Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

About McElhattan Foundation

Founded in 2017 following the sale of Industrial Scientific Corporation, McElhattan Foundation invites bold ideas that advance the goals of its four program areas, including Ending Death on the Job.

Zero Electrocution Challenge

Despite decades of regulations, training, and personal protective equipment, workers continue to die from electrical contact every year.

McElhattan Foundation’s Zero Electrocution Challenge seeks breakthrough solutions that present pathways to eliminate life-threatening tasks that lead to fatal electrocution on the job by the year 2050, while increasing enterprise profitability and productivity. This is the inaugural ZERO 2050 challenge, awarding two Winners up to $1 million each.

The RFA- SHSP and UASI grant program by the State of Texas Office of the Governor aims to bolster state and local initiatives for preventing terrorism and enhancing public safety. It focuses on funding projects that address critical preparedness gaps, improve response capabilities, and ensure community resilience against threats. With a minimum funding level of $10,000, the program supports comprehensive efforts to protect citizens and infrastructure, ultimately fostering a secure environment for all Texans.

About DMPSJ

The mission of the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ) is to provide direction, guidance, support, and coordination to the District’s public safety agencies to develop and lead interagency public safety initiatives to improve the quality of life in the District’s neighborhoods.

Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ) is in year two of managing the Safe and Secure DC Nonprofit Fund. This program is designed to enhance the security and safety at the physical site(s) of a nonprofit organization located in the District of Columbia. The grant will improve and increase the physical/cyber security and facility/target hardening of nonprofit organizations’ facilities at risk of a terrorist of other extremist attack, safeguarding the lives and property of District residents and visitors.

Please note that all applications are required to address both objectives.

• Objective 1: Development and Implementation of CBE programming
  • The grant’s primary objective is focused on the implementation, evaluation, and expansion of the EV competency-based education (CBE) framework.
  • Programs span the EV Technology occupational continuum from development and production to maintenance and body work for Electric Vehicles, as well as installation and maintenance of critical infrastructure, and are listed in Section D of the attached PDF..
• Objective 2: Wraparound Student Supports
  • This objective focuses on colleges designing or implementing programs with a student-centered approach as they create or implement curriculum.
  • A strong student support model includes effective strategies for recruitment, retention, and comprehensive services that help students succeed.
  • Uses of funds can include, but are not limited to:
    • Investments in academic advising and career guidance
    • Supplemental instruction
    • Wraparound support services and barrier reduction (academic and non-academic)
    • Community needs assessments
    • Partnering with community-based organizations to braid barrier reduction funding

The Festivals and Special Events (FEST) Grants Program, administered by the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, supports major annual events from October 1 to September 30. New applicants must consult with staff at least one week before applying. Key dates include a consultation period from February 3 to March 3, 2025, with application deadlines on March 3 and March 7, and final submissions due by April 1, 2025. This program aims to enhance Miami-Dade's cultural reputation.

About

Established in 1968, the VCA is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts of Virginia. Through allocations made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts and the General Assembly, the VCA utilizes investments to empower arts leaders, arts educators, and arts practitioners. In doing so, we create a virtuous cycle of those who not just participate in and appreciate the arts, as stated in our enabling legislation, but those who serve as change agents and advance the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Mission Statement

To invest in the arts in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Capacity Building Grants

Purpose

Capacity Building Grants help Virginia arts organizations enhance artistic quality, strengthen community engagement, and improve management capabilities by providing access to external expertise.

Description

Capacity Building Grants provide targeted assistance for Virginia arts organizations seeking to strengthen their internal operations and sustainability. These grants help organizations access specialized expertise or training that supports strategic growth, improved management, and long-term effectiveness.

The Hurricane Katrina 20th Anniversary Disaster Preparedness Grants, funded by the ASPCA, offer up to $500,000 to enhance disaster preparedness for animals in high-risk coastal areas of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Grants between $20,000 and $50,000 will be awarded to eligible non-profit organizations and municipal agencies focusing on animal welfare or disaster assistance. This initiative aims to improve the safety and well-being of animals during disasters, reflecting lessons learned from past experiences.

The STEM Education Major Teaching Fellowship provides funding for students majoring in STEM Education at INSGC affiliate institutions. This financial support enables students to engage in meaningful outreach experiences, covering expenses for student teaching or hands-on STEM activities. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens enrolled in relevant programs with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This opportunity encourages collaboration with INSGC Outreach Affiliates for mentorship and project locations.

The Family Power Fund by Headwaters Foundation supports nonprofits that empower families to lead health policy advocacy in Western Montana. It focuses on building leadership among youth and caregivers, fostering community organizing, and shifting narratives through storytelling. This initiative prioritizes families facing significant health challenges, including low-income, Indigenous, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities, aiming to amplify their voices and create impactful policy solutions.

ArtsFairfax 

ArtsFairfax is the 501(c)(3) designated as Fairfax County’s local arts agency funded in part by Fairfax County, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as corporations, foundations, and individuals. ArtsFairfax invests in and amplifies the arts for all in Fairfax County.

