Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

The Greater Opportunity Fund, managed by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA), offers fully-funded residencies to first-time applicants, especially those identifying as people of color. This initiative aims to amplify diverse creative voices, providing up to two weeks of residency at Mt. San Angelo, complete with private accommodations and meals. VCCA encourages emerging and established artists across various disciplines to apply, fostering an inclusive artistic community.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Outstanding Achievement Awards

The AWS Outstanding Achievement Awards honor exceptional contributions in welding, spanning historical structures, innovative fabrication, safety, and technical advancements across various categories.

Professor Koichi Masubuchi Award

This award is sponsored by the Center for Ocean Engineering at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The award will be given to one individual who has made significant contributions in the advancement of the science and technology of materials joining through research and development. The individual is to be 40 years old or younger and may live in any part of the world. The recipient need not be a member of AWS.

Complete nomination packets may be submitted for consideration to the AWS Awards Committee and must include an introduction letter of support and a complete resume or CV of the individual's qualifications.

The applicant is requested to indicate his/her birth year in the resume to verify that he/she is 40 years old or younger for the year in which the applicant is nominated.

Complete nominations must be received by the deadline of December 31. The award will be presented at the following year's FABTECH show. Submit your nomination to Wei Zhang at zhang.3978@osu.edu or at nationalawards@aws.org.

The Chocolate Lovers Festival Committee Grant, established in 1992, aims to enhance community engagement in Fairfax by supporting local nonprofit organizations. The grant is funded through festival proceeds, promoting initiatives that improve quality of life for residents. Eligible applicants include nonprofits serving the City of Fairfax or those providing direct services to its residents. Funds cannot be used for non-essential projects or operational costs, ensuring that support is directed toward impactful community contributions.

The ASA Student Forum Travel Awards, offered by the American Sociological Association, provide financial assistance to students attending the ASA Annual Meeting. Awards are available to ASA Student members, with selections based on participation, financial need, and distance traveled. Up to 45 awards are granted, each consisting of $250 and a waiver for registration fees, reimbursed after the event. This initiative supports students' academic and professional development in sociology.

The TAC Major Cultural Institutions Grant provides crucial operational support to established arts organizations in Tennessee. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a strong history of programming, with at least three consecutive years of annual revenue exceeding $1 million. This competitive grant allows for funding requests up to $200,000, based on documented operating expenses. The grant aims to enhance the cultural landscape of Tennessee by supporting organizations that make a significant impact on their communities.

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation International Scholarship, established by horticulturist Ed Markham, supports students pursuing careers in floriculture or horticulture. With awards of $4,500, this scholarship promotes international exchange between U.S. and European students. Applicants must be U.S. or Canadian citizens or residents, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This initiative highlights the importance of global learning in horticulture, encouraging students to explore marketing through international experiences.

The TAC Partnership Support Grant provides crucial operating support for arts organizations chartered in Tennessee. Eligible applicants include independent arts groups and local arts agencies with a minimum budget of $75,000. Organizations can request up to $100,000, representing 20% of their total cash operating expenses. Applicants must adhere to specific eligibility criteria, including prior funding history and having a full-time administrator. This competitive grant fosters community engagement and promotes the arts across Tennessee.

The Educationally Related Worcester Nonprofit Organizations Grant, established by the George I. Alden Trust, focuses on capital needs for educational initiatives in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Trustees prioritize grants that enhance community support and education, providing funding primarily for capital projects. Organizations must adhere to specific eligibility criteria and grant cycles to ensure effective distribution of resources. This grant aims to foster significant educational advancements while honoring George Alden's commitment to community welfare.

The IECA Foundation Grant offers up to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that assist underserved youth and young adults in achieving their educational goals. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and align with its mission of fostering positive outcomes through personalized support and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with an annual budget of $1 million or less, focusing on innovative, project-based initiatives.

The TAC Small Urban Partnership Support Grant provides competitive operating support to arts organizations in Tennessee's urban counties. Eligible organizations must have a minimum budget of $30,000 and can request up to 20% of their cash operating expenses. A one-to-one dollar match is required. Applicants must demonstrate a history of funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission and meet specific eligibility criteria related to IRS status and recognized art forms.

The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation focuses on granting funds to small, dedicated animal welfare organizations in the Northeast US. Established in 2007, the foundation supports various initiatives, including humane societies, rescue organizations, and wildlife rehabilitation services. With a commitment to making a difference, they aim to empower groups with limited assets and fundraising capabilities to enhance animal welfare through essential services and educational programs.

The National Garden Scheme offers Community Garden Grants to support local gardening projects across England and Wales. Established in memory of Elspeth Thompson, these grants aim to empower community groups and CICs with funding for site preparations, tools, and plants. Eligible applicants must have a non-personal bank account and provide detailed cost breakdowns. However, local authorities and schools are ineligible, and funding cannot be used for salaries or promotional materials. This initiative fosters community engagement through gardening.

The MEF Classroom Grant, provided by the Madison Education Foundation, aims to enhance educational experiences for students in Madison School District #321. Grants of up to $1,000 are awarded to teachers for innovative classroom projects, funded by the foundation's growing perpetual fund. This initiative relies on community support to bridge the gap between educational needs and available resources, fostering a vibrant learning environment and empowering educators to achieve their goals.

Folklife

This grant program supports projects and activities which serve to identify, preserve and/or present Alabama folk traditions. Projects and activities may include festivals, field surveys, performances, exhibitions and documentation projects such as film, video, photography recordings, radio and publications.

