Best Community Services Grants

Who We Are

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our region.

We pursue our mission through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration and public leadership — connecting passion to purpose since 1973.

In the early 1970s, a group of estate-planning attorneys learned of a sizeable estate gift that left Springfield because there wasn’t a place here to accept a general gift for community betterment. Those 11 founders, supported by then-Springfield Mayor Jim Payne and businesswoman Anne Drummond, created the region’s first public charitable foundation in 1973.

Today, the CFO is governed by community volunteers and run by a professional staff that serves a network of donors, regional affiliate foundations, nonprofit partners and professional advisors through approximately 3,700 charitable funds.

Finley River Affiliate Grantmaking Program

The Finley River Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Finley River Community Foundation through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. The Finley River Community Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, chosen for their knowledge of the area. Grant decisions are made by the grant committee. The unique role of a community foundation is to conduct a flexible community grantmaking program which addresses the most important needs of the community at any one time. The flexibility this requires is made possible by charitable donors who established unrestricted or field-of-interest funds and place the decision-making in the hands of the community leaders serving on our Board of Directors as well as dollars raised by the Finley River Community Foundation.

Delaware Community Foundation

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) is a nonprofit organization focused on partnering with donors to build opportunity and advance equity in Delaware. Our mission is to strengthen Delaware by maximizing community-based philanthropy. Our vision is a Delaware where generosity expands opportunities for all.

In addition to partnering with donors, the DCF serves our community through direct grantmaking from our Delaware Forever Fund. Selected by a statewide committee composed of community leaders, grants from the Forever Fund target the state’s most pressing needs and fortify our nonprofit organizations’ infrastructures, strengthening their ability to focus on their missions.

Capital One Grant: Improving Community Vital Conditions

Each year, the DCF awards millions of dollars in grants to support the work of nonprofits addressing Delaware’s greatest needs and opportunities, with an eye to building opportunity and advancing equity.

Capital One’s Improving Community Vital Conditions grant is designed to expand economic opportunity for low- and moderate-income (LMI) consumers and communities. The Capital One grant program in collaboration with Healthy Communities Delaware (HCD) at the DCF is currently accepting applications for grants to support projects and services that focus on improving community vital conditions. Grant proposals should aim to improve one or more of the Vital Conditions for Well-Being within LMI communities.

About

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

As you are aware, there is ongoing uncertainty around federal and state funding that significantly impacts nonprofit organizations. The Community Foundation is committed to supporting a strong and resilient sector, and we encourage all organizations to be proactive in their planning.

We strongly encourage every nonprofit to engage in scenario planning, examine cash flow projections and assess funding risks. We have seen nonprofits explore a variety of pathways forward, such as adapting program design, reducing or merging operations and significantly diversifying revenue streams .

Capacity Building: Coping with Cutbacks Grant

These grants are specifically designed to strengthen the sustainability and effectiveness of nonprofits serving Chester County.

• Funding may support efforts in contingency planning, strategic restructuring, partnerships and collaborations, marketing and communications, resource development, technology improvements, and more.
• Volunteer grant panels and CCCF staff review proposals.

Brandon Community Foundation Grant

The Brandon Community Foundation was created by and for local citizens to improve the quality of life right here in our community. Gifts to this endowment fund, an affiliate of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, grow over time thanks to the benefit of a pooled investment that generates long-term asset growth.

Through the power of endowment, each and every year we are able to award important grants to Brandon-area nonprofits. To date, more than $515,000 has been granted to nonprofits and causes throughout the Brandon area, touching the lives of people right here at home.

Typical grants range from $500 - $10,000.

Waneta Drake Miller Edmison Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to graduating seniors of accredited high schools in the Sioux Falls area. Plans to attend an accredited college, university, community college or technical school.

Multiple scholarships are awarded.

Community Foundation of Mason County – MCCF, Inc. Community Grants Program Guidelines

The Community Foundation of Mason County – MCCF, Inc. is a county wide community foundation serving Mason County, WV. The Foundation’s Gordon and Mildred Jackson Foundation and Mason County Community Grant Programs are a competitive application process.

Funding Priorities for Operating Support Grants

Funding for operating support is considered.

