Best Economic Services Grants

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.

Stronger Communities

The Digicel Foundation collaborates with local organizations and communities to support and finance sustainable development initiatives.

In Haiti, there is an adage which goes “men anpil chay pa lou" – it means that where there are many hands, the burden is little. With this meaningful proverb in mind, Digicel Foundation recognizes how vital it is to work in concert with local communities to accompany community members towards a better life.

Upon opening its doors in 2007, the Foundation embarked on a mission to assist in the development of these communities. Not long after, both Digicel and the Digicel Foundation began serving thousands of families who lost everything in the floods of Gonaives. From there, the Digicel Foundation began making substantial impressions across Haiti.

Over the last 19 years, more than one million people have been touched by the Foundation’s social investments in diverse projects impacting various sectors including: education and capacity building, special needs, human rights, the environment, water accessibility, sanitation, agriculture, and technology. Because of our partners’ remarkable efforts, adults have learned how to read, Special Olympic athletes earned many medals center stage at the World Games, hundreds of lives were spared from cholera, and thousands of youth gained access to development programs.

The Digicel Foundation Grants Program has already invested in more than 400 projects. With its longstanding partners, and new partners it meets along the way, the Foundation hopes to deliver many more life-changing projects, while bringing countless hands together to lessen life’s burden for the most vulnerable populations.

On April 1, 2026, the Digicel Foundation proudly launched the 10th edition of its Konbit Pou Chanjman campaign.

This milestone edition carries special significance, as it will award ten local organizations with grants of USD 12,000 each, while also funding a flagship project valued at 10,000,000 gourdes to support the implementation of a community initiative in one of the country’s ten departments.

Organizations interested in bringing impactful projects to life are invited to apply for funding in the following areas: education, culture, inclusion, access, livelihoods, and the environment.

The project submission deadline was May 15, 2026, and the evaluation process has now been completed.

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.

Chicago Foundation for Women

Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) invests in bold ideas, grassroots leadership, and local organizations dismantling barriers for women, girls, and gender-expansive people. Since 1985, CFW has invested over $55 million through more than 5,500 grants to organizations across the Chicago region, focusing on economic security and mobility, reproductive justice, freedom from violence, and access to health and wellness.

We envision a future where equity transforms lives and systems, creating a world where safety is certain, dignity is honored, and choice is guaranteed.

Our Impact Areas:

• Expanding Economic Security​ and Mobility
  • We seek to expand economic security so all women, girls, and gender-expansive people can care for themselves and their families in all stages of life.
• Advancing Reproductive Justice 
  • We champion reproductive freedom and fund local efforts that protect care, expand access, and defend the right to make decisions about one’s body.
• Advancing Freedom from Violence 
  • We work to ensure women, girls, and gender-expansive people are free from violence, including abuse, assault, harassment, trafficking, and more.
• Improving Access to Health and Wellness 
  • We work to expand access to quality mental, physical, preventive, and reproductive health services for women, girls, and gender-expansive people.

CFW: Fall Primary Cycle

We view these impact areas as inherently interconnected and requiring a holistic approach; our work is also situated within broader systemic issues of gender, race, and economic inequities. Women and their families experience disparities simultaneously and often need to address them all at once for them to be able to stabilize and advance their health, safety, and economic security. As a result, we will be accepting applications across all four of CFW’s impact areas and encourage applicants to talk holistically about their work.

CFW believes it is essential to invest in both organizations providing direct service and organizations advancing systems change strategies; both are required and interconnected to dismantle barriers for women, girls, and gender-expansive people so that equity is possible and permanent.

• Direct service and urgent/basic needs:
  • Support for individuals, families, and communities facing immediate harm, instability, or unmet needs.
• Advocacy and systems change:
  • Work that advances policies, shifts systems, changes narratives, and builds community power over the medium and long term.
    • Legislative advocacy
    • Policy advocacy
    • Litigation
    • Rulemaking
    • Leadership development
    • Community organizing
    • Movement building
    • Coalition building
    • Culture and narrative change
    • Other (could include trainings, research, or emerging strategies)

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.

The Albert M. Greenfield Foundation Grant supports Philadelphia-area organizations working on innovative projects in arts, culture, education, and human services. The Foundation emphasizes collaboration with grantees to achieve measurable results and prefers funding discrete programs that address significant community challenges. Organizations eligible for funding must demonstrate strong leadership and a strategic plan, while the Foundation does not provide operating support or consider applications outside the Philadelphia region.

The Fund for Omaha Grant, managed by the Omaha Community Foundation, aims to strengthen local nonprofits by addressing funding gaps and enhancing community services. Priorities include economic opportunity, affordable housing, maternal health, and mental health support. Eligible applicants are public, tax-exempt organizations serving the Omaha area with annual budgets of $5 million or less. This initiative fosters connections and improves community well-being by providing essential resources and opportunities.

