Best Community Development Grants

Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Here at the Department of Commerce, our job is to bring employment, investment, and economic prosperity to the state of Oklahoma. Through dynamic partnerships and innovative collaborations with companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and government leaders, we are building a business environment that supports business growth and shared community prosperity.

Community Development Block Grant Programs

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program enables rural Oklahoma communities to finance a variety of public infrastructure and economic improvements and helps promote job growth as a result of these improvements. CDBG funds are provided by the federal government (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and managed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to help ensure Oklahoma’s most critical needs are addressed.

CDBG Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR)

The Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR 2023/2024) grants are intended to support communities affected by the DR-4706 and DR-4776 disasters. Eligible counties are Carter, McClain, Murray, and Osage County. 

Introduction

On behalf of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Community Development Division (ODOC/CD), we appreciate the opportunity to partner with eligible communities and applicants as recovery and rebuilding efforts continue following recent federally declared disasters. The CDBG-DR program is intended to support long-term recovery, infrastructure restoration, housing stabilization, and community resiliency in accordance with federal disaster recovery requirements established by HUD.

The Building Resilient Communities (BRC) – formerly the Business Ready Community – grant and loan program provides financing for community planning activities and publicly owned infrastructure that serves the needs of businesses and promotes economic development within Wyoming communities.Public infrastructure eligible for funding includes water; sewer; roads; airports; rights of way; telecommunications; land; spec buildings; amenities within a business park, industrial park, industrial site or business district; landscaping, recreation, and educational facilities; and other physical projects in support of primary economic and educational development.

Nebraska Department of Economic Development

Since 1967, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has been focused on growing and diversifying the state’s economic base, bringing new dollars, new businesses, and new people into the state. DED's mission is to provide quality leadership and services that enable Nebraska’s communities, businesses, and people to succeed in a global economy. We are here, equipped and ready, to assist you and your community in developing and capitalizing on economic development opportunities.

Community Development Block Grant

The federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides funding for community and economic development projects in order to encourage additional federal, state and private resource investment. Communities receiving CDBG funds use the grants to provide safe and sanitary housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities. The Nebraska DED administers the CDBG program for most of the state. Due to population size, some cities in Nebraska are the administrators of the CDBG program in their communities. DED receives federal funds for CDBG from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on an annual basis.

CDBG Downtown Revitalization

CDBG funds can be utilized for downtown revitalization projects. The purpose of the Downtown Revitalization (DTR) Opportunity is to leverage investments that will contribute to the revitalization or redevelopment of downtown infrastructure and develop a greater capacity for growth, addressing health and safety concerns and commercial revitalization within the traditional business centers of our Nebraska communities. This provides a sound basis for fostering local economic development through public and private sector partnerships. This recognizes the importance of the condition and viability of a downtown to increase the community’s tax base and cultivates a tangible center for community activity. These projects directly relate to business retention, expansion, and location decisions, recognizing that downtowns reflect the economic core and persona of our communities.

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) partners with state, federal, local and nonprofit housing and community and economic development initiatives. DHCD programs strive to maintain the vibrancy of communities throughout the Commonwealth and include providing universal broadband access, investing in economic development initiatives, promulgating the statewide building and fire regulations, preserving the affordability and efficiency of Virginia’s homes and buildings, addressing homelessness, reducing eviction rates across the state and fostering innovative solutions to create affordable housing. DHCD invests over $350 million annually in addition to $2 billion in federal recovery programs as a partner to Virginia communities to create safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia.

Industrial Revitalization Fund 

The Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) leverages local and private resources to achieve market-driven redevelopment of vacant and deteriorated industrial and commercial properties. The program is targeted toward vacant structures whose poor condition creates physical and economic blight to the surrounding area in which the structure is located. Eligible properties include those formerly used for manufacturing, warehousing, mining, transportation and power production, as well as large-scale white elephant structures, such as department stores, theaters, hotels and shopping centers. Structures whose proposed end use will be solely residential are not eligible. 

