Best Grants for BIPOC

The AmeriCorps Competitive Traditional program, managed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to engage members in impactful community service initiatives. Participants can earn a living allowance and the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for further education. This funding opportunity is available to new and existing applicants in Illinois, encouraging civic engagement and volunteerism to tackle pressing community challenges. Each applicant is limited to one application, with awards varying based on project needs.

The Chemical Bank Fund, part of the Central Montcalm Community Foundation, plays a crucial role in providing support for unanticipated community needs that fall outside the Foundation's typical grant application periods. This fund ensures that essential services and programs can continue to operate effectively, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents in the Central Montcalm area. By utilizing annual earnings from permanent endowments, the fund helps sustain vital community initiatives.

The Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that create positive change in communities. Focused on enhancing lives and providing opportunities for self-improvement, the foundation prioritizes requests from organizations in the Houston area and Texas. Eligible applicants may submit one request per year, ensuring a fair assessment process. Note that grants are not available to individuals, and lobbying efforts may adversely affect the consideration of applications.

About Ashland Community Foundation

The community foundation is like the community’s charitable savings account. We pool resources from community members, invest them and then use them to make grants for the betterment of the entire community. We exist to serve donors, nonprofit organizations and the community as a whole. 

We fund programs and projects that improve the quality of life in Ashland County by educating and developing youth and talent; promoting arts, culture and recreational opportunities; meeting needs of Ashland County residents; and positioning our county as a desirable place to live and conduct business.

Quick Action Community Grants

Quick Action Community Grants are competitive grants awarded to 501(c)(3) and other qualifying charitable organizations. These grants support programs and projects that benefit any population in Ashland County.

What it's for: Projects, programs, or equipment needs of $10,000 or less.Limits: Up to two Quick Action Community Grant applications per fiscal year, July 1 through June 30.

About Ashland Community Foundation

The community foundation is like the community’s charitable savings account. We pool resources from community members, invest them and then use them to make grants for the betterment of the entire community. We exist to serve donors, nonprofit organizations and the community as a whole. 

We fund programs and projects that improve the quality of life in Ashland County by educating and developing youth and talent; promoting arts, culture and recreational opportunities; meeting needs of Ashland County residents; and positioning our county as a desirable place to live and conduct business.Quarterly Community Grants

Quarterly Community Grants are competitive grants awarded to 501(c)(3) and other qualifying charitable organizations. These grants support programs and projects that benefit any population in Ashland County.

What it's for:

Larger initiatives, new programs, capital needs, or collaborative projects requiring more than $10,000.Timeline: Applications are accepted four times per year on quarterly deadlines. Limits: Up to two Quarterly Community Grant applications per fiscal year, July 1 through June 30.

The Wichita Wagonmasters, through their Good Life Grants established in 2012, aim to enhance the quality of life in Wichita, Kansas. These grants support a variety of community projects that promote collaboration among nonprofits, fiscal soundness, and sustainable solutions. Eligible applicants must be IRS-exempt organizations with measurable outcomes. However, requests for general operational support, fundraising activities, and religious purposes are not accepted. The foundation seeks to showcase Wichita as a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

Ignite Your Future Scholarships

The Don Wood Foundation invited community foundations in northeast Indiana to present the Ignite Your Future scholarships to students in the communities they serve.

The Ignite Your Future Program creates opportunities for high school seniors living in Noble County, Ind. who seek to advance their education in fields related to engineering, industrial technology, and machine tool technology. Examples of fields that Ignite Your Future Program supports include those considered part of Industry 4.0, which is the digital transformation of manufacturing/production, related industries, and value creation processes.

Engineering fields include:

• automation, electrical, computer, industrial, materials, controls, mechanical, design.

$20K Bachelor’s Degree:

• Up to $2,500 per recipient per semester
• Five scholarships will be awarded.

Colleges:

• Any accredited public and private nonprofit universities in Indiana, Ohio, or Michigan

The CFMC Save-the-Day Grant Program provides essential funding to nonprofits facing urgent needs that hinder their mission. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 assist organizations in overcoming unanticipated emergencies, such as equipment failures or staffing transitions. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate a clear plan for impactful use of the funds, ensuring that nonprofits can continue their vital services effectively. Applications are accepted annually starting in August until funds are exhausted.

The Society for the Humanities at Cornell University offers the Society Fellowships for 2026-27, inviting applications from scholars and artists focusing on the theme of Scale. This one-year residential fellowship provides selected fellows with $62,000 to support their research. Participants engage in a collaborative environment, teaching a seminar and attending weekly discussions. The program emphasizes a commitment to community and inclusivity, welcoming diverse perspectives in the humanities to enrich the academic experience.

The Pinnacle Community Benefit Fund Grant aims to support community-oriented projects around the Pinnacle Wind Farm in Mineral County, West Virginia. With a commitment of $50,000 upon commercial operation and ongoing funding, the grant empowers local citizens through a volunteer Allocation Committee. This approach ensures that funds are allocated effectively to enhance local initiatives, preserving the community's heritage and promoting sustainable development in Keyser, Elk Garden, and New Creek.

The G. Scott & Bessie K. Guyer Foundation provides grants to charitable organizations and municipal agencies within a 10-mile radius of Shamokin Dam, PA. Funding is geared towards program development, special projects, and capital campaigns, with grants typically ranging from $500 to $3,000. The foundation prioritizes community-driven initiatives and reserves the right to initiate projects of interest. Applications should reflect the potential for community support and volunteerism.

The Waxahachie Foundation Grant supports educational and charitable initiatives in Waxahachie, Texas. This not-for-profit organization has distributed over $400,000 in grants to 36 local nonprofits over the past decade, benefiting a diverse range of community members from children to seniors. Through generous donations, the foundation fosters public welfare and cultural enrichment, ensuring that worthy causes receive the funding they need to thrive in the Waxahachie area.