The Robert E. and Genevieve B. Schaefer Fund, established by longtime Chillicothe resident Robert E. Schaefer, aims to enhance the cultural, health, and economic development of Chillicothe and Ross County. With a strong belief in education, the fund supports 501(c)(3) organizations, providing scholarships and promoting community advancement. However, it does not grant funds to individuals or governmental entities, nor does it support general operating costs or multi-year funding without special circumstances.

The John W. and Edna McManus Shepard Fund, managed by The Columbus Foundation, supports cultural and economic initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents in Cambridge and Guernsey County. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that serve these communities. This fund aims to foster community development and enrich local culture through various programs and projects.

The Siemer Family Foundation Grant Program focuses on enhancing educational opportunities and literacy for children in central Ohio. It supports initiatives that prepare young children for school, improve overall academic achievement, and assist underprivileged families in achieving stability. Guided by Barbara Siemer, the foundation emphasizes programs that foster parental involvement and community engagement to ensure a brighter future for children and families.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Ramble Charitable Fund Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Buncombe County by supporting projects in education, economic development, and health care. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 for nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Priority is given to initiatives that provide substantial community benefits, with a focus on the Shiloh and South Buncombe areas. Projects must be completed within a year, and only one application per eligible organization is allowed annually.

The Community Sustaining Fund Grant supports innovative projects that strengthen communities and the environment in Thurston County. With over 36 years of experience, the fund has awarded more than $125,000 to over 200 local organizations and individuals. CSF prioritizes grants for grassroots initiatives that promote social justice, community building, and environmental sustainability. This program embodies a commitment to diversity, equity, and community-driven solutions, fostering a vibrant and resilient local ecosystem.

The Charles B. Degenstein Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations within a 75-mile radius of Sunbury, PA. Established in 1989, the Foundation seeks to enhance community quality of life through funding in areas like conservation, health care, social services, and education. Applications should demonstrate community support and clear project goals. Note that grants do not cover all costs, and applications focused on political activities are discouraged. For more information, visit their website.

The Chicago Commitment: Vital Communities Grant aims to promote racial equity and inclusivity within Chicago by supporting diverse initiatives and organizations. This grant focuses on community-driven development, addressing historical disparities and fostering economic growth through place-based strategies. It encourages community engagement in planning to mitigate the risk of displacement while enhancing access to arts and culture. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to equitable development and have a track record of community involvement.

The McKeesport Community Fund, established in 2017 by Trulieve under the Pittsburgh Foundation, aims to enhance community welfare by supporting local 501(c)(3) nonprofits. It focuses on education, job training, youth initiatives, and economic development, providing around $50,000 annually for projects that benefit McKeesport residents. Eligible organizations can apply for grants between $1,000 to $50,000, depending on the project scope, ensuring vital resources for community revitalization.

The MetroWest Human Services Grant Program, managed by the Foundation for MetroWest, aims to build strong families and communities by providing general operating grants to organizations serving underrepresented individuals. In 2023, priority will be given to those assisting low-income households, homeless individuals, and vulnerable populations such as immigrants and the disabled. This initiative strives to eliminate barriers to essential resources, fostering an inclusive environment for all residents in the MetroWest region.

Community Engagement Grants

Community Engagement Grants support outreach, events, trainings, workshops, celebrations and other activities that serve and engage communities experiencing poverty.

What Community Engagement Grants Support

• Activities focused in at least one of the Foundation’s focus areas:
  • economic mobility
  • housing security and/or health care
• Activities serving any of South Carolina’s 46 counties.
• One-time or occasional activities that engage communities experiencing poverty. These grants are not meant to support an organization’s core programs and activities (for example, a free medical clinic’s health care services).
• Activities that are occurring within six months of the funding date.
• Activities that benefit from a small one-time funding. Grant requests can be up to $1,500.
• Organizations cannot receive both a Community Engagement Grant and a Systems Change Grant from the Foundation in the same year. That means, if your organization has received a Systems Change Grant, you cannot apply for this grant.
• Organizations can receive one Community Engagement Grant annually.

Community Engagement Grant recipients do not need to submit reports to the Foundation.

The Vermont Community Foundation's Spark Connecting Community Grant supports grassroots projects that enhance social capital and community connections in Vermont. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, it prioritizes initiatives from under-represented counties, fostering collaboration among local champions. The program seeks innovative projects that promote civic engagement, health, and resilience, while encouraging first-time grant seekers and organizations with smaller budgets to apply for funding.

The WEDC Capacity Building Grants aim to enhance local development efforts in Wisconsin by supporting nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. These grants facilitate the creation and expansion of cooperative initiatives, ensuring that communities have the resources needed to thrive. By addressing economic development challenges, the program fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, allowing for innovative solutions that benefit all Wisconsin residents. This flexible funding approach enables rapid responses to emerging needs and promotes sustainable growth.