Best Economic Services Grants

The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund - Local Grants Program provides financial support for projects in Coös County, NH, and neighboring communities in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Québec. Grants up to $20,000 are available for eligible organizations focusing on community development and enhancement. This program aims to strengthen these border regions by fostering local initiatives that align with the foundation's mission to improve quality of life.

The Paul Ogle Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations in Southern Indiana that demonstrate a strong community impact. By focusing on areas such as economic development, human needs, regionalism, and preservation, the Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents. Organizations must fit specific eligibility criteria and show evidence of sound financial practices. This grant fosters collaborations to address community needs effectively and sustainably, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to strategic philanthropy.

The LG&E and KU Foundation Community Grants support initiatives focused on economic development, education, environmental excellence, and diversity. The foundation prioritizes programs that empower communities, enhance educational opportunities, and promote inclusion. Organizations can apply for one award per year, ensuring dedicated support for impactful projects. This commitment strengthens community ties and fosters a better quality of life for residents.

The Chatham Fund, part of The Cape Cod Foundation, provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that positively impact Chatham residents. With grants typically ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, the Fund focuses on proven programs, pilot projects, and organizational development. Priorities include addressing hunger, children's needs, and environmental concerns. Organizations must wait a year to reapply after receiving a grant, ensuring a fair process for all applicants.

The Davison Bruce Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the mind, body, and spirit of humankind by investing in health, education, economic assistance, and Christian outreach. Their grantmaking program focuses on supporting vulnerable populations through wellness services, life skills training, and sustainable rehabilitation. By prioritizing community needs, the foundation aims to facilitate systemic change and empower individuals to regain their independence, thereby enabling them to bless the world.

The Wiregrass Foundation Grant aims to enhance the health, education, and quality of life for residents in Houston, Henry, Dale, and Geneva counties, Alabama. Eligible organizations must have been in operation for at least two years and focus on areas such as health, education, and community well-being. The foundation does not fund churches, political organizations, or individual scholarships, ensuring that resources are directed to impactful community-driven projects.

The Sordoni Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations focused on arts, culture, education, health, and environmental stewardship, primarily in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Established from a legacy foundation in 1946, it emphasizes collaboration with local entities and does not provide individual grants. The foundation aims to foster community engagement and development through its funding initiatives.

The LASC Foundation provides international grants aimed at alleviating poverty through initiatives focused on food security, microbusiness development, and community self-determination. Open to unsolicited proposals year-round, the foundation invites registered non-profit organizations to apply, particularly those operating in select Central American countries. Emphasizing faith-based partnerships, the foundation supports projects that enhance food sustainability and economic opportunities for underprivileged communities.

The Enterprise Mobility™ Philanthropic Giving program focuses on enhancing community engagement through grants aimed at supporting health, education, arts, and disaster relief initiatives. Only Enterprise Mobility team members and their spouses or domestic partners who volunteer with a nonprofit can apply for funding. The program prioritizes sustainable projects that uplift local communities and address pressing social issues, fostering a culture of responsibility and giving back to society.

The FirstEnergy Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations within FirstEnergy's service areas, aiming to enhance community quality of life, workforce development, and safety initiatives. Grants are directed towards local economic development and volunteer efforts aligned with corporate interests. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, political activities, or certain organizations, ensuring support is focused on broad community benefits. Interested applicants should consult local FirstEnergy management before applying.

The Danville Regional Foundation Grant aims to address ongoing economic, health, educational, and social challenges in the Danville/Pittsylvania County/Caswell County region. DRF prioritizes funding initiatives that demonstrate a clear intersection of need, opportunity, and potential impact. By supporting tax-exempt organizations, DRF fosters regional improvement through responsive grant-making. The foundation encourages proposals that not only fill needs but also lead to broader community impacts, ensuring that the grants awarded make a significant difference.

The Wyomissing Foundation, established in 1926, is dedicated to creating community impact through grants to nonprofit organizations. It prioritizes funding for health and human services, education, arts, environment, and community development in Berks County. The foundation seeks to catalyze change by leveraging its resources and supporting projects that demonstrate critical need and measurable impact. Grants are typically for one year, with the possibility of multi-year support for impactful initiatives.

The Steel Dynamics Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life and local economies by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Priorities include higher education, economic development, and human services, particularly in communities where Steel Dynamics operates. Grants are awarded based on community impact, employee involvement, and organizational integrity. Applicants must demonstrate a strong ethical track record and effective community engagement to qualify for funding opportunities.

