Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

The PA Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program supports agricultural producers in managing financial risks through diversification, marketing, and conservation practices. Administered by NRCS, the program assists in constructing water management structures, planting windbreaks, and implementing conservation practices. Eligible applicants must demonstrate an interest in agriculture and comply with income limitations, ensuring that conservation practices meet NRCS standards. Priority is given to those with a current conservation plan and the ability to complete work within 1-3 years.

The Vecino – Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund, managed by the New Mexico Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations facing financial crises and addressing urgent community needs. Since its inception in 2015, it has allocated over $1.1 million to various initiatives. The fund prioritizes rural organizations and requires applicants to be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing or have a suitable fiscal sponsor. Grants will vary based on available funding, reflecting the commitment to transform lives in New Mexico.

About Us

Georgia’s Own Foundation, Inc. is the charitable arm of Georgia’s Own Credit Union and was founded in 2016 as a way to deepen and amplify the outreach efforts of the organization.

Mission

Since 1934, Georgia’s Own Credit Union has been committed to the “people helping people” philosophy. We not only strive to serve our members’ financial needs, but to give back to our communities and empower local youth through financial assistance and volunteer opportunities. Our goal is to improve what matters by helping people get ahead, get involved, and own their future.

Georgia's Own Grant

At least 85% of the Foundation’s grants must fall within our mission of empowering local youth. Past grantees have used their funds to promote children’s wellbeing through financial literacy, sports-based youth development, access to healthcare, food, and housing, education, the arts, and more.

Each year a small amount may be allocated outside these areas, which enables us to respond to unplanned opportunities and meet unknown needs.

Grant Size

Georgia’s Own Foundation is proud to partner with non-profits in our community through an annual grant program. The total amount awarded will be determined by the previous year’s fundraising efforts, and individual grants may vary in size—up to, but not to exceed $10,000. Larger grants will be made possible through special fundraising events such as our annual Golf Challenge.

What We Support

The Georgia’s Own Foundation funds proven programs OR new/expanding initiatives run by qualified nonprofits that empower local youth in the following categories:

• Literacy
• Financial Literacy
• Food Insecurity
• Sports-Based Youth Development
• Children’s Healthcare
• Career Readiness/Workforce Development
• Mentorship
• Arts Education
• Mental Health
• Disability Services

The AllOne Foundation Grant seeks to fund programs in five key impact areas: Behavioral Health, Women & Children, Autism, Opioid Solutions, and Food Security. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, serve specific counties in Pennsylvania, and employ at least one paid staff member. The foundation aims to enhance healthcare delivery and address critical issues in the region, fostering innovative solutions to improve community well-being.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Living Room Program

The Living Room Program (LRP) is for individuals in need of a crisis respite program with services and supports designed to break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization. The LRP provides a safe, inviting, home-like atmosphere where individuals can calmly process the crisis event, as well as learn and apply wellness strategies which may prevent future crisis events. The LRP is staffed by Peer Recovery Support Specialists and is based on a philosophy that crises are an opportunity for learning. Peer Recovery Support Specialists are individuals with their own Lived Expertise in recovery from mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance use.

Individuals experiencing behavioral health crises may self-refer, or may be referred by police, fire, emergency departments or other organizations with which an individual experiencing such a crisis may come into contact. The LRP emphasizes the voluntary nature of its services, ensuring that individuals, including those in contact with outside referring entities during a crisis, cannot be compelled to participate in the program. Participation in the LRP will be voluntary and based on the individual's choice, allowing individuals the autonomy to choose the level of involvement that aligns with their preferences and needs.

The EPOC Grant Program provides funding to non-profit and not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, as well as community-based organizations, for local projects that enhance the environment. Eligible projects include property clean-ups, reforestation, biodiversity initiatives, and environmental education efforts aimed at youth. Applications will be evaluated based on the environmental benefits they propose, with a focus on improving Connecticut's ecosystems.

Reparations Action Fund For Tomorrow

About the Reparations Action Fund For Tomorrow

The Reparations Action Fund For Tomorrow’s (RAFFT) mission is to drive transformative restorative justice initiatives in Lancaster that address historical inequities in the African American/Black community. Through targeted financial investments, community education, and collaborative partnerships, RAFFT aims to uplift voices, restore dignity, and create pathways to economic and social well-being. 

Decisions regarding RAFFT funds are made by a disbursement team of African American/Black community members with lived experience.

