access. The funder emphasizes local impact and requires matching contributions for grant requests.

The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay offers annual competitive grants aimed at fostering innovation in local nonprofits. By targeting five key areas—Economic Opportunity, Environmental Resiliency, Physical Health, Education, and Community Engagement—the foundation seeks to address pressing community needs. Eligibility requires 501(c)(3) status and service in specific Florida counties. The grant process encourages collaboration and aims to create sustainable impacts, making it a vital resource for nonprofits looking to enhance their community contributions.

The Community Foundation of North Louisiana offers Competitive Grants for small organizations with annual revenues under $250,000, providing funding up to $10,000. Eligible programs must focus on areas such as arts, education, and health, and serve Caddo and/or Bossier Parishes. Organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and be in good standing with IRS requirements. This initiative supports community-driven projects that enhance the quality of life in North Louisiana.

The Community Foundation of North Louisiana offers Competitive Grants to support local organizations with annual revenues over $250,000. These grants aim to enhance community quality of life through various program areas, including health, education, and economic development. Eligible applicants must hold 501(c)(3) status, serve Caddo and/or Bossier Parishes, and meet specific financial requirements. With no set funding limits, these grants empower nonprofits to address pressing community needs effectively.

The Civic Engagement for Social Change Initiatives Grant Program, managed by the Catherine Donnelly Foundation, aims to foster active citizenship and community transformation through innovative adult education. It supports projects that empower marginalized groups to address social issues like racism and poverty by developing critical skills and strategies for change. This initiative seeks to create a more just and sustainable society in Canada through participatory civic engagement and popular education processes.

The CFNGA Catholic Community Grants support nonprofits, parishes, and Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Atlanta. These grants are funded through endowments specifically established for grant-giving, with amounts varying by cycle. Non-Catholic organizations can apply if their mission aligns with Catholic teachings. The grants aim to foster a thriving Catholic community by providing necessary resources to serve both current and future generations.

The WSFS Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing community investment, providing affordable housing, and promoting education and leadership development. The foundation emphasizes initiatives that are innovative and sustainable, fostering diversity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must align with the foundation's vision and demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination. This grant encourages programs that improve the quality of life and economic well-being within the communities it serves.

The Beloved Community Grant, established by the Weitz Family Foundation, supports nonprofits in Omaha dedicated to fostering a just and equitable community. With over $50 million awarded since 2000, the foundation empowers organizations addressing poverty and systemic injustices. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for innovative proposals that enhance community well-being. First-time applicants and agencies with a local impact are encouraged to apply, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to social change in Omaha.

The Benter Foundation Grant supports invited organizations whose projects align with the foundation's current priorities. Established in 2007, the foundation focuses on enhancing livability in Pittsburgh, promoting smart transportation, the arts, and global connections. It also aims to broaden access to opportunities for local communities, encouraging young people to pursue education and career development. Through innovative projects, the foundation seeks to create impactful solutions beyond Pittsburgh, fostering community engagement and addressing global challenges.

McAuley Ministries offers Outreach & Sustainability Grants to support local nonprofits in Pittsburgh, targeting health, education, and community development. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that enhance community vibrancy and address local needs. Eligible organizations must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) entities and align with McAuley Ministries' mission. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster self-sufficiency, improve health outcomes, and promote economic development in historically underserved neighborhoods.

The Jefferson Regional Foundation Grants aim to enhance the health and well-being of communities served by Jefferson Hospital through community engagement and research. Organizations can submit Letters of Intent year-round. The Foundation focuses on health, education, and community engagement, with specific funding priorities targeting basic needs, workforce development, and social determinants of health. Grant requests are reviewed at three board meetings each year, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's mission and community needs.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

The Mayor's Matching Grant Program, initiated in 1994, supports Orange County Public Schools and nonprofit organizations by funding projects that enhance community engagement, education, and youth development. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 are available, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match from applicants. This initiative fosters collaboration among community members and organizations, aiming to create safe environments and improve academic outcomes for youth in Orlando.

