Best Community Services Grants

The Marilyn and William Young Foundation Grant aims to foster a vibrant community by supporting leadership development, accessible arts experiences, family support systems, and community grants. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on innovative strategies that enhance economic opportunities and well-being. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that impact citizens in Owensboro/Daviess County, and does not support discriminatory practices or funding for operating costs.

The Columbia Basin Foundation Grants support charitable initiatives within Grant, Adams, and Lincoln Counties, offering up to $2,000 per application. The foundation aims to inspire charitable giving that enhances community life, focusing on areas such as youth programs, women and children in crisis, environmental projects, community projects, and animal shelters. To apply, organizations must provide relevant documentation, ensuring funds are directed towards meaningful local impacts.

Med Center Health is a dedicated not-for-profit health system focused on enhancing community well-being and quality of life. It operates several hospitals across Kentucky and offers a range of services, including specialized care in over 50 medical fields. With more than 4,000 employees and a commitment to improving lives, Med Center Health invites organizations aligned with its mission to apply for sponsorship opportunities, fostering community support and healthcare access.

The Republic Bank Grants program supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida that enhance community welfare through various initiatives such as education, healthcare, and civic projects. By providing financial and in-kind donations, Republic Bank aims to strengthen community ties and foster impactful change. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c) status and submit grant requests in writing at least two months in advance, ensuring timely support for their initiatives.

The Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area, focusing on education, health, arts, and community welfare. Established in 2004, the foundation prioritizes projects that enhance community well-being, ensuring grants are awarded to nonprofits with operating budgets under $10 million. Organizations must apply annually and adhere to specific eligibility criteria, including geographical and operational restrictions. The foundation aims to empower local initiatives that promote positive societal impact.

The AmeriCorps State 2026 Competition in Vermont invites applications for funding programs operating in the 2026-2027 Program Year. This annual competition is for single state AmeriCorps programs, with funding decisions announced in April 2026. Applicants can apply for either Competitive or Formula awards, with specific guidelines outlined in the Request for Proposals. Programs must adhere to AmeriCorps Regulations and Vermont state requirements, ensuring compliance and proper funding allocation.

ServeNebraska 

ServeNebraska is the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission. We coordinate community involvement by fellow Nebraskans to address the needs of our communities, and support community members in their volunteer efforts. ServeNebraska coordinates AmeriCorps programming, celebrates volunteer achievements through annual awards, and provides training and technical assistance for AmeriCorps programming.

Mission

Mobilizing Nebraskans to strengthen their communities through volunteering, collaboration, and national service programs.

Our Values

Underlying organizational values define the attitude of ServeNebraska in implementing its mission and serving our state.  Our core values in guiding us include:

• Communication - Build and maintain relationships.
• Integrity - Do the right thing, practice good stewardship and model and require compliance.
• Inclusion - Reach out, invite and collaborate across the state.
• Excellence - Embrace high standards, appropriate action and results.

AmeriCorps Competitive Grant

The AmeriCorps Notice of Funding seeks to award AmeriCorps grants to eligible community organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities (e.g., based on the proposed program’s performance and evaluation data or research demonstrating the effectiveness of similar intervention) to address state and local community problems.

Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH) offers two community nonprofit grants to support projects addressing urgent needs, bold ventures, or new solutions to ongoing challenges. With each grant award set at $36,250, eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in specific counties of WV, VA, and MD can apply. WISH is committed to fostering women's philanthropy and creating impactful change within the community and Shepherd University. The funding promotes accessibility and innovation in nonprofit initiatives.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

The Story County Community Foundation offers the McCallsburg, Iowa Legacy Grant to enhance community well-being. This grant is aimed at nonprofit organizations and government entities in McCallsburg, focusing on projects that directly benefit local residents. Funding is subject to the available balance of the McCallsburg Legacy Fund. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote art, education, health, and community welfare while fostering an inclusive environment. For inquiries regarding eligibility and funding amounts, contact the Foundation directly.

The AmeriCorps Program Grant in Wyoming supports non-profits in hosting AmeriCorps members to serve communities in need. This grant facilitates the development of impactful programs across various sectors, including education and healthcare. Organizations must submit a concept paper to outline their proposed projects and member needs. By engaging volunteers, the grant aims to foster community resilience and create meaningful service opportunities for individuals, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in Wyoming.

The AmeriCorps State Competitive Program Grant in Wisconsin empowers organizations to engage AmeriCorps members in addressing critical community needs through service and volunteering. It focuses on enhancing community resilience by funding direct service and capacity-building activities. Priority is given to organizations serving marginalized populations and those focused on youth mental health, veterans' support, environmental stewardship, and reducing community polarization. This initiative fosters civic engagement and strengthens local communities across Wisconsin.

The AmeriCorps Oregon Planning Grants offer funding to assist organizations in developing new AmeriCorps programs that tackle community challenges. These cost-reimbursement grants provide essential resources for planning and capacity building. Successful applicants receive training and technical assistance from OregonServes, enhancing their ability to implement compliant programs. By completing the planning grant, organizations will be better positioned to apply for fully-funded AmeriCorps grants in the future. Applications are accepted year-round with a final deadline of December 29.

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

2025-2026 AmeriCorps State Competitive Funding

Competitive State grants help place members in service in Oregon and will be part of the AmeriCorps Oregon portfolio. Oregon considers applications for submission to AmeriCorps as part of a national competition.

Increase your organization's impact and reach in the community with an AmeriCorps program.