The intent of the IRF program is to provide gap financing for projects once all other sources of funding have been exhausted. IRF awards require at least a 1 to 1 match of IRF dollars.

About

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality web site’s goal is to provide all users with a functional, accessible and interactive web experience. We are continually striving to make all of our online resources as accessible as possible. In the meantime, if you encounter problems with any area of our site, please contact the site’s Webmaster. DEQ strives to ensure the accessibility of all electronic applications and publications to all individuals in compliance with applicable laws, including Oklahoma HB 2197 and Federal Section 508 accessibility laws.

Community Revitalization Program

The Site Cleanup Assistance Program (SCAP) has updated its Community Revitalization Program and introduced an application and ranking tools to select projects. Our goal continues to be working with City and County governments across the State to resolve environmental issues that are preventing property revitalization. This program allows for renewed use of a building or a site for business or government, and has the potential to revitalize communities by increasing the tax base, creating new jobs, and removing community eyesores and safety hazards. This program allows local communities to access the DEQ’s expertise in site cleanup, paving the way for reuse of a site or building.

While the focus of the Community Revitalization Program is asbestos and lead-based paint, properties that pose an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and/or have other types of environmental contaminants may be considered on a case by case basis. If you believe your property poses an imminent and substantial threat, please contact the Community Revitalization program contact, Trenton Wilhelm.

Virginia Humanities offers Community Action Grants to support local organizations in enhancing public humanities engagement through festivals and events. These grants, with a maximum funding of $1,500, aim to lower barriers for participation and encourage first-time applicants. Rolling applications are accepted, with funding decisions made every two months. Successful projects will foster dialogue and shared learning, connecting Virginians with their rich history and culture.

Department of Business and Economic Affairs

The Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) is the premier resource for businesses considering expansion in, or relocation to, New Hampshire, as well as people seeking a home in a place where they can balance their careers amid the natural beauty it offers.

Dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the state and promoting it as a destination for domestic and international visitors, BEA is comprised of the Division of Economic Development, Division of Planning & Community Development, and the Division of Travel and Tourism Development.

Within these divisions are programs that support BEA’s mission to keep the state’s economy strong and competitive, from international trade and government procurement to workforce development and municipal planning.

About NBRC

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a partnership between the federal government and the states of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The NBRC targets resources to promote economic growth strategies and projects in designated counties within its member states. 

Mission Statement: The mission of the Northern Border Regional Commission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in the northern border region with flexible funding and strategic support.

Forest Economy Grant Program

The Forest Economy Program, administered by the Northern Border Regional Commission, makes awards in the form of Grant Agreements. The program stimulates economic growth in the forest-based industries, including new technologies and viable business models, across the NBRC four-state region in alignment with state economic development plans and forest economy initiatives. 

NBRC's Forest Economy Program (FEP) is designed to support state-identified development plans for the regional forest economy and to assist in the industry’s evolution to include new technologies and viable business models.

Forest Economy Program Priorities  

Successful projects support a broad range of initiatives such as, but not limited to:

• Public infrastructure projects that directly support the forest industry;  
• Community development projects that support the diversified use of forest for economic activity;  
• Workforce training and development projects for the purpose of building the skills and recruiting and retaining the workforce needed for forest businesses, and;
• Marketing, communication and education projects that are paired with a public infrastructure, community development or workforce training or development project.  
• Basic research projects will not be considered. Preference will be given to applied research and demonstration projects that demonstrate a strong connection to industry.