• Document increased demand for services, unexpected reduction in sources of ongoing operating support, or a specific current financial challenge for which a plan is in place to mitigate;
• Show evidence that it has gone through an internal process of cost-reduction and/or realistic revenue-enhancement analysis focused on core service preservation prior to the request.
• Demonstrate that it has completed an organizational assessment and developed a realistic plan for financial stabilization.
• Show how the operating support grant will increase financial stability and/or help the organization make significant progress toward addressing its financial challenge.

• Present a realistic plan for organizational growth, outlining how operating support is critical to the growth plan (to expand services, offer new programs, reach new audiences, etc.).
• Include a plan for the organization to have adequate funding at the completion of the grant.

Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships

The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships – ServeDC (ServeDC), is the DC Commission on National and Community Service as such ServeDC provides oversight and support to applicants selected as sub-grantees. Oversight includes monitoring and programmatic site visits, fiscal monitoring, and reporting requirements. Support includes AmeriCorps trainings, program director meetings, and one-on-one technical assistance.

AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Competition

This application applies to Single State applicants operating only in the District of Columbia.

AmeriCorps Agency

ServeDC receives federal funding from AmeriCorps to support National Service programs in the District of Columbia, including the AmeriCorps State program. The mission of AmeriCorps is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic participation through service and volunteering. Through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Volunteer Generation Fund, AmeriCorps has helped to engage millions of citizens in meeting community and national challenges through service and volunteer action.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations (see Eligible Applicants) proposing to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is an individual who engages in community service through an approved national service position. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from the National Service Trust that members can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans. 

AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps is a National Service program funded by the federal government. Locally, ServeDC supports the AmeriCorps State program in Washington, DC. AmeriCorps projects address a combination of the national service priorities, meet critical needs of our nation, achieve national service goals, and address community problems. These include disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families. Within these focus areas programs may submit proposals that address specific problems of local communities. Full-time members who complete their service earn an Eli Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans. Members who serve part-time receive a partial Award. Some AmeriCorps members may also receive a modest living allowance during their term of service.

Northern New York Community Foundation

Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.

Micro-Grant Program

The Northern New York Community Foundation's Micro-Grant Program provides support to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for projects that align with the Foundation's mission and demonstrate clear community benefit.

Northern New York Community Foundation

Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.

Potsdam Community Fund

The Potsdam Community Fund is a permanent charitable resource dedicated to enhancing the quality of life throughout the Town and Village of Potsdam. Through annual grantmaking, the fund supports projects and programs that strengthen the community, address emerging needs and opportunities, and improve the lives of local residents. 

Valley Community Foundation

Valley Community Foundation's mission is to inspire philanthropic growth, provide and foster leadership, engage donors, and strengthen the Valley community both now and for future generations. Its vision is a vibrant inclusive Valley that is thriving, collaborative, generous, with a shared sense of community and opportunity.

Valley Needs and Opportunities Grants

It has been the policy of the Valley Community Foundation to make grants in a range from $250 to $10,000 to contribute to and support innovative programs and the urgent needs of our local nonprofits serving the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and/or Shelton, Connecticut.

MissionOur mission is to connect people and resources to address local challenges and opportunities.

Impact AreasThe Community Foundation will prioritize local, mission-aligned grants in impact areas that:

• Address community challenges and opportunities
• Cultivate/maintain community collaboration
• Advance investment in our public spaces and under-resourced neighborhoods
• Maintain a thriving education system from birth through career
• Create a vibrant arts, culture and storytelling environment
• Strive to make Huntington County a more equitable community of choice for all
• Aid in the development of our current and future leaders
• Other impact areas will also be considered.

RequirementsOperational support refers to general organizational expenses such as staffing, administration, and ongoing program delivery, rather than a specific project. 

About Ashland Community Foundation

The community foundation is like the community’s charitable savings account. We pool resources from community members, invest them and then use them to make grants for the betterment of the entire community. We exist to serve donors, nonprofit organizations and the community as a whole. 

We fund programs and projects that improve the quality of life in Ashland County by educating and developing youth and talent; promoting arts, culture and recreational opportunities; meeting needs of Ashland County residents; and positioning our county as a desirable place to live and conduct business.

