Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

Community Investment Fund

Community Investment Funds (CIFs) have been established in communities near our operations in Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. The CIFs engage community leaders in cultivating and assessing community projects that address identified community priorities (developed at Community Partnership Panels), and allow them to allocate Freeport-McMoRan Foundation funds to programs and projects that encourage a strong focus on local capacity-building, community development and sustainability.

Focus Areas

Education and Workforce Development:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Education & Workforce Development priority and goals.

• PK-12:
  • Professional development programs for teachers and/or school administrators
  • Student preparation, incentive or other programs that drive achievement /performance and matriculation (including early childhood)
  • Classroom equipment or supplies that are proven to drive achievement /performance and are tied to a program or training/professional development
  • Programs that remove barriers or address problems related to lack of performance
  • Programs that engage parents in supporting their student’s achievement in reading, math or the pursuit of graduation and/or enrollment in higher education
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs
• Higher Education:
  • Student counseling or advising services that help students navigate the process of enrollment in a higher ed program
  • Programs that increase access / remove barriers to enrollment or the pursuit of higher ed
  • Teacher/school administrator or counselor training needed to fully understand the higher education landscape, what is available to students and how to access it
  • Student preparation, awareness, incentive or other campaigns or efforts that drive enrollment and attainment
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs

Economic Opportunity:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Economic Opportunity priority and goals.

• Small Business Development:
  • Programs that provide training or skill-building to entrepreneurs on start-up or growth
  • Access to capital programs
  • Other support services that drive start-up, expansion or retention
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs among small business owners
• Affordable Housing:
  • Loan funds or other resource programs that help families access housing options or make housing more affordable for them
  • Housing improvement programs that allow families to stay in safe, quality housing
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps, needs or viable models
• Other Economic Opportunity:
  • Programs that provide transportation to health, education, recreation or other critical activities
  • Programs that increase the availability of and access to quality healthcare facilities and services
  • Projects that create or improve parks or other recreational activities
  • Projects that improve or eliminate blight or beautify high traffic areas in the community
  • Restoration of lands for habitat or public use
  • Projects that improve river or waterway health
• Capacity and Leadership:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Resiliency, Capacity and Leadership priority and goals.

• Programs that provide leadership or other skills for staff, board, volunteers or other community constituents to improve organizational or community performance.
• Organizational self-assessment or diagnoses activities to determine gaps and needs.
• Efforts to develop leadership succession plans that protect and prolong organizational effectiveness.
• Planning initiatives to evaluate, identify and/or consider supports needed to weather future economic disruptions (commodities market or global economy downturns, health pandemics, technological disruptors to the future of jobs/economies, etc.)
• Programs, training or other efforts that aid organizations in understanding the broader social context of which they are part and how they can collectively mobilize to address community needs and create resiliency.
• The development of leadership networks as a tool for transformative social change and amplifying impact across social systems or issues.
• Projects to increase citizen engagement in solving or addressing community challenges or opportunities.

This philosophy includes securing and maintaining our social license to operate and delivering transformation through robust stakeholder engagement and consultation, social investment, and impact evaluation. 

The CityArts Program Grants, offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, support local artists and cultural organizations by providing general operating grants based on average annual revenue. Eligible nonprofits can apply for grants ranging from equal to their revenue for smaller organizations to a maximum of $50,000 for larger ones. This initiative aims to enhance access to the arts across Chicago's diverse neighborhoods.

The MN AWWA Advanced Degree Scholarship offers up to three $3,500 scholarships annually to students enrolled in water-related Bachelor's or Graduate degree programs. Applicants must be juniors or seniors at accredited institutions and submit necessary documentation, including transcripts. The scholarship is awarded directly to the educational institution, and winners are recognized at the MN AWWA Annual Conference, typically held in Duluth, MN each September.

The Opportunity on the Plains Grant, provided by the United Way of the Plains, is a competitive funding initiative aimed at supporting health and human service programs in areas such as health, education, financial stability, and basic needs. By aligning with the social determinants of a strong community, this grant seeks to address pressing local needs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating within specific counties and adhere to non-discrimination policies.

