Diversity Grants for Nonprofits
501(c)(3) Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in the USA
Supporting DEI is more important than ever. Find diversity grants for nonprofits for your organization here. This compiled list of diversity grants for nonprofits will help you start finding funding for your 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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100 Diversity grants for nonprofits in the United States for your nonprofit
From private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.
64
Diversity Grants for Nonprofits over $5K in average grant size
20
Diversity Grants for Nonprofits supporting general operating expenses
78
Diversity Grants for Nonprofits supporting programs / projects
Diversity Grants for Nonprofits by location
Africa
Alabama
Alaska
American Samoa
Arizona
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Colorado
Connecticut
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Georgia (US state)
Guam
Haiti
Hawaii
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Dakota
Northern Mariana Islands
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
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Tennessee
United States Minor Outlying Islands
Utah
Vermont
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Washington
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Wyoming
View More
Explore grants for your nonprofit:
Rolling deadline
Dorsey & Whitney Foundation Grant
Dorsey & Whitney Foundation
Unspecified amount
NOTE: The Foundation board meets twice year (usually in May and November) to consider grant requests.
Dorsey & Whitney Foundation
The Dorsey & Whitney Foundation was formed in 1982 by partners of Dorsey & Whitney LLP committed to supporting charitable causes in the communities where Dorsey attorneys and their families live and work.
The Foundation is a tax exempt organization funded primarily by Dorsey partners. It supports a wide variety of organizations, programs and projects that contribute to the cultural, civic, educational and social welfare of our communities, with particular emphasis on organizations that provide legal services to the disadvantaged and organizations in which Dorsey partners and other attorneys participate actively as board members and volunteers. The organizations supported by the Foundation reflect the diversity of interests and talents of Dorsey attorneys, as well as the depth of commitment of Dorsey attorneys to the well-being and cultural vitality of their communities.
Each year, the Foundation makes direct grants to approximately 200 organizations across North America, in addition to supporting hundreds more organizations through its partner and non-partner attorney matching program.
Rolling deadline
Kars4Kids Small Grant Program
Kars4Kids
US $500 - US $2,000
The Kars4Kids Small Grant Program is dedicated to supporting educational initiatives around the world, helping us impact more children.
Causes We Care About
We’re passionate about helping children develop into productive members of their community.
- Youth Development
- Mentorship
- Education
Our Impact
Through our small grant program, we've helped likeminded charities ensure a brighter future for children & their families.
Our Mission
We’re a national Jewish nonprofit that provides year-round educational and mentoring opportunities and support to develop youth into productive and engaged members of society. Our small grant program enables us to expand our reach to more diverse populations by lending support to local charities doing great work for the children in their communities.
How it works
Are you a 501c3 lay organization with a central focus of doing original work on behalf of America’s children? We want to hear from you. Grants typically range from $500-$2,000, depending on such factors as mission alignment and availability of funds.
Our committee considers each application seriously. Due to the large number of requests we receive, it may take up to 4 months for you to hear from us with a determination. We may not respond to your application if it does not meet our criteria for consideration. Determination is made on a case-by-case basis, depending on factors like mission alignment and availability of funds.
Rolling deadline
The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program
Bank Of America Charitable Foundation Inc
Unspecified amount
We have strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country that are working to advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Our focus areas include basic needs like food and housing, workforce development and education, and community development. In addition to our philanthropic investments, we also encourage our employees to make a difference by offering robust employee giving and volunteering programs, including the opportunity to direct funds to organizations they support through volunteer efforts, and a matching gifts program that doubles their individual giving to causes they care about. Last year, we invested $350 million in the communities we serve, and employees contributed more than 1 million volunteer hours and directed $65 million through individual giving and matching gifts to support nonprofits.Through our regional U.S. sponsorships, we support the economic, social and cultural life of the places we live and work. We provide an extensive program of arts and sports sponsorships to help maintain vibrant, healthy communities.Sponsorships supporting communitiesBank of America welcomes your sponsorship proposal for opportunities that make our communities a better place to live and work. We are particularly interested in providing support to address needs vital to the health of our communities through a focus on:
- preserving neighborhoods;
- educating the workforce for 21st century jobs;
- addressing critical needs such as hunger and emergency shelter;
- arts and culture;
- the environment; and
- diversity and inclusion programs.