Quick Action Community Grants

Quick Action Community Grants are competitive grants awarded to 501(c)(3) and other qualifying charitable organizations. These grants support programs and projects that benefit any population in Ashland County.

What it's for: Projects, programs, or equipment needs of $10,000 or less.Limits: Up to two Quick Action Community Grant applications per fiscal year, July 1 through June 30.

About Ashland Community Foundation

The community foundation is like the community’s charitable savings account. We pool resources from community members, invest them and then use them to make grants for the betterment of the entire community. We exist to serve donors, nonprofit organizations and the community as a whole. 

We fund programs and projects that improve the quality of life in Ashland County by educating and developing youth and talent; promoting arts, culture and recreational opportunities; meeting needs of Ashland County residents; and positioning our county as a desirable place to live and conduct business.Quarterly Community Grants

Quarterly Community Grants are competitive grants awarded to 501(c)(3) and other qualifying charitable organizations. These grants support programs and projects that benefit any population in Ashland County.

What it's for:

Larger initiatives, new programs, capital needs, or collaborative projects requiring more than $10,000.Timeline: Applications are accepted four times per year on quarterly deadlines. Limits: Up to two Quarterly Community Grant applications per fiscal year, July 1 through June 30.

Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation

The Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation transforms collective generosity into a permanent source of community support.

Founded in 1999, BHCF works to increase philanthropic giving and establish endowments in the community. BHCF is part of the North Carolina Community Foundation network and is led by a local volunteer advisory board that understands community needs. Grants are made annually to local organizations.

Community Change Grants

Community Change Grants are expected to be $50,000 or more and are designed to support multi-organization partnerships, and/or systems-level or cross-sector initiatives.

Grant applications are open to all eligible charitable organizations and partnerships that seek to improve the quality of life, address identified community needs, and support the long-term strength and resilience of Bertie and Hertford counties. This includes proposals that address the following community needs identified through listening sessions and focus groups held in 2025:

• Education and youth development
• Physical and mental health and well-being
• Employment and workforce development
• Housing

Grant funding may support: 

• General operations 
• Projects or programs 
• Capital projects 
• Capacity building or training and education designed to strengthen an organization’s performance and impact. This could include any training or education for board development, executive or leadership development, and/or fundraising. 
• Collaborative projects, or applications submitted by a new or existing multi-organization partnership to leverage resources, expertise and boost impact. 

Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation

The Bertie-Hertford Community Foundation transforms collective generosity into a permanent source of community support.

Founded in 1999, BHCF works to increase philanthropic giving and establish endowments in the community. BHCF is part of the North Carolina Community Foundation network and is led by a local volunteer advisory board that understands community needs. Grants are made annually to local organizations.

Community Impact Grants

Community Impact Grants are expected to range from $15,000 to $50,000 and are designed to support organizations and/or programs with demonstrated or promising impact, or projects addressing county-wide or multi-community needs.   

Grant applications are open to all eligible charitable organizations and partnerships that seek to improve the quality of life, address identified community needs, and support the long-term strength and resilience of Bertie and Hertford counties. This includes proposals that address the following community needs identified through listening sessions and focus groups held in 2025:

• Education and youth development
• Physical and mental health and well-being
• Employment and workforce development
• Housing

Grant funding may support: 

• General operations 
• Projects or programs 
• Capital projects 
• Capacity building or training and education designed to strengthen an organization’s performance and impact. This could include any training or education for board development, executive or leadership development, and/or fundraising. 
• Collaborative projects, or applications submitted by a new or existing multi-organization partnership to leverage resources, expertise and boost impact. 

