Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society Scholarship aims to support young conservationists aged 18-24 pursuing higher education. The program offers three scholarships of $500 each for tuition, lab fees, or necessary supplies for the Fall Semester. While membership in SFVAS is a plus, it is not mandatory. Applicants must demonstrate recent conservation efforts and provide proof of residency within the catchment area. This initiative fosters environmental stewardship and empowers the next generation of conservation leaders.

The Biffa Award’s Partnership Grants Scheme provides funding between £250,000 and £1,000,000 for not-for-profit organizations aiming to enhance the built or natural environment in regions close to Biffa operations. Projects must align with either Built Environment or Natural Environment themes, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability. Eligible projects should significantly improve local quality of life while adhering to biodiversity strategies and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Farmer First Regenerative Pilot Program

Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities.

In December 2025, NRCS launched the NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program, a farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land. NRCS is investing $700 million to specifically support regenerative agriculture, including:

• $400 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP); and
• $300 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

This pilot program addresses whole-farm resource concerns through support for voluntary regenerative agriculture conservation plans. It also puts American farmers first as a part of the solution to Make American Healthy Again (MAHA) by supporting access to American-grown whole foods, critical to addressing the chronic disease crisis nationwide.

For too long, divided and highly specific funding pools have unintentionally encouraged isolated, practice-by-practice conservation, rather than holistic management. By integrating bundled regenerative practices into single applications, closing program loopholes, and recognizing outcomes, NRCS will deliver lasting benefits for farmers, natural resources, and the American consumer.

Emphasizing regenerative agriculture builds upon NRCS’s 90 years of existing conservation work by restoring land health, improving long-term productivity, and ensuring American grown production for the future. 

The contract length will be a minimum of 5 years.

The AMHTA Partnership Grant, administered by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, aims to improve the lives of beneficiaries through impactful programs and projects. This grant supports organizations that serve individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance-related disorders. Grants are typically one-time awards up to $50,000, focusing on prevention, pilot projects, and inclusive initiatives that directly benefit Trust beneficiaries. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a clear connection to the targeted beneficiary group.

The Connecticut Health Foundation President’s Discretionary Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for projects that aim to improve health equity and access within communities. This grant supports innovative approaches, research on sustainable funding, and efforts to elevate community voices in policy discussions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies. This rolling grant opportunity is ideal for time-sensitive projects that address systemic health disparities in Connecticut.

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham offers competitive grants in various priority areas, focusing on equity, economic opportunity, and regional cooperation. Grants are available for strategic purposes, general operating support for emerging organizations, and established organizations. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits and government entities serving specific Alabama counties. The foundation aims to foster inclusive, thriving communities through collaborative efforts, addressing persistent poverty and promoting holistic growth and well-being.

The Sustainable Communities Grant, launched by UL Research Institutes and Northwestern's Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations, aims to empower organizations in Evanston and Skokie to undertake innovative sustainability projects. This initiative focuses on promoting environmental stewardship through community collaboration, advancing sustainable practices, and encouraging scalable solutions to address local environmental challenges. Eligible projects should involve nonprofit organizations and align with key program objectives such as energy reduction and waste management.

The Measurement and Evaluation Graduate Student Award, offered by SHAPE America, aims to support graduate students specializing in psychomotor measurement and evaluation. This scholarship assists with professional expenses, ensuring candidates can focus on their studies. Eligible applicants must be current SHAPE America members and pursuing relevant master's or doctoral degrees. The award prioritizes those who have completed their first year of study, promoting excellence in health and physical education across the U.S.

South Fork Focus Zone Irrigated Acreage Retirement Program

Colorado has an obligation to retire 25,000 acres in the South Fork Focus Zone (SFFZ) by the end of 2029, as a result of a 2016 resolution with Kansas and Nebraska. As of spring 2025, over 17,000 acres have been retired. The 2025 Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) Water Projects Bill, SB25-283, includes a $6.0 million appropriation to help retire the remaining nearly 8,000 acres. 

The South Fork Focus Zone Irrigated Acreage Retirement Program, established by the CWCB, administers these funds. The program offers grants of $750 per retired irrigated acre to eligible landowners in the SFFZ.

The Program issues grants to eligible owners of irrigated acreage in the South Fork Focus Zone of $750 per irrigated acre retired. Among other requirements, eligibility requires participation in one of four “base” programs and a positive recommendation from the Republican River Water Conservation District. Final grant decisions are made by the CWCB with concurrence from the Colorado Division of Water Resources. 

The Active Allegheny Grant Program (AAGP) offers financial assistance to communities in Allegheny County to enhance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, promoting physical activity and connectivity to local destinations. With a maximum grant request of $50,000, the program supports projects aligned with the County’s transportation plans and the Live Well Allegheny campaign. Eligible applicants include municipalities and non-profits, with a required local match ranging from 0% to 20%. The program excludes funding for amenities in parks.

The Arts Education and Public Engagement Grants by The Onion Foundation support organizations in Maine with budgets up to $50,000. These grants focus on enhancing arts education and public engagement, prioritizing programs that serve rural communities and address systemic inequities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental units. Funding is available for general operating support and project grants, aimed at fostering creativity and community connection through arts initiatives.