Rolling deadline
UPS Foundation Grant
Ups Foundation Inc
Unspecified amount
Note: UPS does not accept or respond to unsolicited grant proposals. Nonprofit funding is determined in one of two ways: The UPS Foundation solicits grant proposals from preeminent organizations within our focus areas or through a recommendation made by a UPS employee who is actively volunteering with the agency. The best way for your organization to be considered for funding by UPS is to engage UPS volunteers and then ask them to log their volunteer hours in the Neighbor-to-Neighbor tracking system. Any hours logged are open for funding opportunities by our local offices.
The Logistics of Caring
UPS founder Jim Casey established The UPS Foundation in 1951 with a mission to help build stronger, safer and more resilient communities around the world. And that's exactly what we've been doing for more than 60 years now.
To us, giving means more than writing a check. It means combining employees' skill, passion and time with our logistics expertise, transportation assets and charitable donations to make a measurable difference in society. In 2016, we invested nearly 2.7 million volunteer hours and more than $116 million dollars into our global communities.
As our communities continue to grow and evolve, so do we. The Foundation's current philanthropic approach focuses on four areas that represent the purpose of our mission and reflect UPS's corporate values and expertise.
Focusing Our Efforts
Diversity & Inclusion
UPS’s longstanding policies and inclusive culture make it one of the most diverse companies in the world. We know an internal focus isn’t enough, and so The UPS Foundation also supports community efforts to provide diverse populations with advancement opportunities.
Volunteerism
UPS employees are passionate about making the world a better place, which is why they volunteered more than 2.7 million hours in local communities with their favorite nonprofit organizations last year. The UPS Foundation provides those organizations with the operational expertise, leadership development and technology enhancements they need to tackle today's societal challenges.
Community Safety
UPS aims to make the world a safer place by using our company's logistics expertise and training to teach safety practices in the local and global communities we serve. The UPS Foundation supports these efforts by creating and funding programs focused on road safety and humanitarian relief and resilience. In 2016, The UPS Foundation donated $13 million in financial and in-kind contributions to organizations that embody community safety.
Environmental Sustainability
Every day, UPS delivers nearly 17 million packages by air, land and sea. We’re constantly operating within the environment, so it’s important that we do our part to preserve and protect it, long-term.
To do so, The UPS Foundation provides financial and employee volunteer support to environmental programs with a focus on reforestation and conservation, carbon reduction efforts and environmental research/education.
Full proposal dueJul 7, 2023
Park Foundation Grants: Media, Environment, & Animal Welfare
Park Foundation, Inc.
Unspecified amount
NOTE: Letters of Inquiry (LOI) are accepted at any time. Once an LOI is submitted, please do not submit a full proposal, due at the next deadline date above, unless contacted by a staff member.
About Us
The Park Foundation was formed in 1966. Its original focus was on education and grant-making in communities where Park Communications had interests. When he died in 1993, Mr. Park bequeathed more than 70 percent of his holdings to the Foundation.
The Foundation is dedicated to the aid and support of education, public broadcasting, environment, and other selected areas of interest to the Park family. Scholarship programs have been established in Mr. Park’s name at the two institutions with which he was so close — Ithaca College and North Carolina State University. The two scholarship programs emphasize academic excellence, leadership, and community service — in keeping with Mr. Park’s values. Public broadcasting is a particularly meaningful recipient of funding because the Foundation had its origin in the world of communications. More recently, the Foundation’s interest in environmental causes has been refined to focus on issues of freshwater, particularly in the eastern United States.
Media
The Foundation supports public interest media that raises awareness of critical environmental, political and social issues to promote a better informed citizenry in the U.S. It supports quality, non-commercial media that is substantive, fair, and accurate. Program priorities include investigative journalism, media policy and public broadcasting.
Investigative Journalism
Supports excellence in reporting on nationally-significant public affairs issues in the U.S. Competitive proposals will show evidence of groundbreaking content employing multi-platform media tools with potential to achieve broad distribution and social impact.
