Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

About Us

For more than 100 years, Duquesne Light Company has provided safe and reliable electric service to communities in southwestern Pennsylvania. Today, our core values of safety, integrity, dependability, equity and community enable us to serve more than 600,000 customers in two counties, including the city of Pittsburgh. We are committed to safely powering our customers’ lives while playing a leading role in our region’s clean energy transition. Our vision is to create a larger-than-light, clean energy future for all by delivering exceptional results today and boldly harnessing opportunities for tomorrow. In doing so, we can ensure a cleaner, healthier and more equitable community for generations to come.

Charitable Giving at Duquesne Light

Our Charitable Giving Grants Program is designed to help communities most affected by the rising cost of living—especially those burdened by high energy expenses. By prioritizing funding for nonprofit organizations helping individuals and families meet their basic needs and access high quality workforce development opportunities, we aim to reduce financial strain and promote long-term economic stability for residents across our service area.

Sponsorships

Duquesne Light Company is proud to support local events that strengthen and uplift our community. To be considered for sponsorship, all requests must be submitted through our online form. Please allow 4–6 weeks for our team to review your submission. Because of this timeline, we’re typically unable to sponsor events occurring within 30 days of the request. For questions regarding sponsorships, please email sponsorships@duqlight.com.

The William & Helen Doyle/Exchange Club Fund Community Service Award Grant, offered by the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, supports charitable and educational initiatives in the Sturgis area. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life by funding projects in various sectors, including arts, education, and health. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities. One competitive grant cycle is held annually, promoting community development and engagement.

Digital Promise

Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner. Working with a wide range of partners and practitioners in the U.S. and around the world, our initiatives have impacted over 4.4 million students and 180,000 teachers across 173 districts and in 27 countries to date.

Digital Promise was authorized by Congress in 2008, signed into law by President George W. Bush, and formally launched by President Barack Obama in September 2011. Startup support came from the U.S. Department of Education, Carnegie Corporation of New York, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Since then, Digital Promise has grown rapidly with support from both original and new funders.

AIMS EduData Initiative

The Advancing Innovative Math Solutions (AIMS) EduData Initiative, funded by the Gates Foundation, seeks to build sustainable and scalable research infrastructure to advance math learning. AIMS EduData especially encourages applications from graduate students and early career professionals, educators with research roles, such as those working in district research offices, and researchers located at minority serving institutions or Title I school districts. Successful applicants will conduct original research using datasets provided by leading digital learning platforms (DLPs) and participate in a growing community.

RightOn Education and Teachley Math RFP

For education researchers and practitioners

Benefits for successful applicants:

• Opportunity to investigate associations between features of a Digital Learning Platform and mechanisms supporting student learning, engagement, motivation, and instructional practice.
• Opportunity to contribute to the education R&D movement by expanding its capacity and skills, providing feedback to DLPs about the utility of their datasets and insights about their features, and demonstrating the affordances and value of conducting research through DLPs.
• Involvement in a dynamic, supportive community of digital learning providers and researchers
• Two proposals will be funded

This solicitation offers opportunities to run experiments in two DLPs. One enables research with Teachley Math, an intervention that includes interactive digital games and problem-solving modeling tools, lessons and formative assessment data for students in grades K-5. The second enables research with RightOn Education, an online digital learning platform for grades 7-10 that allows teachers to create or select math games, engage students in feedback and reflection on their thinking, and access real-time information about student misconceptions. 

RightOn Education

RightOn Education is particularly interested in research investigating questions related to the following areas (illustrative research questions are provided below):

• Student confidence and math self-efficacy: How do patterns of student confidence differ across correct and incorrect responses, and how do they vary by question or Common Core standard?
• Productive struggle, metacognition, and learning from misconceptions: How do different types of reflection prompts (e.g., self-directed vs. peer-directed explanations) affect the likelihood of optional hint submission and the length of student-generated hints?
• Student motivation and engagement: How do different incentive conditions influence student participation in optional activities, and how are they associated with student correctness and confidence?

