Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

The PreservINg Main Street Grant, initiated by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, aims to enhance local economies through the preservation of historic properties in Indiana. This program supports eligible communities with funding up to $2 million for downtown revitalization projects, alongside opportunities for capacity building in partnership with Indiana Humanities and Indiana Landmarks. It offers a sustainable approach to historic preservation while fostering community engagement and economic development.

About Us

In 2015, Baltimore adopted the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan, a sweeping plan to improve neighborhoods across South and Southwest Baltimore that are close to the Horseshoe Casino. The City then began to implement this plan, with the advice of the Local Development Council and funding provided by local impact grants (community grants) generated by area casino revenues.

It soon became clear that another organization was also needed to help spend these funds -– something that could be more flexible, nimble, and entrepreneurial. So, in 2016, the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership was established, governed by a Board of Directors comprised principally of residents and business owners. Now, the City and the Partnership split Baltimore’s share of the local impact grant funds.

In order to successfully implement this ambitious agenda, the SBGP created its own Strategic Plan to narrow its focus to three crucial elements of the South Baltimore Gateway Master Plan:

• Environmental Sustainability
• Health and Wellness
• Community Development and Revitalization

The Synod of the Mid-Atlantic offers the New and Small Church Grant Fund to support new and small churches in their mission projects. Funded through generous donations from Presbyterians, these grants help churches implement priorities in education, evangelism, and social justice. Eligible applicants include PCUSA churches within the Synod's bounds. Interested parties can find brochures and applications on the Synod's website or by contacting the Synod Office.

The American Savings Foundation offers Community Grants up to $5,000 for programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across 64 towns. Focused on education, human services, and arts & culture, the foundation prioritizes direct service programs that address the highest needs. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, and grants are awarded in two cycles annually. Renewals can occur for up to three consecutive years, subject to specific criteria.

The WMU Department of Chemistry offers the Frederick W. Stanley Memorial Chemistry Scholarship for undergraduate students, aiming to support declared chemistry majors. Established in 1996, this scholarship honors Frederick Stanley, a WMU alumnus who earned his B.S. and M.S. in chemistry. Applicants must be juniors or seniors with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5. The scholarship enhances academic opportunities for students pursuing careers in various fields, including industry, teaching, and medicine.

The John G. Duncan Charitable Trust Grant supports educational, human services, and health initiatives in Colorado, particularly focusing on the state's most impoverished areas. Organizations can apply once a year, with specific eligibility criteria in place. Founded in honor of philanthropist John G. Duncan, the trust aims to perpetuate his generosity by funding various charitable causes across the state. Applications are accepted in designated periods throughout the year, ensuring a broad reach for potential grantees.

The Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, supports animal welfare organizations in Virginia. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 and prioritize spay/neuter programs, emergency medical funds, facility repairs, and public outreach efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, operational in Virginia, and focused on animal welfare. This grant honors Ursula Landsrath's legacy in animal advocacy, continuing her impactful work in the community.

The Plant America Community Project Grant, offered by the National Garden Clubs, supports initiatives that enhance public spaces and community gardens. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for projects that educate and engage both adults and children in gardening. Since 2017, over 250 grants have been awarded, totaling more than $225,000. Eligible applicants include member clubs, focusing on beautification, restoration, and environmental education.

The Jeremy Alex Grant, founded by Ted Alex in memory of his son, aims to support child-related programs in the Seacoast community. This fund helps children develop resilience and self-esteem through activities like chess. With a focus on instilling life skills, grant applicants must demonstrate how their proposals align with this mission. The fund has a history of supporting local initiatives, including educational programs in schools, fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement.

The Zyne Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance and support Catholic faith-based organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits dedicated to education, medical research, and family values. The foundation's mission focuses on making a direct impact on individuals' daily lives, ensuring that these initiatives can thrive both now and in the future, promoting community well-being and development.

The Ralph Franzen Charitable Foundation Grant supports faith-based organizations that provide social services, with a focus on Evangelical Christian groups in Illinois. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with an annual budget of at least $1 million. The foundation does not accept applications from individuals, ensuring that funding is directed towards established charitable entities. This grant aims to enhance the impact of social services within the community.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) offers Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) to support diverse arts initiatives that enhance public engagement and education. These grants aim to improve community well-being through the arts and are open to all organizations, regardless of size or location. Applicants are encouraged to align their projects with NEA funding priorities, fostering creativity across various disciplines such as music, theater, and visual arts.

The West Bancorporation Foundation Grant supports charitable programs in Central and Eastern Iowa and Minnesota, focusing on low- and moderate-income individuals. Eligible nonprofit organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) IRS Exemption Letter. The foundation prioritizes contributions to human services, education, and arts and culture, while excluding requests from certain organizations and activities, including endowments, fellowships, and political groups. This ensures targeted support to effective community initiatives.