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program, managed by the California State Water Resources Control Board, provides essential financial assistance for public water systems. It supports the planning and execution of drinking water infrastructure projects to ensure compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. Eligible costs cover planning documents, engineering specifications, environmental reviews, and more, facilitating access to safe drinking water and promoting the human right to water.

Bates Philanthropic Initiative

Mission Statement

The Bates Philanthropic Initiative (BPI) is committed to making a positive impact on our community by ensuring that high school students in Colorado experiencing financial hardship have access to quality post-secondary education and career opportunities with a particular focus on career and technical education (CTE).

We provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors with a financial need who are pursuing post-secondary certifications, associate degrees, and apprenticeships in skills-based fields.

In addition to scholarships, BPI provides grants to nonprofit partners that deliver critical wrap-around services like transportation, childcare, language support, and mentoring to these financially disadvantaged young adults.

Nonprofit Partner Grants

We provide grants to registered Colorado nonprofit partners who deliver critical support services to in-need students and eliminate the barriers to their education. From providing solutions for transportation, child-care, course, certification, and materials fees, and apprenticeship opportunities, nonprofits are at the forefront of making CTE more accessible to our under-served young adults. We are seeking to support nonprofits in expanding their impact.

Who does BPI focus its grants on, and how does this align with its mission?

At BPI, we focus our grants on empowering financially disadvantaged young adults aged 17 to 19 as they transition from high school to adulthood. While we support nonprofit partners serving broader communities, our grants are dedicated to programs that directly benefit this vulnerable group. By concentrating our efforts here, we aim to transform lives and create meaningful opportunities during this critical phase of personal and professional growth.

Impact 100 Richmond aims to transform lives in the Richmond area by empowering women through philanthropy. With a focus on granting $100,000 to local nonprofits, this initiative targets projects in Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Family, and Health & Wellness. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a budget of at least $250,000 and a minimum of 36 months of operation. Preference is given to projects benefitting women and children.

The Joan Rajkovich McGarry Family Education Endowment Grant focuses on enhancing family and consumer sciences in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. Dedicated to improving nutrition and physical activity, it supports innovative, evidence-based programs for children and families, particularly addressing obesity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, and governmental entities. Applications are accepted annually in the fall, prioritizing creative proposals that align with Michigan State University Extension resources.

The Hilliard Education Foundation's Annual Grant Program empowers educators in the Hilliard City School District to enhance student learning through innovative projects. Grants support initiatives not covered by traditional funding, allowing teachers to create unique learning experiences. Open to all district staff, these grants are awarded annually for projects commencing in the following school year. Fund requests of up to $10,000 are welcomed, fostering creativity and educational excellence in the community.

The Grants for Rural and Native Alaskan Villages program is designed to provide essential drinking water and waste disposal systems to remote Alaskan villages. By addressing dire sanitation conditions, the program ensures access to clean water and improves public health in communities that are often isolated. Funded by USDA Rural Development, these grants cover up to 75% of project costs, promoting sustainable infrastructure in areas facing unique challenges due to geography and climate.

Clean Energy Fund (CEF) Building Electrification Grant Program

Commerce is accepting applications for the Clean Energy Fund Building Electrification Grant Program. These grants are intended to be used by current program grantees to enhance their existing building electrification projects and pursue additional measures to increase energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Funding

Commerce will distribute the remaining $495,000 from the CEF5 Building Electrification Grant Program. There is no minimum request amount, and the maximum award is $495,000.

The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) offers the Responsive Grant to enhance health in Greater Williamsburg. This private foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government agencies focused on improving opportunities for uninsured and underinsured populations. Priority is given to proposals that align with WHF's mission, demonstrate collaboration, and create stronger health systems. For more details, visit their Strategic Plan online.