Media Policy
Supports nationally-significant initiatives that promote fair and open media systems and policies in the U.S. The Foundation supports projects that advance universal access to communications, a "neutral" Internet, diverse and independent ownership, public interest media and the future of journalism.
Public Broadcasting
Supports nationally distributed and aired television and radio programming. Preference is given to in-depth, investigative reporting projects that include diverse, public interest voices and perspectives.
Documentary Films
Supports a very limited number of small grants to individual documentary projects related to civil society and democracy, environment and animal welfare. Requests for funding greatly exceed available resources and preference is given to projects with wide distribution and community engagement. Prior to submitting a proposal, prospective applicants should contact the Foundation via phone or e-mail to determine appropriate fit. Please be prepared to provide information regarding content and treatment, distribution, outreach, budget, funding sources (and fiscal sponsorship as appropriate).
Media projects are also funded in the Foundation's Environment program.
Environment
The Foundation’s Environment Program has two major interests:
- To ensure drinking water is clean, affordable, and accessible, protected and managed as a public necessity; and
- To challenge continued shale gas extraction and infrastructure expansion.
Drinking Water
The Foundation supports efforts on a national scale or in New York State that promote: strong and enforced water policies; increased investment in publicly owned and operated water infrastructure; empowerment of communities and individuals to exercise their rights to protect drinking water resources; and reduced consumption of bottled water.
On a limited basis, the Foundation is exploring opportunities to support organizing and advocacy at the national scale to address lead in drinking water.
Energy
The Foundation supports statewide efforts in New York that decrease reliance on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, by challenging the expansion of its infrastructure, including pipelines, compressor stations and new natural gas power plants. The Foundation will also consider requests that will help shift the state’s energy needs away from conventional fossil fuel sources and toward a clean energy system that is accessible, affordable and protective of citizens’ health.
Types of Activities Funded
The Foundation is interested in catalyzing action and is willing to consider diverse approaches that raise awareness and offer solutions to drinking water and energy concerns, including, but not limited to, policy development, advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility.
Additionally, the Foundation will consider support for investigative reporting outlets that raise awareness and provide new information on drinking water and shale gas energy issues. Stories may be national in scope, but funding is generally targeted to coverage of issues that are relevant to New York State.
Other
Other environmental grants that cover additional geographic and issue areas are made at the Foundation's initiative and the scope of these interests is separate from these guidelines. Please contact the Foundation for more information.
Animal Welfare
The Foundation supports nationally-significant efforts to ensure the humane treatment, care and well-being of domestic animals and the protection and conservation of endangered wildlife and wildlife in captivity in the U.S. The program supports innovative, comprehensive, solution-oriented models that lead to systemic change, reduce suffering, and foster a more compassionate society.
In addition, the Foundation has decided to focus on the following specific areas:
- Organizing, education, legal advocacy, and power building in support of endangered wildlife and significant national policies that are protective of endangered species and related ecosystems;
- Indigenous wildlife management practices;
- Maintaining support for existing partner sanctuaries caring for great apes; and]
- National and regional efforts to preserve the following species/groups and related habitats:
- Pollinators
- Wolves
- Whales
- Birds
The Park Foundation has committed to providing support to the Tompkins County SPCA, which is located in the community where the Foundation offices are located, as the sole support for companion animals.
Applications dueJul 15, 2023
Alkermes Inspiration Grants
Alkermes
Unspecified amount
Alkermes Inspiration Grants®
Alkermes is currently accepting applications for its Alkermes Inspiration Grants® program. This competitive grants program will provide up to a total of $500,000 in grants to assist nonprofit organizations in their work to address the needs of people living with addiction, serious mental illness or cancer. This program will prioritize funding for proposals that are designed to address the needs of historically under-resourced or underrepresented communities.
The program will support innovative and impactful initiatives designed to address acute and long-term challenges for people living with the diseases in our therapeutic areas of focus. As in previous years, proposals that are designed to address the needs of historically under-resourced or underrepresented communities will be prioritized for funding.