The CFMC Community Impact Grants support charitable projects in Morgan County, providing funding for initiatives that address pressing community needs. With priorities in K-12 mental health, workforce development, and quality of life improvements, this responsive grant program encourages innovative solutions. Applicants do not need to be 501(c)(3) charities, but must serve the general population and adhere to non-discrimination policies. The program aims to strengthen community impact through visionary grant proposals and ongoing support.

The EDA Chicago FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development through comprehensive planning and technical assistance. By supporting the development and implementation of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), EDA empowers designated organizations, including Indian Tribes, to create jobs and foster economic resilience in distressed areas. This initiative focuses on strategic investments to facilitate effective economic development practices, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity across regions.

The EDA Austin FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to bolster regional economic development by providing grants that assist eligible organizations in creating and implementing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This initiative seeks to enhance the economic prosperity and resiliency of distressed areas, ultimately fostering job creation for the unemployed and underemployed. It emphasizes partnership planning and supports organizations, including Indian Tribes, in driving effective economic development.

The EDA Philadelphia FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development by providing grants for creating and implementing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This initiative supports eligible organizations, including Indian Tribes and District Organizations, to develop plans that foster economic prosperity and job retention in distressed areas. Through various investments, the program strengthens local capacities for effective economic development and job creation.

The Albuquerque Community Foundation offers Field of Interest Grants to support diverse nonprofit organizations in the Greater Albuquerque Metropolitan Area. Annually, grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 are awarded to initiatives in arts, education, environmental preservation, economic development, human services, health, and animal welfare. Organizations must have a minimum three-year history and align with the Foundation's values and fields of interest, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The El Paso Community Foundation Grant supports innovative philanthropic projects in the El Paso region, including far west Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Chihuahua, Mexico. Established in 1977, the foundation has awarded over $167 million in grants to address community needs. Key focus areas include arts, education, health, and economic development. Priorities include collaboration and impactful projects, while avoiding grants for individuals, capital campaigns, or religious purposes.

The Siebert Lutheran Foundation offers grants aimed at educating children and youth while sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It supports high-performing Lutheran-affiliated schools and programs for those in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, focusing on academic success and empowerment. Additionally, the foundation assists Lutheran churches in meeting the basic needs of disadvantaged individuals, fostering self-sufficiency. With a geographic focus on Wisconsin, it aims to create a future filled with hope through collaborative and innovative partnerships.

The Community Progress Makers Fund, an initiative by the Citi Foundation, aims to empower local organizations by providing $50 million in unrestricted funding. This program, established in 2015, will support 50 selected community organizations over three years with grants of $1 million each, alongside technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration. The fund prioritizes organizations with strong community ties and a proven impact in areas such as affordable housing, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness.

The Denton Family Foundation Grant, established by E. Warren Denton, Jr. in 1985, aims to support nonprofit organizations in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. It focuses on community needs, education, church, athletics, and the arts, particularly music. While there is no formal application deadline, proposals are preferred over personal meetings. The foundation, a 501(c)3 private entity, requires organizations to align with its funding priorities to qualify for grants.

The Ford Family Foundation offers Technical Assistance Grants aimed at bolstering the capacity of organizations serving rural communities in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. These grants, which can reach up to $5,000, support activities such as staff training, strategic planning, and consulting services. By enhancing internal capabilities, the foundation seeks to improve the effectiveness of nonprofits and agencies that focus on family, education, and community development, ultimately benefiting children and their families.

The Thriving Communities Grants program by The New York Community Trust focuses on community development initiatives. It supports non-profits that enhance affordable housing, promote job creation, and strengthen civic engagement in low-income neighborhoods. With ongoing proposals accepted, this grant aims to empower organizations dedicated to building equitable communities through innovative strategies and effective practices that foster economic opportunities and protect the environment.

The South Dakota Fund Grants provide financial support to non-profit organizations across South Dakota, focusing on culture, economic development, education, and health services. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, with exceptions possible. Applicants must be public, non-profit organizations or partner with a verified fiscal sponsor. The fund encourages community involvement and matching funds to enhance project sustainability and success.

The June Rockwell Levy Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in Providence County, focusing on northern Rhode Island. The foundation does not grant to public or charter schools. Organizations may apply once a year for various sectors, including Civic and Cultural Life, Education, Climate Action, and Community Health. Each sector has specific deadlines in 2026, ensuring targeted support for diverse community needs.

The Hudson-Webber Foundation Grant supports community initiatives in Detroit, focusing on four mission areas: Arts & Culture, Built Environment, Community & Economic Development, and Safe & Just Communities. While the inquiry process is currently paused until January 31, 2025, the foundation encourages potential grantees to connect if their work aligns with its mission. The foundation has invested over $200 million in Detroit nonprofits, emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance community well-being and economic opportunities.