The Robert B. and Ruth K. Lee Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Greenville County, South Carolina. Established in 2000, the foundation supports diverse areas including arts, education, health, and human services. With no geographic limitations, it primarily funds programs benefiting the local community. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, emphasizing initiatives for the elderly, children’s programs in the arts, and literary projects. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to be eligible.

The Japan International Award for Young Agricultural Researchers encourages young talent in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in developing regions. Since its inception in 2007, this award recognizes up to three researchers under 40 who demonstrate exceptional research and innovation potential. Awardees are invited to Japan for a ceremony and receive $5,000 each. This initiative, supported by the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, aims to foster future advancements and motivate emerging leaders in agricultural research.

The Charis Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations in California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, focusing on social welfare, health, and education. Grants range from $2,500 to $7,500, aimed at addressing issues such as housing, food insecurity, and support for at-risk youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and can apply every three years, with specific restrictions on funding for arts and political activities.

The Competitive Grants program by the Community Foundation for Brevard empowers local nonprofits to address pressing community needs through targeted funding in areas like education, health, and environmental stewardship. With a focus on supporting organizations that enrich community life, this initiative fosters collaboration and innovation. Grants are available to eligible nonprofits that have been operational for at least two years and meet specific criteria. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life in Brevard County and promote sustainable community development.

Mission

The mission of the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, Parks and Marine Foundation is to provide financial support to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and to the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. This support is provided to assist these two agencies in regard to their efforts involved with the conservation and protection of Mississippi’s natural resources and provide supplemental financial assistance as available and necessary.Focus Areas

• Wildlife,
• Fisheries,
• Parks,
• Conservation,
• Natural Resources, and
• related fields

Executive Summary

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Division of Health Promotion – Community Health and Wellness Unit (CHWU) addresses leading causes of death and disability from chronic disease and illness. The core mission of the CHWU is to prevent premature death and disability from chronic disease, to understand the risk factors of chronic disease, and to promote healthy behaviors through leadership efforts that address evidence-based policies, systems, and environmental change. To achieve this mission, the CHWU has cultivated a robust group of partners – clinicians, academicians, community advocates, patients, consumer representatives, business leaders and government agencies – across the state of New Jersey to reach high burden populations and communities and complete funded work. Improved quality of life and extended years of healthy living for New Jersey residents are the overall outcomes for all activities undertaken through CHWU programs and services.

The Community Health and Wellness Unit’s – Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention Program announces the availability of State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026 funding and technical assistance for primary care clinics operating in Cumberland, Cape May, Gloucester, Monmouth, Hunterdon, Somerset and Essex counties whose colorectal cancer (CRC) screening prevalence is between 25% and 55%, to implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs) and quality improvement (QI) processes to increase CRC screening in eligible and priority populations. This RFA seeks to increase CRC screening among populations aged 45 to 75 years that have lower colorectal cancer screening prevalence. The NJDOH-CCSPP is seeking up to four (4) primary care clinics to adopt strategies that utilize multi-component EBIs to increase CRC screening and to partner with NJDOH-CCSPP by accepting technical assistance, and support for data collection and evaluation activities.

Funded entities must demonstrate capacity and readiness to implement the program by completing the following:

• Engage in a formal readiness assessment of funded entities’ capacity to implement EBIs. This assessment will be used to select EBIs that will support improved CRC screening.
• Implement multicomponent interventions that combine a minimum of three (3) evidence-based interventions (EBI), as recommended in The Community Guide. These EBIs must focus on different areas of the clinical system (which will increase demand, access, and delivery of screening recommendations). The EBIs of priority for this work includes patient reminders, provider reminders and feedback, reducing structural barriers, and patient navigation.
• Provide high-quality, clinic-level data, including baseline and annual CRC screening prevalence, aggregate data on stool-based tests provided to and returned by patients, and aggregate data on follow-up colonoscopies. Emphasis will be on the capacity to collect data and track the entire CRC screening process patients undergo.
• Support completion of stool tests and colonoscopies, including tracking and follow-up of colonoscopies for positive stool tests

In addition to funding and technical assistance, each awardee will have the opportunity to utilize a free patient navigation service supported by NJDOH. The navigators will be deployed to the awardees primary care clinics site and will provide direct patient referrals and outreach via electronic health records (EHR). Leveraging innovative tools, including a patient chat text concierge, the patient navigators will enhance patient engagement, reduce barriers, and empower informed decision-making. Navigators will also coordinate care, track outcomes, schedule screenings, and ensure timely follow-up to promote comprehensive, equitable colorectal cancer prevention and care.

