Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Just prior to statehood, a cash-poor, land-rich federal government provided Washington with more than 3 million acres of land to build schools and other vital public institutions. Free public education was seen then, as it is now, as essential to American freedom, prosperity and happiness. Two square miles of every 36-square "township" were given to the young state of Washington to generate revenue for education.

In 1957, the legislature created the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to manage state trust lands for the people of Washington. Under the elected leadership of the Commissioner of Public Lands, DNR manages seven specific trusts to generate revenue and preserve forests, water, and habitat. DNR now manages 5.6 million acres of forest, range, agricultural, aquatic, and commercial lands for more than $200 million in annual financial benefit for public schools, state institutions, and county services. Our mission: Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Community Forestry Assistance Grant Program

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources, hereafter called “Agency/DNR”, is seeking applications to support local jurisdictions in implementing activities on public property that improve tree health and longevity, reduce tree-related risks, and increase capacity for tree planting by establishing small scale tree nurseries.

The objective of this competitive grant opportunity is to fund essential maintenance and related activities supporting urban trees on public property in cities and towns across Washington state. Maintenance of natural areas, including invasive weed removal, is not eligible. Applicants may submit applications that contain one or more eligible activity types, which include the following:

• Tree pruning
• Tree removal and replacement
• Development of small-scale tree nurseries
• Other specialized tree maintenance

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Cape Fear River Assembly Scholarship

Any high school or college student accepted/enrolled in a college in the Cape Fear River Basin. 

The River Counties Community Foundation offers competitive grants to nonprofit organizations in Lancaster, Middlesex, and Northumberland counties. Funded by generous donors, these grants focus on enhancing community vibrancy, economic prosperity, educational success, health and wellness, and environmental stewardship. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) and can apply for support once per calendar year, with certain exceptions for high-impact projects. This initiative aims to foster long-lasting community improvements and meet emerging needs.

The Family & Children's Services of Lebanon County Fund offers scholarships to Lebanon County residents pursuing degrees in social sciences and human services. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and academic achievement while enrolled in accredited institutions. Awards can cover up to five years of study in fields such as nursing and social work. Students may reapply and submit various supporting documents as part of their application process. For more details, visit their official FAQs.

Indian Affairs Department

The Indian Affairs Department (IAD) is a Cabinet Level agency within the Executive Branch of the State of New Mexico.

The Indian Affairs Department (IAD) is a cabinetlevel agency within the Executive Branch of the State of New Mexico, leading change through a variety of programs and administration of funding opportunities. IAD investigates and addresses the health, economy, education and legislative impacts affecting Indian conditions and relations in New Mexico.

IAD collaborates with other state agencies, promotes public participation and serves as the clearinghouse for all state programs impacting Indian communities.

The department may hold hearings, conduct meetings, investigate issues and partner with tribal, local, state and federal entities to promote the welfare of New Mexico’s Indian people.

It also contracts with tribal governments, public agencies or private entities to provide services and facilities for Indian communities.

IAD also focuses on matters such as Behavioral Health & Suicide Prevention, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP), Environmental Justice, Policy & Legislation and more.

Entrepreneur Training & Support for New Mexico Tribal Citizens & Communities

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit proposals to provide entrepreneurial training, education, and resources to assist tribal members in New Mexico in starting, expanding, and sustaining Native-owned businesses.

The PBC Grants, funded by the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, aim to enhance educational opportunities for Monterey County youth. Supporting various non-profits, these grants focus on early childhood readiness, literacy, arts, and youth development. By providing scholarships and financial aid, the Foundation ensures that students from pre-kindergarten to post-graduate levels have access to resources that enrich their educational journey, fostering a brighter future for the community.

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation

The mission of the Environmental Facilities Corporation is to assist communities throughout New York State to undertake critical water quality infrastructure projects by providing access to low-cost capital, grants and expert technical assistance. A primary goal is to ensure that these projects remain affordable while safeguarding essential water resources. We support this mission by consistently using an innovative approach to developing and advancing new financing strategies to maximize the funding that can be made available to our clients, aiding compliance with Federal and State requirements, and promoting green infrastructure practices.

