Best Community Development Grants

The Dane G. Hansen Community Grant supports charitable projects in Northwest Kansas, providing $50,000 annually for community initiatives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions in specified counties. Grants aim to enhance education, healthcare, economic development, and social services while prioritizing community engagement. The program, managed by the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, will conclude in 2025, encouraging diverse projects that promote local well-being and sustainability.

The Initiative Foundation's Emerging Needs Grants offer vital support to nonprofits in Central Minnesota facing unexpected challenges. These grants enable organizations to stabilize and adapt, ensuring they continue to meet pressing community needs. With a focus on immediate impact, the funding is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in the region, allowing them to address service gaps and enhance their operations during crises.

The Crossroads Fund's Community Resilience Fund aims to support grassroots organizations in Chicago as they navigate urgent challenges and advocate for justice. Evolving from the Critical Response Fund, it focuses on equipping communities with resources to respond to public policy shifts, host trainings, and strengthen security. Priority is given to organizations demonstrating a commitment to social justice and community leadership, ensuring a swift, strategic response to pressing needs in a tumultuous socio-political landscape.

The Violence Prevention & Response Team Grant, offered by the District of Columbia's Mayor’s Office, seeks applications from community-based organizations (CBOs) dedicated to serving underrepresented communities. This grant prioritizes services in victim response or violence prevention outreach. CBOs will collaborate to provide tailored support and outreach services, addressing the needs of crime victims and individuals affected by opioid-related overdoses. This initiative promotes a holistic approach to community safety and resilience.

The Do Something Great Awards celebrate individuals who have significantly impacted Macon County through their generosity and dedication. The Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Volunteer Service Award is presented to those who show exceptional leadership and commitment to charitable causes. Nominees should provide detailed accounts of their contributions and community involvement, with the next honorees to be announced in February 2026.

The Do Something Great Awards, presented by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, recognize individuals, couples, or families who have demonstrated exceptional generosity and civic responsibility in Macon County. This award not only honors their contributions but also includes a $1,000 grant to the recipient's charity of choice. Celebrating 22 years of impactful philanthropy, these awards encourage community involvement and inspire others to engage in charitable acts.

The COAD Appalachian Development Fund Grants, offered by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, aim to enhance the quality of life in Appalachian Ohio through innovative programs. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to nonprofit and public organizations serving the region. Priority is given to projects led by local organizations, promoting community development and addressing specific needs. Past awards include housing coordinators and infrastructure improvements, reflecting a commitment to sustainable growth and support for COAD member agencies.

The CERSP Grant Program, administered by Harlem CDC, aims to provide financial assistance for initiatives and events that align with the mission of Harlem CDC. Funded through contributions from Columbia University, this program supports community and economic revitalization efforts in New York State, promoting local economic growth and job creation. With a focus on inclusivity and development, CERSP seeks to enhance the quality of life and opportunities within diverse neighborhoods.

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) offers crucial funding to states and localities to create affordable housing for low-income households. Established in 1990, it empowers communities to design tailored housing strategies, provides financial and technical assistance, and fosters partnerships across government and nonprofit sectors. By reinforcing community development values and mandating local matching funds, HOME aims to expand housing availability and improve living conditions for vulnerable populations, making it an essential resource for affordable housing initiatives.

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Program aims to support municipalities and developers in creating affordable housing across New Jersey. By leveraging state and local investments, the program prioritizes projects in Qualified Urban Aid towns that enhance community development. With funding derived from realty transfer fees, the maximum subsidy per project is $3 million, structured as a soft loan. This initiative fosters public-private partnerships and encourages innovative housing solutions to meet critical needs.

The Cole Center Family YMCA Capital Fund aims to enhance community well-being by providing essential support for capital projects and repairs at the Cole Center YMCA facilities. Established in 1997, the fund reflects the YMCA's commitment to serve individuals of all backgrounds, promoting healthy living through diverse programs that foster community engagement and inclusivity. By leveraging generous donations, the fund plays a vital role in ensuring the YMCA can continue its mission of positive change in Noble County.

The AmeriCorps 2026-27 Service Year Competitive Grants, offered by the Massachusetts Service Alliance, aim to enhance volunteerism across the state. These grants provide vital funding for organizations to develop or expand AmeriCorps programs, fostering community engagement and service. With options for Cost-Reimbursement, Fixed-Amount, and Education Award Only grants, MSA supports diverse initiatives to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts. This initiative has a proven track record, empowering organizations to address community needs effectively.

The Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust, established in 1978, supports public charitable and educational initiatives in the Atchison, Kansas community. Founded by Courtney S. Turner, a prominent local figure, the trust focuses on community improvement, education, health, and human services. It primarily funds 501(c)(3) organizations for specific projects with a one-year grant duration, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on the community.

The Philip D. Levesque Memorial Community Award offers two annual grants of $2,000 to local organizations in central Vermont. Established in 1994 by Gifford Health Care in memory of its late president, this award supports projects in arts, health, community development, education, and environment. Applications must be submitted by February 28 and should detail the project, budget, timeline, expected outcomes, and include a 501(c)(3) certificate. Gifford aims to honor community-focused initiatives.

The Bon Secours Richmond Healthcare Foundation provides support through its Event Sponsorship Requests Grant, aimed at enhancing community health and well-being. Applications are accepted monthly, with a recommendation to apply at least six months prior to the event. This initiative emphasizes partnerships that build healthier neighborhoods and tackle social determinants of health, reflecting the foundation's commitment to serving the underserved and improving quality of life for all.

The Buena Vista County Community Foundation offers large grants over $5,000 to not-for-profit organizations for capital investment projects. Applicants must provide a 50% cash match and achieve a minimum score of 75 points. Grants are awarded to verified organizations with 501.C.3 status. The Foundation encourages projects that benefit the community, focusing on areas such as youth education, arts, health services, and environmental initiatives. Follow their website for funding cycle updates.

The Buena Vista County Community Foundation offers Medium Grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to verified not-for-profit organizations and local governments. Grants are intended for capital investment projects that enhance community development rather than operational costs. The Foundation encourages sustainable projects in various categories including youth education, arts, environment, health, recreation, and community betterment, with a required 50% match for funding.

The Buena Vista County Community Foundation offers small grants to not-for-profit organizations in Buena Vista County for capital investment projects. Grants of $2,000 or less are available with no required match. Eligible projects include youth education, arts, environmental initiatives, health services, and community betterment. The Foundation encourages applications during its annual funding cycles, typically held in Spring and Fall, and prioritizes projects that enhance community investment.

The Dr. & Mrs. Arthur William Phillips Charitable Trust Grant, administered by Bridge Builders Community Foundations, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, community development, and the arts. While it serves a broad area, priority is given to organizations in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The Trust aims to address needs in health, education, youth, and community projects, ensuring that local organizations can thrive and contribute positively to their communities.

The Winston-Salem Foundation's Impact Investing program strategically allocates funds to businesses and organizations that foster social change in Forsyth County. By focusing on both social and financial returns, the foundation aims to empower communities of color and address historical inequities. This initiative prioritizes local projects that enhance economic mobility while promoting ownership and governance by those affected, ultimately striving for a more inclusive economy and systemic change.

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. 

CorTrust Bank ALM (Artesian, Letcher, Mt. Vernon) Community Foundation Grant

The CorTrust Bank ALM (Artesian - Letcher - Mt. Vernon) Community Foundation is an organization formed to attract and distribute gifts of capital to charitable agencies for community betterment. It was initially funded by CorTrust Bank with a match from the South Dakota Community Foundation for the benefit of the Artesian, Letcher, and Mt. Vernon communities. The first grants were awarded in August 2000.

Qualifications and Considerations

• The purpose of the project that funds are being requested for should fulfill a community need, and/or benefit the community in general. Projects that involve significant and continuous volunteer community support to enhance their existing programs and this project will be favorably considered.

• The Board typically does not allow for grant funding of improvements to buildings, grounds and utilities, or for operating expenses.

• The IRS now requires a non-profit organization be verified by the IRS. Proof of non-profit status may be required upon request. Governmental entities (cities, counties, schools) and churches are exempt from the verification requirements and are eligible to receive grant funding.

• Multiple or repeat proposals from one organization for the same project are discouraged.
• Projects should not be already completed at the time of the application.

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. 

Sully County Community Foundation Grant

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.

The Sully County Community Foundation was formed in 2017 with a community challenge to raise $200,000 in 5 years. With Sully County native Robert “Bob” Pierce, Jr’s generosity, local nonprofits will benefit for years to come. Grants are offered on a bi-annual basis to ensure opportunity to all organizations. Typically, applicants must be non-profit, government, school, or church related and repeat proposals from one organization within a 12- month period are discouraged.

• VOLUNTEERISM: Projects that involve significant and continuous volunteer support will be considered more favorably over projects with paid staff.

• INNOVATION: Our goal is to fund a mix of ongoing and established projects, as well as innovative projects that address existing community needs. 

• MINIMUM AWARDS: Grant requests of $500 or more will be considered.

