Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

Wounded War Veterans Grant Program

The Wounded War Veterans Grant Program seeks to provide funding for programs that serve the needs of our wounded war veterans. This grant supports a nonprofit agency located in Southwest Missouri that provides programming to support wounded war veterans. Equipment, programming, or training to assist in supporting these individuals are eligible for application.

This grant will provide $2,200 to one agency in the summer of 2026.

In awarding grants, the CFO will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Grantees must not, in the use of CFO grant funds, discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services.

The Hearld Ambler Fund for Senior Centers Grant

The Hearld Ambler Fund for Senior Centers serves senior centers in the SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging service area, which includes the following counties in Missouri: Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Howell, Lawrence, Oregon, Ozark, Polk, Shannon, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster, and Wright. Recipients must return a grant follow-up report within six months, and at that point, any unused funds must be returned. 

This fund will grant up to $13,200 in the summer of 2026.

In awarding grants, the CFO will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Grantees must not, in the use of CFO grant funds, discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services.

The Phyllis Utterback Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Howard County, provides a $2,000 award to a senior student attending a Howard County public school. This scholarship prioritizes students who demonstrate a commitment to education and family, and who plan to pursue a degree in secondary education. Eligible applicants must maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher through their junior year and into their first semester of senior year.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Teddick Family Fund Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Mountain View High School, Montrose High School, Elk Lake High School, or Lackawanna Trail High School who demonstrates academic achievement, good citizenship and service to others, leadership, and community service.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established in December 2024 to support educational expenses for customers or the children/dependents of customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company who intend to pursue postsecondary education.

The fund supports ten $1,000 scholarships awarded annually to graduating high school seniors who are customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, or who have a parent or guardian who is a customer, and who plan to pursue postsecondary education.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Virginia provide essential funding to organizations that assist low-income families in constructing their own homes through self-help projects. These grants enable recipients to offer technical support, recruit participants, and facilitate loan applications, ensuring that families can actively engage in building their future. This program fosters community involvement and empowers individuals, making homeownership achievable for very-low- and low-income households in rural areas.

The Equal Justice Wyoming Foundation Grant Program seeks proposals for the FY 2025-2026 grant cycle to provide civil legal services to low-income individuals in Wyoming. This joint initiative by Equal Justice Wyoming and the Equal Justice Wyoming Foundation aims to enhance access to justice. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit comprehensive applications, detailing the total funding requested from both foundations. Funding decisions will be made by the Board of Directors based on the alignment of missions.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Wisconsin provide essential funding for organizations to assist low-income families in constructing their own homes. This program empowers groups of very-low- and low-income individuals to work together, significantly reducing housing costs through shared labor. Eligible applicants include government non-profits and federally-recognized tribes, while ineligible costs include hiring contractors and purchasing materials. This initiative fosters community engagement and self-sufficiency in rural areas.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Southern West Virginia Homebuilders Scholarship

Student whose parent or legal guardian has been a member in good standing of the So. WV Homebuilders Association or whose parent or legal guardian is an employee of a member business whose job is related to the home building trade, which has been a member in good standing for the current year and at least one year prior to scholarship application. Awarded on the basis of a combination of need and merit.

This scholarship is not renewable.

The Women’s Fund of Essex County provides grants to non-profit organizations that support at-risk women and girls in Essex County, focusing on gender-specific services. For 2023, it offers eleven 3-year grants of $24,000 and three 1-year grants of $6,000 to address systemic inequalities. Priority areas include academic achievement, economic self-sufficiency, health, and leadership development. Since 2003, over $3 million has been awarded to enhance programs that empower women and girls in the community.

The College Now Greater Cleveland Manufacturing Scholarship offers financial assistance to high school graduates pursuing training in manufacturing. Awarded funds, up to $2000, are sent directly to educational institutions for related expenses. Applicants must reside in specific Ohio counties and be enrolled in eligible programs. This scholarship aims to support individuals seeking vocational training, certifications, or degrees within a two-year timeframe, fostering career development in the manufacturing sector.

The Northern Albemarle Community Foundation Grant Program supports local nonprofit organizations in Camden, Gates, Perquimans, and Pasquotank Counties with annual grants ranging from $500 to $3,000. This initiative addresses community needs and enhances quality of life. The program accepts applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and local government units, including fire and rescue departments, ensuring inclusive support for a variety of community services. However, grants are not available for capital campaigns, political activities, or religious initiatives.

The Joseph Breen Memorial Fellowship supports students to attend the Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference, facilitating their presentation of research. Funded by the Joseph Breen Memorial Fund, it covers up to $2,000 in travel expenses for undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral scholars. Two awards are typically granted, ensuring equitable distribution between undergraduates and graduates. Winners must meet the abstract deadline and submit a report summarizing their conference experience before reimbursement.