Baltimore Community Foundation

Mission: Inspire donors to achieve their charitable goals from generation to generation and to improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region through grantmaking, enlightened civic leadership, and strategic investments.

Baltimore City Community Grants Program

The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) is proud to administer the Baltimore City Community Grants Program in partnership with The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. These grants are designed to support nonprofits that provide direct services to low-income Baltimore City residents, with a focus on creating paths to stability and opportunity. 

Through this program, we aim to strengthen the capacity of community-based organizations aligned with the Weinberg Foundation’s five focus areas: Housing, Health, Jobs, Education, and Aging.

Focus Areas

• Housing: Improving stability by helping people access safe and affordable housing.
• Health: Promoting health and well-being
• Jobs: Creating paths to jobs and careers
• Education: Helping youth succeed in school and beyond
• Aging: Ensuring individuals are able to age with respect, dignity, and support.

Grants are one-time, unrestricted or project-based depending on organizational needs and proposed use.

The McGlothlin Foundation Grant supports philanthropic initiatives in higher education, healthcare, and the arts, focusing primarily on projects in Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Northeast Tennessee. The foundation prioritizes proposals from tax-exempt non-profits, especially for capital projects and programmatic needs. While there are no fixed grant sizes, organizations are encouraged to apply after prior awards have concluded. The foundation does not fund individuals or political activities, ensuring its resources enhance community infrastructure and cultural development.

Maryland Forestry Foundation

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a member of the Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards. We act as the fiscal agent for several programs of the 24 local Forestry Boards and provide important tax deductibility for their donors.

From advocating for innovative legislation that impacts Forestry in Maryland to overseeing Maryland's largest private property tree-planting operation, we're committed to making a greener and healthier future. We also actively support Urban Forestry programs, nurture the next generation of environmental leaders with the largest college fellowships in Natural Resources in the mid-Atlantic, and serve as the fiduciary agent for programs like the Natural Resources Careers Camp for high school students and the Maryland Urban & Community Forest grant program.

MUCFC Grant Program

The Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council (MUCFC) is a volunteer group of citizens, professionals and government officials united to protect and enhance Maryland's urban and community forested areas. Beyond their work to educate the public and to work with legislators on the issues affecting Urban Forestry in Maryland, the committee also administers a grant program that supports tree planting and tree care initiatives across the state and they manage the Maryland PLANT (People Loving and Nurturing Trees) award program.

The primary goal of the MUCFC Grant Program is to enhance Maryland's urban forest by providing funding for community tree planting and educational projects. The projects funded are carried out on public lands within parks, metropolitan areas, cities, or towns and may be undertaken by schools, service organizations, homeowner organizations or other volunteer-based groups. The maximum grant per project is $1,000.

The Baiardi Family Foundation (BFF) awards grants primarily in Michigan, focusing on the Detroit Metropolitan Area and Emmet County. Their mission is to foster positive change through various giving categories, including healthcare, education, the arts, and environmental stewardship. They emphasize the importance of Catholic and Judeo-Christian values in their grant-making process. Note that they do not provide grants to individuals, and all requests are evaluated based on merit to align with their guiding principles.

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of economically and socially disadvantaged individuals. Since 1988, the foundation has supported various initiatives, including education, health services, and community programs. It emphasizes direct services with low administrative costs, ensuring that funds have a meaningful impact. Organizations applying must demonstrate a commitment to serving at-risk youth and families, particularly in Montana and select areas where The Washington Companies operate.