The Community Investment Fund Grant, offered by Federated Co-operatives Limited, supports charitable programs in Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg. This fund is designed for registered non-profit organizations that are making a positive impact in their communities. Employee-led committees administer the grants, ensuring that funding aligns with local needs and priorities. Projects that promote well-being and community development are encouraged to apply, while certain restrictions apply to eligibility.

The Advancement Grants, offered by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, aim to support non-profit arts and humanities organizations in Montgomery County, MD, with annual expenses exceeding $50,000. These grants assist in maintaining financial stability, strategic long-term planning, and promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and access within the arts and humanities sector.

General Operating Support II

General Operating Support II Grants (GOS II) are available to non-profit arts and/or humanities organizations located in Montgomery County, MD that have had both cash operating expenses and revenue of at least $150,000 for the last three completed fiscal years. FY27-28 grants will be awarded for activities occurring from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028.

New! AHCMC has eliminated the match requirement.

By awarding GOS II Grants, the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC) seeks to:

• Encourage organizations to maintain an active, two-way, ongoing relationship between the organization and the community in the planning, participation, and evaluation of public activity/activities, which include intentional strategies for diversity, equity, access, and inclusion;
• Promote stability in arts and humanities organizations by providing a base of funding to support operating budgets;
• Help ensure diverse arts and humanities experiences for constituents of Montgomery County;
• Stimulate local support and involvement in the arts and humanities, including volunteer participation, audience development, and financial contributions;
• Strengthen the scholarly and artistic capabilities of arts and humanities organizations;
• Improve and/or stabilize the management infrastructure and effectiveness of arts and humanities organizations.

The South Wayne Community Fund, established in 1998, enables residents of South Wayne to contribute enduring charitable gifts to their community. Annually, the advisory board awards grants to non-profit organizations, the local school district, and government agencies that implement charitable programs benefiting the South Wayne area. As a component fund of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, it supports local initiatives and fosters community engagement.

The Hirschfeld Family Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations in Nebraska, focusing on projects that aid disadvantaged communities. Established in 1993, the foundation prefers time-limited requests over ongoing budgetary support. Priority is given to local organizations in Central and Western Nebraska that demonstrate community involvement and efficient operations. Grants are available for projects that align with the foundation's mission to promote well-being and make a meaningful difference.

The Wheaton Cultural Project Grants, offered by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, support impactful arts and humanities projects in Wheaton, MD. These grants aim to enhance cultural diversity, support underserved communities, and provide professional opportunities for local artists and scholars. Eligible applicants include organizations and individuals residing in Montgomery County, with funding available for a range of artistic disciplines. Projects must engage the public and adhere to current health guidelines.

The Do Something Great Awards, presented by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, recognize extraordinary individuals who have significantly impacted Macon County through their dedication and service. This award, specifically honoring the Ray Batman Nonprofit Professional of the Year, celebrates professionals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community support, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic. Renamed in memory of Ray Batman, a revered community leader, the award continues to inspire others to contribute to societal betterment.

The Ed & Joyce Creske Family Foundation Grants support charitable organizations in central Wisconsin, specifically Lincoln, Marathon, and Portage Counties. The foundation prioritizes causes that positively impact the Mosinee community. However, it does not fund annual campaigns, operating expenses, debt retirement, endowments, direct individual support, lobbying, or sectarian causes. This initiative reflects the Creske family's commitment to giving back to the community that has supported them throughout their lives.

The Crossroads Fund's Community Resilience Fund aims to support grassroots organizations in Chicago as they navigate urgent challenges and advocate for justice. Evolving from the Critical Response Fund, it focuses on equipping communities with resources to respond to public policy shifts, host trainings, and strengthen security. Priority is given to organizations demonstrating a commitment to social justice and community leadership, ensuring a swift, strategic response to pressing needs in a tumultuous socio-political landscape.

The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin's Community Impact Fund provides grants up to $10,000 for impactful projects in nine counties. Focused on sustainability, it supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies in enhancing community services, expanding programs, and addressing systemic challenges. The fund aims to create lasting change by funding projects that exceed local resource capacities and encourage collaboration among communities.

