Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

The Healthy Harbors Fund, launched by Charleston Waterkeeper and the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League with support from Coastal Community Foundation, aims to enhance water quality in the Charleston Harbor area. The fund, bolstered by a $1 million settlement from a pollution lawsuit, will provide grants to local nonprofits focusing on critical issues such as plastics, bacteria, and climate resilience. This initiative encourages community engagement and aims to tackle pressing environmental challenges in the Lowcountry.

The NIHCM Foundation is seeking innovative research proposals that address critical issues in U.S. health care, particularly focusing on drug pricing, provider consolidation, health care delivery, chronic disease management, and the role of artificial intelligence. Projects should aim to improve affordability and quality of care. We welcome submissions from a variety of researchers and organizations, with a preference for studies that can be completed within one year.

Inatai Foundation

Inatai Foundation is a 501(c)(4) serving and accountable to leaders and organizations with bold visions who are building power in racially diverse communities across Washington state. Our vision begins with them: their ideas, solutions, and dreams for transformational change.

As a foundation, we channel the funding, influence, and information we have to the leaders and organizations rooted in and led by the communities we answer to, so they have the resources, power, and opportunity they need to bring their visions to life.

Infrastructure Opportunities Grants

Infrastructure Opportunities grants provide support for specific power-building efforts that have been highlighted as essential by Washington nonprofits and community leaders.

The Infrastructure Opportunities Fund explores power-building efforts around specific issues that community leaders and community-based organizations have told us are integral to building community power and transforming systems and structures. They include:

• 501(c)(4) Community Power-Building: If your organization has decided that you would like to form a 501(c)(4), this grant can help you with that next step. This opportunity is designed for organizations wanting to expand the tools necessary to get more involved in activities like endorsing political candidates, advocating for ballot measures, influencing policies, and lobbying legislators.

• Civil Rights: Unjust and discriminatory policies, violence against marginalized groups, threats to our democracy, and other dangers to the well-being and safety of communities are civil rights violations. This grant is designed to support organizations with a clearly defined strategy and response to civil rights violations in your community.

• Immigrant Justice: Regardless of immigration status, people deserve to be treated equally. Whether that’s through safe working conditions, fair wages, access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities, language access, and protections from cruel and unjust immigration and justice enforcement (ICE) activity, this grant ensures you have the support to safeguard immigrant communities from discrimination or harm.

• Wealth & Asset Creation: A community’s well-being for generations to come often depends on the ability for organizations today to acquire assets like land and buildings and pay off capital debt. This grant supports those who are engaged in tipping power through asset development and projects that promote community ownership and visibility.

• Voter & Civic Engagement: Civic engagement is critical for battles toward equity and racial justice. This grant ensures you have the support to engage your community in the democratic process, from voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote campaigns, election protection programs, and more.

• Youth & Student Organizing: Youth organizing helps communities act on issues now while also preparing for the future. Whether you are advocating for youth priorities, bringing young people together, or offering youth leadership development opportunities, this grant supports your work to mobilize the next generation of leaders. Inatai defines youth as up to 30 years old.

The Kalamazoo Valley Chapter's Stanley Weber Projects Fund honors a dedicated member by supporting projects that enhance coldwater fisheries and their habitats. Offering grants up to $5,000 annually, the fund prioritizes non-profit initiatives that foster conservation, restoration, and public education while promoting volunteer engagement. Recognition through plaques or media announcements is requested for grant recipients, ensuring the legacy of Stanley Weber continues to impact the community positively.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 400 funds and approximately $124 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Building the Future Vocational Scholarship Application

The Building the Future Vocational Scholarship supports scholarships for Lake County residents to attend a public or private institution to earn a certificate or vocational/trade school degree with the intent to gain local employment.

• Agriculture
• Automotive/Mechanical
• Computer/Technology
• Construction
• Cosmetology/Esthetician/Barbering
• Culinary Arts
• Healthcare (Medical, Dental & Emergency Services)
• IT & Business Services
• Manufacturing/Industrial
• Paralegal/Court Reporter
• Real Estate
• Transportation/Aviation

Legacy Foundation PAYS awards directly to SCHOOLS, NOT students. Payments will be:

• Paid to the school to cover OUTSTANDING tuition costs after all other aid is used (Work One, Pell grant, etc.) AND/OR
• Paid towards costs for required books and/or equipment for the program.

The Nora Roberts Foundation, established in 2001 by best-selling author Nora Roberts, prioritizes literacy as a fundamental human right. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to literacy, the arts, children, social justice, and environmental initiatives. Grants typically average $5,000, with recommendations for first-time applicants to request between $3,000 and $5,000. Preference is given to local groups in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington DC, particularly those with 501(c)(3) status.

The Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp Program's Category #4 grants focus on supporting Murre conservation efforts in Newfoundland and Labrador. These grants fund projects that assess Murre populations, promote hunting stewardship, and engage in habitat conservation. By leveraging funds from stamp sales and additional non-federal support, the program aims to enhance local wildlife habitats and contribute significantly to conservation initiatives across Canada.