AmeriCorps provides program grant funding to eligible organizations to address their community's most pressing needs. Competitive grant applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements: 

• Be a nonprofit, government agency, school, or community and/or faith-based organization 
• Request AmeriCorps members to serve only in Oregon 
• Be able to support the equivalent of 5 full-time members in the first year of operation, with a plan to increase it to 10 full-time members by the fourth year. 

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

2025-2026 AmeriCorps Formula Grant Opportunity

As the AmeriCorps State Service Commission in Oregon, OregonServes (OSC) administers state AmeriCorps Program Grants. The AmeriCorps Formula Funding Grant Opportunity is funded through OSC’s AmeriCorps State Formula Funding Allocation and provides grant funding for two types of AmeriCorps program models: (i) Formula Cost-Reimbursement Grants and (ii) Formula Fixed Amount Grants. These grants are awarded to organizations that propose to place AmeriCorps members in service solely within Oregon.

• New AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • New Applicants may apply for a new three-year award under this RFA (Cost Reimbursement only, new programs are not eligible for Fixed Amount Grants).
• Continuation AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • Organizations that have current AmeriCorps awards that do not end in the 2025-26 program year must submit a continuation Application to be eligible to receive funding for the following year.
• Recompeting AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Applications
  • Current OSC-funded programs with a three-year funding cycle that ends in the 2025-26 program year are considered to be in “recompete” status. These Applicants may apply for a new three-year award under this RFA. 

The POET Community Impact Grant is a one-time funding opportunity aimed at supporting local nonprofits, schools, churches, and environmentally focused groups. It encourages innovative projects that enhance community welfare, education, and sustainability efforts. Open to organizations and individuals near POET's facilities, this grant reflects POET's commitment to fostering positive change and community development through collaboration and creativity.

The Phoenix Club of Nashville Grant supports nonprofits making a positive impact on the lives of children in Middle Tennessee. Founded in 2001, the Phoenix Club has a legacy of fundraising for local charities, having raised millions for various causes. To apply, interested organizations can complete an initial request questionnaire available on their website. This opportunity allows nonprofits to connect with a network of leaders dedicated to community service and enhancement.

The Clabough Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in North Carolina and Oregon that promote environmental stewardship and regional arts. The foundation prioritizes projects that provide community benefits in areas such as social services, education, and cultural initiatives. Grants are available to established, tax-exempt organizations that align with the foundation's mission. For detailed application guidelines and eligibility criteria, please refer to the foundation's official website.

The Vatterott Foundation offers grants to organizations in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area focusing on four key areas: alleviating poverty, enhancing education, promoting public welfare, and supporting religious advancement. Applications are accepted yearly with specific deadlines. Eligible organizations must align with the Foundation's goals and practices, ensuring their proposals are for general operations, capital campaigns, or program support. Note that grants are not available for individuals.

The Community Fund Grants, managed by the Heritage Fund of Bartholomew County, support local organizations with over $700,000 annually. These grants aim to foster innovative solutions, community collaborations, and sustainable projects in areas like Youth Development and Arts. Organizations are encouraged to submit a letter of intent and application to secure funding, while the foundation prioritizes impactful initiatives that benefit a broad segment of the community.

The Tulsa Area United Way's Social Innovations Grant provides one-time funding for 501(c)(3) organizations to test innovative ideas that enhance services, improve internal capacity, and address community gaps. It aims to support proposals that are creative, impactful, and focus on key areas like Youth Opportunity and Community Resiliency. This competitive grant also prioritizes applications addressing significant inequities and those that seek to learn and grow from the proposed activities.

The PACF Mini Grants program, established by the Parsons Area Community Foundation, provides crucial financial support to non-profit projects within a 25-mile radius of Parsons. With awards typically not exceeding $2,500, the program empowers schools, churches, government entities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits to implement impactful initiatives. This initiative, funded by the Pete & Mary Hughes Impact Fund, aims to strengthen community ties and enhance the quality of life for local residents, ensuring lasting benefits for future generations.

The Sierra Grant Program, initiated by Bank of the Sierra, aims to enhance community welfare since 2004 by providing grants to nonprofits and governmental organizations. Focus areas include community services, affordable housing, economic development, and revitalization of low-to-moderate income areas. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring that impactful projects can receive timely support to improve the quality of life for families and individuals in the communities served.

Better Health Together (BHT) is committed to enhancing community wellness through sponsorships. By collaborating with over 100 organizations in eastern Washington, BHT addresses critical health issues and supports events that elevate community voices. Organizations seeking funding should submit applications at least 6–8 weeks prior to their event to ensure timely review. BHT values partnerships that align with its mission and aims to invest in innovative solutions for community health challenges.

The EA Infrastructure Fund Grant supports projects that enhance effective altruism by improving access to talent, capital, and knowledge. With grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $200,000, it welcomes applications from individuals, nonprofits, and academic institutions worldwide. However, individuals must ensure their projects conclude by August 31, 2025. The fund aims to amplify the impact of direct charitable work and foster a community committed to effective altruism principles.

The Mary Alice Arakelian Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in the greater Newburyport area. Established in the 1960s by Nicholas Arakelian in memory of his wife, this foundation aims to provide essential funding to registered 501(c)(3) organizations, helping them fulfill their missions and contribute positively to the community.

The David and Marilyn Krupnick Foundation Grant offers funding to non-profit organizations that benefit children and families in need, focusing on medical care, educational advancement, and social interaction. Preference is given to projects in the Delaware Valley area. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000 and applications are accepted annually until February 28. The foundation aims to provide direct support to impactful charitable initiatives.