Project Support Grants

ArtsFairfax Project Support Grants serve arts organizations with funding to support projects that engage Fairfax County residents. Project Support Grants are awarded in four grant subcategories, including Arts in Education, Opportunity, Partnerships, and Arts Access.

Grant Program Objective

The ArtsFairfax Project Support Grant seeks to:

• Provide financial and other means of support to both established and emerging arts organizations.
• Promote opportunities for arts organizations of all disciplines to create, present, and celebrate their artistic endeavors.
• Be a catalyst for increased private sector support for arts organizations through leveraged public funding.
• Encourage wide participation in the arts through diverse cultural programming available to all residents of Fairfax County.
• Support activities that would not normally be part of your organization’s usual activities.

Examples of Eligible Activities

• If your organization provides afterschool arts instruction, then this funding could support the design and implementation of a new class offering that has not been offered before.
• If your organization occasionally hosts a guest artist, then funding could support bringing an artist who might normally be financially out of reach.
• This funding is not intended to support ongoing activities that your organization does on a regular basis as part of your mission.

Grant Subcategories

There are four grant subcategories within the Project Support Grant Program. An organization can submit one grant application in a single subcategory. The four subcategories are: Arts in Education; Opportunity; Partnerships; and Arts Access

Opportunity

Opportunity projects provide the resources for an organization to take advantage of an atypical or out-of-the-ordinary opportunity that otherwise would be out of reach. Opportunity projects should further the growth and development of the applicant organization or engage audiences in new arts experiences. Project Support Grants can support performances by guest artists, activities, or infrastructure enhancements, including programs, exhibitions, and performances for diverse populations (including, but not limited to age, race, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, socio-economic status, or neighborhood of residence) and/or in underserved areas of the Fairfax County.

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) is offering the Student Intensive Training (SIT) Award aimed at undergraduate students interested in aerospace research. This program supports multiple student projects within a single STEM study area, fostering collaboration and innovation. While several undergraduate projects may be funded, graduate students may have restrictions on participation. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and encourages exploration in critical aerospace topics.

The Greenwall Faculty Scholars Program supports junior faculty in bioethics research, offering 50% salary support for three years and project funding of $5,000 annually. Scholars engage in community-building through semi-annual meetings, mentoring, and philosophical seminars. Priority is given to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and those not yet considered for tenure. This program aims to drive innovative research that addresses pressing ethical issues in clinical and public health settings, fostering future bioethics advancements.

The Harrington Faculty Fellows Program at UT Austin invites exceptional early- and mid-career scholars to apply for the 2026-27 academic year. This program focuses on energy studies, encompassing a range of topics from discovery to technology innovation. Selected fellows will receive substantial salary support, a housing allowance, and discretionary funds for research. The initiative fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, offering fellows the chance to engage with renowned mentors and contribute to impactful energy research.

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. 

Immediate HQIM and Instructional Systems Grant

Program Description

Immediate HQIM and Instructional Systems Grant is up to a three-year program designed to support Texas school systems in building the instructional and systems-level capacity needed to deliver high-quality learning experiences for all students. Recipients will use the grant to participate in the LIFT program. LIFT brings together the highest leverage components of Strong Foundations, Texas Instructional Leadership, and Texas Lesson Study, providing comprehensive support for districts to adopt HQIM and implement Bluebonnet Learning over multiple years. 

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. 

Intervention Best Practices (TIER)

Program Description

The purpose of this project is to provide a comprehensive and coherent plan for evidence-based intervention practices across the state. The goal is to increase school system capacity to develop and implement an effective, integrated, comprehensive framework for intervention that both is grounded in differentiated instruction and aligns the systems that are fundamental for all students’ academic, behavioral, and social achievement.

Regenerative Medicine Minnesota

The mission of Regenerative Medicine Minnesota (RMM) is to bring breakthrough regenerative medicine therapies to Minnesotans and patients worldwide. Achieving this vision requires not only advancing novel therapies, but also the innovations, capabilities, collaborations and pathways that enable them to ultimately reach patients. Recognizing the need for a multi-pronged innovation strategy, RMM is calling for proposals that align with this vision through the 2027 Request for Proposals (RFP). By strategically investing across these areas, RMM aims to accelerate transformative regenerative medicine therapies, strengthen Minnesota's leadership in regenerative medicine and generate lasting health and economic benefits for Minnesotans.   

Regenerative Medicine Minnesota (RMM) RFP

This RFP is designed to solicit projects that are aligned with one or more of the following objectives:

• Advance novel regenerative medicine therapies and products towards clinical application. Proposed therapies or products should have a clearly defined target use, indication or disease area.
• Develop enabling innovations and platforms that improve the ability to discover, develop, manufacture, or deliver regenerative medicine therapies across multiple applications.
• Build sustainable capabilities and infrastructure that accelerate clinical translation and commercialization in Minnesota.
• Foster collaborations across institutions and sectors that strengthen Minnesota’s regenerative medicine ecosystem.
• Expand patient access to regenerative medicine therapies to benefit patients across Minnesota, including greater Minnesota.