• MULTI-CYCLE FUNDING: Some projects seeking funding may be ongoing, while others begin and end in the same calendar year. Projects for multi-year funding are encouraged, but there will be no promise of funds made available in the future.

• PUBLIC/PRIVATE: The Board will concentrate on funding public non-profit corporations, but not to the exclusion of organizations that meet grant deadlines.

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. 

Montrose Area Foundation Grant

The Montrose Area Foundation was established in 2008 to provide financial support to charitable and nonprofit purposes in the Montrose area at the recommendation of a local Board of Directors.

Qualification

Ideal project would involve enhancement of the Montrose community or area. Grant applications for individual financial assistance are not eligible. Purpose of the project should fulfill a community/area need and preferably involve tangible, measurable items, or projects.

Seed Grants

Applications requesting start-up money are encouraged to supply feasibility numbers indicating the need for the project.

Volunteerism

Projects involving significant and continuous community volunteer support will be favorably considered.

Discrimination

Applications from agencies offering services exclusively to one gender, age group, or race will be closely scrutinized for discriminatory practices.

Challenge or Matching Grants

The Montrose Area Foundation encourages, but does not require, matching funds from grant applicants. For some projects, funding may be contingent upon acquisition of the required matching money.

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. 

Kimball Area Foundation Grant

The Kimball Area Foundation accepts charitable gifts and funds local nonprofits and community projects. Our volunteer board ensures every dollar goes where it's needed most right here!

The Kimball Area Foundation operates as a Community Savings Account (CSA) — a perpetual gift to this community. Funds are invested through the South Dakota Community Foundation, and 4.5% of the average value is granted back to local nonprofits each year. As the fund grows, so does our ability to make a lasting impact right here in the Kimball Area.

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. 

First Interstate Greater Belle Fourche Fund

The First Interstate Greater Belle Fourche Fund officially partnered with the South Dakota Community Foundation in 1989 as a way of supporting nonprofit and charitable projects and organizations in and around the community. The fund is a permanent endowment with the South Dakota Community Foundation and managed by a local board of directors. To date, $334,000 has been raised by the board, who have also distributed over $267,940 in grants back to the community. The First Interstate Greater Belle Fourche Fund celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2014.

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. 

Clark Area Foundation Grant

The Greater Clark Area Community Foundation (GCACF) will strive to support a broad spectrum of projects intended to improve and enhance the Clark County Area. Determination of recommendation for approval will be based upon need, creativity in addressing community concerns, community volunteer support, and accountability. The GCACF will use this as a guideline to determine the eligibility of your proposed project for funding.

• QUALIFICATION: Purpose of the project should fulfill a community need and preferably involve tangible, measurable, items or projects.

• VOLUNTEERISM: Projects which involve significant and continuous community volunteerism support will be favorably considered.

• DISCRIMINATION: Applications offering services exclusively to one gender, age group, religion or race will be closely scrutinized for discriminatory practices. Funding will be based on the needs of the individual being served.

• INNOVATION: The Clark Area Community Foundation goal is to funds a mix of ongoing, well-established projects as well as innovative projects designed to address existing community needs in innovative ways.

• PARTNERSHIP: The Foundation should not be the sole funding source of any Project and make awards contingent on proof of other funding sources: however, funding percentage of total project is at the discretion of the Foundation. Grants may also be made in the form of a challenge, to be met dollar-for-dollar by other sources. The Foundation prefers to be the last funder. Grants expire one year from the date awarded; if that should happen, the Foundation welcomes the project to reapply.

• CHALLENGE OR MATCHING GRANTS: The Clark Area Community Foundation encourages matching funds from all grant applicants. When the Board perceives the need for more local involvement and support of a given project; it may issue challenge grants in any proportion. Funding may be contingent upon acquisition of the required matching money. There may be times when the Clark Area Community Foundation perceives a need in the community is not being met. The Board then may issue a challenge grant or request a proposal to address that need.

Gulf Coast Leadership Institute

For aspiring, emerging, and experienced leaders to grow to become action-oriented individuals in their communities.

About Gulf Coast Leadership Institute

At Gulf Coast, we believe that leadership is the foundation of community. Our Gulf Coast Leadership Institute taps, trains, and connects emerging and experienced community leaders—over 425 so far—from across the Gulf Coast region. The result is a growing network of skilled, action-oriented leaders who are committed to using their new skills to help transform their communities through service.

Our Mission:

To identify and develop aspiring, emerging, and experienced leaders who reflect the diversity of our region. The program spans two months where participants take part in in-person, experiential small and large group activities that prepare them to become knowledgeable, skilled, and action-oriented leaders in their communities.