Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

The Enterprise Mobility™ Philanthropic Giving program focuses on enhancing community engagement through grants aimed at supporting health, education, arts, and disaster relief initiatives. Only Enterprise Mobility team members and their spouses or domestic partners who volunteer with a nonprofit can apply for funding. The program prioritizes sustainable projects that uplift local communities and address pressing social issues, fostering a culture of responsibility and giving back to society.

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

The PositiveNRG Grant Program, led by NRG Energy, focuses on investing in communities through choice and education, community engagement, resilience, sustainability, and well-being. The program is open to non-profit organizations and governmental entities that can demonstrate a meaningful impact. Preference is given to initiatives that foster community involvement and inclusiveness. However, sponsorships for religious or political activities are generally not supported. This program aims to empower communities through innovative energy solutions.

The Mibor Realtor Foundation Grant, offered by the Mibor Foundation Inc, aims to combat homelessness in central Indiana by funding 501(c)(3) non-profits. Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated over $3 million to support organizations that provide permanent housing solutions. Eligible entities can request funding up to $20,000, with typical awards ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. The Foundation prioritizes proven housing-based solutions linked with comprehensive support services.

The Exelon Community Grants Program aims to support nonprofit organizations and students in local communities through funding initiatives that enhance education, environmental quality, local employment, and access to arts and culture. By prioritizing sustainable improvements and measurable outcomes, Exelon fosters community resilience and empowerment, ensuring that grants are awarded to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations that do not discriminate. This initiative encourages collaboration and strengthens community ties through impactful contributions.

The Harry M. and Edel Y. Ayers Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, honors the founders of Consolidated Publishing Company, Inc. This scholarship supports individuals pursuing associate or bachelor's degrees, as well as approved workforce training programs in Alabama. It is a one-time award available for part-time and full-time students at accredited institutions in the U.S., covering tuition, housing, supplies, and fees based on available assets.

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.

NAFC Capacity Fund

The NAFC Capacity Fund supports investments that strengthen clinic and pharmacy infrastructure and organizational effectiveness. This funding is designed to help NAFC members build the systems, tools, and capabilities needed to operate more efficiently, improve quality, and expand their ability to serve patients over time.

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 Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in southern Oklahoma by providing funding for healthcare, education, and social services. Established in 1950, this foundation plays a vital role in enhancing community welfare. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) organizations operating within a 50-mile radius of Ardmore. Grant applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines on December 1, March 1, June 1, and September 1. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for area residents.

The Chartercare Behavioral & Mental Health Grant offers up to $50,000 for proposals aimed at improving mental health services for children and adults in Rhode Island. The grant seeks innovative programs that address critical gaps in care, ensuring timely access to mental health professionals and effective treatment for issues like anxiety and depression. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing, with a preference for new initiatives or enhancements to existing programs.

The Research Foundation of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons offers a Career Development Award to support early career investigators in colorectal surgery. With a funding of $75,000 per year for two years, this award emphasizes mentorship and career growth. Applicants must be within five years of their first faculty position and demonstrate innovative research in colon and rectal diseases. The award aims to enhance academic careers while fostering advancements in surgical techniques.

The MMUF Dissertation Grant, funded by the Mellon Foundation, supports doctoral candidates who are alumni of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. This grant aids scholars in completing their dissertations, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in academia. With up to $30,000 for a 12-month period, the program encourages candidates to secure additional funding from their institutions. The initiative aims to bolster access to education and foster understanding among varied backgrounds, ultimately enhancing the academic landscape.

Indiana Department of Health

The Indiana State Department of Health became the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) in July 2021 after the Governor signed legislation updating the agency's statute. That same year the Department was also awarded accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board, joining the ranks of 36 other states and territories.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers.

MCH Strategic Inititatives Funding

The Indiana Department of Health Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Division is accepting applications to fund organizations to implement MCH programs focused on reducing infant mortality and improving outcomes for maternal, child, and adolescent health.

Purpose of MCH Strategic Initiatives Funding

This funding opportunity’s purpose is to support Indiana’s goal of improving Maternal and Child Health outcomes by funding competitive grants for community-driven projects that address their unique needs and the MCH Strategic Initiatives Priorities. This opportunity is a two-year, performancebased grant. At the end of the first two project years, a performance award opportunity (up to the original awarded amount) will be available for those recipients that demonstrate improvement in their selected outcomes. 

