Best Community & Civic Engagement Grants

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

Casey's Cash for Classrooms Grants support K-12 public and nonprofit private schools through funding for physical improvements, material needs, teacher support, and community engagement. In 2025, $900,000 was awarded across 80 grants, allowing schools to enhance their learning environments. With a commitment to community engagement, Casey's has donated $15 million since 2019, emphasizing their dedication to making life better for communities and guests. Grants range from $3,000 to $50,000, with funds required to be used within 12 months.

The Flowers for Dreams Foundation Grant prioritizes organizations committed to mental health and community care initiatives for vulnerable populations. With a mission to fund local charities, the foundation has donated over $1.5 million to date. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, with applications accepted year-round. In 2025, the foundation emphasizes support for mental health services, ensuring that funds are used for impactful community care. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and operate within the designated service area.

The Home Office Giving Program by the CarMax Foundation supports nonprofits in the Greater Richmond, Virginia area, focusing on education, health, and community resilience. With over $65 million invested in local causes, the program aims to uplift underserved youth and adults through initiatives in workforce readiness, health education, and neighborhood revitalization. This commitment reflects CarMax's dedication to fostering thriving communities and empowering individuals, ensuring a brighter future for families in the region.

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, in collaboration with the Longaberger Family Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing K-12 civics education across Appalachian Ohio. Since 2019, over $95,000 has been granted to empower students through engaging civics programs. The funding is available to K-12 public schools, educators, and nonprofit organizations, focusing on projects that foster civic engagement and community involvement among students in the region's 32 counties.

The Pathway to Sustainability Fund Grant aims to empower nonprofits in Madison County, Alabama, to collaborate effectively, leverage resources, and track outcomes. By focusing on individual client journeys, the fund supports organizations in providing tailored assistance to those facing challenges such as unemployment and mental health issues. With a vision to end generational poverty, the initiative fosters a community-wide network of nearly 200 partners dedicated to enhancing self-reliance and reducing service duplication.

The Chevron Catalyst Grants, established by Chevron Products Company and the Carlsbad Community Foundation, aim to enhance community life in Carlsbad and South Eddy County, New Mexico. Grants support diverse needs, including health, arts, and education, with awards typically ranging from $500 to $5,000. Eligible organizations include 501c(3) charities in the area, while event sponsorships and political activities are excluded. Proposals must detail project significance and budget, fostering community improvement through targeted funding.

The Ocotillo Wind Imperial Valley Fund aims to enhance the quality of life for Imperial Valley communities through various programs. It focuses on priorities such as civic engagement, economic development, youth education, disaster recovery, and health and wellness. The fund is open to impactful proposals that demonstrate relevance, measurable outcomes, and collaboration among stakeholders. Eligible applicants include 501c3 organizations and public institutions that serve the region, ensuring projects address community needs without discrimination.

The Greater Polson Community Foundation's GPCF: Impact Grants aim to foster a vibrant community by supporting organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the Greater Polson area. Since 2009, over $1 million has been awarded to enhance community welfare and diverse projects. With a focus on health, education, creativity, and prosperity, these grants empower local initiatives to thrive and make a meaningful impact on residents' lives.

The Stuller Family Foundation Grant supports innovative solutions to community problems by providing grants to 501(c)(3) and some 501(c)(6) organizations. Focused on local initiatives such as human services, education, animal welfare, environmental conservation, arts and culture, and civic engagement, the foundation aims to empower organizations that are committed to making a difference in their communities.

The Pickaway County Community Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in Pickaway County by supporting local nonprofits through a competitive application process. Grants are awarded based on community needs and priorities set by the foundation, focusing on charitable purposes that benefit all citizens. As a leader in charitable giving, the foundation fosters a culture of philanthropy to address evolving community challenges, ensuring a lasting impact for future generations.

The Vibrant & Equitable Communities Grant by The McKnight Foundation aims to foster shared prosperity in Minnesota through strategies like economic mobility, community wealth building, fair housing, and democratic participation. This grant supports organizations that enhance employment opportunities for underrepresented communities, strengthen community-focused financial institutions, and promote equitable access to housing and civic engagement. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a focus on systemic improvements for individuals and communities.

The GCCF Youth Action Council Grant supports projects that directly benefit the residents of Gladwin County, focusing on community improvement across various sectors including arts, education, and health. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental units, with a particular interest in youth-targeted initiatives. Eligible projects must demonstrate sustainability and collaboration, while operating expenses and general organizational support are not funded. This grant aims to foster impactful local programs that address critical needs.