Downtown Revitalization Fund

The Downtown Revitalization Fund brings together IEDA’s Commercial Facade and Streetscapes programs under a unified strategy to strengthen the economic and social vitality of Iowa’s downtown districts. Supported by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, these initiatives help communities reinvest in core commercial areas through coordinated improvements to both private building fronts and the public realm. Together, the programs advance HUD’s community development objectives by improving essential public facilities, enhancing local infrastructure, and supporting commercial revitalization within eligible downtown areas. Through targeted façade rehabilitation and transformative streetscape upgrades, the Downtown Revitalization Fund helps communities create safer, more inviting, and economically resilient downtown environments that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Iowa Community Attraction and Tourism Fund Program

The Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant Program is designed to assist communities in the development and creation of multiple-purpose attraction and tourism facilities. The Program is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 15F, Subchapter II and 261 Iowa Administrative Code 211.

CDBG Downtown Revitalization

Supported by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, these initiatives help communities reinvest in core commercial areas through coordinated improvements to both private building fronts and the public realm. Together, the programs advance HUD’s community development objectives by improving essential public facilities, enhancing local infrastructure, and supporting commercial revitalization within eligible downtown areas. Through targeted façade rehabilitation and transformative streetscape upgrades, the Downtown Revitalization Fund helps communities create safer, more inviting, and economically resilient downtown environments that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Commercial Facades

The Commercial Facades Program assists communities with impactful downtown exterior improvement projects that eliminate slum and blight conditions.  

Projects include primarily front and highly visible side facades of commercial or mixed-use buildings in a traditional downtown setting.

The maximum grant amount is $650,000. Applicants must address blighted items on a minimum of eight buildings (addresses) to request a grant of $650,000 and a minimum of six buildings (addresses) to request anything less than the maximum.  

Project buildings must be situated within a downtown target area in which at least 25% of all buildings are determined to be in fair or poor condition. Determination of building status is made through individual surveys and documentation (pictures/ descriptions) demonstrating that the building is in fair or poor condition. A local funding match, typically from the city and the participating property owners, is required.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Athens Area Community Foundation

Established in 1994 in Athens, Michigan – For good. Forever. For all.

Mission: To build permanent endowment funds that enrich and enhance the quality of life and support services in the Athens area.

Grants

The Athens Area Community Foundation supports nonprofit organizations who impact the organizations and residents in the greater Athens area. Organizations that are recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and serve the greater Athens area residents, are eligible to apply for grants.

The following are the current areas of focus for AACF grants:

• Arts & Culture
• Community/Economic Development
• Education
• Environment
• Health & Wellness
• Human Services
• Youth

About

We want to help create a Chicago where all people have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

We support nonprofit organizations working toward this shared vision. Our grantmaking is grounded in our guiding principles including respect, trust and accessibility. We know it takes real time and effort to apply for funding, so we try to keep early steps as simple as possible and only ask for a full proposal when there’s a strong likelihood of alignment.

At Polk Bros. Foundation, we believe real transformation happens when the conditions shaping people’s lives are changed. Too often, early mortality, economic insecurity, and lack of influence are treated as separate challenges – when they all stem from the same long-standing practices, beliefs, and power dynamics that determine which communities get resources and whose voices are heard.

To shift these conditions, we fund community-driven approaches across three interconnected goals: Closing the Life Expectancy Gap; Building Community Wealth, Across Generations; and Fostering Participatory, Multiracial Democracy.

By investing across all three goals, our grantmaking aims to help shift the policies, practices, relationships, and stories that shape opportunity and belonging in Chicago. Together, these investments aim to improve safety and longevity, build lasting community wealth, and expand the power of residents to shape the decisions that affect their lives – creating the lasting conditions for a Chicago where everyone can reach their full potential.

Organizations must wait at least 12 months from the date of their most recent Polk Bros. Foundation grant before receiving another grant. Because our application and review process can take up to four months, organizations may begin a new application process as early as eight months after their most recent grant was issued.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Homer Area Community Foundation

The Homer Area Community Foundation (HACF) was founded as an affiliate of the Battle Creek Community Foundation in 1994 and was created to serve as a catalyst to develop and administer permanent resources to address the needs of the Homer Area.