The Isabel and Arthur Watres Student Research Award, offered by Lacawac Sanctuary, provides financial support for undergraduate research focused on the natural resources of the Sanctuary. Awards range from $250 to $500, prioritizing costs related to residence and research user fees. Open to undergraduate students at any stage, this fund encourages new projects and collaboration with faculty. Recipients may need to present their findings and acknowledge the fund in publications, fostering a connection between research and conservation.

The Joseph E. and Marjorie B. Jones Foundation is a private philanthropic organization committed to enhancing life quality in the greater Washington, D.C. area. The foundation focuses on human services, healthcare, and educational initiatives, believing in the inherent dignity of all individuals. It supports projects that foster community trust and partnership while avoiding funding for basic research, scholarships, or sectarian activities. The foundation aims to inspire and uplift communities through strategic partnerships.

The Limited Competition Small Grant Program for ORIP SERCA K01 Recipients provides funding to early-stage veterinary scientists to enhance their research capabilities and transition to independent investigator status. This initiative addresses challenges faced by these researchers, including reliance on funding from senior investigators. Grants support pilot studies, secondary data analysis, and development of research methodologies, aiming to foster independence within a two-year timeframe without funding clinical trials.

EDFA is providing professional development to help school districts implement a school model that redefines an instructional, talent, and comprehensive outstanding student experience across the district to support principals and other school leaders. Initially focusing on the campus leaders at campuses that need the most support in these areas and then ensuring that the district can effectively lead all campuses in these areas over the course of multiple years. These grant funds serve the purpose of supporting the district and particularly instructional leaders including principals and principal managers, as it relates to instruction, talent, and an outstanding and consistent student experience to prepare all students to meet the challenging State academic standards.

The National Board Certified Teachers Scholarship, funded by the Education Minnesota Foundation, aims to support K-12 educators pursuing National Board Certification. Each year, eligible Education Minnesota members can receive scholarships up to $1,000 to cover assessment fees. This initiative particularly encourages first-time applicants while also allowing those maintaining certification to apply. Scholarships are awarded annually, and recipients must provide proof of payment for the certification process to access their funds.

The Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award honors outstanding educators who inspire students and elevate the teaching profession. Nominations for 2026 are now open, inviting communities to recognize exceptional teachers who embody dedication and excellence. The award will be presented on May 3, 2026, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. This prestigious recognition not only celebrates local talent but also positions the winner as Minnesota’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year.

The Education Support Professional of the Year award recognizes outstanding contributions by education support professionals in Minnesota. Annually, Education Minnesota honors an individual who exemplifies dedication and excellence in their role. Nominations for the 2025-26 award are now open, inviting submissions from colleagues and community members. The recipient will receive a $1,200 honorarium, a choice of technology, and an expense-paid trip to a national conference, celebrating their impactful work within the educational community.

The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) is a pioneering space mission concept aimed at discovering life beyond our solar system, as highlighted in the Astro2020 survey. The HWO-PSI program seeks to reduce risks for future missions by advancing scientific investigations that inform mission design. As HWO enters its pre-formulation phase, it addresses significant astrophysical questions and technical challenges, ultimately striving for groundbreaking discoveries in our understanding of the universe.

The George F. & Elah P. Evans Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing healthcare and educational opportunities for residents in Harrison and Lewis Counties, West Virginia. This private foundation aims to support charitable organizations that align with its mission, specifically those recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Notably, individual applicants are not eligible to apply for funding under this grant program.

The McDaniel Scholarship at Adams State University aims to provide full-tuition scholarships to students in junior standing or above, including post-graduate and graduate students. Established by Dr. John E. McDaniel, this scholarship honors past students while supporting the educational aspirations of future scholars. As part of Colorado's premier Hispanic-Serving Institution, this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to equitable access to education and empowering historically underserved populations.

The Miami East Education Foundation Fund, established in 2003, aims to enhance educational excellence within the Miami East Schools. By providing grants, scholarships, and enrichment programs, it supports students and the community. Administered by dedicated volunteer trustees, the foundation reviews grant applications annually, offering funding for projects that improve student learning. Eligibility extends to all school personnel who contribute to the education and development of Miami East students, with funding levels varying based on collected donations.

Clinical & Translational Science (CTS) Pilot Grant Program

The objective of the new Indiana CTSI Clinical & Translational Science (CTS) pilot grant mechanism is to initiate or continue translational science projects that help identify translational methods and processes relevant across a range of diseases, treatments, and interventions. The key objective of the projects should be to develop methodological innovations and/or produce crosscutting solutions for common and persistent challenges to reduce, remove, or bypass significant bottlenecks across the continuum of translation.

Applications to this program are limited to a total of $40,000 and are 12 months (1 year) in duration. There will be no ability to apply for a no cost extension with this new grant.

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 Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

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.  

The Rec for All Support, Engagement, and Events Grant, offered by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, aims to enhance community wellness by funding organizations that provide inclusive recreational opportunities for all youth. With a total funding of $5,000, this grant supports programs focused on sports, cultural arts, and youth development, ensuring equitable access and fostering a sense of belonging among participants, regardless of their background or abilities.