Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

Infrastructure Planning and Development Division

The Infrastructure Planning and Development Division (IPDD) collaborates with state agencies, the legislative and judicial branches, local public bodies, and Tribes to provide comprehensive planning and funding assistance for capital projects listed in the Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan (ICIP).

Our mission is to expertly manage the planning and funding process for all capital outlay projects, ensuring that they are fully funded through various appropriations and financing mechanisms, including the Capital Appropriation Bill, the Reauthorization Bill, the GOB Bill, the HB2 Specials, federal grant and loan programs, state grant and loan programs, and any Junior Bill.

Community Development Block Grant

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually on a formula basis. The New Mexico State CDBG program provides funding for infrastructure projects to small cities and non-entitlement communities in New Mexico. The Community Development Council (CDC) selects grantees for funding in annual allocation meetings.

About

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is committed to maintaining open communication and engagement with the community, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs), and the Council of the District of Columbia to find solutions for transportation-related matters. DDOT's Community Engagement Division (CED) coordinates, assesses, and addresses community and ANC requests, informs ANCs and communities on the status of DDOT projects and service requests, and identifies strategic and routine actions to build community support for the District's transportation infrastructure projects and program initiatives. 

DC Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

The TAP or TA Set-Aside is a reimbursable federal aid funding program for transportation-related community projects designed to strengthen the intermodal transportation system. The program aims to expand travel choice, strengthen the local economy, improve the quality of life, and protect the environment by supporting non-traditional projects linked to the transportation system.

Projects will be reviewed through a competitive process and selected based upon a number of criteria, including the project’s expected benefits to the community, feasibility and project readiness, consistency with agency plans and missions, and the sponsor’s demonstrated ability to manage a federal-aid project.

The Transportation Planning Board (TPB) encourages TAP projects that support the following:

• Multimodal Transportation Options (with emphasis on non-auto modes)
• Activity Centers
• Access to Transit
• Safe Routes to School
• Disadvantaged Communities
• Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act

FY 27-28 Funding 

DDOT will be accepting projects on a 2-year cycle. Projects for both FY27 and FY28 will be selected and approved through this application cycle. A total of approximately $2,951,200 million in funding will be available through a citywide competitive process for qualifying projects. Awarded projects will be funded in either FY27 or FY28 based on project readiness and availability of funds, so Applicants should be prepared that they might not receive funding until 2027. The Transportation Planning Board (TPB) will work with DDOT to conduct the competitive selection process for funds.

The Transportation Alternatives program is a part of the Federal-aid Highway Program. Although the program is a “grant” program under Federal regulation, it is not an “up-front” grant program, and funds are available only on a reimbursement basis. Only after a project has been approved by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) division office can costs become eligible for reimbursement. This means project sponsors must incur the cost of the project prior to being repaid. Costs incurred prior to FHWA division office project approval are not eligible for reimbursement.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont provides crucial technical and financial assistance to farmers and forest landowners. This program aims to integrate conservation practices into working lands, addressing vital natural resource concerns like soil health, water quality, and habitat improvement. With year-round application acceptance, EQIP supports sustainable agriculture while enhancing resilience against climate change, offering a pathway for organic producers and those transitioning to organic farming.

The Lincoln and Therese Filene Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations in the Greater Boston area, focusing on civic education, human development, music education, and public broadcasting. Their mission aims to empower disadvantaged individuals, promote civic engagement, and enhance access to the performing arts. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $20,000 and are awarded to organizations with specific, achievable proposals. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster community growth and self-sufficiency.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Instructional Materials: Tucker's Law Grant

Program Description

The Instructional Materials: Tucker’s Law Grant represents the commitment to increasing fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness in school systems through the creation and dissemination of evidence-based instructional materials. As established in Texas Education Code (TEC) §38.040 school systems are to annually provide to students in grades 6–12 research-based instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Women’s Fund Grant

The Women’s Fund of Randolph County, held by the Community Foundation of Randolph County, Inc. (CFRC), supports projects and programs of organizations thatOrganizations with a 5 have a charitable purpose and are consistent with the mission of the CFRC. Generally, the determination of whether an organization’s activities are charitable or not is made by the IRS in assigning a tax-exempt status. The Women’s Fund may also make grants to non-501[c][3] organizations when the grant is for a charitable purpose.

The annual grant cycle of the Women’s Fund of Randolph County seeks applications for programs that provide services for women and/or children that will enhance their futures, especially programs that demonstrate innovation and creativity in providing new solutions to unresolved community needs.

