Best Grants for BIPOC

Teacher Residency Program Grants

Teacher residency programs are intensive experiences designed to those enrolled in an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Residents complete a year-long clinical practice placement in a partner school division while completing the undergraduate or graduate-level coursework needed to become licensed teachers. The format for residency programs vary: Some provide short-term training while others pair a program participant with a mentor teacher for a year long co-teaching experience. Because of the need for integration between clinical experiences and coursework, residency programs are conceived of as holistic; required coursework and clinical experiences together comprise the duration of a residency. Programs in Virginia require that participants commit to teaching in a specific division for a certain number of years after completing the residency. Additionally, residency programs may offer tuition remission and/or an additional stipend. 

Provide a detailed description of the teacher residency program. Grant funds will support the preparation, planning, development, and implementation of a site-specific teacher residency model that develops highly effective educators prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based instruction from their first day in the classroom. Programs may include resident and mentor stipends or other strategic incentives designed to recruit, prepare, and retain high-quality teacher candidates and mentor teachers, particularly in high-need schools and shortage areas.

Teacher residency models should be intentionally designed to prepare educators to effectively implement High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) through sustained, practice-based clinical experiences paired with aligned coursework and coaching. Residency experiences should provide candidates with opportunities to develop deep content knowledge, instructional decision-making skills, and the ability to use curriculum as the foundation for planning, instruction, assessment, and continuous improvement.

Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes

Describe the goals, objectives, and expected outcomes of the teacher residency program. Proposals should demonstrate how the residency will prepare candidates to:

• Deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction using High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). 
• Implement evidence-based instructional practices, including the requirements of the Virginia Literacy Act and evidence-based literacy instruction. 
• Identify, evaluate, and effectively implement High-Quality Instructional Materials with fidelity while using student data to inform instructional decisions. 
• Develop strong content knowledge and instructional expertise through curriculum-based professional learning, coaching, and clinical practice. 
• Analyze student work and assessment data to improve instruction and accelerate student learning. 
• Create inclusive learning environments that effectively serve diverse PreK-12 learners, including students with disabilities, English learners, and students with low literacy levels. 
• Collaborate with mentor teachers, instructional leaders, and professional learning communities to continuously improve instructional practice. 
• Engage in reflective practice through observation, feedback, and coaching to strengthen instructional effectiveness. 

Budget Background Information: 

• Grant funds requested may not exceed $3,600,000. 
• Funding used for travel and travel-related expenses must be at state rates and in accordance with state travel regulations.
• Funding for tuition shall not exceed $12,500 per resident per academic year OR requested funding for tuition shall be discounted 35% per resident per academic year. 
• The budget and budget narrative should detail how the partner school divisions shall provide at least one-third of the dollar cost of each program, as required in the Appropriation Act. The local school division one-third contribution must be a cash match of funding.
• State funding should have a direct, measurable impact on the residents excluding professional membership and food/beverages. 

Community Foundation of Mendocino County

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is a county-wide nonprofit organization that administers permanent charitable funds established through gifts and bequests from individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County Scholarship program provides scholarship opportunities for local students to help pursue their educational goals and achieve their higher education dreams.

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County provides scholarships for all seven regions of the county, as well as for specific academic and professional goals.

Alma and August Mendosa Vocational Scholarship

Created by Marilyn Herzog in honor of her aunt and uncle as a memorial to Alma Mendosa’s 47-year career as a Mendocino educator.

The BSBI Plant Study Grant, offered by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, provides funding of up to £1,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate botany students. This initiative aims to support the study and research of plant sciences, encouraging participation from both members and non-members of the society. Established in 1836, the BSBI is a leading contributor to biological records, enhancing scientific research and conservation efforts in Britain and Ireland.

The Portland Rotary Charitable Trust Community Grants support 501(c)(3) organizations in the Portland Metro area that empower underserved youth. Grants, ranging from $2,000 to $8,000, focus on capital expenditures, ensuring inclusivity without discrimination. Organizations must refrain from non-capital expenses, operational costs, and religious requirements. This initiative fosters equal opportunities, addressing disparities in access to resources and promoting community development.