The Reclamation and Development Grants Program (RDGP) Planning Grants support projects aimed at restoring environmental damage caused by non-renewable resource extraction. Funded by the state, these grants assist local governments in planning projects that repair, reclaim, and mitigate ecological harm, ensuring the sustainability of public resources. Grant amounts vary by project type, with funding available for reclamation, drought management, and hazard mitigation, reflecting a commitment to preserving Montana's natural heritage.

About the Department of Health Services (DHS)

The Department of Health Services (DHS) is one of the largest state agencies in Wisconsin, with an annual budget of roughly $15 billion and more than 6,700 employees. DHS is committed to protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin, making sure everyone can live their best life.

Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project

The Division of Care and Treatment Services is seeking applications for funding to provide statewide and Wisconsin-specific alcohol prevention and policy education, training, and technical assistance. This includes providing education and information on alcohol-related trends, gaps, and opportunities and providing guidance and implementation of evidence-based and environmental strategies and policies to prevent and reduce underage drinking, alcohol misuse, and binge drinking.

Program requirements

The intention of the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project is to provide training, tools, and technical assistance to municipalities, law enforcement, public health, and community coalitions working to improve the alcohol environment and reduce alcohol-related problems. 

Increase Tenant and Homeowner Environmental Health Literacy Mini-Grant (WI)

The Wisconsin Site Evaluation Program at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is offering mini-grants of up to $15,000 each to help community-based organizations (CBOs) implement new, innovative, expanded, or enhanced interventions to increase tenant and homeowner environmental health literacy. We are seeking applications from CBOs interested in addressing environmental health hazards and their impact on housing. Health equity and environmental justice are priorities, and should be at the center of the project planning and implementation.

The awarded organizations will build upon existing relationships they have with communities and will use or adapt strategies to meet the unique identified needs of each community.

Potential Projects

Projects must address one or multiple housing-related environmental health hazards that impact the community the organization works with. Examples of eligible projects to improve tenant and homeowner environmental health literacy may include:

• Host workshops and create educational materials on topics like lead poisoning prevention, mold remediation, and radon testing. Provide practical demonstrations of fixes and maintenance.
• Train youth to conduct peer education sessions and participate in community workshops.
• Implement programs that provide funds or volunteer labor for essential home repairs and improvements.
• Engage residents in activities, such as surveys and focus groups, to gather data on environmental health issues and needs. Use findings to inform targeted interventions and policy recommendations.

Funding

$8,000 - $15,000

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is offering funding to cover room and board costs for Medicaid members with an opioid use disorder or at risk for an overdose in residential treatment programs. This initiative aims to enhance access to essential services for individuals facing barriers due to non-reimbursable room and board expenses. With $2.75 million allocated from the National Prescription Opiate Litigation settlement, eligible Tribal nations and counties can apply to support affected individuals in their recovery journey.

The Herzfeld Foundation's Arts Awareness Grant aims to enhance awareness of visual and performing arts in metro Milwaukee. Grants, up to $100,000, support strategies that expand or innovate coverage of the arts through various media. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sustaining journalistic endeavors that address challenges faced by artists. The foundation prioritizes collaborative efforts and innovative reporting, continuing Richard and Ethel Herzfeld's legacy of enriching the cultural landscape of the greater Milwaukee area.

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Established on July 1, 1995, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is charged with:

• Maintaining and protecting 125 state parks
• Managing 2.2 million acres of state forest land
• Providing information on the state's ecological and geologic resources
• Establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space, and natural areas.

PA Community Tree Assistance Program

The PA Community Tree Assistance Program helps communities that need support caring for their trees. 

Trees in cities and towns can help manage stormwater, control sediment erosion, and help reduce the impacts of extreme heat by cooling neighborhoods and reducing energy costs.

Through the PA Community Tree Assistance Program, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will contract directly with trusted tree-care professionals who will perform the work in eligible and approved communities.

Eligible Community Tree Activities

Municipalities and nonprofit organizations can request help with:

• Planting new trees and caring for them as they grow
• Pruning and caring for existing trees to keep them healthy
• Inventorying trees and creating management plans
• Checking for tree hazards and making needed safety improvements

Projects must take place in public or community spaces like parks, street trees, cemeteries, and school grounds. After a project is approved, DCNR will hire pre-qualified tree-care professionals to complete the work at no cost to the communities.

The Oliver Foundation

The Oliver Foundation was founded by Mrs. William B. Oliver (Cluthe) in 1995 and official programs for the Prevention of Childhood Obesity began in 2004. The foundation is dedicated to the prevention of childhood obesity.

The Oliver Foundation is a Houston-based 501(c) (3) non-profit operating foundation dedicated to the prevention of childhood obesity. We provide funding of various levels and time frames to qualified grant recipients. The grants, by application, are based on the Oliver Foundation’s Seven Healthy Messages to promote a healthy lifestyle to kids and teens, referred to as “The Seven Healthy Choices!”