The Mockingbird Nonprofit Incubator Grant Program supports emerging nonprofit founders in creating sustainable growth and impact. The program includes eight live workshops on nonprofit management, fundraising, and access to resources from Givebutter. Selected organizations receive scholarships and the chance to apply for $4,000 in grant funds. Eligibility is limited to 501c3 nonprofits or those under fiscal sponsorship with budgets under $500,000, fostering a community of committed leaders ready to make a difference.

The Clayton and Carol Paul Fund for Animal Welfare Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, aims to provide financial support to various animal welfare organizations. Eligible recipients include humane societies, shelters, and wildlife rehabilitators operating in Central Georgia. The Fund prioritizes projects that effectively reduce stray animal populations and alleviate suffering, enhancing the quality of life for animals and communities alike.

The Capacity Building Spring grant, offered by Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc., supports nonprofit arts organizations in enhancing their capabilities. Grants of up to $5,000 are available without a matching requirement, aimed at projects that yield tangible results. Priority is given to professional development opportunities within Oklahoma and the surrounding region. Organizations with a budget exceeding $500,000 may submit only one request per fiscal year. Funding is limited, and submission does not guarantee support.

The State-Local Partners (SLP) Grant Program offers essential operating support and technical assistance to county-designated local arts agencies in California. Through a collaborative effort between the State and counties, this program aims to promote cultural development at the local level. It encourages partnerships that enrich the arts across diverse communities, fostering creative expression and enhancing the quality of life for Californians. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government units.

The Ames Tools Grant, initiated by the National Garden Club, Inc. in partnership with The Ames Companies, provides NGC member clubs the opportunity to select tools valued up to $250 for community gardening projects. Eligible projects must be conducted by NGC clubs between March 1 and September 30, 2025, and may involve collaboration with other organizations. Selection criteria include community impact, member involvement, tool necessity, and project uniqueness.

The Capacity Building Fall grant by Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc offers cash grants up to $5,000 for nonprofit arts organizations to enhance their capabilities. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to support various projects, including training and strategic planning. Priority is given to projects yielding concrete results and those within Oklahoma. Note that submission of a proposal does not guarantee funding, as resources are limited.

This grants program is to implement a portion of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP), established in Chapter 386, Subchapter C of the Texas Health and Safety Code. 

The TCEQ has also adopted rules to implement this program under 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 114, Subchapter K. The TCEQ has adopted the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan: Guidelines for Emissions Reduction Incentive Grants, RG-388 (guidelines), which contain the more specific standards governing this program.

The goals of the TERP are to:

• assure that air in this state is safe to breathe and meets minimum federal standards established under the Federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. Section 7407); 
• develop multi-pollutant approaches to solving the state’s environmental problems;
• adequately fund research and development that will make the state a leader in new technologies that can solve the state’s environmental problems while creating new business and industry in the state. 

To implement the TERP, the ERIG Program will provide grants for eligible activities to offset the incremental costs of projects that reduce emissions of NOX from high-emitting internal combustion engines in eligible areas.

RIG Project Categories for Eligible Vehicles and Equipment

Projects eligible for funding under this program are intended to reduce NOx emissions in eligible counties. The TCEQ may more narrowly define or limit the types of project categories for a particular funding period.

The types of project categories eligible under the FY17 ERIG funding period include:

• New Purchase or Lease:
• To be eligible for funding, the engine on the new vehicle or piece of equipment must be certified to emit at least 25% less NOx than required under the current standard.
• Certified means approved by EPA, the CARB, or otherwise accepted by the TCEQ.
• Replacement:
• The replacement of an eligible vehicle or piece of equipment with a newer vehicle or piece of equipment.
• Repower:
• The replacement (repower) of an existing engine in an eligible vehicle or piece of equipment with a new, rebuilt, or remanufactured engine.
• The new engine must be certified to emit 25% less NOx than the engine being replaced.
• Certified means approved by the EPA, the CARB, or otherwise accepted by the TCEQ.
• Retrofit or Add-On of Emission-Reduction Technology:
• The retrofit or add-on of emission-reduction technology to an existing engine in an eligible vehicle or piece of equipment.
• Except for retrofits with certain dual-fuel conversion systems, the vehicle or equipment must be currently owned by the applicant and the retrofit or add-on systems must be certified or verified to emit at least 25% less NOx than the engine prior to the retrofit.