Folklife Organizational Grant - Quick Assist Grants

Quick Assist Grants are for special, one-time needs unrelated to any other project or activity funded with a Council on the Arts grant. These grants fund unexpected or impromptu programs, opportunities, or other activities that are important to promote, share, or support the arts. Successful applications vary widely.

Quick Assist Grant applications may request between $500 and $2,500, with no matching expenses required to be provided by the applicant. Activities and expenses of a Quick Assist Grants may not overlap or support projects that are funded with another Council on the Arts grant of any kind.

The ArtsWA Art Project Grant supports organizations in Washington State providing public art programming. Eligible groups can request funding between $2,000 and $5,000, and must demonstrate a history of project execution. This reimbursement grant is focused on projects with arts as a main component and does not require an arts-focused mission. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Local Arts Agencies, and Tribal Governments.

Keokuk County Community Endowment Foundation

The KCCEF was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our county’s charitable programs were supported now, and in the future. We work together with many individuals, families, businesses and organizations to establish endowment funds that will provide grant awards for years to come.

What We Offer

The Keokuk County Community Endowment Foundation is here to assist our county’s organizations contribute to the local quality of life, and one of the ways that is done is through grant funding. KCCEF accepts grant applications to enable projects and programs impacting a wide range of needs in the community. In the past, grants have been awarded for projects involving arts and culture, health & human services, community betterment, historic preservation, and more. Proof of non-profit status, or sponsorship by a government entity is required. 

Endowment Grant

• Must have IRS 501(c)3 or 170(c)1 status or have an eligible financial sponsor
• One application per organization
• Minimum request is $500
• Must be in good standing with KCCEF, ie. all post grant forms filed for previous awards

The Creative Sector Flex Fund provides essential support for dynamic arts organizations in Pennsylvania, specifically those with annual revenues between $10,000 and $200,000. With grants of up to $5,000, this program allows flexibility in funding usage, addressing diverse needs including administrative and programmatic expenses. Administered by the Centre Foundation, it serves Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, and Huntingdon Counties, requiring annual applications to ensure continued support for the arts community.

The Michelson Spark Grants aim to fund innovative projects that promote digital equity in California, addressing critical issues like digital discrimination, access in Tribal communities, and the intersection of digital equity with health and education. Grants of up to $25,000 will support initiatives that enhance broadband access and foster systemic change. Organizations are encouraged to collaborate and seek additional funding to maximize impact, focusing on meaningful milestones that drive progress in underserved areas.

The National Scleroderma Foundation's Pre-Doctoral Summer Fellowship Award Program aims to support Ph.D. students conducting vital research on scleroderma. This initiative encourages emerging researchers by fostering their early interest in discovering the causes and potential cures of this challenging disease. By funding innovative research, the Foundation seeks to advance medical knowledge and improve the lives of those affected by scleroderma, reinforcing its commitment to finding a cure.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides annual grants to qualified non-profit organizations that provide enriching, educational programs to Maryland students. Eligible programs provide learning experiences that align with the State’s curricular and educational priorities and cannot be replicated in the classroom. These educational opportunities emphasize experiential learning and one-on-one support services. This includes, but is not limited to, free or reduced admission, full-day and residential field trips with hands on activities, mentoring, and tutoring. 

The Missouri Arts Council offers Express Grants to support a variety of artistic projects aimed at enhancing community engagement and economic growth through the arts. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing organizations to secure funding for performances, festivals, and educational initiatives. With a commitment to broadening access to the arts, the Council encourages early submissions, especially as funding is limited. This initiative aims to foster creativity and cultural enrichment across Missouri.

Minnesota Library Foundation (MLF) Scholarship

The Minnesota Library Foundation is excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity for Minnesota library staff!

MLF encourages career development by funding a scholarship for a Minnesota library staff worker to grow professionally through taking college or university courses that would lead to acquiring a degree or certificate in the library field. 

The MLF Governing Board establishes the guidelines for this scholarship and selects the recipients. The scholarship amount awarded is up to $1,000.00 per successful applicant.

The Grants for the Arts program provides significant financial support to arts and culture organizations in San Francisco, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $450,000 over two years. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofits, focusing on capacity building and public arts programming. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and promote vibrant cultural experiences through performances, exhibits, and festivals, ensuring access to the arts for all residents.

The Barbara Upton Wilson Fund, managed by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations providing humane treatment and care for animals in southeastern Virginia. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life for animals, ensuring they receive necessary care. Eligible organizations include those from South Hampton Roads and the Virginia Peninsula. However, grants are not available for certain activities, including fundraising events or support for individuals.

AGS Young Person's Activity Weekend Award

Five awards of up to £200 are being offered by the Merlin Trust to support attendance at the AGS Activity Weekend 2026. 

Successful Applicants

• Five awards of up to £200 each are available: you can apply for smaller amounts to cover travel only if you have secured funding from other sources.
• Award covers the cost of the Activity Weekend and/or as a contribution to travel to the Activity Weekend. 
• You must ensure you have travel insurance and it is advised that this is taken out on receipt of the grant awarded. 

The AZ Arts Festival Grant, provided by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, supports diverse arts and culture festivals in Arizona. Grants are available for in-person, virtual, or hybrid events that emphasize artistic expression and community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local government entities, and arts agencies. Festivals must span at least two weekends and feature curated programming. Ineligible activities include standalone productions and projects with religious or political purposes.

The Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada (AWFC) offers grants up to $2000 for student animal welfare clubs at Canadian universities. These funds support educational initiatives that promote animal welfare to club members and the wider community. Eligible projects include guest speaker travel, venue rentals for outreach activities, and educational field trips. However, funding cannot be used for individual animal care expenses or completed projects. This initiative aims to maximize the impact of animal welfare education.