Best Grants for BIPOC

There have been a lot of improvements in our Tennessee communities since the former Federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program, now known as the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), began providing funds to local governments in 1991. Nearly $409 million in grants have been distributed by the Department. The money has gone to hundreds of communities across the Volunteer State to build sidewalks and bike lanes, update ADA accessibility and to renovate historic transportation facilities and other transportation-related structures. The impact of some of the projects is primarily local, whereas projects such as the wildflower planting along roadways across the state can be enjoyed annually by thousands of Tennesseans and tourists. Whether large or small, the projects serve the same purposes - improving access and providing a better quality of life for people in the state of Tennessee.

In order to be considered for project funding, the application must fall into one or more of the following specific categories as defined by federal legislation and relate to surface transportation 

• Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities & Safe Routes for Non-Drivers
  • All facilities must be hard-surfaced, ADA compliant and provide adequate connectivity and separation from vehicular traffic. Sidewalk facilities must be a minimum of 5-feet wide and shared-use facilities must be a minimum of 10-feet wide. TAP funds can be used for sidewalks, walkways or curb ramps, bike lane striping, wide paved shoulders, bike parking and bus racks, traffic calming for the safety of bike/ped traffic, off-road trails, bike and pedestrian bridges/underpasses and ADA compliance.
• Conversion of Abandoned Railway Corridors to Trails
  • Construction of hard-surfaced pedestrian or shared-use ADA accessible trails and rails-with-trails projects.
• Scenic Turnouts and Overlooks
  • Construction of scenic turnouts, overlooks and viewing areas.
• Historic Preservation & Rehab of Historic Transportation Facilities
  • Preservation of transportation buildings and facades in historical districts, restoration of historic buildings for transportation-related purposes, access improvements to historic sites, restoration of railroad depots, bus stations and rehabilitation of rail trestles, tunnels and bridges.
• Archaeological Activities
  • Projects related to archaeological assessments from the implementation of current highway construction projects

The Maine Sea Grant Program Development Funds support small research projects and proof-of-concept initiatives that align with Maine Sea Grant's strategic goals. Funding ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, with larger budgets requiring discussion beforehand. Eligible applicants include individuals from Maine-based academic, research, and for-profit entities. The program prioritizes projects that enhance research, education, and outreach efforts, while also allowing for conference support under specific conditions.

The Proposition 1 and 68 Small Grants Program in California offers funding between $50,000 and $300,000 for projects that prioritize jump-start initiatives, project planning, and technical assistance for disadvantaged communities. Applications are evaluated quarterly or biannually, with competitive criteria requiring an average score of 70 percent or better. This program aims to support small design-build projects and secure matching funds, contributing to the enhancement of regional water quality and community resilience.

The NIH is offering access to biospecimens from the ABCD, HBCD, and PATH studies to promote research on health and disease across a lifetime. This initiative encourages projects that utilize these samples to deepen understanding of genetic and environmental influences, particularly substance exposure. Researchers can submit proposals to maximize the scientific utility of these resources, in alignment with the goals outlined under federal health regulations.

The Lilah Hilliard Fisher Foundation Grant offers year-round funding for initiatives focused on regenerative agriculture and nutrition education, particularly in New York City and Litchfield County, Connecticut. Emphasizing support for human trafficking survivors, youth development, and social justice, the Foundation seeks projects that align with these priorities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, with some multi-year grants available. Notably, proposals outside the specified areas are by invitation only.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

At the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), we are dedicated to our mission of serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. As the largest executive branch agency in the state, our broad reach allows us to provide essential, community-based support where and when it matters most. Our DPHHS team is passionate about improving our clients’ lives and helping them build a more secure and independent future.

Funding Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals

Join us in a funded project and improve patient care, clinical outcomes, and staff knowledge. DPHHS has a wide variety of available grant opportunities for health improvement that fit any clinic or hospital work schedule. Interested in more than one? We can work with health systems to create an outline of activities to align grants and receive additional funding. 

Diabetes Funding Opportunities: Family Healthy Weight Program Implementation; DSMES-Accreditation Recognition; Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) QI Project; Diabetes Retinopathy QI Project; Diabetes Support Program- Walk With Ease Project; Access to Care Project; Diabetes Support Program Implementation

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) QI Project

Provide funding opportunities for healthcare professionals to work on a quality improvement project to increase access and improve screening for the early detection of diabetes retinopathy (DR).

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Cape Fear River Assembly Scholarship

Any high school or college student accepted/enrolled in a college in the Cape Fear River Basin. 

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

YS27 Youth Suicide Prevention Continuation Solicitation

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness, Violence and Injury Prevention Section, announces the availability of grant funds.

