Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

Pfizer 

Pfizer supports the global healthcare community’s independent initiatives (e.g., research, quality improvement or education) to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet medical need that are aligned with Pfizer’s medical and/or scientific strategies.

Colorectal Cancer Canada

Colorectal Cancer Canada (CCC) is Canada’s patient led not-for-profit patient association dedicated to colorectal cancer awareness and education, support for patients and their caregivers, and advocacy on their behalf and aspires to reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in Canada while improving the quality of life of patients, their families and their caregivers. 

Driving Timely Biomarker Testing to Optimize Treatment Decisions for Colorectal Cancer Patients Across Canada

The intent of this RFP is to encourage the applicant Canadian organizations and institutions to pursue innovative approaches for Research or QI projects that aim to optimize biomarker testing for patients in CRC at the applicants’ centre. Applicants are invited to implement innovative ideas with the goal of creating a path for sustainable biomarker testing for mCRC patients in Canada.

• Applicants must submit a Research or QI project budget for a maximum of C$100,000. 

The Soil & Water Conservation Program by the Lower Platte North NRD offers significant cost-share assistance to landowners for implementing conservation practices. Eligible activities include establishing grasslands, constructing terrace systems, and managing irrigation. Funding can cover up to 90% of costs in priority watersheds, ensuring support for sustainable farming and environmental stewardship. This initiative is open to all landowners within the district, promoting eco-friendly practices across various agricultural landscapes.

Better Beaches Grant Program

Since 2008, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to award small grants to local organizations and artists to activate the region’s public beaches through free events and programs on DCR beaches in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy, and Hull. 

The goal of the Better Beaches Grant Program is to give decision-making power directly to community members over community spaces. We do this by allocating state funds to organizations and individuals to host free events and programs on public beaches. It creates opportunities for people who may not already be visiting the beach, or who face barriers to accessing the beach, to enjoy these shared waterfront spaces. 

Whether you are part of an organization, collective, or are a creative individual with a vision for a more diverse and activated waterfront, the Better Beaches Grant Program may be for you! Grant applicants can come from any community, so long as their proposed event takes place on one of our region’s public DCR beaches from Nahant down to Hull. 

For the 2026 beach season, we will be allocating over $300,000 in small grants ranging from $2,500 – $8,500 per grantee.

What we fund?

The Better Beaches Grant Program supports a diverse range of public events and programs that celebrate and engage communities on Boston Harbor beaches. 

Grant funds must go toward events and programs that: 

• Are FREE to the public
• Take place on DCR public beaches and beachfront parks. For a full list of which beaches and beach-front parks, see below. 
• Happen between June 1 – September 30, 2026

Better Beaches grant funds can support a wide variety of events, including: youth and family fun days, cultural festivals, science and learning programs, music and dance events, kayaking, swimming, fishing, book groups and literacy programs, community resources, art classes and markets, self-care and wellness events, fitness and sports classes, and more. Get creative! Projects may be one-time events, a series, or recurring gatherings.

The Dale Jr. Foundation is dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth through targeted support in five key areas: Empowerment, Education, Wellness, Hunger, and Hope. By providing safe homes, educational resources, and healthy food, the foundation helps children overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Their commitment extends to various charities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. The foundation emphasizes community support and holistic care, making a significant impact in the lives of many young people.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Initiative

The Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to improve medication access, adherence, and patient understanding among uninsured and medically underserved populations. Individuals without health insurance often face significant barriers to obtaining prescription medications and receiving the counseling necessary to manage chronic conditions effectively. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $30,000 grants to member free and charitable clinics and pharmacies to establish or expand Medication Therapy Management programs aligned with recommendations from the American Pharmacists Association. Funding will support activities such as staff certification in MTM, development of standardized protocols, and patient education to help individuals better understand their medications, manage side effects, and support overall treatment plans. By strengthening pharmacist-led care and improving communication between providers and patients, this initiative seeks to enhance medication adherence, improve chronic disease management, and advance better health outcomes for vulnerable patient populations.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program, established in 1964, aims to protect natural areas and provide recreational opportunities across the U.S. Funded by offshore oil and gas leasing revenues, the program supports state and local governments in acquisitions and developments for public outdoor recreation. Administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the program has funded over 44,000 projects, enhancing parks, trails, and recreational facilities while ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.

The Movement Focus Area Grant by the Quimby Family Foundation supports Maine-based nonprofits dedicated to advancing Human Wholeness through movement and nourishment. Grants range from $2,500 to $25,000, with a focus on fostering connections between people and nature. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate community involvement. This grant aims to create equitable access to outdoor experiences and promote health and well-being through active engagement with nature.

