Best Grants for BIPOC

The Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture provide funding for nonprofit arts and culture organizations in New York, offering grants up to $2 million. These grants focus on projects that enhance accessibility, artistry, cultural development, and sustainability. Smaller no-match grants ranging from $10,000 to $99,000 are available for organizations with operating budgets under $2 million, encouraging strong design and community engagement.

The Rapoport Doctoral Dissertation Grants support PhD students conducting innovative research in American political behavior. Funded by the Rapoport Family Foundation, the grants offer up to $15,000 for survey research. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program at an accredited U.S. university and have completed all preliminary requirements. The foundation emphasizes originality and transformative potential in research proposals, aiming to foster diverse approaches to understanding political behavior.

Folklife

This grant program supports projects and activities which serve to identify, preserve and/or present Alabama folk traditions. Projects and activities may include festivals, field surveys, performances, exhibitions and documentation projects such as film, video, photography recordings, radio and publications.

Folklife Organizational Grant - Quick Assist Grants

Quick Assist Grants are for special, one-time needs unrelated to any other project or activity funded with a Council on the Arts grant. These grants fund unexpected or impromptu programs, opportunities, or other activities that are important to promote, share, or support the arts. Successful applications vary widely.

Quick Assist Grant applications may request between $500 and $2,500, with no matching expenses required to be provided by the applicant. Activities and expenses of a Quick Assist Grants may not overlap or support projects that are funded with another Council on the Arts grant of any kind.

The Capital Design Grants for Arts and Culture, offered by the New York State Council on the Arts, aim to support arts and culture nonprofits with budgets under $10 million. These grants, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, are designed for organizations in the early stages of design for eligible capital improvements. No-match options are available for smaller organizations, ensuring broad access to funding for essential design documents.

The Arts & Culture and Strengthening Lorain County Community Grants Cycle offers vital support for local organizations focused on enhancing community engagement through arts and culture. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations operating within Lorain County. The program prioritizes innovative projects that address community needs while requiring previous grant reporting to be completed before new applications. This initiative fosters collaboration and sustainable development in the region.

The National Chemical Technician Award, presented by the American Chemical Society (ACS), recognizes outstanding excellence among chemical technology professionals. Winners receive a $1,000 prize and a plaque at the ACS Spring meeting, with travel expenses covered. This award honors the contributions of technicians, operators, and analysts in advancing the field, promoting professionalism and expertise within the community. Nominees must have five years of relevant employment, though ACS membership is not required.

The Classified School Employee Summer Assistance Program (CSESAP) aims to support classified school employees in California by providing a dollar-for-dollar match on withheld pay during the 2022-23 school year. This program, funded by the California Department of Education, allows local educational agencies to assist eligible employees with their summer income, ensuring financial support as they prepare for the upcoming school year. A total of $60 million is allocated for this initiative.

The ArtsFund Community Accelerator Grant, funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, provides unrestricted grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to cultural nonprofit organizations in Washington state. In its third year, the program aims to support arts and culture by offering essential capital to organizations meeting eligibility requirements, including a minimum three-year existence and a primary mission centered on arts activities. This investment is crucial for enhancing the capacity of cultural organizations to serve their communities.

The ASPCA is offering grants to New York State animal welfare organizations to enhance compliance with the new shelter standards effective December 15, 2025. Eligible organizations can utilize these funds for facility upgrades and operational changes necessary for licensing under Article 26-C. Grant funding can encompass various needs, from retrofitting housing to training staff in euthanasia protocols, ensuring improved animal care and welfare across the state.

The California Department of Education is offering a Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant to enhance literacy initiatives. This $38 million fund aims to build local capacity for literacy programs that involve families and communities, focusing on vulnerable children. Over four years, the grant will support professional learning in evidence-based literacy instruction and the development of literacy plans, ultimately improving student literacy outcomes across California.

The MetroWest Fund for Arts & Culture Grant Program supports arts and cultural initiatives that enhance community engagement and diversity appreciation. By providing equitable access to artistic expression, it strengthens the local economy and cultural heritage. The Foundation for MetroWest awards discretionary grants to eligible organizations, ensuring that the benefits of art and culture reach all residents of the MetroWest region. This initiative fosters creativity and community building, making MetroWest a vibrant place to live.