Areas of Interest
Alkermes is interested in funding programs that are designed to address challenges for people living with alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, melanoma or ovarian cancer and which promote health equity for diverse communities.
Applicants are encouraged to be creative and innovative in proposing new programs that will make a difference for patient communities. The committee will also consider significant expansions and improvements to existing programs, and/or the resumption of truly innovative programming with a proven track record that was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following examples describe some, but not all, areas of interest:
- New and innovative programs to address the needs of people affected by alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, melanoma or ovarian cancer
- Substantially reworking, improving or enhancing support or resources (e.g., helplines, mobile outreach)
- Addressing the unique needs of caregivers in one or more of the disease areas listed above
- Innovative efforts to meet educational needs of patients, their families and caregivers in historically under-resourced or underrepresented communities to help advance health equity
- Education and/or support to help people living with addiction and/or serious mental illness return to work and/or transition out of criminal justice settings
Letter of inquiry dueOct 22, 2023
Thriving Communities: National and International Environmental Grantmaking
The New York Community Trust
Up to US $60,000
National Environment
Program goals: to mitigate climate change; make communities more resilient to climate change; protect public health from the hazards of toxic chemicals and pollutants; and preserve biological diversity.
Grants are made to promote more environmentally sustainable, resilient, and just communities that:
- Mitigate climate change by:
- promoting energy efficiency and alternative sources of energy for buildings;
- shifting to electric or low-emission vehicles and greater use of mass transit;
- promoting a smarter, more resilient grid and distributed (on site) generation;
- reducing emissions from existing fossil fuel-powered facilities and extraction activities; and
- establishing regional programs, performance standards, and regulations that help reduce emissions.
- Make communities, especially the most disadvantaged, more resilient to a changing climate by:
- creating infrastructure that reduces storm-water run-off and absorbs storm surges;
- protecting shoreline communities by conserving or enhancing natural barriers;
- encouraging more sustainable building design and land use through policy reforms; and
- better planning and preparation for weather-related emergencies, especially for low-income and other vulnerable residents.
- Protect public health from the hazards of toxic pollutants by:
- supporting targeted scientific research that can be used to develop policy;
- promoting safer chemical and heavy metal policies and practices, especially for infants, children and other vulnerable people;
- eliminating toxic chemicals from products through market campaigns focused on retailers and manufacturers;
- enhancing protections for low-income communities near polluting facilities; and
- minimizing the hazards of new and expanded fossil fuel extraction on nearby communities.
- Preserve biological diversity through habitat conservation by:
- establishing, enhancing, and monitoring wildlife migration corridors; and
- supporting functional connectivity between fragmented habitat that enables species to move and live safely.
We encourage initiatives that cut across these program areas, especially those focused on smart growth, sustainable agriculture and regional food systems, and sustainable production.
International Environment
Each year, we make only two or three international grants to U.S. organizations that are building the capacity of government, academic institutions, private sector entities, and nonprofits to:
- Protect biodiversity;
- Improve environmental health; and
- Reduce greenhouse gases around the world.
Applications dueMar 15, 2024
AARP Community Challenge Grant
AARP Foundation
US $500 - US $50,000
AARP Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. In 2023, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities, two of which are new this year.
Flagship Grants
The flagship AARP Community Challenge grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. Since 2017, AARP has funded projects ranging from $500 to $50,000 with an average grant amount of $11,900 (83 percent of grants have been under $20,000.) AARP reserves the right to award compelling projects of any dollar amount.
We are accepting applications for projects that benefit residents — especially those age 50 and older. Projects can:
- Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities
- Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, and access to public and private transit
- Support housing options that increases the availability of accessible and affordable choices
- Ensure a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community;
- Increase digital connections by expanding high-speed internet and enhancing digital literacy skills of residents
- Support community resilience through investments that improve disaster management, preparedness and mitigation for residents
- Increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion
- Improve community health and economic empowerment in support of financial well-being and improved health outcomes
NEW! Capacity-Building Microgrants
By combining $2,500 grants with additional resources — such as webinars, AARP Livable Communities publications, cohort learning opportunities and/or up to two hours of one-on-one coaching with leading national organizations — this new grant opportunity will benefit residents (especially those age 50 or older) in the following categories:
- Walkability: Implement a walk audit to assess and enhance the safety and walkability of a street or neighborhood with support from America Walks, using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit.