The William Brewster Memorial Award, awarded by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes exemplary contributions to ornithological science through a significant body of work on Western Hemisphere birds published in the last decade. This prestigious award honors the legacy of William Brewster, a founding member of the American Ornithologists' Union, and includes a medal and honorarium funded by the William Brewster Memorial Fund. Nominations are open to all, fostering diversity in ornithology.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's Targeted Brownfield Assessment (TBA) Program offers essential property assessment services at no cost to local government entities. This program is designed to minimize contamination uncertainties for brownfield sites, facilitating cleanup and redevelopment efforts. Eligible applicants include counties, cities, and non-profit organizations. TBA services, such as Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and remedial action plans, support real estate transactions and funding applications, ultimately transforming blighted properties into valuable community assets.

Curtis Marvin Hohn Endowment

To provide financial support to South Dakota students attending an in-state institution of higher learning and that demonstrate a commitment to public service.

Applicants for the Curtis Marvin Hohn Legacy Scholarship will reflect the values that embodied Curt Hohn's life. These characteristics may include, but are not limited to:

• Personal integrity, individual character, and courage
• Leadership in school and community
• Demonstrated involvement in civic affairs
• Participation in organizations that shape the school and community
• Individual leadership to reform policies that benefit the public good of the school and community
• Demonstrated work ethic in the school and community
• Demonstrated interest in national and global issues that impact the public interest
• Demonstrated interest in humanitarian issues

This scholarship was established to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Curtis M. Hohn, a prominent figure in South Dakota's water policy landscape, renowned for his service as a public servant, community activist, and leader. Curtis held several key positions, including serving on the staff of U.S. Senator George McGovern, directing the United Family Farmers organization, and managing the Oahe Conservancy Subdistrict. He played a crucial role in assessing the Oahe Irrigation Project and negotiating legislative settlements for alternative water projects. Moreover, Curtis led negotiations between the local Oahe Subdistrict with Congress and the U.S. Department of the Interior. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the implementation of South Dakota's first major pipeline project utilizing Missouri River water.

Curt was an avid reader of history. His lifetime commitment of political courage and public service are reflected in the words of Robert F. Kennedy, a man Curt deeply admired and often quoted - "Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation."

Heart of Canal Street, established in 1994 by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, focuses on enhancing the lives of children in southeastern Wisconsin. The initiative collaborates with local charities to provide essential services, promote safety, and foster an appreciation for the arts. In 2024, the program will award over $500,000 to 30 deserving children's charities, ensuring a brighter future for youth in the community.

The Fall Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) at BIOS offers U.S. undergraduate students a unique opportunity to engage in marine research funded by the National Science Foundation. Participants will work on projects such as coral ecophysiology and marine microbiology under expert mentorship. This internship not only enhances research skills but also promotes diversity by encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Funding covers travel, accommodation, meals, and a stipend, making it an accessible option for aspiring scientists.

The Martin Luther King/César Chavez/Rosa Parks Future Faculty Fellowship at Western Michigan University aims to support academically or economically disadvantaged doctoral candidates in their final dissertation stage. Established in 1986, this fellowship provides financial aid averaging around $33,000 to help students complete their degrees. Recipients must fulfill a three-year teaching or administrative obligation at a postsecondary institution in Michigan, ensuring a commitment to education and community service.

The New Mexico Ornithological Society (NMOS) offers two annual research grants, including the $1000 Ryan Beaulieu Research Grant, which honors Ryan Beaulieu and supports non-collection bird research. The NMOS Research Grant also provides $1000 for projects related to New Mexico's avifauna. Both grants require recipients to present their findings at an NMOS Meeting or submit an article to the NMOS Bulletin, with preference given to student applicants.

The See, Test & Treat Grant offers funding for a pathologist-led cancer screening program aimed at underserved communities. With a focus on health education, the program provides vital cervical and breast cancer screenings, ensuring same-day results and follow-up care. Eligible institutions can apply for funding up to $20,000 for single-year projects or up to $50,000 over three years. This initiative addresses health disparities, empowers communities, and enhances the visibility of pathology in healthcare.

West Virginia Department of Transportation

The West Virginia Department of Transportation's (WVDOT) mission is to provide a safe, efficient, and reliable multimodal transportation system to keep West Virginia moving. WVDOT provides essential services in transportation, tourism and economic development, including:

• Safety and protection for citizens through modern operating standards for our highways, rail and airport facilities and licensing and permitting of drivers and motor vehicles;
• Transportation services including public transit, railway operation and maintenance, airport and river port development and highway construction and maintenance;
• Community and economic development through accessible roads, rivers, railways and airports and support for the artisan community through Tamarack and other development initiatives;
• Revenue generation through the highway trust fund; air, railway and waterway fuel funds and tolls and concession fees;
• Information and education through driver education, travel information, safety guidance, public involvement in transportation planning and continuing education.

Recreational Trails Program

The RTP is a set-aside of the TA funds to provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized trails. This program is also administered by the WVDOH. The RTP, through a competitive process, provides project funding for pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian facilities, in-line skating, cross country skiing and off-road motorized vehicles. The RTP grants are also 80% federally funded and require a 20% non-federal sponsor cash match. 

The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports students engaged in bioethics or the humanities, including art, music, and literature. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of physician leaders by providing financial assistance to those who are committed to advancing health equity and community service. By recognizing diverse fields of study, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in medicine and the humanities.