Purpose of the RAFFT Fund

In 2023, Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster (CMCL) established this fund to address inequities experienced by descendants of enslaved Africans. Understanding generations of racial injustice have resulted from (chattel slavery and Jim Crow segregation), other congregations of all faith traditions along with individuals are invited to contribute to the Reparations Action Fund for Tomorrow (RAFFT). Decisions regarding RAFFT funds are made by a disbursement team of African American/Black community members in Lancaster with lived experience.  

Our mission is to drive transformational restorative justice initiatives in Lancaster, PA that address historical inequities and support the empowerment of African American/Black communities. Through targeted financial investments, community education, and collaborative partnerships, we aim to uplift voices, restore dignity, and create pathways to economic and social well-being. We are dedicated to fostering a community where the legacy of our ancestors inspires action, accountability, and lasting change.

The Recreational Trails Grants offered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks aim to enhance and maintain trails for both motorized and non-motorized recreational activities. Administered by KDWP, the program allocates funds to various projects that promote outdoor recreation, ensuring a sustainable connection between communities and nature. With a commitment to conservation, these grants support diverse recreational uses, encouraging collaboration among trail enthusiasts to create vibrant outdoor spaces for all to enjoy.

The North Carolina Wildlife Federation Scholarship supports aspiring wildlife professionals by offering financial aid to students enrolled in accredited colleges in North Carolina. With a history of awarding over 300 scholarships since the 1970s, this year the federation will provide up to seven grants, including two standout awards of $2,500. Eligible candidates must be full-time students majoring in wildlife, fisheries, forestry, conservation, or environmental studies, with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

The Albert W. and Helen C. Meserve Memorial Scholarship supports students from specific Connecticut communities pursuing degrees in environmental sciences or nursing. Administered by the Center for Scholarship Administration, the scholarship varies in amount and is applied towards tuition and related costs. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrate leadership qualities, and attend an accredited four-year institution as full-time students. The scholarship is non-renewable and can be awarded for up to four years.

The Climate Justice Organizing Fund - Track Two supports grassroots organizations focused on implementing climate justice strategies. This funding aims to empower groups addressing interconnected issues such as racial justice, food security, health equity, and affordable housing. Eligible organizations must have an annual budget of $500,000 or less and prioritize community voices impacted by climate change. The fund emphasizes direct action, coalition building, and mobilizing communities to engage with policymakers, ensuring a robust response to climate challenges.

The Lancaster Thrives Together Grant, offered by the Lancaster County Community Foundation, allocates $375,000 to support community benefit organizations in Lancaster County, PA. This competitive funding aims to foster economic stability by addressing root causes of poverty and assisting underserved populations. Projects focusing on financial literacy, job training, healthcare access, and supportive services are encouraged. The initiative emphasizes innovation and holistic approaches to empower vulnerable communities and promote long-term self-sufficiency.

The Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Grant supports projects aimed at enhancing environmental education and conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay area. Funded activities include educational training for educators, increasing public involvement in restoration activities, and projects that mitigate pollution and restore habitats. The grant favors proposals that demonstrate clear objectives, community engagement, and practical benefits to the Bay, ensuring a positive impact on local environmental challenges.

The Kenneth King Foundation's Removing Barriers to Employment Grant aims to enhance job creation and entrepreneurship in Colorado. With a focus on individuals facing economic challenges, this grant supports programs providing essential services like financial assistance and job training. Organizations must demonstrate a proven track record in fostering job placements with livable wages. Average grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, promoting sustainable growth and self-sufficiency within the community.

The Colorado Health Foundation offers the Rapid Response: Advocacy Grant Program to support short-term advocacy initiatives that promote health equity in Colorado. There is no application deadline; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions generally made within 45 days. Eligible organizations can focus on time-sensitive public policy advocacy addressing priorities such as access to quality healthcare, children's safety, and affordable housing. This grant empowers community-driven solutions to enhance health outcomes for underserved populations.

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

The Hollingsworth Funds Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations in Greenville County that work towards removing systemic barriers based on race, place, and socioeconomic status. The grants focus on strengthening pathways to career opportunities, enhancing educational outcomes, and improving access to essential services like affordable housing and transportation. With a commitment to equity, the fund encourages proposals that align with its vision of creating a just and inclusive community where all individuals can thrive.