- Community Gardens: Start or enhance a community garden with support from 880 Cities, using the new AARP publication Creating Community Gardens for People of All Ages.
NEW! Demonstration Grants
By supporting demonstration efforts that encourage the replication of promising local efforts, this new grant opportunity will benefit residents (especially those age 50 and older) by:
- Advancing solutions that build capacity towards transportation systems change. This opportunity for grant funding of approximately $30,000 to $50,000 per project is sponsored by Toyota Motor North America.
- Implementing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design competitions that increase public understanding of this housing option and encourage the implementation of ADU supportive policies. This opportunity for grant funding will provide approximately $10,000 to $15,000 per project.
Diversity Grants for Nonprofits over $5K in average grant size
Diversity Grants for Nonprofits supporting general operating expenses
Diversity Grants for Nonprofits supporting programs / projects
Dorsey & Whitney Foundation Grant
Dorsey & Whitney Foundation
NOTE: The Foundation board meets twice year (usually in May and November) to consider grant requests.
Dorsey & Whitney Foundation
The Dorsey & Whitney Foundation was formed in 1982 by partners of Dorsey & Whitney LLP committed to supporting charitable causes in the communities where Dorsey attorneys and their families live and work.
The Foundation is a tax exempt organization funded primarily by Dorsey partners. It supports a wide variety of organizations, programs and projects that contribute to the cultural, civic, educational and social welfare of our communities, with particular emphasis on organizations that provide legal services to the disadvantaged and organizations in which Dorsey partners and other attorneys participate actively as board members and volunteers. The organizations supported by the Foundation reflect the diversity of interests and talents of Dorsey attorneys, as well as the depth of commitment of Dorsey attorneys to the well-being and cultural vitality of their communities.
Each year, the Foundation makes direct grants to approximately 200 organizations across North America, in addition to supporting hundreds more organizations through its partner and non-partner attorney matching program.
Kars4Kids Small Grant Program
Kars4Kids
The Kars4Kids Small Grant Program is dedicated to supporting educational initiatives around the world, helping us impact more children.
Causes We Care About
We’re passionate about helping children develop into productive members of their community.
- Youth Development
- Mentorship
- Education
Our Impact
Through our small grant program, we've helped likeminded charities ensure a brighter future for children & their families.
Our Mission
We’re a national Jewish nonprofit that provides year-round educational and mentoring opportunities and support to develop youth into productive and engaged members of society. Our small grant program enables us to expand our reach to more diverse populations by lending support to local charities doing great work for the children in their communities.
How it works
Are you a 501c3 lay organization with a central focus of doing original work on behalf of America’s children? We want to hear from you. Grants typically range from $500-$2,000, depending on such factors as mission alignment and availability of funds.
Our committee considers each application seriously. Due to the large number of requests we receive, it may take up to 4 months for you to hear from us with a determination. We may not respond to your application if it does not meet our criteria for consideration. Determination is made on a case-by-case basis, depending on factors like mission alignment and availability of funds.
The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program
Bank Of America Charitable Foundation Inc
- preserving neighborhoods;
- educating the workforce for 21st century jobs;
- addressing critical needs such as hunger and emergency shelter;
- arts and culture;
- the environment; and
- diversity and inclusion programs.
UPS Foundation Grant
Ups Foundation Inc
Note: UPS does not accept or respond to unsolicited grant proposals. Nonprofit funding is determined in one of two ways: The UPS Foundation solicits grant proposals from preeminent organizations within our focus areas or through a recommendation made by a UPS employee who is actively volunteering with the agency. The best way for your organization to be considered for funding by UPS is to engage UPS volunteers and then ask them to log their volunteer hours in the Neighbor-to-Neighbor tracking system. Any hours logged are open for funding opportunities by our local offices.