The Reed Penington Family Trust Scholarship Fund, managed by The Denver Foundation, supports Colorado residents who are undergraduate or graduate students in their final two years of schooling. This fund aims to assist those facing financial barriers that hinder their educational pursuits. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA or CASFA. The scholarship fosters academic persistence and helps students graduate within two academic years.

The Sara Corrie Memorial Grants, administered by the National Speleological Society, support group cave exploration in the U.S. and its territories. Up to six grants of $1,000 each are awarded annually to NSS members. Applications must detail exploration plans, including costs for necessary equipment. Grants are not provided for activities outside of exploration. Successful recipients must report findings and may have their proposals published on the NSS website.

The Mary Elizabeth Martin Scholarship Trust, established in 1961, provides financial support for students pursuing higher education in the U.S. Managed by US Bank and the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, this private foundation awards scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000 annually. Eligible recipients include organizations exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that funds are allocated for charitable and educational purposes.

About

What We Do

The Achieve Foundation promotes high-quality education that prepares South Orange-Maplewood School District students for the future.

We support our students, families and educators by addressing inequities, inspiring innovation and fostering community.

Riecke Professional Development Fellowship

About the Program

Achieve’s Michelle T. Riecke Fellowship funds summer professional development opportunities for faculty.

Fellowships are awarded to individuals (up to $3,000) and/or teaching teams (up to $5,000).

This year, Achieve awarded $9,111 to support four professional development programs for six teachers.

The Michelle T. Riecke Teaching Fellowship was established with the Achieve Foundation in 2004 in memory of former Board of Ed president Shelley Riecke, who passed away at age 39.

The Fellowship fosters outstanding teaching by enabling educators to undertake continuing education in their fields in the summer, and inspiring them to share the new knowledge they acquire with their District colleagues upon their return to school.

While fellowships are awarded for both subject-specific and broader educational interests, faculty are encouraged to look for programs that nurture their professional passion.

The NSS International Exploration Grants support members of the National Speleological Society in their international cave exploration and survey projects. This program, established through generous contributions, emphasizes conservation and responsible exploration. Grant criteria include participant involvement, expedition complexity, and proposal quality. Eligible expenses cover group costs and equipment, while ineligible expenses involve personal gear and legal fees. The grants aim to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among cavers worldwide, ensuring sustainability in cave research.

The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society Research Grant offers funding for research projects involving cacti and succulents, aligning with the organization's mission of education and knowledge dissemination. Grants support projects lasting up to one year, with the possibility of extensions. Budgets must detail all expenses, and co-funding is encouraged. This initiative aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of these unique plants within the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

The PLTW Computer Science grant, offered by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, provides funding for teacher training in PLTW Computer Science Core Training. This initiative supports public and charter schools in Indiana by covering registration fees for teachers participating in the program. The funding is directly managed by PLTW, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to enhance educational opportunities in computer science.

The Hazardous Materials Training and Planning Grant, offered by the Ohio Public Utilities Commission, aims to enhance public safety by funding training for emergency services personnel on managing hazardous materials spills during transportation. Eligible applicants include educational institutions and local governments, with grants covering various training types. Activities must be completed by May 31, 2026, with reimbursement requests due by June 30, 2026. Joint applications for collaborative training programs are encouraged, promoting cost-effective training solutions.

The Keweenaw Cross Country Skiing Endowment Fund, established by the Keweenaw Community Foundation, aims to enhance and support cross country skiing in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. This fund targets organizations with a proven track record or innovative programs that can positively impact the community. Grants are intended to sustain quality skiing programs, ensuring that the sport thrives for future generations in this beautiful region.

National Association for Plant Breeding

We are the culmination of a grass roots effort by plant breeders from around the USA to engender support for the work of plant breeders and to raise public awareness for the important work of plant breeders. We are led by an all-volunteer team nominated and elected by the membership.

The NAPB has a diverse membership of public and private sector scientists working to improve a wide variety of plants and graduate students working towards advanced degrees in plant breeding. We meet annually during the summer months enabling field tours to walk among the plants that our hosts are working to improve.

The National Association for Plant Breeding was formed as an organization to advance excellence in research, education and outreach in the field of plant improvement. 