The Raymond C. and Martha S. Suckling Fund Grant, established by the late philanthropist Raymond Suckling, provides annual funding of $500,000 to support programs that uplift low-income residents in Sewickley and nearby areas. Through the Pittsburgh Foundation, grants typically range from $25,000 to $75,000, with the potential for multi-year funding up to $150,000. This initiative seeks to empower communities, especially those facing economic hardships, ensuring that help reaches those in need.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Midori Yamanouchi, Ph.D. Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated academic achievement, good citizenship, service to others, and leadership.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Melvin-Deininger Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduate of a Lackawanna county high school who maintains a B average or higher and who plans to attend a college, university, or technical school located in Pennsylvania.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Martin and Anna Orlando Kopa Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna county who is matriculating to either Penn State University or Johnson College in Scranton, PA.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency

TEMA supports local jurisdictions during emergencies in managing the flow of assets, services, and teams to address the emergency; activating the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate and communicate with critical emergency functions; and reaching out for mutual aid from from other departments or agencies of the state, from local jurisdictions, from other states, and from the federal government.

After the emergency has passed, TEMA then works with local jurisdictions to conduct damage assessments, to ensure local needs are met, and to coordinate any federal assistance programs provided as a result of the disaster to help people recover after disasters and emergencies.

Governor's Response and Recovery Fund

The Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund (GRRF) was established to provide flexible, grant-based financial support to help communities, organizations, businesses, and landowners recover from disasters. The fund is designed to address unmet disaster recovery needs when traditional aid may not fully cover recovery costs. GRRF is intended to support a broad range of recovery efforts, from immediate needs to longer-term projects, helping ensure that affected areas across Tennessee have access to resources needed to recover as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The fund may be available following a Governor's State of Emergency declared executive order or proclamation.

What the Fund Can Support

Grant awards can be used for a range of recovery and rebuilding purposes, such as:

• Repair or replacement of damaged public infrastructure or facilities
• Restoration of nonprofit facilities and community service providers
• Repair or recovery of business property, equipment, or operations
• Support for agricultural or forest-land recovery for affected farmers or landowners
• Any other recovery-related project that addresses documented disaster losses or damages and aligns with Fund guidelines

If approved, funds are provided as grants, not loans — no repayment is required so long as funds are used for the approved project. Grants may be awarded in full or in part, depending on available funding and competing needs. The fund seeks to maximize its impact by supporting as many eligible projects as possible, while prioritizing critical needs.

Maryland State Arts Council 

Founded in 1967, The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is an agency of the State of Maryland's Department of Commerce that plays an essential role, ensuring every person has access to the transformative power of the arts.

MSAC advances the arts in our state by providing leadership that champions creative expression, diverse programming, equitable access, lifelong learning, and the arts as a celebrated contributor to the quality of life for all the people of Maryland.

A&E District Operating Support Grant

Annual operating grants support activities, programs, and projects in Arts & Entertainment (A&E) Districts throughout Maryland. Appointed management entities for designated A&E Districts may apply for MSAC operating support funds to support district priorities. 

Use of Funds

Grant funds may be used for:

• Salaries and administrative expenses
• Events, programming, and projects in the A&E District
• Marketing of the A&E District and/or its businesses, artists, events, etc.
• Re-granting to local organizations, artists, and schools to support arts programming or projects
• Services for district artists, businesses, and arts organizations
• Other operating expenses

The Bridge The Gap Veterans' Services Grant, provided by the City of Boston, aims to enhance the quality of life for local veterans and their families. This grant supports projects focusing on housing, transportation, health and wellness, upward economic mobility, legal services, and educational programming. By addressing the specific needs of the veteran community, the program seeks to facilitate reintegration into civilian life and ensure veterans receive the resources and support they deserve.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Margaret Briggs/Lackawanna College Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to two individuals selected by Lackawanna College who are a graduate of a Lackawanna County High School and demonstrates financial need and past academic performance.

Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry

The Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) employs more than 5,000 workers in 200 offices statewide. Established in 1913, the department originally inspected the working conditions in factories around the state. Over time, the department's responsibilities expanded.

L&I administers benefits to unemployed individuals, oversees the administration of workers' compensation benefits to individuals with job-related injuries, and provides vocational rehabilitation to individuals with disabilities. The department prepares job seekers for the global workforce through employment and job training services for adult, youth, older workers, and dislocated workers. In addition, L&I enforces various laws and safety standards in the workplace and administers the commonwealth's programs for community service by young Pennsylvanians. L&I also promotes economic development and an improved business climate through a variety of initiatives and programs to help Pennsylvania's workforce remain world-class and globally competitive.