EFC has broad knowledge and a breadth of experience as a national leader in the municipal bond market. Our distinction gives our partners significant advantages in funding projects: Low cost of capital through grants, low interest rates and reduced bonding costs; Multiple funding options to fit your needs through project planning to construction and completion; Expert support to guide you through the application process and help you comply with state and federal requirements. We ensure the participation of minority-, women-, and service-disabled, veteran-owned businesses through every stage of the construction process. We also partner with a wide variety of professional organizations

Strengthening Essential Cybersecurity for Utilities and Resiliency Enhancement (SECURE) Implementation Grant

EFC is offering $2.5 million dollars to strengthen cybersecurity readiness and resilience and support operational continuity for eligible water and wastewater systems across New York State. The SECURE program will provide funding for projects that enhance cyber protections, modernize digital infrastructure and reduce vulnerabilities for critical drinking water and wastewater systems. This strategic initiative expands upon Governor Hochul’s commitment to safeguard essential services, improve risk management practices, and support communities meeting evolving cybersecurity expectations. Funding is available for both cybersecurity assessments and implementation based on best practices and regulatory requirements. 

The SECURE Implementation Grant will fund deployment and enhancement of cybersecurity controls, technologies, and response capabilities identified during the assessment phase. The funded activities will be in response to a submitted cybersecurity assessment of the system. Completion of a prior assessment using a SECURE Assessment Grant is not required to apply; however a comparable assessment of the system’s cybersecurity needs must have been completed prior to applying for a SECURE Implementation Grant. A municipality may apply for up to 20% of net eligible costs, up to $100,000. 

The Alberta Blue Cross Built Together Grants support Albertans in creating spaces for active living, such as outdoor gyms, skate parks, and playgrounds. This initiative emphasizes community accessibility and promotes health and wellness, particularly for children. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and community groups focused on enhancing public spaces. The program aims for equitable distribution of funding across diverse communities, ensuring all Albertans have opportunities to engage in active lifestyles.

New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation

The mission of the Environmental Facilities Corporation is to assist communities throughout New York State to undertake critical water quality infrastructure projects by providing access to low-cost capital, grants and expert technical assistance. A primary goal is to ensure that these projects remain affordable while safeguarding essential water resources. We support this mission by consistently using an innovative approach to developing and advancing new financing strategies to maximize the funding that can be made available to our clients, aiding compliance with Federal and State requirements, and promoting green infrastructure practices.

EFC has broad knowledge and a breadth of experience as a national leader in the municipal bond market. Our distinction gives our partners significant advantages in funding projects: Low cost of capital through grants, low interest rates and reduced bonding costs; Multiple funding options to fit your needs through project planning to construction and completion; Expert support to guide you through the application process and help you comply with state and federal requirements. We ensure the participation of minority-, women-, and service-disabled, veteran-owned businesses through every stage of the construction process. We also partner with a wide variety of professional organizations

Strengthening Essential Cybersecurity for Utilities and Resiliency Enhancement (SECURE) Assessment Grant

EFC is offering $2.5 million dollars to strengthen cybersecurity readiness and resilience and support operational continuity for eligible water and wastewater systems across New York State. The SECURE program will provide funding for projects that enhance cyber protections, modernize digital infrastructure and reduce vulnerabilities for critical drinking water and wastewater systems. This strategic initiative expands upon Governor Hochul’s commitment to safeguard essential services, improve risk management practices, and support communities meeting evolving cybersecurity expectations. Funding is available for both cybersecurity assessments and implementation based on best practices and regulatory requirements. 

The SECURE Assessment grant will assist eligible clean water and drinking water systems to evaluate their cybersecurity posture, identify vulnerabilities, and prioritize risk mitigation needs. A municipality may apply for up to $50,000 with a 0% match.   