The Herbert A. and Adrian W. Woods Foundation, founded in 1999, supports charitable organizations primarily in the greater St. Louis area. Funding interests focus on aiding abused children, the poor, the Episcopal Church and its affiliates, arts and culture, animal welfare, and victims of illness. The foundation accepts special project requests, capital campaigns, matching grants, and general operation funding, while multi-year grants and endowment funding are excluded.

The Jonathan Ed Hara Scholarship Fund, established in 2020 in honor of a dedicated fire emergency medical specialist, supports Hawaii Island high school graduates pursuing degrees in Fire Science or Mobile Intensive Care Technician. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Preference is given to previous recipients and those studying in fire-related fields. This initiative fosters educational opportunities for future leaders in emergency services.

The Birmingham Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations in South Pittsburgh focused on enhancing the lives of young children and their families. With three main focus areas—Maternal and Child Health, Early Care and Education, and Parent and Family Wellbeing—the grant seeks to promote health, educational readiness, and family stability. Eligible applicants must operate within specific Pittsburgh zip codes and hold a 501(c)(3) tax exemption status. This initiative fosters community growth and resilience.

Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (the “Department” or “IDOA”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grants through the Local Food and Infrastructure Grant Act [505 ILCS 92] and Administrative Code Title 8: Agriculture and Animals Chapter I: Department of Agriculture Subchapter m: Marketing Programs Part 340 Local Food Infrastructure Grant. The purpose of this program is for the development of local food processing, aggregation and distribution.

The General Assembly finds that the following conditions exist in this State:

• Small fruit, vegetable, and livestock farmers are vital to the health and wealth of Illinois communities, yet Illinois does not currently have infrastructure in place to support local food farmers or to feed Illinois communities.
• An estimated 95% of the food consumed in Illinois is purchased from outside of our borders, resulting in the export of billions of food dollars outside our State rather than the enhancement of our local food economies.
• A shift of just 10% toward local food purchasing by Illinois individuals, families, schools, institutions, and State agencies could generate billions in economic growth for our State.
• For Illinois families, businesses, schools, and institutions to shift their purchasing practices, Illinois must invest in supporting critical local food infrastructure needed to bolster processing, aggregation, and distribution of local food.

The General Assembly determines and declares that there exist conditions in the State that require the Department to issue grants on behalf of the State for the development of local food processing, aggregation, and distribution. (505 ILCS 92/10) Sec. 10 (a) and (b).

All grant funding provided under this Act must be used for purchasing, leasing to own, renting, building, or installing infrastructure related to the processing, storage, aggregation, or distribution of value-added agricultural products.

Opportunity Funding

• $3,600,000.00

Funding Sources

• State

Funding Source Description 

• This grant program is utilizing state funds appropriated by Public Act 104-0003, Section 205 and Section 210. Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $3,600,000. Awards will range from $1,000 to $250,000.

The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sight preservation, children's services, and environmental conservation, primarily in Utah. Established in memory of David Kelby Johnson, who tragically lost his life at a young age, the foundation aims to honor his legacy by supporting impactful charitable initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, with a commitment to improving communities both locally and globally.

The Habitat Protection and Restoration grant by the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust aims to fund projects that protect and restore vital fish habitats in the Great Lakes region. Priorities include enhancing fish passage, supporting sustainable reproduction, and utilizing decision-support tools for project identification. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental organizations, focusing on projects within the Lake Michigan basin. This grant emphasizes community support and long-term management, ensuring impactful conservation efforts.

Essex County Community Foundation

Since 1998, Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) has proudly served the 34 unique cities and towns of Essex County. What started as an organization solely dedicated to strengthening our region’s nonprofits, has evolved – along with our communities – to an innovative and deeply connected Foundation inspiring system based social change.

Essex County Community Foundation inspires philanthropy that strengthens the communities of Essex County by managing charitable assets, strengthening and supporting nonprofits, and engaging in strategic community leadership initiatives. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life in the 34 towns and cities of Essex County.

• We help donors of all sizes elevate their giving by managing charitable assets, sharing our local expertise and providing philanthropic guidance and education.
• Essex County’s 4000+ nonprofit organizations are doing smart, innovative work. We support their critical efforts with education, resources and funding.
• To solve our region’s most complex social issues, we invest and engage in community leadership initiatives driven by our Systems Philanthropy approach to change.

Essex County Veterans Fund 

The Essex County Veterans Fund aims to build community and increase access to critical support services for the 30,000 veterans that call Essex County home. Through grant-making and capacity-building, the initiative will leverage collective funding to make a significant difference in the quality of life for these local heroes and their families.

Our investments will be focused on multiple areas across two different rounds of grantmaking in 2026: Honoring Our Veterans and Serving Those Who Served Us. 