The Management Improvement Fund Grant supports small to midsize nonprofits in Minnesota by providing up to $15,000 for technical assistance aimed at enhancing organizational capacity and nurturing BIPOC leadership. With a history of distributing $7 million to over 470 organizations since 1991, the fund prioritizes initiatives that benefit low-income communities and address pressing operational needs, fostering sustainable growth and community impact.

The New Mexico Humanities Council offers Subaward Grants aimed at supporting humanities-focused nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and governmental institutions. Grants are limited to $2,000 and are designed to foster publicly accessible projects that promote dialogue and inquiry in communities. Interested applicants must schedule a consultation with NMHC staff and submit an eligibility screening form. The funding process is responsive, aiming to reduce the time between application submission and initial payment.

The Joanna Foundation offers grants primarily to organizations that are tax-exempt and focused on community betterment within South Carolina. Established in 1945, the foundation supports health, education, and other improvements in areas like Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties, as well as Newberry and Joanna. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, with larger amounts available for exceptional projects. Organizations may apply once per calendar year.

The Tides Stronger Together Fund, under the Tides Foundation, provides essential support grants to fiscally sponsored partners focused on historically underserved communities. By building organizational capacity and leadership, the fund empowers community changemakers to address inequities and enhance sustainability. With a pooled funding model, it directly responds to the needs of over 120 partners, ensuring resources are effectively allocated where they are most impactful, ultimately fostering long-term community resilience.

The First Security Bank Foundation is dedicated to giving back to the communities it serves. As part of the Glacier Bank family, it leverages its resources to provide substantial donations and sponsorships to local organizations. Their commitment is evident in the active involvement of employees who lead and volunteer throughout the area. Organizations interested in support are encouraged to apply, ensuring a thoughtful review process for each request. This foundation exemplifies the spirit of community investment.

The Warren Sixth Ward Neighborhood Impact Fund Grant aims to support nonprofits and fiscally-sponsored organizations that address community needs in Warren's Sixth Ward. Funded through the American Rescue Plan, this grant prioritizes programs and projects over capital requests. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply promptly as funding is limited, ensuring an equitable distribution process through the Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley.

The Community IDEAS Grant Program, managed by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, aims to foster community-led change in Minnesota. With a total of nine grants of $125,000 each available in 2026, this program targets diverse communities, including Greater Minnesota, the Twin Cities Metro Area, and Native-led organizations. Eligible organizations must be nonprofit entities based in Minnesota, committed to using funds for charitable purposes that benefit their communities.

The Broadwater Community Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Broadwater County through charitable projects. Established in 1993, the foundation supports local initiatives with a cash matching requirement and prioritizes long-term benefits for residents. Eligible projects must be led by committed leaders and serve community needs. Ineligible projects include conferences, planning efforts, or those benefiting individuals directly. The foundation values community support and sustainable funding for impactful initiatives.

The Absarokee Community Foundation Grant supports local non-profits and organizations in Stillwater County by providing monetary assistance for projects that strengthen the community. With a focus on 501C3 non-profits and exempt government units, the Foundation aims to channel financial resources effectively, ensuring a thriving community through its permanent endowment fund. Organizations in need of funding are encouraged to partner with the ACF to enhance their community impact.

The Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County (CFMJC) supports grant-making to organizations that benefit Jefferson County residents. Since 1991, it has funded diverse causes such as education, health, and welfare. CFMJC prioritizes projects that demonstrate preventative measures and collaboration among organizations while ensuring legal compliance. Grants are not available for political activities or sectarian purposes. This initiative encourages impactful contributions from generous donors to enhance community well-being.

The Art and Mary Schmuckal Family Foundation, established in 1999, aims to support charitable organizations in the Grand Traverse region. It honors the philanthropic legacy of Art and Mary Schmuckal, who dedicated their lives to community service. The foundation is managed by a volunteer board consisting of family members and friends, ensuring a commitment to wise stewardship of its resources. It welcomes applications from 501(c)(3) organizations throughout the year, focusing on making a meaningful impact in the community.

The Greater Salina Community Foundation's Relationship Based Philanthropy fund offers unrestricted grants to enhance community needs in the Salina area. It supports nonprofit organizations and groups, ensuring that donations create lasting impact through permanently endowed funds. This flexibility allows for addressing diverse charitable projects, making it a vital resource for local improvement. With an emphasis on collaboration, the foundation fosters generosity among donors and nonprofits alike, enriching lives across the region.

The Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation offers discretionary grants aimed at initiating or supporting projects that can be completed with a single grant in a short timeframe. Eligible applicants are tax-exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes emergency grants for urgent needs that threaten the existence of an agency or its programs. However, it rarely awards grants for ongoing support or projects outside the Greater Philadelphia area.

The Parker Foundation Grant supports diverse social, arts, community, and educational organizations in San Diego County, promoting philanthropy and volunteerism. By providing essential funding while maintaining minimal administrative overhead, the foundation empowers local initiatives that enrich community life. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified, and strict guidelines ensure grant proposals are managed effectively. With a commitment to fostering a vibrant community, the Parkers' legacy of giving continues to make a significant impact on the lives of San Diegans.

The Riedel Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Hannibal, MO, with a focus on enhancing community life. Since 2000, nearly six million dollars have been awarded to initiatives addressing hunger, homelessness, education, and the arts. Grants prioritize unique projects that benefit citizens, especially youth and economic well-being. Organizations must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status and utilize funds within a year. Comprehensive follow-up reports are required to ensure accountability and transparency.