The Community Benefit Initiative Reinvestment (CBIR) Grant supports one-year projects aimed at enhancing healthcare access for Eastern Oregonians, specifically targeting Tribes and Tribal organizations. This initiative, part of EOCCO's funding programs, focuses on improving the health and wellness of tribal members across multiple counties. All applicants must receive prior technical assistance to qualify. For the 2026 cycle, EOCCO offers five unique CBIR opportunities to foster community health improvements.

About VHCB

Our Mission: VHCB invests in the construction of affordable housing and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

Clean Water Programs

VHCB administers two separate funding programs to support a healthy and clean Lake Memphremagog Basin—the Memphremagog Clean Water Service Provider, funded through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Program, funded through the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Leahy Memphremagog Clean Water Program

The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB) has grants available on a competitive basis for aquatic habitat improvement work in the Memphremagog Basin. These grants are designed to improve fisheries habitat, enhance water quality and aquatic ecosystem health, and support capacity among organizations supporting watershed health in the Memphremagog Watershed. 

Goals of this Grant Program

We have received funding from the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission to fund capacity building, land acquisition, and on-the-ground projects and infrastructure that have a positive impact on fisheries habitat, water quality, and aquatic ecosystem health. The priority behind this grant is to help fill gaps that exist in fisheries habitat and surface water quality improvement work in the region and fund proposals for which other sources would be impractical, insufficient, and/or unsuitable.

Capacity Grants

Awards will be used to close organizational and programmatic funding gaps that currently exist in the Memphremagog Watershed. Funding can be used to increase the capacity and coordination of partners working in the region to support public education and research and improve water quality and watershed functions. Funding may also be used to support capacity funded by a previous VHCB grant under this program. Another priority for funding is supporting collaboration between U.S. and Canadian organizations, and we encourage projects that propose to enhance these collaborations.

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Vermont Watershed Grant Program, established in 1998, aims to protect and restore Vermont's water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and streams. It funds projects that enhance surface water quality and support habitat improvement. Eligible projects include conservation efforts, educational initiatives, and recreational enhancements, focusing on monitoring water quality and protecting fish and wildlife habitats. Grants are available for towns, nonprofits, and community groups engaged in specific watershed-related projects.

Missouri Arts Council

The Missouri Arts Council supports the arts that strengthen the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of our state.

Established as a state agency in 1965, the Missouri Arts Council is a division of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The Council is funded through the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Cultural Trust, and National Endowment for the Arts.

The Missouri Arts Council is the state agency dedicated—as public leader, partner, and catalyst—to broadening the growth, availability, and appreciation of the arts in Missouri and fostering the diversity, vitality, and excellence of Missouri’s communities, economy, and cultural heritage. The grants we award make possible quality arts programming to communities both large and small throughout the state. We provide grants to arts projects that meet our strategic goals:

• Engage people in meaningful arts experiences
• Grow Missouri’s economy using the arts
• Strengthen Missouri education through the arts

In addition to funding, we provide technical assistance in community development, fundraising, marketing, grant writing, arts education, artistic disciplines (visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, festivals, and film/media) and more.

Annual Grants

Annual Grants are designed for experienced Missouri Arts Council applicants with large budget arts projects. The annual application is extensive and more demanding with a rigid deadline schedule, a more competitive review process, and a longer turnaround. While the request amount is higher, organizations receive a smaller percentage of their request based on our funding. 

Annual Grants: Organizations of Color

Organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Organizations where a majority of the board and staff (combined) are American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (as reflected in the Demographic section of the application).
• The mission of the organization has historically served people of color. Supports arts projects created by and/or targeted to African-American, Asian-American, Latino/Hispanic, and Native American communities. 

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

The Twin County Community Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in Carroll and Grayson Counties and Galax by supporting local 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities. The foundation focuses on initiatives that improve health, education, and general welfare. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, the foundation strives to create meaningful and measurable impacts that uplift the region's residents and enhance their overall well-being.

The M&M Area Community Foundation (MMACF) provides essential financial support to enhance community initiatives in Marinette and Menominee Counties. With multiple grant cycles throughout the year, they cater to diverse needs of local nonprofits, schools, and organizations. MMACF emphasizes philanthropy and collaboration, aiming to foster positive change and tackle local challenges. Their funds include the Youth Field of Interest Fund, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Fund, and more, ensuring impactful investments in community development.