HACF Grants

The Homer Area Community Foundation welcomes and encourages the application of innovative and creative grant proposals that will promote the educational, recreational, environmental and cultural development of the Homer area. Grants will be awarded by the Homer Area Community Foundation from the Unrestricted Fund, the Bessie Edwards Education Fund, and the Youth Fund. Grant applications will be reviewed by the Foundation Grant Review Committee and the members of the Homer Youth Advisory Committee. Grants which show the promise of helping a broad segment of Homer area residents or of helping a traditionally underserved portion of the population will be looked upon favorably by the grant review committee. Grants from the Homer Area Community Foundation support the organizations and programs in our community that serve the needs of people in such areas as Health, Education, Human Services, Arts and Culture, Youth, and Community Development.

To apply for a grant you will need: a program/project budget in a Homer Grant Budget Form and a valid tax identification number. These items will be submitted as electronic attachments.

Mini Grants

Mini grants, ($1500.00 or less), can be submitted at any time and typically take one month for a decision.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Homer Area Community Foundation

The Homer Area Community Foundation (HACF) was founded as an affiliate of the Battle Creek Community Foundation in 1994 and was created to serve as a catalyst to develop and administer permanent resources to address the needs of the Homer Area.

HACF Grants

The Homer Area Community Foundation welcomes and encourages the application of innovative and creative grant proposals that will promote the educational, recreational, environmental and cultural development of the Homer area. Grants will be awarded by the Homer Area Community Foundation from the Unrestricted Fund, the Bessie Edwards Education Fund, and the Youth Fund. Grant applications will be reviewed by the Foundation Grant Review Committee and the members of the Homer Youth Advisory Committee. Grants which show the promise of helping a broad segment of Homer area residents or of helping a traditionally underserved portion of the population will be looked upon favorably by the grant review committee. Grants from the Homer Area Community Foundation support the organizations and programs in our community that serve the needs of people in such areas as Health, Education, Human Services, Arts and Culture, Youth, and Community Development.

To apply for a grant you will need: a program/project budget in a Homer Grant Budget Form and a valid tax identification number. These items will be submitted as electronic attachments.

General Grants

General grants, (grant requests over $1500.00), typically take two months for a decision.

Barrington Area Community Foundation

Purpose

The purpose of the Barrington Area Community Foundation is to establish a permanent, long-term fund for the betterment of the community. The Foundation will use the annual proceeds to support initiatives that benefit the community and maintain our quality of life.

Since 1998 we have received more than $9.0M in contributions and through careful stewardship have raised another $8.0M in investment income to create a permanent fund addressing unmet needs in the Barrington Community.

The Barrington Area is the greater of the Barrington Area Council of Governments (five suburbs with Barrington in the name and Tower Lakes and Deer Park) and School District #220. Population is approximately 45,000.

Mission: The Mission of the Barrington Area Community Foundation is to address the unmet needs of the community.

Barrington Area Community Foundation Grant

The Foundation will evaluate and make grants annually from its permanent funds based on the degree of impact to the area population in School District 220 and the Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) including the greater of the two.

Each grant recipient should demonstrate that they are reaching an unserved group of local citizens with a program that does not duplicate other community charities. All grants are audited and reported to the community. 

The Chosen Valley Community Foundation

The Chosen Valley Community Foundation works to strengthen our community through meaningful philanthropy. Donations made to the Foundation stay in our community and are distributed through our Grants, Scholarships, and Special Projects programs.

An affiliate of the Rochester Area Foundation and serving the Chatfield School District area, The Chosen Valley Community Foundation is a Minnesota non-profit corporation recognized as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization by the IRS.

Fall Community Grants

The Chosen Valley Community Foundation welcomes grant applications that serve the Chatfield community and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. Grants are awarded annually as funding permits.

Grant Criteria:

• Project must have a timeline and clearly stated, measurable goals and outcomes.
• Organization must complete final report within 30 days of the end of project. The final report form is available on the website.