Policy and Procedures

The Continuation Funding Application consists of three parts: Program Updates(if applicable), Program Budget and Budget Narrative, and Other Required Attachments.

Number of Grants and Funds Available 

The federal Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Grant supports this grant. Up to six (6) grants may be awarded for a total of $532,200. Only funded applicants in year 3 (YS26) will be eligible to apply. This funding is for year 4 of this grant project, which will run Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 - Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2027. The entire project period is Friday, March 1, 2024 - Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2027. If the Ohio Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not funded in the federal fiscal budget, ODH may be unable to fund the YS27 youth suicide prevention subrecipients. The funding for year 4 will be up to $76,300, with the option for up to two applicants to apply for Supplemental #1 to lead the state’s Youth Suicide Prevention coalition for $7,500 each, and all applicants to apply for Supplemental #2 funding to support local Suicide Fatality Review committees for up to $10,000 each.

The Proposition 1 and 68 Very Small Grants Program in California offers funding of less than $50,000 to support disadvantaged communities. This program prioritizes technical assistance, project planning, and high-need project implementation through a simplified application process. Grants are evaluated quarterly or biannually, with projects scoring 75% or higher being competitive. The initiative aims to enhance community resilience and secure matching funds for impactful projects.

The Working Here Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, providing funding options tailored to rural community needs. With a focus on agricultural education, hunger relief, and disaster assistance, the program has awarded over $13.5 million since 2013. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, with eligibility for organizations demonstrating alignment with FCSAmerica's mission. Priority is given to IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fostering sustainable solutions for local challenges.

The Proposition 68 Technical Assistance Program (TAP) provides crucial support to local communities in California, helping under-resourced applicants access funding for parks and open space projects. TAP offers annual assistance through outreach, mentoring, and resources to facilitate project development, grant writing, and community engagement. By allocating up to 10% of funds for technical assistance to disadvantaged communities, TAP promotes equity in funding access, ensuring that all applicants have the necessary tools to succeed.

The Song-Brown Certified Nurse Midwifery Grant Program, administered by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), aims to enhance the training of certified nurse midwives and licensed midwives. This grant prioritizes programs that successfully graduate individuals into underserved areas and support underrepresented groups in medicine. Funding opportunities include $13,000 per first-year student for existing slots and $75,000 for new expansion slots, promoting healthcare access in challenging communities.

The Emberg Charitable Trust, established through the Kermit Charles Emberg Revocable Trust Agreement, supports educational grants in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Preference is given to vocational, technical, and trade programs that prepare candidates for key local industries, such as forestry and aircraft maintenance. The Trust, managed by Wells Fargo Bank, reviews applications annually in June, awarding grants to eligible nonprofit and governmental programs that meet its mission.

The KS Agricultural Land Easements program, administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, protects vital croplands and grasslands by limiting non-agricultural land uses. It supports private and tribal landowners in preserving their agricultural land through conservation easements, ensuring long-term sustainability and enhancing public benefits like wildlife habitat and environmental quality. Eligible participants can receive significant financial assistance to maintain the agricultural use of their land, fostering local partnerships for stewardship.

The Katherine R. Smith Funds for Youth, managed by the Toledo Community Foundation, aim to enhance the lives of youth under 18 in northwest Ohio. Funding supports programs that benefit young people in Lucas and Wood Counties, including operational expenses and the establishment of new initiatives. Organizations serving these areas, especially those in Waterville and the Anthony Wayne Local School District, are encouraged to apply for grants to further their impactful work.

Impact100 Greater Milwaukee is a women's organization dedicated to awarding transformative grants that significantly enhance the community. It encourages nonprofits to innovate and address pressing needs in the Greater Milwaukee area by presenting creative proposals. Grants focus on various areas, including arts, education, health, and environmental revitalization. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including being a recognized 501(c)(3) and demonstrating measurable outcomes. This initiative aims to drive impactful change and foster collaboration among nonprofits.

MGM National Harbor Charitable Grant

We believe that corporations have the responsibility and the resources to affect the world’s most pressing economic, social and environmental issues. The growth and success of our company depends on the business decisions that we make, and the ways in which we harness our influence for good. Through our monetary, in-kind and volunteerism support, we invest in charitable organizations that focus on five critical issues.

• Education: K-12 public education, public colleges and universities, community colleges
• Fighting Hunger: Programs that provide access and nutritious meals for food-insecure individuals and families within the community.
• Health and Wellness: Programs that encourage a healthy lifestyle and improve one’s well-being while reducing social and health challenges.
• Workforce Development: Educational and training programs that align with our business and prepare individuals for sustainable career opportunities.
• Environmental Sustainability: Programs that improve the quality of our environment and promote sustainability through education, stewardship of community ecosystems, conservation and beautification.