• Choose 5-A-Day servings of fruits and vegetables.
• Have more water and less sugary beverages.
• Opt for healthy snacks.
• Increase active play and decrease screen time.
• Choose 3-A-Day servings of low-fat dairy products.
• Enjoy a healthy breakfast.
• Serve a smart portion size. 

Healthy Choices Grant Level 1

The goal of the Oliver Foundation is to encourage children, families and communities in Texas to improve the eating and physical activity patterns of Pre-school, Elementary, Middle School and High School students.

Level 1 grants are awarded for a single school year (two or more semesters) or a summer program. Campus level, Grade Level, Teacher and Summer Programs that meet the minimum requirement of 3 of the 7 Healthy messages will be considered for Level 1 funding.

A physical activity and nutrition educational component are required as two of the three Healthy Messages. Including more than 3 of the Healthy Messages is encouraged. All programs must have a sustainability plan. Grants that are purchasing equipment or supplies that are on an annual renewal basis, the grant must include a plan to renew said equipment/supplies for subsequent years.

Alkermes

At Alkermes, we apply our deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders, including addiction, serious mental illness and sleep disorders. With our portfolio of marketed medicines and investigational pipeline candidates, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the way people manage these chronic diseases. Our patient-inspired science, integrated research strategy, sophisticated development capabilities and specialized commercial infrastructure enable us to pursue the development and commercialization of innovative new medicines, including those for people with conditions that have traditionally been overlooked or stigmatized.

Our greatest strengths at Alkermes are our people and our inherent empathy for patients, families and caregivers. Neurological and psychiatric disorders strike people at the core of who they are and impact many facets of their lives. We work with urgency to develop new treatment options for people living with these conditions.

Investigator Sponsored Studies Program

Alkermes seeks to support research designed and conducted by independent clinicians and scientists through our Investigator Sponsored Studies (ISS) program. Alkermes may occasionally announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for research in clinical areas where gaps in data have been identified. 

The ISS research Alkermes supports must be based in the United States and is typically conducted by experienced researchers who have an established history of successfully completing research with independent funding. Alkermes can provide its marketed products to the ISS programs it supports. In addition, there may be financial support available, but please note that study budgets cannot exceed $300,000 (inclusive of overhead).

• ISS Areas of Interest
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Schizophrenia & Bipolar I Disorder
  • Schizophrenia

The Get Grounded Foundation Grants, established in 2015, focus on supporting innovative programs for youth in the Denver and Boulder metro areas. In 2025, they will celebrate their 10th anniversary by inviting nominations for special grants, rather than accepting traditional applications. Although no outside applications will be accepted this year, they remain committed to funding impactful initiatives that address child abuse prevention, mental health, and food insecurity, with an average grant size of $2,500.

The Small Community Grants Trust Program, funded by the City of Boston, supports 501c3 organizations that positively impact local communities. Grants are available for various initiatives, such as humanitarian aid, enhancing recreational areas for children, and beautifying public spaces. Eligible organizations must be operational for over a year, while individuals and for-profit businesses are ineligible. The program aims to foster community engagement and provide immediate support to improve the lives of Bostonians.

The Caring for Denver Grants for Alternatives to Jail focus on reducing the interaction of individuals with mental health and substance misuse challenges with the criminal legal system. The initiative emphasizes equity, inclusivity, and ongoing support for individuals, ensuring they receive appropriate care that fits their needs. By funding innovative programs, the foundation aims to enhance access to mental health resources, improve care transitions, and ultimately promote healthier outcomes for Denver residents.

The City of Naperville is allocating $100,000 from the National Multistate Opioid Settlement for grants aimed at opioid remediation programs. Eligible organizations include school districts, medical providers, and faith communities, among others. Approved programs focus on distributing Naloxone, providing medication-assisted treatment, and expanding recovery services, particularly for vulnerable populations. This initiative aims to significantly impact the community by enhancing education and resources to combat opioid misuse.

The June & Julian Foss Foundation, established in 1997, prioritizes support for children and young adults, especially those facing mental illness or physical disabilities. With a mission to foster healthy, responsible adults and promote family philanthropy, the Foundation emphasizes family strength, diversity, and self-worth. Grants typically do not exceed $5,000 and are directed towards programs that enhance self-sufficiency and recognize individual capabilities, while upholding values of integrity and respect.

The Defiance Area Foundation Grant supports various programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Defiance County. Eligible applicants must be not-for-profit organizations focused on addressing unmet community needs. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of project costs or $25,000 per organization annually. The foundation emphasizes prevention and collaboration, avoiding funding for individual grants, sectarian activities, and operating expenses of established organizations.

The Kei Lin Foundation Grant, established in 2012 by Margaret Tsai, honors her mother, Kei Lin. This grant supports charitable organizations that provide essential services such as housing, food, and medical assistance to senior citizens and veterans. Priority is given to tax-exempt organizations under 501(c)(3) status. Applicants must adhere to specific guidelines and provide regular reports on fund usage to ensure transparency and accountability in their operations.

The Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation, established in 2006, aims to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged students in the Greater Cincinnati area. With a focus on innovative programs and scholarships, the foundation supports initiatives in primary, secondary, and adult education. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 annually, promoting sustainability and collaboration with other donors. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, prioritizing local community impact.