Ross Community Foundation

The RCF officially became the first affiliate of the Hamilton Community Foundation in 2022, giving it access to collective investments, administrative support, and decades of philanthropic expertise. 

Since its inception, the Ross Community Foundation has returned over $90,000 in total to local organizations serving the Ross community. These grants have been able to support a wide variety of needs in our community. Additionally, the Foundation has been able to serve our local nonprofits with continuing education opportunities and other essential needs.

Each year, our board continues to grow the Community Impact Fund through the Community Harvest Campaign, an annual fundraising effort dedicated to ensuring the Foundation can address the changing needs of the community.

Grants for Nonprofits Serving Ross

Purpose: To enhance the quality of life within the Ross Local School District community

The Ross Community Foundation (RCF) supports nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life within Ross Local School District communities including Ross Township, Morgan Township, Hanover Township, St. Clair Township, Fairfield Township, and Millville. The Foundation addresses a broad spectrum of community needs, empowering nonprofits to implement impactful programs and services.

Grants are made possible through generous community members who contributed to the Ross Community Foundation Fund. Established in March 2022, the fund has grown significantly, thanks to the support of individuals and businesses dedicated to the betterment of the Ross community.

Funding Priorities

The RCF grant committee awards grants based on need, impact, and merit and prioritizes projects related to education, food availability, and neighborhood needs. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly demonstrate a need for funding, potentially filling an existing gap in services in the community. Widespread community impact is desired. Self-sustaining projects are preferred.

Geographic Area: Ross Local School District communities including Ross Township, Morgan Township, Hanover Township, St. Clair Township, Fairfield Township, and Millville.

Grant Review Note: RCF may ask applicants to attend a board meeting, conduct a site visit, or conduct a telephone call to obtain additional information. Site visits will be conducted in a group setting, and the applicant will be notified prior to any visit.

Stewartville Area Community Foundation

The Stewartville Area Community Foundation was formed on April 3, 2000. The Foundation serves as a tax advantage conduit for donated funds to benefit specific community projects. 

In the past years, over $475,000 has been received and used for the betterment of the Greater Stewartville Area by:

• Enhancing our Aquatic Center
• Building Tennis Courts at Bear Cave Park
• Facilitating & Improving Walking/Biking Trails throughout the Community
• Funding Projects for the Bear Cave Master Plan including the Bear Cave Amphitheater

Our Mission

The Stewartville Area Community Foundation (SACF) strives to build a dynamic community by encouraging generosity, promoting civic engagement and providing the opportunity to enhance the quality of life by creating community partnerships.

Our mission for the Stewartville Area Community Foundation is to serve the greater Stewartville area by supporting programs and projects that improve the quality of life and build a stronger community.

SACF Grant

The SACF awards grants to support programs and projects that improve the quality of life and build a stronger sense of community in the Stewartville area. Possible areas of funding include but are not limited to education, engaged seniors, arts & culture, civic & community improvement and health & wellness.

The SACF awards grants in the form of matching funds with an upper limit. This is to encourage organizations asking for grants to be actively involved in fund raising. Generally, the SACF will match up to 50% of the project. Grants are awarded as funding permits and based on the decisions of the SACF Board of Directors. The SACF Board of Directors will have 30 days to act on a funding decision. Grant requests will be reviewed at the end of each quarter. The SACF will provide a written notice of award after their review. 

M&T Charitable Foundation 

Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve. During our 165-year history, we evolved with the needs of our locations, and are guided by a leadership team that holds us accountable.

Adapting to the needs of our neighbors means finding new solutions and sharing the Research & Insights we learn along the way. We support local organizations by volunteering our time and reinvesting in our community.

M&T Charitable Foundation Community Sponsorship Program

At M&T Bank we are building a stronger community - together. Our purpose is to understand the individuals and the businesses in our neighborhood, so we can create the right opportunities for the people we serve.