Nonprofits are encouraged to partner for existing program enhancement and/or new program development.

Success should be measured by the ability of program participants to receive services that provide them a picture of a better life beyond today. Program area examples include, but are not limited to:

• Family Crisis Prevention: Family Support, Financial Literacy, Parenting Enhancement
• Women in Crisis: Domestic Abuse, Teen Pregnancy, Divorce, Death of a Spouse
• Education: High School Completion, Postsecondary Education Readiness
• Youth: Leadership, Community-Appropriate Behavior, Life Skills

Only ONE application per EIN will be considered during each grant cycle.

The American Cetacean Society's Puget Sound Chapter offers student travel grants for the Society for Marine Mammalogy's 25th Biennial Conference. Two grants of $750 each will be awarded to eligible students conducting research on cetaceans in Washington State. Applicants must be current ACS members, enrolled at recognized institutions, and first authors on accepted presentations. This initiative supports the conservation and study of marine mammals, fostering new research and collaboration.

The NJ eMobility Rolling Grant Program aims to reduce transportation emissions in New Jersey, particularly benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities. By promoting electric mobility solutions like rideshare and electric vehicle infrastructure, the program addresses health disparities linked to pollution. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and scalability, ensuring access to clean transportation options while improving air quality and public health. The funding prioritizes shovel-ready projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of community needs.

The Luce/ACLS Early Career Fellowships in China Studies – Flexible support innovative research and writing for early career scholars. Designed for those with heavy teaching loads, these fellowships enable recent PhDs to produce significant scholarly work in the humanities and interpretive social sciences. Applicants can use funds for travel, childcare, and research expenses, with a focus on projects that engage both academic and public audiences, enhancing connections between scholarship and community.

The Darwin Plus Fund - Local Organisations supports small-scale environmental projects in the UK Overseas Territories, aiming to enhance biodiversity and build resilience to climate change. This initiative is part of the UK government’s broader Darwin Plus fund, which seeks to protect unique ecosystems while contributing to local economies. Note that new funding rounds are currently paused. This program is crucial for fostering local capacity and environmental sustainability.

The Darwin Plus Fund supports local projects in the UK Overseas Territories aimed at enhancing biodiversity and climate resilience. This initiative funds small-scale environmental projects that contribute to local economies and build in-territory capacity. Projects must be completed within 12 months, with funding available starting from April 1, 2025, and all funds to be utilized by March 31, 2026.

Houston Methodist

Our Mission: To provide high quality, cost-effective health care that delivers the best value to the people we serve in a spiritual environment of caring in association with internationally recognized teaching and research.

Nonmedical Drivers of Health Grant 

Through the Nonmedical Drivers of Health Grant, nonprofit organizations can apply for support focused on one of two grant priority pillars: Healthy Neighborhoods or Education & Economic Empowerment. This funding is programmatic support for services provided to the Greater Houston area. Applicants must clearly describe how the funding will impact the community and must be able to track unique individuals served and program outcomes. 

Education & Economic Empowerment Grants

Houston Methodist’s Education and Economic Empowerment grants include direct services programs that are designed to increase economic mobility. Poverty is one of the biggest upstream nonmedical drivers of health outcomes, and an individual’s ability to reach economic goals and secure livable wage jobs increases the chances that their family will have access to healthcare and positive health outcomes. Under this priority pillar, ideal programs for funding include programs that empower community members to achieve education and employment goals that will lead to better paying jobs, long term career pathways, and greater economic mobility.

Qualifying Programs

• Job certification programs
• Job readiness
• Asset building programs
• Upskilling programs
• Financial education and financial literacy
• Small Business Programs
• Adult Education (ESL, Literacy, GED)
• Other Education programs that increase socio-economic mobility

The Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program in Massachusetts provides funding to support projects aimed at enhancing and preserving the state's natural resources and scenic qualities. Established in 2013, it focuses on public health, safety, and ecological restoration. Applicants must adhere to specific requirements, including utilizing the Climate Resilience Design Standards Tool and submitting projects for MEPA review. This initiative underscores the commitment to sustainable environmental practices in Massachusetts.

The 100 Men of Dane County Grants provide essential funding to 501(c)3 organizations that focus on supporting children and families in Dane County, WI. The grant process involves a rigorous review by the Executive Board, which selects three organizations to advance based on measurable outcomes. Each selected organization must submit a video proposal to further detail their programs, reinforcing the organization's commitment to making a significant impact in the community.