NAPB Borlaug Graduate Scholars

The Borlaug Scholars program for graduate students was established by the National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) and funded through the Agronomic Science Foundation (ASF). Our aim is to develop the next generation of plant breeding leaders. Students attending U.S. universities looking to enter the workforce in less than two years are encouraged to apply. Self-nominations are encouraged. Borlaug Scholars will be paired with volunteer mentors who are professional NAPB members committeed to the professional development of the recipients. Each recipient will receive financial support for travel, lodging, and meals to participate in the NAPB Annual Meeting (or similar, if virtual meetings). Gratis meeting registration and student membership in NAPB, for non-members, is included.

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Rural Ready Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company is proud to offer the Rural Ready grant program. It is designed to give rural schools the flexibility to address the needs and opportunities that matter most in their communities. Rural Ready grants will support projects that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and relationships they need to thrive in our ever-changing world while strengthening the communities they call home. 

Funding

• Total amount to award is $185,000.00. 
• Applicants may apply for up to $7,000 in funding for this grant cycle.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Mission: To strategically invest in Wisconsin to enhance the economic well-being of people and their businesses and communities

Appleton Downtown, Inc.

Creative Downtown Appleton, Inc. is an affiliate 501c3 organization to Appleton Downtown, Inc. dedicated to support the Appleton creative economy movement by enhancing the cultural and artistic environment through the development of opportunities for community access to arts, music and culture.

Creative Professionals Talent Recruitment Grant

We are proud to announce the launch of the Creative Professionals Talent Recruitment Initiative, a partnership among Appleton Downtown, Inc. (ADI), the Trout Museum of Art, and gener8tor Art.

ADI is the grant holder for this initiative, which is supported by a specific Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Talent Recruitment Grant. Because of the grant’s purpose, the relocation funding is designated to attract new residents and creative professionals to Appleton and the Fox Cities.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Appleton’s creative economy, support downtown vitality, encourage entrepreneurship, expand cultural tourism, and position the Fox Cities as a place where creative people can live, work, build businesses, and contribute to the community.

Creative professionals may include visual artists, musicians, performers, designers, filmmakers, makers, educators, creative entrepreneurs, arts administrators, cultural workers, and others whose work contributes to the region’s cultural and economic life.

This initiative is not intended to replace, overlook, or take away opportunities from the creative professionals already contributing to Appleton’s creative life. Local and regional creatives form the foundation of our creative economy. Their work is visible every day through downtown events, markets, live music, public art, small businesses, cultural organizations, creative entrepreneurship, education, and community programs.

This initiative is designed to build on that foundation. A larger, more connected creative ecosystem can create more opportunities for collaboration, professional development, teaching, exhibitions, performances, public art, events, small business growth, and cultural programming that supports both current residents and those who may choose to make Appleton home.

Selected participants may receive relocation assistance, access to the gener8tor Art accelerator program, exhibition and performance opportunities, studio or workspace support, and connections to local employers, cultural organizations, and community partners.

The Focus Agriculture Grant is a pioneering educational initiative by Agri-Culture aimed at community leaders. This nine-session program includes monthly seminars and farm tours, providing vital information on topics like production, government relations, and marketing. Participants from various sectors such as non-profits, education, and local business are encouraged to apply. The tuition is $1,500, with a $350 refund for 100% attendance. For more details, refer to the FAQ available on their website.

The FY26 Project Grant for Artists from the Nevada Arts Council supports individual artists in producing and presenting artistic projects, with funding up to $3,000. This grant aims to enhance economic vitality and cultural development in Nevada. Eligible projects include exhibitions, performances, and marketing activities. Applicants must be Nevada residents, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and at least 21 years old. The program fosters creativity and supports the artistic community in enriching lives across the state.

The Houghton County Historical Preservation Fund, managed by the Keweenaw Community Foundation, supports local historical preservation and education projects in Houghton County, Michigan. Grants are available to tax-exempt non-profits, school districts, and municipalities, ensuring that the funds directly benefit the communities in Keweenaw and Houghton counties. The foundation promotes charitable efforts without discrimination, fostering a commitment to preserving local heritage for future generations.

The Historic Preservation Fund Grant (HPF) offers matching grants to support projects that provide public benefits, reimbursing up to 60% of eligible costs. Applications open from December 1, 2025, to February 1, 2026. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $65,000, focusing on architectural surveys, preservation plans, and restoration of historically significant buildings. The program prioritizes non-profit, municipal, and civic organization projects that demonstrate public use and align with the State Historic Preservation Plan.