The Elinor & T.W. Miller Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt organizations that enhance Winter Park, Florida, and Ashland, Ohio. Founded in 2004, it honors the Millers' commitment to education, health care, athleticism, and community engagement. Grant applications are by invitation only. Eligible organizations may submit inquiries to determine eligibility, but reapplying for the same grant request after a denial is generally not allowed. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with the Millers' interests.

The Knight Fund Grant Program, managed by the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, aims to enhance connections between the University of North Dakota and the Downtown area through the University Avenue Corridor. This initiative focuses on improving community engagement, enhancing public spaces, and building on local assets to foster economic mobility and entrepreneurship. The fund specifically targets projects that unite diverse communities and support civic infrastructure, while excluding certain non-program expenses and individual applications.

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi offers competitive grants to support health and education initiatives, particularly for youth and children. Their four key focus areas include Early Childhood Education, Place-Based Education & Civic Engagement, Technology in Education, and the Future of Northwest Mississippi. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in specified counties can apply once a year, between July 1st and August 1st, making a significant impact in the community.

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation offers responsive grants to support projects that address community needs in the Greater Hancock County area. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on initiatives that improve quality of life and demonstrate measurable outcomes. The Foundation emphasizes collaboration, sustainability, and diversity in its funding criteria, ensuring that projects align with community goals and leverage additional resources.

The Central Minnesota "Difference Maker" Grants aim to foster significant advancements in racial equity across the region. Funded by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, these grants, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, support eligible nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving Benton, Stearns, and Sherburne Counties. The initiative encourages collaborative projects addressing racial disparities and community engagement, promoting sustainable impacts and additional investments.

The Branford Community Foundation (BCF) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Branford, Connecticut, by funding organizations and projects in key focus areas such as basic needs, health, education, arts, environment, and youth services. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies that demonstrate a positive impact. BCF prioritizes initiatives addressing food insecurity, mental health, and community joy, while fostering collaboration and capacity building among local organizations.

The BCF Emergent Needs Grants provide funding for urgent projects and emergencies that fall outside the typical annual grant cycle. This initiative is designed for 501(c)3 organizations and governmental agencies in Branford that can demonstrate a significant need for funding. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting May 15th, allowing for timely support to innovative or unforeseen initiatives.

The M. & A. Seasongood Good Government Grants support 501(c)(3) organizations and professional associations in the Greater Cincinnati area. Focused on promoting good governance, the foundation prioritizes engagement in democracy, public service professionalism, and combating political polarization. These grants aim to enhance accountability, transparency, and civic reform, providing essential funding to initiatives that foster equitable access to voting and encourage civic participation.

The IronMountain Solutions Employee Peaks Fund, established in 2018 in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, supports local non-profits. With over $400,000 donated by employees, the fund prioritizes quality of life initiatives such as arts, basic needs, economic opportunity, education, environment, health, and community development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits serving the Huntsville area, ensuring services are accessible to all community members.

The Bamford Foundation, established in 1990, aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals and strengthen communities in Tacoma and the South Puget Sound region. With a focus on operational and program-related grants, the foundation prioritizes collaborations that foster equity, diversity, and access. In 2026, it will concentrate on smaller grants to maximize impact, particularly in basic needs, early learning, expanded opportunities, and access to higher education and job training.

The Park Foundation Grants: Media support public interest media that raises awareness of critical environmental and social issues. They prioritize funding for investigative journalism, media policy, public broadcasting, and documentary films to promote a better-informed citizenry. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified, and funding is aimed at projects that ensure diverse perspectives and community engagement. The foundation is committed to fostering a robust democracy and independent media, reflecting its mission to advance a just and sustainable society.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

The Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant for Read for Success empowers local organizations to enhance literacy by providing matching funds for books and resources. Since 1966, RIF has partnered with communities to foster a culture of reading among children in need, offering diverse books that reflect their lives. This grant matches local investments dollar-for-dollar, maximizing the impact of funding for educational programs. Eligible applicants include schools and youth-serving organizations across the U.S., supporting children from birth through grade 12.

The Reading is Fundamental Matching Grant - Books for Ownership program supports local literacy initiatives by providing funding for diverse books and literacy resources. Established in 1966, RIF aims to foster a culture of literacy among children in under-resourced communities. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to double their impact through matched funds, ensuring children have access to high-quality books that reflect their experiences and broaden their perspectives.