The GreenState Foundation, part of GreenState Credit Union, is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through financial education, affordable housing, and children's health. They actively support local nonprofits and schools, prioritizing projects that empower underserved communities. With a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community impact, they ensure funding is available within specific regions including Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, fostering a brighter future for all.

The OUT Georgia Impact Fund, launched in 2021 by United Way of Greater Atlanta, focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that significantly impact Georgia's LGBTQIA+ community. With priorities in economic stability and small business support, the fund aims to uplift vulnerable individuals and families facing systemic barriers. By granting funds to eligible nonprofits, it fosters equity and enhances the well-being of diverse communities throughout Georgia, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The Bernie Bahr Forestry and Natural Resources Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $1,000 grant to undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related fields. Eligible applicants must have completed at least two years of college and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to graduates from specific high schools in Missouri. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to environmental and natural resource management.

The Best and Brightest Rural Healthcare Workforce Recruitment Grant aims to enhance healthcare access in rural Iowa by recruiting qualified healthcare providers. This initiative, aligned with Iowa's Healthy Hometowns program, seeks to address workforce shortages and improve health outcomes through competitive incentives for providers. By fostering partnerships and investing in technology, the program focuses on creating sustainable care models that ensure quality healthcare delivery in underserved communities, ultimately aiming to elevate the standard of care in rural areas.

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation Grant Program focuses on enhancing the vitality of Indianapolis through targeted grantmaking in education, health, and economic development. The program prioritizes support for tax-exempt organizations that align with its goals, addressing critical issues such as public health, academic outcomes, and workforce development. By fostering collaboration and sharing data-driven insights, the Foundation aims to create a more vibrant, equitable city where all residents can thrive.

The Maine Sea Grant Biennial Request for Proposals aims to fund diverse research projects that connect Maine's scientific expertise with the needs of coastal communities. Approximately $600,000 is available over two years, with a maximum of $200,000 per project. Proposals supporting the 2024-2027 strategic plan, engaging diverse partners, and addressing climate action strategies are encouraged. This initiative is open to various institutions and aims to enhance the state's support for underserved coastal communities.

The Healthcare Initiative Foundation Grant aims to support organizations that enhance healthcare accessibility for underinsured and low-income residents in Montgomery County, Maryland. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs that improve health service delivery, capacity building, and collaboration with historically under-invested communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a focus on community health initiatives. The foundation explicitly excludes funding for endowments, lobbying, and direct grants to individuals, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful community health solutions.

The John A. Hartford Foundation offers scholarships for the Age-Friendly Health Systems Cohort as part of the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship. This initiative targets healthcare leaders aiming to implement the 4Ms Framework, enhancing care for older adults. Selected fellows will receive a program fee scholarship of $13,995, enabling them to focus on transformation efforts in health systems. This fellowship seeks diverse leaders to address critical healthcare challenges and improve quality, safety, and affordability.

The Healthcare Foundation of Wilson (HFW) offers responsive grants aimed at improving health and wellness in the Wilson, NC community. Established in 2014, HFW prioritizes tax-exempt organizations that address healthcare access, active living, and mental health. Funding is directed towards innovative programs, especially those targeting youth, while ensuring eligibility criteria, including three years of operational history, are met. This initiative reflects HFW's commitment to reinvesting resources back into the community.

The South Carolina Biennial Sea Grant Program, managed by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, aims to enhance coastal conservation and sustainable development through research. With approximately $500,000 available annually for one- to two-year projects, grants typically range from $30,000 to $80,000. The program encourages collaboration among faculty from member institutions and supports initiatives that improve the social and economic well-being of coastal residents while conserving marine resources.

The Urban and Community Forestry - Inflation Reduction Act Grant aims to enhance urban forest management in Florida, promoting the retention and expansion of community tree canopies. This initiative emphasizes the importance of trees in urban settings, highlighting their benefits such as increased property values, improved mental and physical health, and reduced environmental issues. By educating communities on proper tree care and green infrastructure, the program strives to optimize the ecological and social advantages of urban forestry.

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds Grant Program supports local initiatives aimed at conserving and restoring Pennsylvania's vital water resources. Since 1995, the foundation has provided matching grants to nonprofit organizations, enhancing the health of local streams and ensuring clean water for future generations. Eligible applicants must be IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofits, focusing on areas from the Ohio border to the Susquehanna River, while individuals and government agencies are ineligible for funding.

The ACFM General Support Program provides funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for organizations committed to contemporary American concert music and jazz. It supports performing ensembles, presenters, and music service organizations that enhance public appreciation of these genres. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years of programming history and a professional operational level. Activities must occur within the specified support year of September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.