Kansas Health Foundation We are an organization full of dedicated individuals who work every day to improve health in the state of Kansas. We dream big, promote bold visions and truly believe that it’s possible for Kansas to someday lead the nation in health.We operate with a three-part purpose statement that explains our overall goals and highest aspirations: 1) To empower Kansas to lead the nation in health; 2) To eliminate the inequities that lead to the greatest health disparities; and, 3) To be THE model of philanthropic impact.Upward Mobility Transformation FundUpward Mobility is the opportunity to stabilize, thrive and build a better future over time. It means that hard work leads to real opportunity, and people have the freedom to make choices about their lives without constantly falling behind.  Kansans have shaped a shared understanding of Upward Mobility through a year-long process of statewide listening, crowdsourcing, data analysis and cross-sector collaboration. Approximately 1,000 Kansans contributed ideas, insights and feedback. This process resulted in the creation of a Blueprint for Upward Mobility—a focused set of strategies to address the key barriers preventing Kansans from getting ahead.KHF is seeking bold, scalable ideas to accelerate the Blueprint. Funded projects will: 

• Advance one of the eleven Blueprint strategies 
• Operate at a regional or statewide level, or clearly serve communities experiencing concentrated economic hardship (*)   
• Launch within one year of receiving funding 
• Catalyze new approaches, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and unlock additional resources. Rather than funding disconnected projects, KHF intends for these grants to contribute to a broader, coordinated movement advancing Upward Mobility across Kansas. 

The Greater Salina Community Foundation's Relationship Based Philanthropy fund offers unrestricted grants to enhance community needs in the Salina area. It supports nonprofit organizations and groups, ensuring that donations create lasting impact through permanently endowed funds. This flexibility allows for addressing diverse charitable projects, making it a vital resource for local improvement. With an emphasis on collaboration, the foundation fosters generosity among donors and nonprofits alike, enriching lives across the region.

Youth Service America

Youth Service America believes that youth, communities, and our democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good. YSA is a leading global nonprofit that activates young people, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and acquire powerful civic and 21st Century skills as they solve problems facing their communities. YSA supports its activation campaigns with grants, training and resources, and recognition programs for young people and their adult champions. Youth-led projects use Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy (ASAP) strategies to create social and environmental change.

Our vision is that youth participation in working together for the common good becomes the common expectation and common experience of all young people in America. Even though youth participation rates are at or near record-high levels, we’re still leaving 3 of every 4 young people out, and participation rates are even lower among youth from underserved low-income communities and communities of color.

We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants

YSA’s We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants are for organizations, schools, and youth changemakers ages 5-25 to lead service projects on or around September 11, 2026. Programming efforts should also honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose in service in response to that tragedy.

This year, YSA will award up to 100 grants of $1,000 each. Grantees are required to engage at least 100 youth as volunteers in planning and implementing the service activities.

Reflecting on the spirit of togetherness that brought people together in the days, weeks, and months after September 11th, we are especially looking for ideas that bring together all members of the community.

The Dane G. Hansen Foundation Community Grant Fund, in partnership with the Greater Salina Community Foundation, supports projects across 26 counties in Northwest Kansas. This grant initiative focuses on enhancing education, healthcare, social services, conservation, arts, and community beautification. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and government organizations, promoting sustainable community development and volunteer involvement, ensuring long-term positive impacts on local quality of life.

P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County – Senior Scholarship Fund

P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County is a group of service-minded youth who meet monthly to organize community projects that benefit Noble County and grant philanthropic dollars to other organizations making an impact. This scholarship is for Noble County high school seniors who are P.U.L.S.E. members and are pursuing a post high school education.

Awards Per Year:

• 4 scholarships

Applicant High School:

• Any high school in the area

Colleges:

• Any accredited college or university

Areas of Study:

• Any

About the FoundationThe Council of Michigan Foundations leads, strengthens and supports Michigan's community of philanthropy by emboldening and equipping CMF members in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems and inclusive diversity, fortifying the field through public policy action, fostering the growth of current and future philanthropy leaders and advancing exemplary philanthropic practices and field expertise. VisionA thriving philanthropic sector leading in the relentless pursuit of equitable systems and inclusive diversity. MissionWe lead, strengthen and support Michigan’s community of philanthropy. 

The GrantAs community foundations leverage new and innovative partnerships and approaches to build more equitable communities for all, CMF’s Community Foundation Committee has revised the endowment funding model to ensure we are effectively supporting community foundations in growing their capacity and leadership. The committee has reserved a pool of funding within the Community Foundation Endowment Fund to inspire and support new ideas and innovative practices in community philanthropy. 