Community Sponsorships enable us to partner with nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in the regions we operate.

Our goal is to make meaningful community-based contributions and to work closely with the organizations we support beyond a financial commitment. At M&T Bank, we consider supporting sponsorship opportunities that result in a mutually beneficial partnership.

The Jewish Community Engagement Fund - Fall Cycle aims to empower collaborative efforts among three or more organizations or individuals to foster a vibrant Jewish community in Washtenaw County. With grants of up to $3,000, the fund encourages innovative programming that connects and engages the community. Eligible partnerships must submit letters of intent and focus on projects consistent with the Federation's mission, promoting sustainability for any ongoing initiatives.

The Jewish Community Engagement Fund - Winter Cycle supports collaborative initiatives that strengthen the Jewish community in Washtenaw County. Grants of up to $3,000 are available for projects that promote engagement and sustainability through partnerships among at least three collaborators. Applications must outline innovative programming aligning with the Federation's mission, including plans for financial sustainability for ongoing efforts. The fund excludes costs for staff time and non-collaborative funding.

About

The Jewish Community Foundation helps donors achieve their philanthropic goals, while building a permanent pool of funds to ensure that Greater Hartford’s Jewish community is here forever.

Start a charitable fund with us. We invest your funds so they grow and continue to support the causes you love today and in perpetuity. Whether you want to invest in Jewish continuity, educate kids or support our seniors, the Foundation can help you put your vision into action.

Guided by Jewish values, we establish a culture of endowment giving throughout our community.

Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford Grant

The Jewish Community Foundation has a responsibility to invest in the long-term strength and vitality of our community. Our grants support strategic programs and services that address a clear need in Greater Hartford’s Jewish community.

The Foundation does not fund ongoing operations, but rather looks for unique opportunities that – without the Foundation’s support – might not be possible. The Foundation’s community grants generally focus on Jewish organizations in the Greater Hartford area, for one or more of the following purposes:

• seed funding for innovative programs or programs that fill a need or service gap in the community
• capacity building support
• strategic capital
• in limited circumstances, one-time programs (maximum $10,000)

Community Grant Making Process

The Jewish Community Foundation accepts grant proposals on a rolling basis. They are reviewed by staff and a Grants Committee comprised of volunteer community members and approved by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Grant decisions are typically shared within 3-6 months of submission. The Grants Committee generally meets 4 times per year. Prior to applying, the Executive Director or chief staff person should consult with the Foundation’s grants department by sending an email to grants @ jcfhartford dot org.

When Applying to the Jewish Community Foundation, Consider the Following:

• A limit of one grant application from an organization will be considered each grant cycle.
• Focus on the strategic impact of the grant and its alignment with the long-term goals of the program and/or project. Grant reviewers require a comprehensive understanding of the “why” behind the proposal, not just the “what”.
• Put yourself in the position of grants committee members who are not familiar with your program. Anticipate the questions they might have and address these in your written proposal.
• Do not apply for a grant for a project to which you’ve already committed.
• The short and long-term goals are important in the consideration of any grant.
• The submission of a grant does not guarantee funding in part, or in whole, by the Jewish Community Foundation. The Foundation reserves the right to fund a grant at whatever level it deems appropriate.

Investing in Libraries as Community Builders grants

A total of $250,000 will be invested to support Appalachian Ohio’s libraries in work that advances civic health by bringing residents together in meaningful ways, including through projects that forge deeper connections among community members and provide opportunities for residents to collaborate in solving challenges and creating new opportunities. In partnership with the Trust for Civic Life, FAO invites libraries in the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio to apply for up to $20,000 to support “civic experiments,” activities that:

• Introduce entrepreneurial approaches to removing barriers that keep people from participating in their community;
• Repeatedly bring together a group of community members who have not been engaged with one another, the library or the community around a shared interest, goal or unmet need; or
• Integrate volunteer or community members as program leaders to expand capacity beyond staff.

