Best Community Services Grants

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.

MissionThe St. Ignace Area Community Foundation is a not for profit corporation designed to meet and enhance the needs of the community. The foundation provides an opportunity for charitable giving as well as the ability to create a legacy that will last. Your gifts to the Foundation create permanent endowments, from which earnings created annually provide positive impact to our community, thus, "For Good, For Ever."The Grant Grants are usually given one time only, for specific purposes with the understanding that the Foundation has no obligation or commitment to provide any additional support to the grantee. No project will be funded more than once over a 12-month period.

St. Ignace Area Community Foundation

The St. Ignace Area Community Foundation (SIACF) was established in 1995 by a group of concerned citizens who recognized a need and found access to some matching grant funds to enhance the initial contributions to the SIACF. Organized as a member of the Community Foundations of the Upper Peninsula (CFUP), Jack Swope, Fred Stearns, and Dr. A.D. (Don) McKinnon secured an anonymous contribution establishing the Education Enhancement Fund and a contribution from the local American Legion Post establishing the American Legion Fund as the initial Funds within SIACF.

Community Service Scholarship

The St. Ignace Community Fund annually awards scholarships assisting students with higher education based largely on acknowledgement of student responsibility, community service, and civic involvement. These Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors to the various accounts within the St. Ignace Area Community Fund. Some accounts specifically are awarded to recognize higher education in the areas of special education, teaching, law enforcement, and health care.  

MissionA catalyst for charitable giving where civic-minded individuals, families, and businesses achieve philanthropic goals. We bridge resources and needs to enhance the dynamic communities we serve.VisionCreating a legacy of enrichment that impacts generations to come.Core Values

• Integrity
• Stewardship 
• Community

The Grant Community Foundation of East Mississippi awards grants through several competitive application processes each year. (Cycle 1, Cycle 2, Cycle 3). You are able to apply in each grant cycle.

• Cycle 1 : Education, Arts 
• Cycle 2: Animal Welfare, Education Mini-Grants, Environment/Historic Preservation
• Cycle 3: Community, Leadership, Health and Human Services

The Diaper Distribution Demonstration Research Pilot (DDDRP), funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, aims to provide essential diaper supplies to low-income families. With $29 million available, the program will evaluate partnerships between community organizations to enhance diaper distribution and improve family health and economic stability. Activities include training, bulk purchasing, and referrals to supportive services, ensuring families receive the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Community Foundation Serving Howard : Impact Grants

This opportunity invites you to pursue a bold, high-impact initiative that could significantly strengthen outcomes for our communities. 

The Community Foundation of Howard County is excited to announce the release of its 2026 Impact Grant Opportunity. This unique, one-time funding opportunity invites nonprofit organizations serving Howard County to dream boldly by asking one inspiring question: What would it take to elevate your impact? Many organizations have ideas that could meaningfully enhance services, expand reach, or solve persistent challenges, but require resources beyond their annual operating budgets. This opportunity invites you to pursue a bold, high-impact initiative that could significantly strengthen outcomes for the community. We encourage applicants to envision projects that move our community forward in meaningful and innovative ways. What could your organization achieve with $100,000 or more?

How much should you request?

• Total funding pool: $1,500,000
• Minimum grant request: $100,000
• No formal maximum; however, requests should reflect true costs
• Multiple awards are anticipated

Innovation Grants

Our Madison Rotary Foundation's Innovation Grants Program includes one-time grants of up to $5,000 intended to encourage not-for-profit organizations within the greater Madison area to try new things, inspire change and creativity, and foster new approaches to community challenges. We encourage you to innovate ways to enable your organization to better serve those in need.

Innovations might include exploring the validity of potential new services, programs, efficiencies, alliances, or service areas; reaching new demographics, or improving the delivery of existing services. Other innovation types will also be considered.

WFM Rural Leveraging Matching Grants

Open year-round.