The Logistics of Caring
UPS founder Jim Casey established The UPS Foundation in 1951 with a mission to help build stronger, safer and more resilient communities around the world. And that's exactly what we've been doing for more than 60 years now.
To us, giving means more than writing a check. It means combining employees' skill, passion and time with our logistics expertise, transportation assets and charitable donations to make a measurable difference in society. In 2016, we invested nearly 2.7 million volunteer hours and more than $116 million dollars into our global communities.
As our communities continue to grow and evolve, so do we. The Foundation's current philanthropic approach focuses on four areas that represent the purpose of our mission and reflect UPS's corporate values and expertise.
Focusing Our Efforts
Diversity & Inclusion
UPS’s longstanding policies and inclusive culture make it one of the most diverse companies in the world. We know an internal focus isn’t enough, and so The UPS Foundation also supports community efforts to provide diverse populations with advancement opportunities.
Volunteerism
UPS employees are passionate about making the world a better place, which is why they volunteered more than 2.7 million hours in local communities with their favorite nonprofit organizations last year. The UPS Foundation provides those organizations with the operational expertise, leadership development and technology enhancements they need to tackle today's societal challenges.
Community Safety
UPS aims to make the world a safer place by using our company's logistics expertise and training to teach safety practices in the local and global communities we serve. The UPS Foundation supports these efforts by creating and funding programs focused on road safety and humanitarian relief and resilience. In 2016, The UPS Foundation donated $13 million in financial and in-kind contributions to organizations that embody community safety.
Environmental Sustainability
Every day, UPS delivers nearly 17 million packages by air, land and sea. We’re constantly operating within the environment, so it’s important that we do our part to preserve and protect it, long-term.
To do so, The UPS Foundation provides financial and employee volunteer support to environmental programs with a focus on reforestation and conservation, carbon reduction efforts and environmental research/education.
Park Foundation Grants: Media, Environment, & Animal Welfare
Park Foundation, Inc.
NOTE: Letters of Inquiry (LOI) are accepted at any time. Once an LOI is submitted, please do not submit a full proposal, due at the next deadline date above, unless contacted by a staff member.
About Us
The Park Foundation was formed in 1966. Its original focus was on education and grant-making in communities where Park Communications had interests. When he died in 1993, Mr. Park bequeathed more than 70 percent of his holdings to the Foundation.
The Foundation is dedicated to the aid and support of education, public broadcasting, environment, and other selected areas of interest to the Park family. Scholarship programs have been established in Mr. Park’s name at the two institutions with which he was so close — Ithaca College and North Carolina State University. The two scholarship programs emphasize academic excellence, leadership, and community service — in keeping with Mr. Park’s values. Public broadcasting is a particularly meaningful recipient of funding because the Foundation had its origin in the world of communications. More recently, the Foundation’s interest in environmental causes has been refined to focus on issues of freshwater, particularly in the eastern United States.
Media
The Foundation supports public interest media that raises awareness of critical environmental, political and social issues to promote a better informed citizenry in the U.S. It supports quality, non-commercial media that is substantive, fair, and accurate. Program priorities include investigative journalism, media policy and public broadcasting.
Investigative Journalism
Supports excellence in reporting on nationally-significant public affairs issues in the U.S. Competitive proposals will show evidence of groundbreaking content employing multi-platform media tools with potential to achieve broad distribution and social impact.
Media Policy
Supports nationally-significant initiatives that promote fair and open media systems and policies in the U.S. The Foundation supports projects that advance universal access to communications, a "neutral" Internet, diverse and independent ownership, public interest media and the future of journalism.
Public Broadcasting
Supports nationally distributed and aired television and radio programming. Preference is given to in-depth, investigative reporting projects that include diverse, public interest voices and perspectives.
Documentary Films
Supports a very limited number of small grants to individual documentary projects related to civil society and democracy, environment and animal welfare. Requests for funding greatly exceed available resources and preference is given to projects with wide distribution and community engagement. Prior to submitting a proposal, prospective applicants should contact the Foundation via phone or e-mail to determine appropriate fit. Please be prepared to provide information regarding content and treatment, distribution, outreach, budget, funding sources (and fiscal sponsorship as appropriate).
