Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

The Community Investment Tax Credits Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations by providing state tax credits that incentivize donations for local projects. This program has facilitated nearly $27 million in contributions, supporting around 700 community initiatives. Eligible nonprofits can apply for these credits, which significantly enhance funding opportunities for various community services, including education, housing, and economic development.

The Business & Workforce Development Grants aim to bolster California's wood products infrastructure, ensuring the sustainability of forests and supporting the communities reliant on them. Funded through California Climate Investments, this initiative promotes diverse projects that enhance business and workforce development in the forestry sector. Key areas include business development, bioenergy, and forest-related workforce training, all contributing to healthier, resilient forests and a stronger economy, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

The WCF Community Grant Program supports capital projects for small nonprofits in the Flathead Valley, enhancing community welfare. Prioritizing initiatives that demonstrate social need, this funding can help organizations gain recognition and possibly participate in the Great Fish Community Challenge. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or equivalent, benefiting local residents and addressing specific categories such as arts, health, and environment.

The Tobacco Valley Community Foundation (TVCF) offers grants to support local organizations in the Tobacco Valley region, including West Kootenai, Eureka, Rexford, Trego, Fortine, and Stryker. Their mission is to enhance community resources, promote equality, and ensure that residents can actively participate in shaping their futures. By investing in arts, culture, and essential services, TVCF aims to preserve the unique qualities of the area for generations to come.

The Butler County Area Foundation Fund (BCAFF) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Butler County by leveraging contributed funds. BCAFF grants support community projects aimed at long-term success through strategic development initiatives, job creation, and leadership capacity building. They encourage applications that foster local entrepreneurship, engage youth, and promote community educational efforts, ensuring a thriving future for Butler County.

The Native Plant Society of Texas offers the Dr. Alfred Richardson Scholarship, aimed at undergraduates majoring in biology, ecology, or related fields. This scholarship, funded through an endowment, provides $5,000-$10,000 per year for up to two years. Recipients must demonstrate a commitment to the conservation and utilization of Texas native plants. This initiative aligns with the Society's mission to promote education and outreach regarding native plant conservation.

The Iroquois Community Grant Program, established in 2007, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities hosting Iroquois facilities through funding initiatives focused on environmental preservation, passive recreation, historic preservation, and arts and culture. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 and are available to local governments and nonprofit organizations. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate community involvement and alignment with grant objectives, fostering sustainable benefits for the communities served.

The Community Health Grant from the Nashoba Valley Health Care Fund aims to enhance the health of residents across twelve communities. This year's focus is on improving access to quality healthcare, including primary and preventive care and behavioral health services. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, with larger requests considered for impactful projects. The fund supports tax-exempt organizations committed to addressing community health challenges.

The SCC - Jeff Byrd Grant, established by Speedway Children's Charities, honors a dedicated leader by providing a $50,000 grant to support exceptional projects benefiting children. This initiative focuses on addressing local needs, encouraging applicants to collaborate with the Bristol Chapter of SCC. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) non-profits prioritizing children's welfare in designated Tennessee and Virginia counties. The project must exceed $50,000 in value, ensuring lasting impact on the communities served.

The Charlotte CF Education Fund Grant aims to enrich the lives of school-age children in Charlotte County, Florida, by providing additional educational opportunities and workforce development. Funded by the Charlotte Community Foundation, this grant supports programs like afterschool initiatives, career development, reading programs, and feeding programs. Eligible applicants must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and primary service to Charlotte County residents, ensuring that grant funds effectively benefit the community.

The CFES Workforce Development Grant supports programs aimed at enhancing job training and career advancement, particularly for underrepresented groups such as individuals with disabilities and non-traditional students. With a maximum funding of $7,500, the grant prioritizes collaborative efforts that demonstrate a commitment to quality education and workforce development. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated nonprofits and educational institutions serving Maryland's Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties.

The Stone Foundation Grants in Maine offer flexible and trust-based philanthropic support primarily focused on Monmouth County, New Jersey, and Wabanakiq, Maine. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, with first-time applicants typically considered for 1-year grants between $5,000 and $10,000. Eligible organizations include 501c3 nonprofits and community groups with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation encourages projects that address social inequities and foster community impact through innovative solutions.

Immanuel Lutheran Church Grants provide financial support to projects that align with the mission priorities of the Trust Fund. The grants are awarded quarterly and prioritize innovative initiatives that foster community involvement, humanitarian efforts, and spiritual growth. Eligible projects include support for youth, educational stipends, and community service programs. The Trust Fund encourages applications from affiliated organizations and individuals, particularly those that can demonstrate matching funds or unique outreach ideas.

The Pasadena Community Foundation's Arts & Culture Grants support local nonprofits that enrich the community through arts and culture. Established in 2023, this program focuses on ongoing needs and responses to the Eaton Fire, emphasizing innovation, technology, audience engagement, and collaboration. Eligible organizations must be located within the Pasadena Unified School District and have a record of effective service. Applications are prioritized based on their potential to foster community impact and inclusivity.

Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources - Wisconsin Department of Administration

At the Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR), we offer programs that help people with energy costs, housing needs, and community support.

What are CDBG Funds?

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds promote affordable housing, suitable living conditions, and economic opportunity primarily to benefit individuals with low to moderate income (LMI).

CDBG - Public Facilities Program (PF)

Provides grant funds to local governments for community infrastructure and facility projects.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Public Facilities funds help support infrastructure and facility projects for communities. Grants are awarded to units of general local government and are limited to projects that meet a CDBG National Objective, including:

• addressing the needs of and primarily serving individuals with a low- to moderate-income (LMI) status;
• eliminating slum or blighted conditions; or
• addressing an urgent local need.

Examples of eligible projects include construction, expansion, or improvement of:

• streets/roadways
• water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer system improvements
• sidewalks
• community centers
• senior centers
• libraries
• fire stations
• homeless shelters

The 2026 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science will award three $50,000 prizes to exceptional young immigrant scientists in the U.S. This prestigious prize recognizes innovative research contributions in biomedical science. Eligible candidates must be under 38 years old, hold a doctoral degree, and have made significant achievements in their field. The Vilcek Foundation aims to highlight the impact of immigrant scientists on the advancement of biomedical research, fostering diversity and excellence.

The Climate Smart Communities Grant Program in New York provides municipalities with funding to combat climate change through greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and adaptation projects. With at least $22 million available, eligible projects range from GHG reduction initiatives to climate adaptation strategies. The program also supports certification efforts for communities striving to achieve Climate Smart Community status. By fostering innovative local solutions, this grant aims to enhance resilience against climate-related challenges.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Visiting Scholars Program offers a prestigious opportunity for scholars in social sciences to conduct research and writing at their New York City headquarters. Annually, 15 to 17 fellowships are awarded to applicants at least two years post-Ph.D. Scholars engage in diverse projects related to vital social issues while benefiting from office space, resources, and financial support for their salary. This program emphasizes intellectual engagement and collaboration among scholars across disciplines.

South Carolina Department of Commerce

From site selection to infrastructure improvement, we are here to help grow new and existing businesses.

SC Commerce promotes economic opportunity for individuals and businesses through initiatives like workforce training. As a national leader in foreign direct investment, the state extends its global reach with offices in Europe and Asia that help existing companies in developing export markets.

South Carolina Community Development Block Grant

The South Carolina Community Development Block Grant (“State CDBG Program”) is designed to aid units of general local government in improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs, particularly for persons of low- and moderate-income. The State CDBG Program has been funded through the State since 1982 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (Title I). 

CDBG Program Goals and Outcomes

The SC Department of Commerce seeks to improve the well-being of all South Carolinians in a manner that supports and enhances a high quality of life. The State CDBG Program supports the agency’s efforts to strengthen communities through revitalization and improvement of neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and the local economy. 

The three overarching goals of the HUD CDBG program are to provide decent housing, economic opportunities and a suitable living environment. Within the context of these goals, each project funded by the State must also meet one of three outcomes identified by HUD: affordability, accessibility, or sustainability. 

Local Match/Leveraging

CDBG projects are expected to leverage other public and private investments and serve as a catalyst for future development.

There must be a 10% match of the total CDBG request, unless otherwise approved, which can come from a variety of committed sources including other grants, loans, waiver of fees, public or private investments, and documented volunteer or in-kind contributions. Matching funds must be immediately available for the project at the time of application. 

Community Development Block Grant Categories

There are three broad grant program categories: Community Development, Business Development, and Regional Planning. The Community Development Program is further broken down into several subcategories to address infrastructure, community facilities, and local priorities.

Community Development Programs

Description

This program is designed to produce outcomes that improve citizens’ quality of life and create a competitive environment for jobs and investment by addressing priority community development needs. Activities should contribute to healthy, safe and sustainable neighborhoods and communities. These grants are designed to improve the quality of life for distressed and LMI communities. Community Development projects will compete within the following subcategories that have the same general submission requirements, except that the Ready to Go Program will not be funded in a competitive funding round.

Community Development Program Categories: Community Infrastructure; Community Enrichment; Local Priorities Program; and Ready to Go Program

Ready To Go Program

Outcome

This program is designed to stimulate the local economy by addressing urgent or compelling community needs. Funding may also be used for pilot projects which have been developed in coordination with, and have been approved by, the State CDBG Program. The goal is encouraging innovation, the timely implementation of CDBG eligible projects, and cost effectiveness. The project requires an upfront investment of local and other funds for planning, project design and permitting that is substantially equivalent to the required 10% local match.

The project must be an eligible public facility improvement under the Community Infrastructure, Community Enrichment, or Local Priorities program. All required project activities leading up to bidding must be complete prior to submission of the application including but not limited to project design, environmental review, acquisition and permits. CDBG funds may only be used for construction or demolition. 

Rotary Club of Dubois County: Community Grants

The Rotary Club of Dubois County is an active social and service club comprised of dynamic and diverse professionals who make a lasting difference in our community and around the world.