Particular areas of interest for funding under this RFP include, but are not limited to:

• Platform-based approaches that can be applied to many diseases, particularly rare diseases, such as gene editing/replacement strategies, therapeutic approaches, delivery methods, manufacturing models, regulatory strategies, clinical trial designs, etc.
• Device-enabled regenerative medicine innovations such as biologic/cell-device combination therapeutics, biomanufacturing devices or tools, therapeutic delivery, etc.
• Strategies to improve immune compatibility and therapeutic durability, including promoting immune tolerance or reducing immune rejection.

MN Commercial Redevelopment Grants 

Commercial Redevelopment grants assist with the full and selective demolition of commercial and industrial buildings and the clean-up of brownfields to pave the way for new development. 

Full and selective demolition of commercial or industrial buildings and clean-up of brownfields. Abatement expenses are eligible and considered a component of the demolition project.

Funding Availability

• Funded at $1,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund.
• The number of grants awarded is variable and dependent upon the amount awarded to successful applicants.
• A 1:1 match per project is required.
• In-kind materials and/or labor are not eligible toward the project match.
• Applications should be submitted within nine months of the project construction start date.
• Multi-organization collaboration is welcomed.

The Arts Mean Business Grants, offered by the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, aim to stimulate economic growth in the Peoria region through arts tourism, fostering successful arts businesses, and increasing community engagement in the arts. These grants support projects that align with established community needs and priorities, ensuring collaboration and measurable outcomes. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt entities, local governments, and those operating under fiscal agents, emphasizing inclusivity and compliance with anti-discrimination laws.

The State Library of Ohio offers the Conservation and Preservation Grant, providing up to $4,999 to libraries for conserving unique items or small collections. This initiative aims to support libraries in preserving culturally significant artifacts that reflect Ohio's historic and artistic heritage. Applicants must attend a mandatory workshop to ensure successful grant applications. The workshop covers selection criteria, working with conservators, and treatment documentation, enhancing the applicant's ability to manage preservation projects.

The Celebrating Ohio Book Awards and Authors Grant provides Ohio libraries with up to $2,000 to enhance collections featuring Ohio authors and award-winning titles. This LSTA grant aims to support community literacy by connecting readers with local literary talent. Libraries can apply for funds to purchase books recognized by Ohio-based award programs. No matching funds are required, making this a valuable opportunity for libraries to enrich their offerings and promote Ohio's literary heritage.

The Kronkosky Charitable Foundation Grant for Arts & Culture supports innovative and creative projects that enhance community vibrancy and provide access to essential cultural resources. Focusing on nonprofit organizations in Bandera, Bexar, Comal, and Kendall counties, the foundation funds initiatives in the performing arts, museums, and libraries, while also caring for vulnerable populations. This grant aims to foster artistic expression, cultural engagement, and community well-being.

The Dr. & Mrs. Paul Pierce Memorial Foundation Grant supports quality education, human services, and healthcare for underserved populations since 1963. This private foundation prioritizes organizations with annual budgets under $20 million and gives special consideration to those serving Grayson County, Texas. Grants are awarded for a duration of one year, aiming to enhance the welfare of communities in need.

The Frederick McDonald Trust Grant, established in 1950, aims to enhance educational, human services, and healthcare programs for underserved populations in Albany, New York. The grant supports organizations providing general operating, program, project, and capital support exclusively for those serving Albany City. With a focus on quality and accessibility, the Trust plays a vital role in improving the lives of local residents through targeted funding initiatives.

The Wherewithal Research Grant, funded by the Andy Warhol Foundation, supports DC-area artists with $5,000 grants for ideation, research, and experimentation. Since 2019, it has aided 156 artists with a total of $400,000. Applicants must be local artists with a history of visual arts presentation, and grants can be used for compensation, collaborative projects, and research-related expenses. This program emphasizes innovative practices and prepares artists for a public presentation of their work.

The Collaborative Research Program (CRP) - Faculty, managed by the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium, offers seed funding for aerospace-related research. This initiative encourages faculty from underrepresented groups and aims to diversify Arkansas’s aerospace industry. It promotes collaboration among at least two affiliate campuses, supports workforce development, and seeks projects that can attract larger funding and enhance technological competitiveness in various academic disciplines, including engineering and sciences.

The T-TESS Pilot Districts Support Grant, initiated by the Texas Education Agency, aims to assist school districts in implementing the updated Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS). By providing essential training and resources, this grant seeks to enhance teacher effectiveness, align with educational priorities, and foster sustainable growth within school systems. The program focuses on delivering fair and credible recognition of teaching excellence, ultimately benefiting the educational landscape across Texas.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is inviting organizations to submit proposals for a logistics and travel support project in Honduras. This initiative aims to enhance public security, justice, and combat narcotics trafficking. The selected grantee will provide essential logistical and technical support to Honduran law enforcement agencies, thereby improving their operational readiness and effectiveness. This project is crucial for strengthening the justice sector and ensuring safety in both Honduras and the United States.