Media projects are also funded in the Foundation's Environment program.
Environment
The Foundation’s Environment Program has two major interests:
- To ensure drinking water is clean, affordable, and accessible, protected and managed as a public necessity; and
- To challenge continued shale gas extraction and infrastructure expansion.
Drinking Water
The Foundation supports efforts on a national scale or in New York State that promote: strong and enforced water policies; increased investment in publicly owned and operated water infrastructure; empowerment of communities and individuals to exercise their rights to protect drinking water resources; and reduced consumption of bottled water.
On a limited basis, the Foundation is exploring opportunities to support organizing and advocacy at the national scale to address lead in drinking water.
Energy
The Foundation supports statewide efforts in New York that decrease reliance on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, by challenging the expansion of its infrastructure, including pipelines, compressor stations and new natural gas power plants. The Foundation will also consider requests that will help shift the state’s energy needs away from conventional fossil fuel sources and toward a clean energy system that is accessible, affordable and protective of citizens’ health.
Types of Activities Funded
The Foundation is interested in catalyzing action and is willing to consider diverse approaches that raise awareness and offer solutions to drinking water and energy concerns, including, but not limited to, policy development, advocacy, organizing, and corporate responsibility.
Additionally, the Foundation will consider support for investigative reporting outlets that raise awareness and provide new information on drinking water and shale gas energy issues. Stories may be national in scope, but funding is generally targeted to coverage of issues that are relevant to New York State.
Other
Other environmental grants that cover additional geographic and issue areas are made at the Foundation's initiative and the scope of these interests is separate from these guidelines. Please contact the Foundation for more information.
Animal Welfare
The Foundation supports nationally-significant efforts to ensure the humane treatment, care and well-being of domestic animals and the protection and conservation of endangered wildlife and wildlife in captivity in the U.S. The program supports innovative, comprehensive, solution-oriented models that lead to systemic change, reduce suffering, and foster a more compassionate society.
In addition, the Foundation has decided to focus on the following specific areas:
- Organizing, education, legal advocacy, and power building in support of endangered wildlife and significant national policies that are protective of endangered species and related ecosystems;
- Indigenous wildlife management practices;
- Maintaining support for existing partner sanctuaries caring for great apes; and]
- National and regional efforts to preserve the following species/groups and related habitats:
- Pollinators
- Wolves
- Whales
- Birds
The Park Foundation has committed to providing support to the Tompkins County SPCA, which is located in the community where the Foundation offices are located, as the sole support for companion animals.
Alkermes Inspiration Grants
Alkermes
Alkermes Inspiration Grants®
Alkermes is currently accepting applications for its Alkermes Inspiration Grants® program. This competitive grants program will provide up to a total of $500,000 in grants to assist nonprofit organizations in their work to address the needs of people living with addiction, serious mental illness or cancer. This program will prioritize funding for proposals that are designed to address the needs of historically under-resourced or underrepresented communities.
The program will support innovative and impactful initiatives designed to address acute and long-term challenges for people living with the diseases in our therapeutic areas of focus. As in previous years, proposals that are designed to address the needs of historically under-resourced or underrepresented communities will be prioritized for funding.
Areas of Interest
Alkermes is interested in funding programs that are designed to address challenges for people living with alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, melanoma or ovarian cancer and which promote health equity for diverse communities.
Applicants are encouraged to be creative and innovative in proposing new programs that will make a difference for patient communities. The committee will also consider significant expansions and improvements to existing programs, and/or the resumption of truly innovative programming with a proven track record that was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following examples describe some, but not all, areas of interest:
- New and innovative programs to address the needs of people affected by alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, melanoma or ovarian cancer
- Substantially reworking, improving or enhancing support or resources (e.g., helplines, mobile outreach)
- Addressing the unique needs of caregivers in one or more of the disease areas listed above
- Innovative efforts to meet educational needs of patients, their families and caregivers in historically under-resourced or underrepresented communities to help advance health equity
- Education and/or support to help people living with addiction and/or serious mental illness return to work and/or transition out of criminal justice settings
Thriving Communities: National and International Environmental Grantmaking
The New York Community Trust
National Environment
Program goals: to mitigate climate change; make communities more resilient to climate change; protect public health from the hazards of toxic chemicals and pollutants; and preserve biological diversity.