The IMPACT: Quality of Place - Special Events Grants, administered by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, aim to enhance community engagement and economic growth in Erie County. Grants support public events that foster inclusivity and attract visitors, ultimately boosting local economies and improving the quality of life. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations and municipalities based in Erie County, demonstrating the potential economic impact of their events.

The State-Local Partners (SLP) Grant Program offers essential operating support and technical assistance to county-designated local arts agencies in California. Through a collaborative effort between the State and counties, this program aims to promote cultural development at the local level. It encourages partnerships that enrich the arts across diverse communities, fostering creative expression and enhancing the quality of life for Californians. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government units.

The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant, provided by the American Library Association, aims to support innovative community engagement projects in libraries. This annual grant awards $2,000 to two selected libraries, focusing on themes of community empowerment. Eligible applicants include various library types in the U.S. and U.S. territories, and projects must demonstrate community collaboration and creativity. Libraries are encouraged to submit proposals that reflect local needs and foster civic participation.

The Community Priorities Cycle of the Charlevoix County Community Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for residents through grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, and municipalities. This cycle invites eligible partners to apply for funding for projects that address diverse community needs. Proposals will be evaluated based on organizational impact, capacity, and the comprehensiveness of their plans. The foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that foster positive change in Charlevoix County.

Community Foundation of Ellis

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in Ellis and the surrounding area.

Foundation Grants

The foundation is proud to announce two grant funding rounds each year to qualifying nonprofit groups in the USD 388 area.

Focus Area

The foundation is focused on supporting qualifying nonprofit group(s) in the USD 388 area. Preference will be given to tangible, long-lived community assets. Groups encouraged to participate are nonprofit groups recognized by the State of Kansas or the Federal Government, such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church youth organizations, school groups, tax-supported organizations, and tax-exempt agencies.  

Request Amount

Due to limited funding and the competitive nature of the grant process, preference will be given to tangible, long-lived community assets for an amount not to exceed $1,000.00. Expendable items may be awarded by a matching grant only, with an amount not to exceed $500.00. Yearly fundraising dates for matching grants in cycle #1 are from April 1 of the current year until April 1 of the following year. Cycle 2 is from September 1 of the current year to September 1 of the following year. 

Sponsorships

If you are seeking sponsorship support, please apply for a grant detailing the sponsorship information and amount requested. Sponsorship requests outside of the grant application cycles are rarely funded.

The SLCAC General Operating Support Grants provide essential funding to arts nonprofits in Salt Lake City, assisting with operational costs and promoting artistic programming. Eligible organizations, which must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in the city, can apply for grants that support projects within city limits. The program aims to distribute approximately $200,000 annually, fostering artistic vibrancy and community impact. Applicants can only submit one application per year to ensure a fair distribution of funds.

The SLCAC Project Support Grants offer financial assistance to arts projects in Salt Lake City. With a focus on community engagement, these grants prioritize initiatives like concerts, workshops, and murals that benefit the public. The program allocates approximately $70,000 annually, with grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000. All projects must be arts-based, open to the community, and occur within specified funding cycles. Applicants may submit one proposal per year, promoting adherence to evaluation criteria for success.

The ASPCA Research Grants support innovative research aimed at enhancing animal welfare. With a total funding amount of $440,000, the grants are open to various research areas including cruelty research, access to veterinary care, applied behavior, psychological trauma, and farm animal welfare. Eligible applicants include U.S. public or private entities and Canadian universities. The maximum individual grant amounts vary by research area, encouraging impactful studies that directly benefit animals.

Thrive Philanthropy's Seed Grant supports innovative, small-scale projects outside the USA that promote just, plant-based food systems and reduce animal consumption. The initiative is designed for organizations or individuals aligned with Thrive's mission to eliminate industrial animal agriculture. It encourages applicants with a positive community reputation and excludes for-profit entities. With a focus on grassroots efforts, this grant is a pivotal resource for those aiming to advance vegan advocacy and sustainable food practices.

The Thrive Grant supports initiatives aimed at establishing equitable, plant-based food systems by decreasing animal consumption and promoting vegan advocacy. Targeting mid-size to larger organizations with proven success, the grant encourages proposals that align with Thrive Philanthropy's mission. Eligible applicants should demonstrate a strong community reputation and are expected to operate outside the U.S. Notably, the grant excludes for-profit entities and projects that exploit animals.