Other ERIG Project Categories

• On-Vehicle Electrification and Idle Reduction Infrastructure:
• The purchase and installation of equipment that enables a vehicle or equipment to use electric power to operate, while the vehicle or equipment is parked, the systems normally supplied power by the propulsion engine or another on-board internal combustion engine that emits NOx.
• On-Site Electrification and Idle Reduction Infrastructure
• Use of Qualifying Fuel
• Rail Relocation and Improvement:
• The relocation of rail lines to reduce the number of grade crossings, improvements at rail intersections, and other improvements that will directly result in the reduction of locomotive and/or vehicle engine idling at rail intersections.
• Eligible rail intersections may include the intersection of two rail lines or an intersection of a highway or roadway and a rail line, commonly referred to as a highway-rail grade crossing.
• The grant recipient must own or otherwise control the rail line, right-of-way, or the facility being improved.

The Garden Grant Program by Whole Kids Foundation offers $3,000 to schools and non-profits to create or enhance edible educational gardens. This initiative connects children with food, fostering curiosity and healthy eating habits. Eligible applicants include K-12 schools and organizations that regularly engage at least ten children in gardening activities. The program emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning about food and gardening, aiming to inspire a new generation of healthy eaters.

The CFSI Health Careers Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, provides multiple $5,000 non-renewable scholarships for students pursuing education in health-related fields. It aims to support those aged 25 and older who have previously attended college but did not complete a degree. Eligible applicants must reside in Clark or Floyd County, Indiana, and can include high school seniors planning to pursue health-related certificates or degrees, fostering educational advancement in the community.

The Experimental Physics Investigators Initiative, launched by the Gordon E. and Betty I. Moore Foundation, aims to support mid-career scientists in experimental physics. With a funding of $1,250,000 over five years, this program encourages innovative research and collaboration among scientists. Applicants from U.S. institutions are invited to submit pre-proposals, with about 50% advancing to full proposals. The initiative fosters inclusivity and equity while aiming to make significant impacts in the field of experimental physics.

The Allied Arts Allocations Grant Program provides vital funding to its 25 member agencies in central Oklahoma, enabling them to deliver quality arts and cultural programming. The program supports a range of needs, from administrative costs to hosting acclaimed exhibits and performances. Eligible organizations must be nonprofit, tax-exempt, and operational for at least three years, with a commitment to the arts community. This initiative enhances the cultural landscape of Oklahoma and fosters community engagement.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are launching a pilot emphasis on advancing scientific instrumentation and enabling technologies to drive innovation and economic growth in the U.S. This initiative supports startups and small businesses developing critical scientific equipment and platforms, with funding opportunities up to $2 million for R&D. By prioritizing next-generation instrumentation, NSF aims to enhance the scientific enterprise and foster breakthroughs essential for the future of AI-driven discoveries and broader scientific advancements.

The Albemarle Foundation Impact Grants support local 501(c)(3) organizations within 50 miles of Albemarle Corporation locations, offering up to $15,000 in funding for community programs. Open twice a year, these grants aim to enhance workforce development, promote economic vitality, and foster inclusive communities. Eligible applicants can receive funding only once per calendar year. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that do not discriminate based on race, gender, or other protected categories.

The C. Homer and Charlotte L. Miel Endowment Grant Program, managed by the Central Montcalm Community Foundation, aims to enhance the educational experience for teachers and administrators of Central Montcalm Public Schools. By providing discretionary grants for approved projects, this initiative supports innovative educational endeavors that benefit the local community. With a commitment to sustainability, the foundation utilizes annual earnings from permanent endowments to fund these impactful educational opportunities.