Grants are made to promote more environmentally sustainable, resilient, and just communities that:
- Mitigate climate change by:
- promoting energy efficiency and alternative sources of energy for buildings;
- shifting to electric or low-emission vehicles and greater use of mass transit;
- promoting a smarter, more resilient grid and distributed (on site) generation;
- reducing emissions from existing fossil fuel-powered facilities and extraction activities; and
- establishing regional programs, performance standards, and regulations that help reduce emissions.
- Make communities, especially the most disadvantaged, more resilient to a changing climate by:
- creating infrastructure that reduces storm-water run-off and absorbs storm surges;
- protecting shoreline communities by conserving or enhancing natural barriers;
- encouraging more sustainable building design and land use through policy reforms; and
- better planning and preparation for weather-related emergencies, especially for low-income and other vulnerable residents.
- Protect public health from the hazards of toxic pollutants by:
- supporting targeted scientific research that can be used to develop policy;
- promoting safer chemical and heavy metal policies and practices, especially for infants, children and other vulnerable people;
- eliminating toxic chemicals from products through market campaigns focused on retailers and manufacturers;
- enhancing protections for low-income communities near polluting facilities; and
- minimizing the hazards of new and expanded fossil fuel extraction on nearby communities.
- Preserve biological diversity through habitat conservation by:
- establishing, enhancing, and monitoring wildlife migration corridors; and
- supporting functional connectivity between fragmented habitat that enables species to move and live safely.
We encourage initiatives that cut across these program areas, especially those focused on smart growth, sustainable agriculture and regional food systems, and sustainable production.
International Environment
Each year, we make only two or three international grants to U.S. organizations that are building the capacity of government, academic institutions, private sector entities, and nonprofits to:
- Protect biodiversity;
- Improve environmental health; and
- Reduce greenhouse gases around the world.
AARP Community Challenge Grant
AARP Foundation
AARP Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. In 2023, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications across three different grant opportunities, two of which are new this year.
Flagship Grants
The flagship AARP Community Challenge grants have ranged from several hundred dollars for smaller, short-term activities to tens of thousands of dollars for larger projects. Since 2017, AARP has funded projects ranging from $500 to $50,000 with an average grant amount of $11,900 (83 percent of grants have been under $20,000.) AARP reserves the right to award compelling projects of any dollar amount.
We are accepting applications for projects that benefit residents — especially those age 50 and older. Projects can:
- Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities
- Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, and access to public and private transit
- Support housing options that increases the availability of accessible and affordable choices
- Ensure a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community;
- Increase digital connections by expanding high-speed internet and enhancing digital literacy skills of residents
- Support community resilience through investments that improve disaster management, preparedness and mitigation for residents
- Increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion
- Improve community health and economic empowerment in support of financial well-being and improved health outcomes
NEW! Capacity-Building Microgrants
By combining $2,500 grants with additional resources — such as webinars, AARP Livable Communities publications, cohort learning opportunities and/or up to two hours of one-on-one coaching with leading national organizations — this new grant opportunity will benefit residents (especially those age 50 or older) in the following categories:
- Walkability: Implement a walk audit to assess and enhance the safety and walkability of a street or neighborhood with support from America Walks, using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit.
- Community Gardens: Start or enhance a community garden with support from 880 Cities, using the new AARP publication Creating Community Gardens for People of All Ages.
NEW! Demonstration Grants
By supporting demonstration efforts that encourage the replication of promising local efforts, this new grant opportunity will benefit residents (especially those age 50 and older) by:
- Advancing solutions that build capacity towards transportation systems change. This opportunity for grant funding of approximately $30,000 to $50,000 per project is sponsored by Toyota Motor North America.
- Implementing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design competitions that increase public understanding of this housing option and encourage the implementation of ADU supportive policies. This opportunity for grant funding will provide approximately $10,000 to $15,000 per project.