Grant Round 2 - Serving Those Who Served Us

Focus Areas

• Health and Wellness – strengthening the capacity of organizations to effectively provide mental health, disability, and other health services to veterans with diverse experiences and needs.

• Basic Needs and Economic Opportunity – increased access to food, clothing, supplies, and housing; career counseling and workforce training.

The TOS Conservation and Research Grant, offered by the Tennessee Ornithological Society, aims to support projects that protect Tennessee's birds and enhance scientific knowledge. With a total funding of $15,000, the grants are open to anyone with bird-related initiatives, including students and professionals. Applicants can also allocate up to $50 for attending scientific meetings to present their project results. A recommendation letter is encouraged to strengthen applications.

Nevada's RHT Funding Opportunities

The Nevada Health Authority (NVHA) is currently seeking applicants for initiatives funded through the Nevada Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

These funding opportunities support Nevada’s statewide effort to improve rural health access, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand workforce capacity, and implement innovative care delivery models.

The Rural Health Transformation Program is supported through a federal cooperative agreement authorized under Public Law 119-21, Section 71401, and administered in partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Request for Applications (RFA):

Rural Health Transformation Program, Nevada Rural Health System Flex Fund, BP1, Round 1

To bolster and modernize the state’s rural health care infrastructure through investments that enhance and modernize local rural health care infrastructures. 

Bolster and modernize the state’s rural healthcare infrastructure with new investments in items like technology, equipment, supplies, mobile units, emergency services, etc. 

The Waste Tire Grant Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, supports local governments and schools in purchasing tire-derived products made from recycled materials. Eligible projects must use at least 50% waste tire material. Applicants must be in good standing, comply with safety regulations, and meet match requirements. The program aims to promote sustainable practices and enhance playground safety through the use of innovative materials derived from waste tires.

The Reinberger Foundation offers education grants to support underserved individuals in Northeast and Central Ohio. Priority is given to organizations with recent funding history. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits serving low-income populations, including schools, adult education, and workforce development programs. The foundation focuses on Cuyahoga and Franklin Counties, with specific considerations for grant requests. Organizations should discuss their proposals with the foundation before submitting applications.

The Topfer Family Foundation Grant aims to empower individuals by providing essential resources and support in various program areas, including child abuse prevention, youth enrichment, job training, children's health, and aging in place. This grant is focused on fostering self-sufficiency through initiatives that promote education, practical life skills, and access to healthcare. The foundation prioritizes organizations in the greater Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Broward County areas, ensuring that funds directly benefit local communities.

The Columbus Realtors Foundation supports real estate-related initiatives in central Ohio through its community grants. With over $600,000 invested since 2008, the foundation aids organizations that address homelessness, repair homes for low-income families, and promote affordable housing. Established in 1991, it aims to enhance the real estate environment while empowering local nonprofits and government entities to foster healthy communities.

The Hudson-Webber Foundation Grant supports community initiatives in Detroit, focusing on four mission areas: Arts & Culture, Built Environment, Community & Economic Development, and Safe & Just Communities. While the inquiry process is currently paused until January 31, 2025, the foundation encourages potential grantees to connect if their work aligns with its mission. The foundation has invested over $200 million in Detroit nonprofits, emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance community well-being and economic opportunities.

The MMS Giving Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of individuals and communities in the Pacific Northwest through support for education, arts, and community programs. Focused on the Puget Sound region, the Foundation prioritizes funding specific tasks or projects that address pressing needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities in good standing that are located in King County or neighboring areas. The Foundation does not fund religious or political activities.

The Desert Tortoise Council offers a Regular Grants Program to support projects aimed at the conservation and management of desert tortoise populations and their habitats. Grant requests are accepted year-round, with priority given to emergency responses, impactful projects, and those that leverage additional funding. Grants are awarded based on availability and a majority vote by the Board, ensuring that significant conservation issues are addressed effectively.

Biogen General Grants

Funding to support a project or program that does not fit any of the other defined grant categories.

The Women & Girls’ Fund, established by the Main Street Community Foundation in 2001, supports organizations that empower women and girls in Connecticut. With a focus on senior services, confidence building, and mental health, the fund prioritizes projects that enhance self-sufficiency and promote leadership skills. Collaborations among organizations are encouraged, fostering community connections and addressing critical needs. Grants are available for program and capacity-building initiatives that align with these goals.

The Baseline Water Quality Data Grant Program, established under Act 13 of 2012, aims to fund initiatives by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to collect and analyze baseline water quality data from private water supplies. Grants up to $250,000 are available, requiring a 15% match of the total project cost. This program seeks to improve understanding of groundwater quality conditions and enhance water resource management across Pennsylvania.

The Foundation for Health Enhancement Grant aims to improve healthcare delivery in the U.S., focusing on preventive services and support for smaller organizations near Chicago. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, with biannual deadlines on April 1 and September 1. Eligible tax-exempt organizations will be considered, while those seeking general operating support will not qualify. Most grants last one year, and applicants can expect decisions within 3 to 4 months after submission.