Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

The Milton Hicks Wood & Helen Gibbs Wood Charitable Trust Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Texas, focusing on human services. Established by Milton and Helen Wood, it reflects their values of hard work and family. The trust typically awards 2-3 grants each year, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. This grant aims to foster community improvement and support various charitable initiatives.

The Major Research Grants on Reducing Inequality, funded by the William T Grant Foundation, support research aimed at reducing inequality in youth outcomes for ages 5-25 in the U.S. Grants range from $100,000 to $600,000 over 2-3 years. Studies can explore various systems such as education, mental health, and justice, focusing on mechanisms for change, intervention effectiveness, and improved measurement of inequality.

The Leyerle-CARA Prize, established by the Medieval Academy of America, offers an annual award of $1,000 to support doctoral research for members needing access to Toronto's extensive collections. This initiative honors John Leyerle for his significant contributions to medieval studies and CARA. The prize primarily aids graduate students from the Medieval Academy who require resources from institutions like the University of Toronto's Robarts Library and the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies.

The City Gardens Club of New York offers annual grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for projects that promote environmental beauty and education in New York City's five boroughs. Since 1981, these grants have helped schools engage students in hands-on horticulture, fostering a love for gardening and farming among diverse communities. The program highlights the importance of nature in education, benefiting both children and adults while adhering to the club's mission of public benefit through education.

The Ed Leo Scholarship supports graduating members of the Cedar Falls High School First Robotics Competition Team who meet specific criteria. If the team disbands, the fund will assist Cedar Falls High School students engaged in STEM activities or provide grants for personal finance education. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of B+ and a composite ACT score of 26, demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to academic excellence.

The Healthy Lives: Animal Welfare Grant Program, funded by The New York Community Trust, aims to enhance the humane treatment and medical care of animals in metropolitan New York. This initiative supports nonprofits that align with its grantmaking priorities, fostering projects that focus on animal welfare. By promoting efficient, equitable services, the program contributes to the overall health of animals and the community, ensuring a better quality of life for all living beings in the region.

The Mary C. Murphy Library Construction Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Education, supports public library renovations and construction projects aimed at enhancing accessibility. With funding up to $1 million for improvements and $450,000 for accessibility, this grant prioritizes eliminating architectural barriers and ensuring safe, inviting library environments. The initiative reflects the Department's commitment to equitable education access for all Minnesotans, fostering lifelong learning opportunities within communities.

The O'Neill Community Foundation Fund Grant supports nonprofits in O'Neill and the surrounding area, prioritizing strategic projects that enhance community betterment and economic development. Since its inception in 2005, the fund has provided resources for initiatives unlikely to receive government or charitable funding. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) non-profits and local government entities. The application process is open year-round, allowing for ongoing community support and sustainable development.

The Boston Cultural Council Organizational Grants support small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations and artist collectives with operating grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Aimed at enhancing Boston's cultural landscape, these grants promote accessibility and participation in arts programming. Organizations with budgets under $2 million can apply, with tiered funding based on budget size, ensuring a vibrant and just community for all residents.

The PLTW Computer Science grant, funded by Lockheed Martin, aims to support schools in expanding or establishing PLTW Computer Science courses. This initiative addresses the critical shortage of skilled professionals in STEM fields, enabling students to gain essential knowledge and skills. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has successfully partnered with PLTW to implement programs across the nation, impacting over 77,000 students. Schools are encouraged to apply for funding to enhance their computer science curriculum.

The Graduate Research Excellence Travel Award, offered by the American Physical Society (APS), supports graduate students who have shown significant academic progress. This award provides up to $500 for domestic students and $1,000 for international students to cover travel expenses related to the Global Physics Summit. Eligible applicants must be APS and FGSA members, presenting at the summit, and can use the funds for registration, airfare, lodging, and other related costs.

The San José Creative Economy Fund provides up to $8,000 in project grants to arts and creative businesses in San José. With a total of $40,000 available for the 2024 round, the fund aims to enhance the city’s cultural vibrancy and support projects that demonstrate economic impact and community engagement. Eligible businesses must be commercial enterprises, primarily offering arts-related services, and in good standing with the city. This initiative is a collaboration between the City of San José and the Center for Cultural Innovation.

The Akron Community Foundation offers Community Fund Grants focused on Arts & Culture, aimed at enriching the community's quality of life. These grants support diverse artistic and cultural initiatives that foster inclusiveness and systemic change in Summit County. Eligible applicants include approved 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to addressing community needs through effective and sustainable programs. However, grants do not cover endowments, scholarships, or direct financial support to individuals.

The Minde Browning Professional Development Fund Grant, established by The Indianapolis Foundation, supports professional development activities for library staff in Marion County. Grants of up to $1,500 are available for attending conferences, workshops, and courses that enhance skills and benefit library patrons. Applicants must demonstrate how their development will positively impact their community. Applications are accepted year-round, with a 60-day advance notice required.

The Back to Better Resilience Grants provide $3,000 to artists and creative entrepreneurs in Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, or Huntingdon County, who experienced significant income disruption due to the pandemic. Eligible applicants must have primarily earned their income from their artistic practice in 2019 and be active in their creative field. This initiative, funded by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, aims to support the recovery of the arts community.

The Fall Grant Opportunities from the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation focus on enhancing accessibility through the Access to Recreation Endowment. Established in 2007, this initiative supports recreational projects that exceed basic ADA requirements, ensuring universal design for all. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities serving Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. This funding aims to foster community well-being by promoting inclusive recreational access.