The Charles River Life Sciences Scholarship at Western Michigan University supports undergraduate students majoring in biological sciences. This scholarship funds educational and research materials, encouraging outstanding academic performance with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship has evolved from previous awards, highlighting its commitment to fostering student success in the biological sciences field. This opportunity not only aids in financial support but also enhances the educational experience for dedicated students.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship advocates for Iowa’s farmers and protects consumers, animals, our food supply and our shared soil and water resources. Our programs strengthen rural communities, support a thriving agriculture economy, and build a stronger future for all Iowans. 

Urban Conservation Projects Request for Pre-Applications

IDALS is accepting pre-applications for projects that demonstrate strong ties to the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. These projects will focus on adoption and implementation of urban conservation practices that provide nutrient load reductions to water resources in combination with outreach and education components demonstrating how projects will work to support the nonpoint source action items outlined in Section 1 of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy can be viewed at http://www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu.

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to deliver stormwater management strategies and practices. Strong partnerships must be demonstrated with any stakeholders that will be contributing significant resources to the project.

These projects can range from site scale to watershed scale stormwater management practices (a single bioretention cell vs a stormwater wetland). Projects may utilize one or multiple stormwater management practices to manage the water quality improvement goals. The practices must treat for water quality volume, but they may comprehensively manage multiple storm events including the entire unified sizing criteria storms, when possible or practical. This approach can provide large scale water quality and quantity benefits to the applicant.

Priority will be given to applications that can demonstrate the ability to rapidly implement the project and practices funded under this RFPA.

The Charles B. Degenstein Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations within a 75-mile radius of Sunbury, PA. Established in 1989, the Foundation seeks to enhance community quality of life through funding in areas like conservation, health care, social services, and education. Applications should demonstrate community support and clear project goals. Note that grants do not cover all costs, and applications focused on political activities are discouraged. For more information, visit their website.

The Outdoor Heritage Fund, overseen by the North Dakota Industrial Commission, provides grants to enhance conservation practices statewide. Established in 2013, it supports projects that improve access to lands for sportsmen, restore water quality, and develop wildlife habitats. Priority is given to initiatives that foster stewardship of natural resources, ensuring sustainable farming and recreation. The fund aims to preserve North Dakota's natural heritage while promoting environmental responsibility among state and tribal organizations.

The Waterman Fund Grant aims to preserve the ecological, cultural, and recreational values of the alpine regions in Northeastern North America. It supports projects such as trail rehabilitation, alpine education, and research to enhance stewardship of these areas. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government agencies, with a requirement for matching funds. The Fund also encourages long-term sponsorships for impactful educational and conservation initiatives, particularly in alpine ecosystems.

Delaware Community Foundation

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) is a nonprofit organization focused on partnering with donors to build opportunity and advance equity in Delaware.

Our mission is to strengthen Delaware by maximizing community-based philanthropy.

June J. and Russell W. Peterson Fund

Purpose of the Fund: To support programs submitted by Delaware organizations that serve the poor through one or more of the following fields: jobs, housing, health care, education, and community members re-entering society.

Montana Healthcare Foundation: Rural Health Small Grants

The Montana Healthcare Foundation offers Rural Health Small Grants for organizations located in and serving rural Montana. Through a simplified application, rural Montana organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help address a health issue in their community.

Communities face many challenges that impact health. We encourage projects that support work addressing a broad range of issues. Projects may focus on any health-related issue, for example, mental health, housing, food, child or elder care, public health, or cultural connection.

This grant initiative is intended to be a low-barrier opportunity for organizations in rural Montana that may have fewer staff and resources, making it difficult to compete for larger grants. Therefore, preference may be given to applications from organizations that are not under the umbrella or network of a larger entity. We also prioritize applications from smaller communities and those located in particularly remote areas of the state. We may also prioritize applications from communities in which MTHF has provided relatively little funding to date.