*Before submitting a request for support, please see our eligibility requirements below. Incomplete forms and those with missing documentation will not be considered. Each request must be submitted no later than 45 days prior to your sponsorship deadline. Please, no phone calls or emails.

We fund work that:

• Has a clear strategy
• Can be effectively measuredto evaluate success
• Approaches challenges witha commitment to long-term change
• Builds an inclusive anddiverse community
• Uses innovation to addressa social issue

Naples Children Foundation

Grant Guidelines:

The Naples Children Foundation (NCF) was established in 2000 to transform the lives of vulnerable children in Collier County by investing in, and partnering with, proven programs that bridge gaps in education, health care and child advocacy to deliver measurable results.

In 2005, we commissioned The Study of Child Wellbeing, an assessment of the needs of children in Collier County that found significant shortfalls in basic services including pediatric oral health, early childhood education, child advocacy, pediatric medical services and out-of-school services. In 2010, a follow up study was conducted identifying additional voids including childhood hunger, which is now a key area of focus. Further studies conducted in 2017 and 2022 confirmed the persistent need for targeted initiatives to bridge these gaps. These studies led to the development of — and reinforce — the following seven NCF Strategic Initiatives, each designed to address specific areas of need:

• Healthcare and Oral Health (est. 2006)
• Early Learning (est. 2008)
• Hunger (est. 2011)
• Mental Health, Vision and Out-of-School (est. 2012)

Every dollar we generate fuels high-impact solutions and, since its inception, NCF has transformed entire communities and positively impacted the lives of 385,000 children through its strategic investments in close to 90 nonprofit organizations. Every organization considered for funding undergoes a rigorous vetting process to ensure alignment with our mission and efficient use of resources. Post-award, every outcome is tracked to ensure measurable and lasting benefits for the children of Collier County.

Our Approach

The Naples Children Foundation will make two types of investments: Program Support and Capacity Building.

Funding that supports the direct delivery of programs and services to 3 beneficiaries.

South Carolina Arts Commission

The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission is to expand access to the arts and foster creativity for all South Carolinians.

For more than 50 years, the agency has worked to build a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their circumstances or where they live.

We help artists and arts providers offer unique arts experiences to residents and visitors. From free poetry readings and gallery crawls to sweetgrass basketry workshops and ticketed dance, music, or theatre performances, they create an environment that contributes to quality of life from three “corner” counties of Oconee, Horry, and Beaufort to the 43 arranged inside.

Since 1967, the SCAC has awarded more than $132 million in grants to artists, arts organizations, school districts, schools, and teachers!

Festivals Grants

Purpose

To provide support for a broad range of arts activities at festivals that take place in—and have an impact on—S.C. communities, increasing opportunities for public engagement and participation in arts and culture.

A festival is a day or period of celebration or gathering of people that:

• Happens in a condensed period of time (i.e., an annual celebration or anniversary or an organized series of concerts, plays, movies, or performances held in the same place).
• Has an easily identifiable or unifying theme or specified focus.

Restrictions

• The festival cannot span the duration of more than two (2) consecutive weekends (no more than 14 consecutive days).
• Seasonal series of presented works, as well as freestanding installations, productions or exhibitions, are ineligible activities for this program.
• Applicants may submit only one (1) application per deadline.

Requirements

• The festival must be held in South Carolina.
• The festival must have identifiable arts activities (visual, media, performing, literary, and/or folk and traditional arts).
• The festival must compensate visual, media, performing, literary, and/or folk and traditional artists.
• The festival must be open to the public and include some aspect of free arts programming.

Funding type: Reimbursement

Matching Requirements

1:1 (grantee:SCAC)

• Up to 50% of the grantee’s match may be through an in-kind donation of materials and/or contracted services.
• An example of “in-kind” is a contracted fee that is waived or discounted as a donation to your project.
• Another SCAC grant and/or federal funds may not be used to match your award.

Indirect Cost Limitation

No more than 10% of the total grant funds may be used for indirect costs (general overhead expenses not directly tied to the project). The remaining 90% must go toward direct costs, which are necessary to carry out the funded project.

• Examples of direct costs: Artist fees, program supplies, travel for project activities, and venue rental.
• Examples of indirect costs: Administrative salaries not directly working on the project, office rent, utilities, and general office supplies.

This ensures that most of the funding directly benefits the project while allowing some flexibility for necessary overhead costs.

Compliance with State and Federal Laws

All grant applicants must ensure their applications, proposed projects, and any related materials comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This includes SC Code § 16-15-305 (2024), which prohibits the dissemination of obscene materials.

Obscene content is strictly prohibited in grant applications and any proposed project activities. Applications that include materials or activities determined to be obscene will not be reviewed or considered for funding.

No component of an SCAC-funded project, including those funded with SCAC funds and those funded with matching funds, can fall into this category. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the termination of funding and other legal consequences.