The Adirondack Foreign Language Enhancement Fund Grant aims to inspire and elevate the status of French and Spanish teachers in K-12 schools within the Adirondack Park, New York. It provides competitive grants to enhance foreign language instruction through innovative projects, cultural immersion trips, and collaboration among educators. Priority is given to initiatives that exceed school budgets and focus on advancing teaching technologies and career development for language teachers.

The PLTW Computer Science program expansion, funded by Chevron, aims to enhance educational opportunities in Mississippi. With over $24 million invested nationally since 2009, this initiative supports schools in expanding their Computer Science offerings, training teachers, and reaching more students. Eligible public and charter schools in specific districts can apply for funding to develop new courses and improve existing programs, contributing to a significant impact on K-12 education in the region.

The Erie County Community Foundation's Access to Recreation Fund aims to enhance recreational access for individuals of all abilities in Erie County, Ohio. This fund supports projects that promote collaboration among local organizations, build capacity, and ensure sustainability, yielding significant community benefits. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profits, churches, and schools. The Foundation prioritizes projects that serve the local community and may cover operational costs, but excludes funding for advertising, political activities, or individual grants.

The Brush Family Foundation Fund aims to empower communities in Downs, Kansas, through competitive grants that support charitable initiatives. By collaborating with donors and local organizations, the Fund promotes transparency, integrity, and excellence, ensuring that contributions directly impact the community. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) organizations, government, educational, and religious institutions. With quarterly deadlines for applications, the Fund seeks to inspire and connect gifts to meaningful causes, fostering a resilient and thriving community.

Meade County Community Foundation

The idea for Meade County Community Foundation began as a way to keep funds collected by the Sherriff's Department in Meade County instead of sending them onto the state. Since 2019, we have funded several county-wide and individual community projects thanks to these funds and The Patterson Family Foundation.

MCCF is focused on Meade County and all three school districts that serve the youth of our county, extending our reach into Seward County as well. MCCF is a 501(c)3 organization.

Grants

With the generosity of all of our donors and the partnerships we have with the Meade County Sheriff's department and The Patterson Family Foundation, MCCF was able to grant out $16,550 in our Summer 2025 cycle. In 2025 alone, MCCF granted out nearly $30,000. All time grants from MCCF are now over $76,000. 

Chevron is committed to enhancing educational opportunities through the PLTW Computer Science program in Mississippi. This initiative aims to empower K-12 students and teachers by offering access to transformative learning experiences. With over $24 million invested since 2009, Chevron's support has reached more than 411,000 students and 9,500 teachers nationwide. The program encourages schools to implement at least one PLTW Computer Science course, fostering innovation and skills development in future generations.

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has been serving the people of Texas for more than a century. Since 1909, when the state founded the agency, we have been supporting the reading, learning, and historical preservation needs of Texas and its people. 

Going back to the days of the Republic, there has always been an official library and archives of Texas. While fulfilling our unique and longstanding place serving Texas government, the State Library and Archives Commission mission is also to ensure that citizens have information they need to lead informed, productive, and fulfilled lives.

TexTreasures Grant

TexTreasures Grants are designed to help libraries make their special collections more accessible for the people of Texas and beyond. Activities considered for possible funding include: 

• digitization
• microfilming
• cataloging

There are two options for funding under the TexTreasures program:

• TexTreasures Basic which will award grants of up to $10,000 to small libraries (serving a population of up to 25,000) with little or no experience with digitization. Funding will support vendor contract services to increase access to collections with local or regional significance. 
• TexTreasures Original which will continue to support libraries seeking to provide access to special or unique collections of statewide interest and greater complexity. The maximum award is $40,000 for applications from single institutions and $50,000 for collaborative grant projects.

The MetroWest Fund for Arts & Culture Grant Program supports arts and cultural initiatives that enhance community engagement and diversity appreciation. By providing equitable access to artistic expression, it strengthens the local economy and cultural heritage. The Foundation for MetroWest awards discretionary grants to eligible organizations, ensuring that the benefits of art and culture reach all residents of the MetroWest region. This initiative fosters creativity and community building, making MetroWest a vibrant place to live.

Wyoming Energy Authority

The Wyoming Energy Authority coordinates with the entire energy spectrum as advocates, partners, environmental stewards and innovators.

Mission: To advance Wyoming’s energy and natural resources. 

Small Business Energy Audit and Retrofit Grant Program

Small Business Energy Audit and Retrofit grants are available to Wyoming small businesses and nonprofits looking for cost-effective opportunities to lower their energy usage. Grants will be used to complete a comprehensive energy audit and approved energy efficiency retrofits. 10% match required. 

Approved retrofits include: 

• Installation of energy efficient lighting (LED)
• Installation of insulation
• HVAC upgrades
• Weather sealing
• Purchase and installation of ENERGY STAR appliances
• Replacement of windows and doors  

Applicant must be the owner of the building/facility.

The Ashtabula Foundation offers grants of $5,001 and above to support non-profit organizations serving Ashtabula County. The foundation prioritizes funding in the Human Services category to assist those in need within the community. Eligible applicants must have a 501(C)(3) designation and utilize funds exclusively for the benefit of local citizens. The foundation will consider requests based on available funding and the potential impact on recipients.

The Delta Community Fund (DCF) is a charitable investment account dedicated to enhancing the lives of Delta, Colorado residents. Established in partnership with the Western Colorado Community Foundation, it supports local nonprofits and community projects through an annual grant process. Contributions, regardless of size, are tax-deductible and help address various community needs. By donating, you contribute to a lasting impact, ensuring that the fund continues to support innovative solutions for generations to come.