Indigo Hope Foundation: Addiction Recovery Programs Grant

Funding programs that offer treatment, counseling, recovery support services, and harm reduction for individuals battling addiction.

Key Focus Areas:

• Treatment Services
• Recovery Support
• Harm Reduction
• Family Programs

Example Programs We Fund:

• Outpatient counseling programs
• Peer recovery support
• Addiction Recovery Residential Programs
• Family therapy services

Our Mission

The Horner Foundation is a family-based charity dedicated to partnering with community-based organizations that provide youth, aged 10-19, hands-on experiential learning opportunities through Out of School Time (OST) to foster positive youth development.

We work in 4 geographic regions, determined by where family members live, their specific interests and needs identified by the community.

Our Vision

• All youth will be empowered to realize their full potential and become active participants in their communities.
• All youth will have ample opportunities both inside and outside the classroom to experience a diversity of quality learning styles and frameworks.
• All youth will be healthy, strong, and well-prepared for the 21st Century.

Organizational Funding Statement

The Horner Foundation strives to be responsive and meet organizations where they are. This means that we may provide multi-year funding and ongoing support to nonprofits who may be launching a pilot project or going through a transition. However, we also believe in the value of diverse funding sources. The Horner Foundation typically funds organizations for 1-2 funding cycles (2-4 years). In rare cases, we may fund an organizations for 3 funding cycles (6 years).

Grants

The Foundation awards two-year grants dedicated to project funding. We fund in four geographic regions, each with its own funding priorities.

Towns of Corby & Kettering, Northamptonshire, England: Healthy Youth Northamptonshire / Sexual Health and Education & Health, Education and Social Supports for Young Mums    

Strategy

The intention of the Foundation’s work in Northamptonshire is to focus on the Towns of Corby and Kettering in order to improve outcomes for young people and young mums. Existing programs and services already working in these towns, as well as other organizations looking to expand their reach into these under-resourced regions are encouraged to apply. Projects should be well rooted in community need, with an emphasis on service user feedback informing and refining the service models. Through this strategic funding, it is our hope that Corby & Kettering will be models of sexual health & antenatal education as well as early parenting support deeply rooted in the community. 

Two Funding Focuses

• Sexual Health & Education for Young People
• Health, Education & Social Supports for Young Mums

Example projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Prevention: Pregnancy education, sexual education
• Support: Antenatal and parenting education
• Education: Sexual and reproductive health workshops to help individuals make the best choices for sexual wellness
• Gender Equity and Education: with a focus on people of all genders, orientations, identities and abilities

Funding Innovative Research

Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc) prioritizes funding clinical trials, research that is nearing translation to a clinical trial, and young investigator grants.

Grants funded by CKc must be innovative and provide better quality of life or symptom relief than current treatments. 

When possible, CKc will prioritize funding research:

• with a focus on cancers that are under-funded or under-researched,
• with a focus on patient populations who are traditionally underserved.

When possible, CKc will prioritize funding researchers of diverse backgrounds.

For CKc, “innovation” means the invention or application of novel methods or treatments, specifically treatments that have fewer side-effects than standard care, increase a child’s quality of life, and/or create an option for care where there otherwise were few or none (either on primary diagnosis, relapse, or for recalcitrant cancers).

Research Grants

Grant Program: Young Investigator

$100,000 over 3 years

• PI must hold an academic appointment at the instructor level or higher
• PI must be within 5 years of completing a training fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology or a closely related discipline that has direct clinical contact with pediatric cancer patients
• Research must be within 2-3 years to translation to a clinical trial or already associated with a clinical trial

• Evidence of Mentor's commitment to the PI's career development plan
• Translational potential

The Young Woman's Home Association Grant supports nonprofit agencies that serve women and children in Wayne County, Michigan. Established in 1877, the grant aims to enhance education, meet basic needs, and promote cultural enrichment. New applicants must submit their applications by August 1, while returning applicants have until September 1. Unfortunately, requests for general operating expenses, capital improvements, and individual scholarships are typically not considered.