We strongly encourage all applicants to carefully review the full legal text of SC Code § 16-15-305 (2024), to ensure their proposals are in full compliance.

The H-E-B Community Investment Program supports nonprofit organizations within its service area by providing monetary funding, volunteers, or in-kind donations. It prioritizes projects in arts, education, health, and social services. Eligible organizations must have valid 501c3 status and reapply annually for funding. Requests over $200 must be submitted online, while those under can be made at local stores. For further guidelines, visit their FAQs page.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Jennie Wade Scholarship Endowment

More than one hundred years ago, Jennie Wade created a scholarship in her words “to benefit mankind.” This scholarship is made to help young men and women continue their education after high school. Wabash County residents under the age of 21 are selected from among applicants who have done as much as possible in helping themselves obtain an education and whose families are unable to provide an education.

The Outdoor Heritage Fund, overseen by the North Dakota Industrial Commission, provides grants to enhance conservation practices statewide. Established in 2013, it supports projects that improve access to lands for sportsmen, restore water quality, and develop wildlife habitats. Priority is given to initiatives that foster stewardship of natural resources, ensuring sustainable farming and recreation. The fund aims to preserve North Dakota's natural heritage while promoting environmental responsibility among state and tribal organizations.

The Smart Growth America Community Connectors Grant Program supports small and mid-sized cities in addressing divisive infrastructure caused by dangerous roads. With funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this program aims to reconnect communities through temporary street safety projects while fostering skills and partnerships. Eligible teams must represent populations of 50,000 to 500,000 and include both government and community-based organizations. Priority will be given to projects benefiting low-income communities historically affected by disinvestment.

The Heart of Steamboat Community Fund, established in 1984, supports non-profit organizations in Routt and Moffat Counties with annual grants ranging from $500 to $2,500, totaling up to $32,000. Focus areas include mental health, food security, and support for immigrants, seniors, and youth. To be eligible, organizations must have a local presence and be registered as charitable entities in Colorado. Priority is given to initiatives addressing these vital community needs.

The Missouri Housing Trust Fund, established in 1994, aims to address the housing needs of very low-income families and individuals in Missouri. Managed by the Missouri Housing Development Commission, it allocates funds for homeless prevention, rental assistance, and home repairs. The fund prioritizes individuals earning at or below 25% of the area median income, ensuring that resources effectively target the most vulnerable populations. Grants are capped at $150,000 per type and $300,000 per application.

About The New York Community Trust:

As New York's largest community foundation, The New York Community Trust (The Trust) fosters and engages in enduring and innovative philanthropy, making grants that bring together the local knowledge and expertise of its team, nonprofits, and partners to help donors fulfill their vision for the causes they love. From education and the arts to health care and the environment, The Trust seeks to improve every aspect of the cultural and civic life of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.

The Trust is a regional philanthropic leader. In addition to a distinguished competitive grantmaking program, The Trust hosts donor-advised funds that make grants throughout the United States as well as funder collaboratives that work on the leading edge of philanthropy to improve the lives of New Yorkers. In 2025, it made close to 11,000 grants totaling nearly $230 million.

Having celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2024, The Trust has catalyzed innovations in philanthropy ranging from establishing the first donor-advised fund in the 1930s to making landmark grants, including some of the first to fight AIDS, build the High Line, support immigrant communities in the region, and respond quickly in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The four broad priorities of this grantmaking program are to:

• Mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing legacy carbon from the atmosphere and oceans;
• Adapt and become more resilient to the consequences of a warming world;
• Protect public health from toxic chemicals and other environmental hazards; and
• Preserve and create ecological connectivity by supporting terrestrial and marine conservation corridors. 

Grants made pursuant to this request for proposals will be for national projects, i.e., projects working in the United States (including its territories). Grants will not exceed $150,000 per year for up to two years.

Environmental Protection Fund (EPF)

New York State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) is a source of funding for capital projects that protect the environment and enhance communities. Capital projects are usually large projects that purchase land or construct facilities. Most projects that receive grants of EPF money combine it with other funding sources that require matching funds.

Some examples of projects using EPF money are:

• Purchasing land for the NYS Forest Preserve
• Restoring historic sites
• Conserving farmland
• Restoring habitat
• Controlling invasive species
• Upgrading municipal sewage treatment plants
• Cleaning up waterfront property and creating a public park
• Helping business develop ways to recycle material

The EPF also supports the stewardship of public lands, including state parks and millions of acres of public lands throughout the state. Through partnerships with volunteer organizations, state agencies use stewardship funding to manage trails and lands, protect natural resources, preserve wildlife habitats, make critical capital improvements at parks and campgrounds, educate students about conservation and provide access to persons with disabilities.