Annually the Club raises funds that are put back into the community through a grant process. The grant is awarded to an organization/ project that aligns with the Rotary seven areas of focus and who provide an opportunity for Rotary Club members to participate and be active in the implementation. Rotary’s seven areas of focus include:

• Basic Education and Literacy;
• Maternal and Child Health;
• Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution;
• Disease Prevention and Treatment;
• Clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene;
• Economic and Community Development;
• Improving the Environment

Complete the application linked above to be considered for this partnership and grant funds of up-to $20,000. 

Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation

The Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation was established in 1982 as a charitable not for profit corporation which accepts gifts from various sources to help the needs of the Ohio Kiwanis community.

All active, privileged, and senior members of the Ohio District of Kiwanis are automatically voting members of the Foundation which is governed by a Board of Trustees.

Funds earmarked for specific projects will be collected and distributed only to those projects. Funds which are not designated for specific projects are invested and only the proceeds of these investments may be used to help meet our mission. In accordance with IRS statute 501(c)3, donations, gifts, bequests of money or property to the Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation are tax-exempt.

Mini Grant Program

The Ohio District Foundation has a mini grant program available to Kiwanis Clubs. There is a required match for each grant. The mini grants are to be used for new club service projects that focus on the Foundation's areas of focus for Safe and Healthy Kids. These are: Bike Safety, Water Safety, Internet Safety, Fire Safety, Food and Nutrition programs, Mental health, bullying prevention, and drug addiction  

The Huron County Community Foundation's Agricultural Experiences Grant aims to support community and economic growth by focusing on strategic priorities such as workforce retention, vibrant community creation, and business development. The foundation encourages projects in various interest areas, including arts, education, health, and youth engagement. Preference will be given to projects that align with these priorities, fostering a dynamic and prosperous environment in Huron County.

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation aims to enhance the educational, economic, cultural, and religious lives of Michigan residents. Grants are made exclusively to 501(c)(3) or governmental organizations in Michigan. The foundation seeks proposals with clearly defined objectives and strong management, prioritizing innovative programs that can achieve long-term sustainability. Collaborations that foster synergy towards common goals are encouraged, while support is not extended to discriminatory or political organizations.

The Grace Bersted Foundation Grant supports quality educational, human services, and health care programs for underserved populations, particularly children and the disabled, in DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties, Illinois. Established in 1986, it prioritizes organizations with local offices and typically funds grants for one year. Applicants are limited to one submission per calendar year to this and similar foundations, ensuring fair distribution of resources.

The Walter C. Rasmussen-Northeast Bank Foundation honors the legacy of its founder by supporting initiatives in education, housing, culture, environment, and health. With a focus on community-building, the foundation aims to empower the economically disadvantaged, particularly children and families, through self-sufficiency programs. It prioritizes effective strategies that address local needs in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Anoka counties, ensuring a lasting impact on the community's well-being and development.

Every Kindness is a Gift

Dollar Tree Gift Card Program 2026

Every Kindness is a Gift is a gift card grant program made possible through the generosity of Dollar Tree and managed by the team here at Gift Card Bank. We are a nonprofit organization that specializes in the distribution of gift cards and our mission is to improve well-being and build financial stability by supporting people through their time of need.

Through Every Kindness is a Gift, nonprofit organizations and Title I schools located in the 48 contiguous states may apply to receive a grant of Dollar Tree gift cards.

Gift cards received through these grants are meant to be distributed directly to individuals and families in need. A primary goal of the program is to give gift card recipients the dignity of choice by empowering them to shop for what they need themselves. By putting gift cards directly in the hands of our neighbors in need, we are able to increase access to essentials like food, school supplies, paper products, cleaning products, and hygiene items.

In 2026, there will be two rounds of grant distributions. In each round, we will award a number of grants between $2,500 and $10,000.

Round One is a summer distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round One will arrive in late June, while kids are on break and back-to-school is around the corner. Round Two is a holiday distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round Two will arrive in early November, as the end-of-year holidays approach.

We know that these are times of year when budgets are tight. Through these gift card grants, we hope to connect individuals and families directly to the essential resources they need during difficult months.

About Us

Our team is working tirelessly to heal the planet and ensure that a just and livable future prevails.

With three decades of clean energy industry experience, our leadership team draws upon a long track record of environmental stewardship and meaningful throughput to confidently navigate today's unprecedented challenges.

We are teaming up with local philanthropists, nonprofit organizations, advocates and elected officials to implement effective solutions towards stopping the climate crisis.

Solar Moonshot Program Grant

The Solar Moonshot Program is helping nonprofit organizations across the United States afford the switch to clean energy.

Grants up to $25,000 are typically awarded, with grant amounts dependent on various factors, including the organization’s need for funding. 

In addition to grants given through the program, we also offer short-term, low-interest recoverable grants to help cover the project costs offset by the Investment Tax Credit.

Grants for 2026 are made possible by the BQuest Foundation and two anonymous donors, and the program is managed by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation. Learn more about the program's status and participants below!