The Green Bay Packers Foundation, established in 1986, supports Wisconsin charities that promote family values, athletics, and welfare. Eligible organizations can apply for grants addressing specific focus areas, including animal welfare and education, during the 2026-2029 cycle. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities with a valid IRS Tax ID, ensuring they meet community needs effectively. The Foundation prioritizes impactful projects that align with its mission of enhancing community well-being and preventing cruelty to animals.

The Reasons for Hope Micro-Grant Program, initiated by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, offers grants between $1,000 and $10,000 to support community-driven initiatives in Milwaukee. Funded by a $340,000 pool, it aims to foster social connections, promote peace, and enhance community cohesion, particularly in response to challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and historical violence. This program prioritizes under-resourced efforts that empower local voices and advocate for community representation.

The Ashwaubenon Education Foundation Grants support innovative opportunities that enhance student experiences within the Ashwaubenon School District. These grants are aimed at funding enrichment activities, innovative classroom projects, and technology initiatives that extend beyond standard district support. With awards typically up to $2,000, the program encourages collaboration among parents, staff, and community members. However, it does not fund existing district activities or religious programs, ensuring that the focus remains on new educational experiences.

The Community Trust Grants, managed by the Community Foundation Boulder County, provide financial support for diverse needs in Boulder County, including health, education, and arts. Grants range from $1,000 to $9,000 and focus on general operating support. Community members actively participate in the grant review process, ensuring community-driven decisions. Applications are accepted online, fostering accessibility for local nonprofits and organizations to address pressing community issues effectively.

The Future Fund Grant, offered by the Bread & Roses Community Fund, provides $5,000 to emerging groups in Philadelphia focused on social justice and community organizing. It aims to support those challenging power imbalances and fostering sustainable change. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, including being a designated 501(c)(3) organization. While the fund champions innovative activism, it does not support direct service work or traditional educational programs. Applications are not currently accepted for 2025.

The Northern Lowcountry Grants: N.E.W. Fund, supported by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, provides essential funding and resources to low and moderate-income neighborhoods in Charleston and Colleton Counties. Established in 1991, this competitive program fosters community development, leadership, and pride, prioritizing grassroots and nonprofit organizations. The initiative aims to create strong families, safe neighborhoods, and active participation, empowering residents to influence their community's future.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company supports charitable organizations in the St. Louis area through grants focused on Health and Human Services, Education, Arts & Culture, and Civic Engagement. Applications for 2024 will be accepted from April 1 to June 30, with odd-numbered years prioritizing health initiatives. ECF has invested over $165 million in the community, empowering employees to make a significant impact through collaborative giving.

The Cochran Family Youth Fund Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for children in Winchester and surrounding counties by financing educational, athletic, and community activities. Established by Douglas E. Cochran, this grant emphasizes support for nonprofits dedicated to youth welfare, encouraging projects that demonstrate a history of success in the community. Eligibility is limited to organizations with 501(c)(3) status that serve the local area, excluding sectarian or political uses.

The Community Endowment of Lexington Grant Program aims to foster philanthropic initiatives that address both immediate and long-term needs in Lexington. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the program will provide up to $100,000 in funding for innovative projects, with individual grants capped at $15,000. Focus areas include health services, arts, environment, and community building, encouraging collaboration among local organizations to enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Vermont Community Foundation's Spark Connecting Community Grant supports grassroots projects that enhance social capital and community connections in Vermont. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, it prioritizes initiatives from under-represented counties, fostering collaboration among local champions. The program seeks innovative projects that promote civic engagement, health, and resilience, while encouraging first-time grant seekers and organizations with smaller budgets to apply for funding.

The ECF Shaping Tomorrow Grants aim to empower nonprofits in Erie County by funding projects that promote inclusivity and equitable impact. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000 for initiatives lasting 12-18 months, focusing on measurable community change in health, education, and economic growth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt, demonstrate community engagement, and align with ECF priorities. This program seeks to enhance organizational capacity and support collaborations that drive sustainable development.

The CFNI Neighborhood Grants Program encourages community engagement by funding resident-led projects that enhance local quality of life. It supports initiatives such as community gardens, crime prevention, and beautification projects, focusing on partnerships among residents and organizations. Eligible applicants include 501c3 non-profits and neighborhood associations within specific counties in Illinois. The program aims to strengthen neighborhoods by leveraging local assets and fostering civic pride.