Melton Foundation

The Melton Foundation is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the USA, and a leading proponent of Global Citizenship education and practice worldwide. Established nearly thirty years ago with the credence that collaborations across boundaries can forge sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, today, our programs reach millions of young leaders, having crystallized into a network of over 750 life-long Melton Fellows spread across 40+ countries. Our primary operations are in Chile, China, Germany, Ghana, India, and the United States of America, with legal subsidiaries in Bangalore, India; Jena, Germany; Temuco, Chile; and Accra, Ghana. 

Through our fellowship and collaborative programs we promote and enable global citizenship as a way for individuals and organizations to work together across boundaries of place and identity to solve challenges in an interconnected world.

Melton Foundation Action Grants

The Melton Foundation offers grants year-round to support Melton Fellows in developing skills, perspective and wider networks to further their capacity as global citizens and contribute towards building an equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.

In almost 10 years of granting, more than 100 Fellows’ initiatives have been awarded with a Melton Foundation grant to

• Build awareness and/or further awareness raising around global issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
• Develop individual and collective responsibility for sustained, collaborative action,
• Grow capacity to collaboratively drive and sustain social impact at the local and/or global level,
• Further the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative actions that embody the spirit of global citizenship practice and further social impact, or
• Support coordinated social-impact efforts in a particular or across (emerging) Melton Foundation Hub regions to promote global citizenship practice (s) and the organization’s mission.

Otsego Community Foundation

The Otsego Community Foundation (OCF) is a nonprofit organization created by and for the people of our community. We help meet critical local needs by collaborating with donors and nonprofits serving Otsego county, managing permanent funds, and awarding purposeful grants. We magnify your generosity and impact and ensure that charitable funds are directed where they matter most. Our services cover the entire county and all fields of interest including Arts and Culture, Conservation, Community and Economic Development, Health and Human Services, Education and Youth Initiatives.

Ultimately, our efforts help fill forests with trees, minds with knowledge, youth with dreams, workforce with skills, society with art & culture, pantries with food, communities with connections, and hearts with that joyful feeling of making a difference.

Adapt Grants

Adapt Grants are designed to fund projects that are small in scale, meet an unanticipated need, explore new opportunities, sponsor an event, and grow capacity. These grants are meant to be flexible and support you in adapting to changing needs, so whether you’re dreaming up a new project that could use seed or matching support, or are tackling a challenge that popped up suddenly, we want to support you in executing your day-to-day mission. Compared to the Community Grant Program “big rocks”, we consider these to be “pebble” projects. Both are important for advancing one’s mission. You can apply for both an Adapt Grant and the Community Grant Program in the same year.  

For 2025-2027 the OCF has identified three high impact partners areas to proactively support the community:

• OCAN-Advanced training
• Housing Task Force-Attainable housing
• START-Coordinated human service

Proposals that align with these areas will be strongly considered. 

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Grants

The South Dakota Community Foundation offers an array of grants to help state nonprofits realize their dreams and continue investing in their communities. 

Armour Community Foundation

We are one of 90 Community Savings Accounts in South Dakota. Even though we are an agent of the South Dakota Community Foundation, we are able to accept and administer charitable gifts, give good grants to our local nonprofit groups and organizations, and also give scholarships to hopeful young people from our region. Our volunteer advisory council works hard to ensure funds are going to groups and organizations that need it most. Since 2002, the Armour Community Foundation has given back more than $150,000 to the community! 

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Grants

The South Dakota Community Foundation offers an array of grants to help state nonprofits realize their dreams and continue investing in their communities. 

Selby Community Foundation Grant

Selby Community Foundation was established by a local advisory council in partnership with South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). Their goal is to create a long-term funding source for charitable causes in the local area. With careful investment, the fund will continue to thrive and enhance quality of life in the local area creating a lasting legacy. This fund is one of 90 community savings accounts in partnership with SDCF.