The URA-Sandia Graduate Student Summer Fellowship for Summer 2026 is now open for applications until November 30, 2025. This fellowship offers STEM research opportunities at Sandia National Laboratories, focusing on national security projects. Selected candidates will work alongside experienced mentors and receive stipends based on their academic progress. A total of $2,000 is also available for travel expenses. Full-time graduate students and U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.

Survey & Planning Grants 

Economic incentives for historic preservation and rehabilitation preserve historic properties and support historic preservation planning activities in communities throughout the state. The MHC administers a federal grants-in-aid program for survey and planning projects, a maritime heritage grant program, and a state matching grant program for restoration, rehabilitation, and research of properties listed in the State Register.

The Massachusetts Historical Commission Survey and Planning Grant Program is a federally funded, reimbursable, 50/50 matching grant program to support historic preservation planning activities in communities throughout the state.

Eligible applicants for Survey and Planning Grants are anticipated to include all local historical commissions, local historic district commissions, planning offices, and other eligible public and non-profit historic preservation organizations.

Survey and Planning Grants

Survey and Planning Grants provide 50% matching federal funds for the following projects:

• Preparation of community surveys
• Preservation plans
• Preparation of historic district studies and legislation
• Archaeological surveys
• Nominations to the National Register
• Educational preservation programs

Mississippi Office of Homeland Security

Homeland Security is a concerted State and National effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the State, reduce our vulnerability to terrorism and or any disaster that may occur, minimize the damage, and recover from events that do occur. The Mississippi Office of Homeland Security was created through Executive Order 872 and repositioned under the authority of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety through Executive Order 916.

The mission of the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security (MOHS) is to partner with federal, state, and local emergency response personnel during both man-made and natural disasters, as well as working to prevent, protect, and respond to threats and/or acts of terrorism within our state. This office will act as the nexus for information sharing through its direction of the Mississippi Analysis and Information Center (MSAIC) and will lead efforts in "All Hazard" prevention, preparedness, and response by continuing to foster strong partnerships across professional response disciplines. MOHS will further the education of the Mississippi citizenry through awareness and outreach efforts. These efforts are accomplished through training, equipping, and informing the populace about the steps necessary to keep themselves and their communities vigilant and prepared.

School Safety Grant

At times during specific years, the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) may focus on a special emphasis area that is part of the National Priorities. This allows for the creation of funding for a special emphasis area such as election security, school safety, community preparedness, etc. During years that there may be a special emphasis, the MOHS will release a separate grant application for the HSGP application, to focus on a special emphasis area. These grant follow all the same regulation and processes, but may be solicited outside the regular application window (March-April).

School Safety grants are provided as part of enhancing safety and security for our schools. These grants could be used for physical enhancement, cybersecurity, and terrorism related equipment. 

The Parks and Parkways Tree Planting Grant supports non-profit partners in New Orleans to plant trees on public properties, aiming to restore the urban forest with 40,000 new trees by 2030. Funded by a one-time allocation from the City Council, eligible tax-exempt organizations can utilize this grant for tree planting and related expenses. Priority is given to organizations demonstrating strong leadership, good fiscal management, and a commitment to community equity.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

St Joseph Construction Association Scholarship

This fund was established by the St Joseph Construction Association to provide academic scholarships to students pursuing a degree in a Construction related field.

The Multnomah Athletic Foundation offers community grants aimed at promoting athletic participation among youth, particularly those from underserved communities. By prioritizing access and opportunities, the foundation seeks to enhance confidence and character in young athletes. The funding is unrestricted, encouraging innovative projects that foster sustainable growth in nonprofit organizations. Emphasizing transparency and collaboration, the foundation aims to create equitable outcomes for all participants in the Portland metropolitan area.

The McElhattan Foundation focuses on innovative solutions to end workplace fatalities by 2050. It invites proposals that develop new technologies, particularly those that eliminate dangerous tasks at work. The foundation partners with the National Safety Council’s Work to Zero program to enhance safety practices. Organizations seeking funding should be established non-profits with a history of successful collaboration, and grants typically start at $50,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, fostering impactful initiatives.