The BCFO Research Grants support ornithological research and bird surveys in British Columbia. These grants are aimed at fostering connections between researchers and the British Columbia Field Ornithologists (BCFO). Applicants must be BCFO members and request funding for planned projects that promote bird study, knowledge dissemination, and conservation efforts. Projects must be reported in BCFO publications, with funding requests up to $3000 considered, while larger requests require AGM approval.

The Cameron Award supports field research on native rodents across the Americas, encouraging studies in ecology, behavior, physiology, and conservation. It is available to students in MS or PhD programs and postdoctoral researchers in the U.S. Applicants must be ASM members. Funds cover supplies, equipment, and travel, but not salaries or meeting travel. The award aims to enhance understanding of rodent ecology and their impact on ecosystems.

The Max W. Johnson Scholarship, established by Max Johnson, supports students from Montgomery County, Indiana, enrolled in the Purdue University College of Agriculture. This educational scholarship recognizes achievements in soil and water conservation practices. The award is renewable for up to four years and covers tuition only. Eligible applicants must be graduates from local high schools and demonstrate a commitment to conservation efforts, enhancing the importance of sustainability in agriculture.

The Rockwell Fund, established in 1931, aims to foster positive community change in Greater Houston by providing housing grants. These grants support safe, well-maintained, and affordable housing for low-income residents, focusing on both owner-occupied and rental properties. The fund encourages community ownership models and offers educational programs to promote financial literacy and generational wealth transfer. Its mission is to create inclusive and sustainable communities, ensuring accessibility for diverse needs and incomes.

Green Partners Grant

Engage, educate, act and collaborate for the environment

Hennepin County provides funding and support to organizations to actively educate, engage and motivate residents to become environmental stewards and make positive behavior changes.

Through the Green Partners program, Hennepin County contracts with organizations to implement projects that engage youth and adults in becoming environmental stewards. Projects engage youth in learning about environmental topics and taking leadership on environmental issues as they get older. Green Partners also supports projects to engage our adult residents in helping the county reach it’s zero waste and climate goals by preventing waste, composting organic waste, reducing, reusing, recycling, and repairing and caring for our natural resources by improving water quality, caring for trees, and creating habitat to protect birds, bats, and pollinators.

Types of Grants

Hennepin County has three Green Partners programs.

• Environmental Action Program
• Youth Environmental Leadership Program
• Youth Environmental Education Program

Youth Environmental Education Grants

Youth environmental education projects engage youth in elementary and middle school in environmental education and outdoor nature experiences. Project activities engage youth in learning about the environment to develop their awareness and increase their knowledge of environmental issues and solutions. Strong projects are inquiry driven, incorporate hands-on and experiential environmental learning, provide outdoor nature experiences, and promote environmental stewardship. Preferred projects incorporate county identified project ideas.

Levels of Funding

• If you have received a Green Partners award before, you can apply for up to $25,000 for a one-year project or, if you meet the criteria, up to $50,000 for a two-year project.
• If you have never received a Green Partners award before, you can apply for up to $12,000 for a one-year project. 

The Loretta Morris Memorial Grants support individuals with cystic fibrosis in California who wish to engage in physical activities such as swimming, horseback riding, dance, or golf. Established in memory of Loretta Morris, this fund aims to help recipients enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. Applications are welcomed from both children and adults, promoting inclusivity and well-being within the CF community. Note that certain items, like memberships or accessories, are not eligible for funding.

The Turing Foundation offers Marine Nature Conservation Grants aimed at fostering sustainable relationships with nature. They focus on protecting marine nurseries in developing countries and combating climate change. While there is no open application process, organizations may be invited directly to submit proposals. It is encouraged to keep the foundation informed about relevant activities. This initiative highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity, particularly in vital ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves.

The Nearshore Marine Resource Conservation Grant, offered by the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, seeks to enhance Hawaii's coastal ecosystems through collaborative governance. This grant focuses on reducing land-based pollution, improving resource management capacity, and fostering community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and public schools serving Hawaii. The foundation emphasizes measurable outcomes, aiming for substantial increases in managed marine areas and effective governance practices to assure long-term sustainability for future generations.

The Riparian Buffer Block Grant, offered by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, supports organizations in establishing native riparian woody buffers. This initiative aims to enhance the ecological integrity of Vermont's waterways by providing funding for the implementation of forested buffers along rivers and streams. Projects must maintain a minimum buffer width of 35 feet and a planting density of 300 stems per acre, promoting sustainable land and water management practices.

The Illinois Habitat Fund offers competitive grants for preserving and maintaining high-quality habitat lands, aimed at not-for-profit organizations and governmental entities. This initiative, part of the Special Wildlife Funds Grant Program, supports projects aligned with the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan. Successful proposals typically demonstrate reasonable costs, feasible methods, and public access, contributing to targeted ecological goals across Forest, Farmland, and Wetland Campaigns.