Best Community & Civic Engagement Grants

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Creation & Development Fund, administered by the National Performance Network, supports the creation and mobility of artistic works that promote racial and cultural justice. It fosters collaboration between artists and communities through financial support, enabling artists to develop meaningful relationships and present their work. The fund emphasizes equity, access, and the importance of public engagement, ensuring that diverse voices are represented while addressing systemic injustices in the arts.

The Mosaic Company Foundation Community Investment Grant aims to create a lasting impact in communities by supporting initiatives in three key areas: Food, Water, and Local Community. With an annual investment of approximately $12 million, the foundation addresses food security, promotes water conservation, and enhances community sustainability. Eligible applicants must be recognized charitable organizations, primarily in North America, committed to improving quality of life through innovative solutions and partnerships.

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.

The Environmental Grantmaking Program at the Educational Foundation of America (EFA) aims to support projects that facilitate a transition to a net-zero electricity system. Focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the program emphasizes initiatives that enhance access to affordable clean energy, accelerate regional transitions, and strengthen financial investment in electric utilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 public charities, academic institutions, and government entities committed to sustainable energy solutions.

AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation strengthens financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems.

AARP empowers people to choose how they live as they age. There are 125 million Americans who are 50 or older, and people want their money, health and happiness to last as long as they do. We are a wise friend and fierce defender, focusing on the priorities of older Americans.

Purpose Prize® from AARP

Honoring extraordinary people 50-plus who put their purpose into action.

Purpose is a powerful force for good. The Purpose Prize from AARP honors extraordinary older Americans who put their purpose into action to support AARP’s mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Winners receive $75,000 and a year of organizational support from AARP to grow the impact of their nonprofits. Examples of organizational support include data and evaluation, governance and succession planning, fundraising strategy, and prospectus development.

Patagonia’s Corporate Grant supports grassroots organizations focused on bold, direct-action campaigns that address the root causes of environmental issues. The program emphasizes equity, inclusivity, and long-term change, targeting communities affected by environmental exploitation. Grants are awarded to innovative groups within the US and Canada, fostering civic engagement and measurable objectives. Patagonia prioritizes funding for initiatives that confront systemic bias and promote environmental justice, ensuring that diverse voices are represented in the environmental movement.

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 Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD), a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Housing Assistance Council, invites rural communities to apply for design support. CIRD aims to enhance rural life and economic viability through planning and creative placemaking, empowering local citizens to address unique community challenges. Opportunities include Local Design Workshops and a Design Learning Cohort, providing resources, training, and support to foster community-driven solutions.

The Journalism & Media Grant aims to promote inclusive narratives and accurate media that engage communities in democratic processes. It supports U.S.-based nonprofit organizations focused on professional reporting, multimedia storytelling, and civic media. The grant addresses barriers to media participation and fosters innovation in journalism, providing essential infrastructure for a diverse media landscape. While unsolicited proposals are not accepted, organizations can share ideas through a Letter of Inquiry (LOI).

The NEA Big Read Grant, managed by Arts Midwest, aims to foster community engagement through shared reading experiences. This initiative funds nonprofit organizations to host diverse reading programs, encouraging cross-cultural understanding and creativity. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, organizations can conduct book discussions, workshops, and creative events to strengthen community ties and promote civic engagement. The program highlights local voices and invites participation from various audiences, creating a vibrant literary culture.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.