The Community Foundation of Cedar County Grant supports local non-profit organizations to enhance community quality of life. Established in 2005, it has awarded over $1 million to address various needs. This grant prioritizes 501(c)(3) organizations or governmental agencies and follows a diversity and non-discrimination policy. Only one project per organization is accepted each cycle, ensuring focused funding for impactful initiatives. The foundation’s efforts are driven by a dedicated board and staff committed to fostering generosity in the Quad Cities area.

Norton County Community Foundation

The Norton County Community Foundation was established in 1994 for the purpose of supporting local charitable activities in Norton County through endowments made to the foundation.

Since then, NCCF has grown to $5 million in assets. Thanks to its generous donors, NCCF has reinvested more than $10 million into the community through grants supporting qualifying programs and projects. 

All contributions to the foundation are available for qualifying projects and programs that promote the general welfare of the residents of Norton County, protect its rich heritage, and provide incentive for its continued growth.

James and Barbara Johnson Family Fund

The Johnson Family Fund is field of interest fund held at Norton County Community Foundation that is dedicated to supporting charitable causes serving the city of Almena and its surrounding area.

About the Fund

The Johnson Family Fund was established in 2021 by James and Barbara Johnson, who were each born and raised in the Almena area and now reside in Aurora, Nebraska. This field of interest fund held at Norton County Community Foundation is intended to support charitable causes serving the city of Almena and its surrounding area. This is the first fund held at NCCF dedicated exclusively to Almena.

Summary of County Services

Services county MUST provide:

• Establish and maintain local health departments, jails and courthouses.
• Provide emergency medical services through an advisory council.
• Authorize the issuance of bonds to fund road and bridge projects.

Non-profit Grant

Program Description

Hamilton County provides discretionary grants for nonprofit organizations that meet certain criteria. Awards are provided based on application score and funding available. The Grant Program is intended to provide funding for services provided by organizations that without providing those services the County Hospital and/or other governmental entity may need to consider the development of such programming.

Any funds awarded must be supported by other funding sources or documented in-kind services and may only be distributed to organizations headquartered in Hamilton County. Preference for funding will go to those organizations that provide services in furtherance of County goals and without the providing of these services the County Hospital and/or other governmental entity may need to consider the development of such programming.

Service Club of Chicago

The Service Club of Chicago is a charitable organization of women that has continually served the charitable needs of Chicago and its surrounding communities since 1890. Our mission is to award grants to Chicagoland’s 501(c)(3) organizations that will expand their facilities, improve their equipment and initiate new programs, thereby uplifting the community as a whole.

The Service Club of Chicago Grant Awards 

• Applications for grant awards shall be limited to non-recurring expenses not otherwise covered in the agency’s normal operating budget.

• All applicants must provide written evidence of financial stability, documentation of their own non-profit status issued by the State of Illinois, and the latest, most current 990 filing with the IRS. All applicants must provide 501(C)(3) tax-exempt status, have been in operation no less than three years, and provide financial statements as required by the Internal Revenue Service.

• The application package must include at least two bids for each item requested (exceptions may apply). The Service Club of Chicago will disburse grant awards directly to the vendor and not to the agency; no cash awards are given.

• Grant Recipients from the preceding year are not eligible to apply for the following 3 consecutive calendar years. For example, for the upcoming 2026 grant cycle, only agencies granted in 2023 and earlier can be considered. However, if you were denied in the preceding three-year period, you may apply in the current year.

The KidsGardening Youth Garden Grant supports organizations in the U.S. or U.S. Territories that aim to enhance youth gardening programs. With a focus on underserved communities, the grant provides resources to develop or improve garden projects for youth aged 0-18. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also fosters community engagement through gardening. Recipients receive a variety of supplies, including seeds and gardening tools, to help cultivate sustainable gardening practices.

Midlands Community Foundation

MCF is a community foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Sarpy and Cass counties, as well as surrounding areas. Through partnerships with local organizations, donors, and volunteers, we address critical needs and invest in initiatives that create lasting, positive change. Our efforts are focused on ensuring that the resources we provide have a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

Discretionary Community Gifts

Midlands Community Foundation facilitates discretionary giving, which is an alternative to the grant application process for gifts under $1,000. Nonprofit organizations that need immediate financial assistance can request these gifts using the required form along with any supporting information that would help describe the program or project. All requests are reviewed with careful consideration by the Board Treasurer and the Executive Director on a monthly basis.