The Kaiser Permanente Washington Region Community Health Grant focuses on improving health care access, mental health, housing, and dismantling structural racism. This grant supports nonprofit organizations and community programs to foster sustainable health initiatives. Through a Community Health Needs Assessment, Kaiser Permanente identifies community needs and builds partnerships for equitable health solutions. The grant aims to create lasting impact in Washington communities by addressing crucial health disparities.

The Park Foundation Grants: Media support public interest media that raises awareness of critical environmental and social issues. They prioritize funding for investigative journalism, media policy, public broadcasting, and documentary films to promote a better-informed citizenry. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified, and funding is aimed at projects that ensure diverse perspectives and community engagement. The foundation is committed to fostering a robust democracy and independent media, reflecting its mission to advance a just and sustainable society.

The Adelaide Dawson Lynch Trust Grant, established in 1993 in memory of Adelaide Dawson Lynch, aims to support charitable organizations in Rhode Island providing essential food and shelter to economically disadvantaged citizens. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with larger amounts available for special initiatives. Eligible applicants must serve the Rhode Island community, focusing on housing, shelter, and human services.

The Spinks Family Foundation provides large grants of $10,000 and above annually to support non-profit organizations focused on education, food security, health, and mental health initiatives. Organizations must be 501(c)3 certified and demonstrate community impact with at least 500 volunteer hours. Applications are accepted from March 1 to March 30, and awards are announced by September 15. This initiative aims to empower nonprofits to effectively address pressing community needs.

The Jim Flynn Outstanding Corporation Award, presented annually by NALMS, honors the corporation that has made significant contributions to advancing lake management goals. This award emphasizes the importance of facilitating information exchange, promoting public awareness of lake ecosystems, and supporting management programs at all levels. Eligible nominations can come from any individual or entity, focusing on achievements in lake and reservoir management. Notably, current NALMS board members and awards committee members are excluded from eligibility.

Impact100 Cincinnati empowers women to enhance lives in Greater Cincinnati by funding transformative grants focused on culture, education, environment, family, and health. They aim to address community needs with measurable goals, ensuring grants are utilized effectively over 1-3 years. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities and align projects with the mission of Impact100. The initiative fosters collaboration while prohibiting funding for operating costs, travel, and faith-based advancements.

The NALMS Achievement Awards: Secchi Disk Award recognizes outstanding contributions to lake management by its members. NALMS aims to unite citizens, scientists, and professionals to ensure the protection and management of lakes and reservoirs. This prestigious award is open to NALMS members, with nominations encouraged from any individual or entity. However, current board and committee members are ineligible. The award celebrates those who significantly advance NALMS's goals and objectives in fostering lake ecosystem awareness and management.

The Island Foundation offers grants to support community-focused projects in coastal areas of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Priorities include youth education, food insecurity, immigrant assistance, civic engagement, and nonprofit capacity building. The Foundation favors organizations with a strong local presence, especially in New Bedford, and actively seeks proposals that promote social change and inclusion. Interested applicants should contact the Foundation to discuss potential funding opportunities.

The Mosquito Control Grant Program in Ohio, administered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, aims to combat mosquito-borne viruses like Zika and West Nile. This program offers funding to local governments for enhancing mosquito surveillance, reducing breeding habitats, and facilitating community education. It supports initiatives for larval and adult mosquito control, ensuring public health safety through effective management and outreach efforts.

The Laffey-McHugh Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations focused on underserved communities in Delaware. Established by Alice Laffey McHugh in 1959, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life through funding initiatives that address poverty, education, and community engagement. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $30,000 and are intended for projects with implementation timelines under 12 months. Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate sustainability and community impact in their proposals.

The Ashtabula Foundation offers grants up to $3,000 for Youth Enrichment programs aimed at supporting youth aged 6-18 in Ashtabula County. These grants focus on initiatives that foster personal development, leadership, and educational growth. Eligible organizations must have a 501(C)(3) status and serve the local community, with funding decisions made promptly by a review committee. This initiative aims to enhance youth skills and well-being through various programs.