Jobs for Veterans State Grant Incentive Awards 

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has established this incentive award to honor PA CareerLink® offices and Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) for their exemplary service to veterans, including those with employment barriers, transitioning service members, and eligible spouses and caregivers. In alignment with VPL 01-24, L&I will distribute JVSG Incentive Awards to PA CareerLink® offices and LWDBs actively advancing the improvement and modernization of employment, training, and placement services for veterans. These awards celebrate organizations whose efforts exemplify excellence in supporting veterans and their families through employment services, while fostering local partnerships and strengthening community ties.

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community.

We manage over 320 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

James & Lynne Johnson Family Scholarship

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture 

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

Cream of the Crop Awards

The Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Awards recognizes school districts, early care centers, and family day cares that go above and beyond to promote foods grown and raised by Minnesota farmers and producers. Whether it’s through locally sourced meals served in your cafeteria, community events to connect families and farmers, or food focused classroom lessons, we want to celebrate all the creative ways you connect your students and kids to Minnesota Grown food!

Award Categories

1) Cream of the Crop Winners

One winner from each category will be selected. Scoring will be based on applicants’ promotion and procurement of Minnesota grown and raised foods during the 2025-2026school year.

• School District of the Year
• Early Care Center of the Year
• Family Day Care of the Year

2) Outstanding in the Field Honors

Additional applicants will be honored across three levels:

• Golden Drumstick Honorees
• Silver Squash Honorees
• Bronze Berry Honorees

3) Producer Appreciation Pick

Applicants will have the opportunity to nominate a Minnesota Grown producer that has been an outstanding partner in their Farm to Kids program. Reviewers will randomly select a nominated producer to be the 2026 Producer Appreciation Pick.

The Robert Macario Ybarra Scholarship honors a passionate athlete and Hawley High School graduate who inspired many. Established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, this scholarship aims to support students from a 19-county area who have participated in varsity sports during their junior and senior years. By alleviating financial burdens, it enables recipients to pursue their educational aspirations, ensuring that no talented athlete has to forego opportunities due to financial constraints.

Participatory Budgeting Community Garden Development Grant

About Grow Boston

GrowBoston is the City of Boston's Office of Urban Agriculture, and part of the Mayor's Office of Housing (MOH). MOH has been supporting the development of community gardens, urban farms, food forests, and other open spaces for more than 25 years through the Grassroots Program, which is now part of GrowBoston. GrowBoston works to increase community gardens, urban farms, and other food-growing spaces throughout Boston; support innovative food production strategies; provide technical assistance to prospective and existing gardens and farms; develop resources for gardeners, farmers, and other residents; and coordinate with other City departments associated with food production in Boston. For more information, visit GrowBoston online.

Grant Description

GrowBoston is offering a total of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) to support community gardens in Boston's neighborhoods with limited access to affordable food. This program will offer grants to nonprofit organizations to build community gardens on underutilized land for public access and use, prioritizing areas where people have limited access to affordable, nutritious food. This project will create a healthier environment, beautify the community, address food insecurity, and build camaraderie among residents. Garden operations must have a robust rodent management plan. The public purpose of this grant program is to invest in public community garden spaces for Boston residents. This funding opportunity is a direct outcome of resident-led decision-making through the City’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) process established through a voter-approved ballot initiative in November 2021.

Total Amount Available for Grant Program:

• $500,000.00

Award Amount per Grant per Organization:

• Organizations may apply for grant award between $50,000.00 and $300,000.00

Design & Construction Standards

• Preserves desirable site conditions and features.
• Promotes accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
• Repairs or replaces inadequate site infrastructure or furnishings.
• Maintains or restores visibility throughout the site.
• Appropriate site assessment and soil conditions.
• Ensures health and safety of gardeners or users of the open space.
• Appropriate treatment or remediation of any site hazards or contamination.
• Addresses concerns and needs of abutting residential property owners.
• Provides site improvements posing minimal risk or liability to landowner.
• Incorporates energy, soil, and water conservation measures.
• Avoids the use of any invasive plant species.
• Limits the use of impermeable surfaces.

Saratoga Arts offers Arts Education Grants aimed at providing hands-on learning experiences for a closed group of learners. Projects can be applied for in amounts of $1,000 to $7,500 and must include at least three separate sessions. These grants support both In-School and Community-Based educational initiatives, ensuring that participants engage with art in innovative ways. The Pre-Proposal deadline allows applicants to seek feedback on their proposals before final submission.