MCH Strategic Initiatives Priorities

• Reduce Preventable Deaths and Advance Quality of Life
• Focus on Upstream Opportunities and Strategies
• Improve physical health and strengthen mental, social, and emotional well-being
• Promote protective factors and uplift Hoosiers families
• Foster Reciprocal Communication and Strategic and Sustainable Collaboration
• Address Community Health Factors and Systems that Influence Health Status and Behaviors
• Enhance Approaches to Operations, Data, and Evaluation

Applicants must submit a proposal for programs that aim to address infant mortality, birth outcomes, or other MCH priorities. This proposal must also identify the population and area they plan to impact. 

The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Local Assistance and Federal Recreation Grants, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aim to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities across the state. These grants support various programs, including local parks development, acquisition of development rights, and urban green spaces. They also encompass federal initiatives such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Recreational Trails Program. This funding fosters community engagement and promotes sustainable recreational access.

The NIDA Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Program Award aims to foster research independence in clinician scientists by providing intensive supervised research training and career development in the field of substance use and substance use disorder. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, ensuring timely submission for this essential funding opportunity.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program, initiated in FY 2001, aims to foster collaboration between State and Federal entities in conserving listed species. This program provides funding for acquiring critical land parcels to support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-approved recovery plans. By securing habitats at risk from development, the initiative directly addresses the primary threat to endangered species, ensuring effective and immediate conservation actions.

The Norm Winn Memorial Conservation Grant, managed by the Keta Legacy Foundation, supports conservation, preservation, and restoration projects in Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, and Eastern Washington. This competitive grant encourages non-profit organizations to apply for up to $25,000 to implement innovative environmental initiatives. Applicants must demonstrate project feasibility and significant community impact, while ensuring their proposals align with the Foundation's commitment to supporting diverse conservation efforts.

HUD Continuum of Care Grant

Overview

Each year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a national competitive funding opportunity to Continuums of Care (CoCs) working to end homelessness. On June 1st, 2026, HUD released the fiscal year 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), see NOFO and CoC Program Competition

UCS serves as Johnson County’s CoC (KS-505) lead agency and collaborative applicant and submits the application annually on behalf of local members. In fiscal year 2024, $1,061,657 was awarded to members of KS-505’s CoC to support 7 programs in Johnson County offering permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, homeless data management services and CoC planning support.

The CoC Program (24 CFR part 578):

• Promotes community-wide commitment to ending homelessness
• Provides funding for nonprofit providers, states, and local governments to quickly re-house homeless individuals, youth, families, and persons fleeing domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking
• Promotes access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs
• Optimizes self-sufficiency among those experiencing homelessness

The Local Arts Support Grant, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, empowers Brooklyn's artists and arts organizations by providing funding for community engagement projects. Designed for nonprofit organizations and artist-nonprofit partnerships, it supports diverse artistic disciplines and does not require matching funds. In 2025, it distributed $265,000 to 63 projects, enhancing local cultural initiatives through performances, exhibitions, and workshops that foster community involvement and enrich the arts landscape.

The Pasadena Audubon Society offers research grants aimed at supporting students and community organizations engaged in bird-related research and conservation. This funding is focused on projects relevant to Southern California and the Pacific Flyway, encouraging scientific studies and community initiatives that enhance our understanding and protection of avian species.

The Climatetech Testing and Demonstration Assets (TDA) Program, offered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), aims to enhance climatetech innovation in Massachusetts. It provides capital grants ranging from $1.5M to $5M to Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) for shared infrastructure and equipment development. This initiative addresses gaps in the climatetech ecosystem, promoting commercialization and economic growth, while positioning Massachusetts as a leader in clean energy solutions.

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 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 Hawk Watch Fund Grant, established by the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA), supports hawk watch sites in North America facing funding challenges. Grants of up to $1000 are available for volunteer-based projects that align with HMANA's mission of promoting raptor conservation and migration study. Funding is sourced from HMANA's annual Raptorthon and donations. This initiative aims to enhance educational resources, equipment acquisition, and operational support for hawk watch groups.

The Desert Tortoise Council invites proposals for conservation projects aimed at enhancing desert tortoise populations and habitats. With a funding opportunity of $9,000, the RFP emphasizes the importance of in situ conservation efforts such as habitat restoration and predator control. Projects must be completed within the current year in the Mojave Desert region. Applicants are required to submit detailed proposals, including budgets and project descriptions, and must report outcomes post-completion.

The Wirtanen Family Fund supports initiatives aimed at fostering community awareness of global interdependence, promoting social justice, and increasing democratic participation. It prioritizes projects addressing contemporary issues with regional impact, such as health care access and environmental preservation. Eligible organizations include those classified as charitable under IRS codes and serving specific counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The fund encourages co-sponsorship and highlights the importance of understanding diverse cultures and social systems.

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.