In addition to the existing support offered to CMF community foundation members, funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis for the following priority areas: 

• Advancing Racial Equity: Community foundations may apply for funding to support their needs in addressing racial equity issues. 
• Capacity Building: Community foundations may apply for funding for training or education to increase their capacity. 
• Technical Assistance: Beyond the support already provided for software transitions, training and team-up grants, community foundations can apply for support or other assistance needed to work remotely and adapt amid COVID-19. 

The Ecolab Community Giving Program, supported by the Ecolab Foundation, matches employee donations to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits up to $1,000 annually. This initiative promotes community engagement and supports various focus areas, including youth education, civic development, environmental conservation, and arts. With over $174 million contributed since 1980, Ecolab demonstrates its commitment to enhancing the communities where its employees live and work through impactful philanthropic efforts.

Community GrantsWe believe nobody understands what a community needs better than its residents and the people already at work there. That’s why we offer Community Grants to community groups, nonprofits, schools, faith-based organizations, and other neighborhood anchors.

Community Grants come in four levels:

Spark – Up to $2,000

Small – Up to $5,000

Medium – Below $50,000

Large – Up to $100,000

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

About Us

At the Springfield Community Foundation (SCF), our mission is to connect, engage, and inspire our neighbors to elevate our community. Formed in 2004, SCF became an affiliate fund of Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) in June 2013 and was reinvigorated in 2021 to support the growing need for community betterment and targeted improvement projects in Springfield, Nebraska.As an affiliated fund of MCF, SCF operates under a 501(c)(3) charitable umbrella, allowing donors to receive the maximum tax benefits while making a meaningful impact. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Springfield.SCF supports initiatives that enhance education, arts, wellbeing, and economic development, ensuring that our town remains a thriving place to live, work, and play. 

Mission: The Stamm Koechlein Family Foundation actively serves the communities of our board members, especially Richmond, Indiana and the surrounding areas. We support non-profit community organizations that enhance the vitality of the community, especially for young people.

Our goal is to build, strengthen, and sustain community life by bringing opportunity to youth.

The members of SKFF believe in the importance of their own family ties. By creating a common purpose, we hope to bring our geographically dispersed family members together in the mission of philanthropic giving as well as to create a legacy of generosity.

The Grant: 

• SKFF is most interested in programs and organizations that are highly respected within their communities and can demonstrate volunteer and financial support from the community.
• We wish to partner with organizations to bring about meaningful change in Richmond.
• SKFF is interested in organizations and programs that fit within our mission to build family values and create assets for the community. We believe that assets are not just buildings but the people residing within the community.
• Our goal is to support programs that help young people achieve their highest potential to become contributing citizens within their communities.
• We encourage and support collaboration among our grantees to maximize resources in sustaining programs and achieving outcomes.

County-Wide Basic Needs Grants

The Basic Needs Grant Cycle provides funding to organizations addressing urgent and foundational needs within local communities. This grant is designed to strengthen the safety net for individuals and families experiencing hardship by supporting programs that deliver food, clothing, essential items, and safe shelter. 

Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding. Partial awards may be granted based on project need, available funds, and proposal strength. 

Funding Priorities 

Priority will be given to projects and programs that:

Address Immediate or Chronic Food Insecurity: Including food pantries, meal programs, weekend backpack programs, or other efforts ensuring access to nutritious food. 

Provide Essential Clothing: Programs supplying seasonal clothing, winter gear, or everyday clothing in emergency situations for individuals and families. 

Meet Critical Essential Needs: Initiatives providing hygiene products, household essentials, baby items, transportation assistance, or other core necessities. 

Support Access to Safe Shelter: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, homelessness prevention, and programs improving safety or stability for people without housing. 

Use of Funds 

Allowable costs may include, but not limited to: 

• Food purchases or meal program costs 
• Clothing purchases, supplies, or storage needs 
• Hygiene kits, diapers, and essential household items 
• Emergency shelter operations or upgrades 
• Outreach and distribution costs 
• Personnel time directly tied to program implementation 

Community Support Grant Program

The Cortez City Council endeavor to promote community support organizations through this grant process. Community support organizations may receive grants to support activities and programs that are accessible to the City of Cortez community and encourage the development of healthy community organizations that provide programs for citizen welfare and education in the region. 

Grant requests for $5,000 or less shall be made using the City of Cortez’ grant application.