Rural Leveraging Matching Grants are for our organizations or municipalities based in or serving counties within CFM’s rural footprint. Those in counties with populations of under 50,000 may submit a letter of interest asking CFM to consider a grant for up to 50% of the required match necessary for an anticipated, awarded or obligated grant, including but not limited to, a state or federal grant. CFM believes this grant can fill a gap in traditional philanthropic funding by investing in projects that have had community support but may not otherwise be accomplished without additional resources.

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that was created through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and is administered at the State and territory level. CSBG funding supports activities that help to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower low-income families and individuals to become self-sufficient. In Massachusetts, CSBG funding is at the core of a network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) which mobilize resources and communities to fight poverty. Through CSBG support, CAAs can respond to the causes and conditions of poverty by delivering services and strategies tailored to meet priority needs unique to their communities.

 Wayne Community Foundation

The Wayne Community Foundation is an organization designed to assist and benefit the citizens of Wayne County. The goal is to provide an efficient entity to accept and administer funds in the manner prescribed by each donor.

Wayne Community Foundation is affiliated with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, a nationally certified foundation.

Seeds for Success Grant

The Wayne Community Foundation plays a key role in providing significant funding to projects that strengthen the Wayne County community. We have intentionally created this grant making cycle to award a grant that will have a major significant impact in the Wayne County community. Seeds of Success projects must demonstrate how they will serve as a catalyst, go above and beyond, and bring innovation to all of Wayne County.

The Seeds for Success Grant is awarded to help large projects get started or completed. 

The JLB Beeson Community Fund, established by the Junior League of Birmingham, focuses on empowering women and children in the Birmingham area through grants aimed at systemic change. Funded by a legacy from Lucille Stewart Beeson, it supports initiatives in health, education, and community well-being. The fund prioritizes projects that address critical needs and foster partnerships, while avoiding support for individuals or operational expenses. Collaborative efforts that leverage additional resources are highly encouraged.

The Crossroads Fund’s Giving Project is a unique initiative that blends philanthropy with grassroots organizing. Over the past decade, cohorts have raised over $1 million in grants to support social, racial, and economic justice in Chicago. Participants, comprising a diverse group of volunteers, learn about community-led grantmaking while directly engaging with potential grantees. This hands-on program empowers individuals to apply their skills and resources to support impactful local organizations through one-year operating grants.

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 Daniel Foundation of Alabama offers Special Project Grants aimed at substantial capital projects, new programming, or strategic expansions that significantly enhance community life. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 public charities and can only apply again after a two-year hiatus. These grants are not intended for ongoing operational costs. The foundation's mission is to support initiatives that improve the quality of life for Alabama citizens through healthy and educational advancements.

The Do Something Great Awards celebrate individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact in Macon County. Sponsored by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation for 22 years, the Award of Excellence in Inclusion honors those advancing diversity and inclusion. Nominations should showcase ongoing commitments to these values and advocate for underrepresented populations, highlighting specific contributions and community involvement. The 2026 honorees will be revealed in February.

The Do Something Great Awards, presented by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, recognize extraordinary individuals who have significantly impacted Macon County through their dedication and service. This award, specifically honoring the Ray Batman Nonprofit Professional of the Year, celebrates professionals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community support, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic. Renamed in memory of Ray Batman, a revered community leader, the award continues to inspire others to contribute to societal betterment.

The Robert B. Daugherty Foundation Grant supports tax-exempt organizations engaging in charitable, scientific, cultural, religious, or educational activities, with a focus on projects benefiting Nebraska, especially Omaha. Core values include passion, integrity, and accountability. The foundation seeks impactful projects with effective leadership and sound operations. Grants can be one-time, multi-year, or program-specific, and preference is given to those with matching funds. The foundation emphasizes ethical practices and community investment.

The Robert B. Daugherty Foundation Grant aims to support tax-exempt organizations in Nebraska, particularly in the Omaha area, that focus on charitable, educational, cultural, or scientific activities. With a strong commitment to integrity and accountability, the Foundation seeks projects that demonstrate effective leadership and community needs. Grants can be one-time or multi-year commitments, with preference for those leveraging matching funds, ensuring a significant impact on community development.

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.