Best Grants for BIPOC

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Core State Injury Prevention Program (Core SIPP) aims to enhance public health infrastructure and partnerships to prevent unintentional injuries through data-driven strategies. Focusing on key areas such as traumatic brain injury, falls among older adults, and drowning, it seeks to improve community safety by strengthening data use and fostering collaborations. This initiative supports states in identifying local injury concerns, thus promoting evidence-based prevention approaches and increasing the capacity for sustained public health actions.

The Kelsey Trust, established in 1988, supports organizations that benefit the people and protect the environment of the Lake Champlain Basin. With a preference for local initiatives, the Trust collaborates with the Vermont Community Foundation for grantmaking. The Spring Grants focus on education and environmental projects, with a Letter of Interest deadline of June 1st and grant decisions announced by June 30th. Organizations eligible must be tax-exempt or public agencies in Vermont or New York.

Humane Housing Grants

The Buhl Regional Health Foundation (BRHF) invites proposals from nonprofit organizations serving Mercer County to support initiatives that strengthen Humane Housing for children, youth, and their families. Humane Housing is one of the seven Vital Conditions for a Thriving Community Framework now guiding BRHF’s funding strategy. This is a foundational factor influencing long-term well-being.

In Mercer County, access to safe, stable, and dignified housing remains a critical determinant of physical, emotional, and mental health. Youth who experience housing instability or unsafe living conditions face significant barriers to healthy development, educational success, and long-term thriving. Through this RFP, BRHF seeks programs that prevent housing instability, improve living conditions, promote family stability, and ensure that all young people have access to safe environments where they can grow, learn, and thrive. Projects may focus on prevention, early intervention, housing-related support, or innovative community partnerships that strengthen long-term stability for youth and families.

Focus Areas

Proposals should clearly address one or more of the following priority areas and reflect the principle that Humane Housing is a vital community condition essential for child well-being:

Programs that prevent youth homelessness or housing displacement

• Transitional housing support for youth or youth-led households
• Family stabilization programs that keep children safely housed
• Efforts that reduce unsafe or unstable living situations

Improving Housing Conditions

• Program that addresses critical home repairs that allow youth to remain safely housed 
• Program that addresses environmental hazards (mold, air quality, utilities issues) 
• Partnerships offering safe, temporary placements for youth in crisis

Housing Navigation & Supportive Services

• Case management, advocacy, and navigation for families facing housing challenges
• Coordinated care approaches that reduce system barriers
• Programs connecting families to long-term housing solutions

This funding opportunity invites Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant applications aimed at developing FDA-regulated medical products for patients with opioid and stimulant use disorders. Projects may focus on pharmacotherapeutics or diagnostic devices, including software. The initiative seeks to address the ongoing opioid crisis by supporting innovations that enhance treatment options for individuals and communities affected by these disorders.

The American Association of University Women / Wagy Fund supports initiatives that empower women and girls in Kansas City, Missouri. By promoting education, economic opportunity, and personal safety, the fund seeks to foster societal change. It prioritizes partnerships with organizations that share its mission and focus on measurable improvements in self-image and lifelong education. Eligible applicants must be public charities dedicated to benefiting women and girls in the region.

The Neighborhood Reinvestment Program offers grants to County departments, public agencies, and non-profit organizations for various community needs, including education, environmental awareness, and public safety. Eligible non-profits must focus on one or more specified areas, while public agencies can enhance community quality of life. Priority is given to capital projects and one-time expenses. Grant funds cannot be used for prohibited purposes such as religious activities or political campaigning.

The CFNWPA Catholic Social Ministry Grant supports projects that align with Catholic social teachings and serve the 13 counties of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie. Funding is available for initiatives that provide counseling services, marriage support, community building, elderly care, and emergency services for the poor. Eligible organizations include Catholic nonprofits and parishes. The grant prioritizes projects that demonstrate sustainability and community impact, fostering long-term support for vital ministries.

The Total Wireless + Empower Work: Working Students Pilot Grant aims to support working students in Dallas, Detroit, and Chicago through grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. Nonprofits will be selected to fund programs that provide job training, skill development, and host events to assist these students. This initiative encourages partnerships with organizations committed to fostering equitable workplaces and enhancing the educational journeys of working students.

The Community Partnership Grants by the Jazz & Heritage Foundation aim to support music and art education programs, cultural events, and artistic projects that reflect Louisiana's rich culture. With grants up to $5,000, the foundation prioritizes Louisiana-based applicants, fostering community engagement and cultural preservation. Since 1979, over $13.5 million has been awarded, helping schools and nonprofits thrive. This initiative encourages both documentation and creation of artworks that celebrate the unique heritage of Louisiana.

The Arts in Social Service Grants from New Mexico Arts supports organizations focused on arts-based projects that tackle social issues affecting marginalized populations such as the incarcerated, homeless, and ill. With a two-year funding cycle starting in FY2026, eligible organizations can renew their applications for FY2027. This initiative fosters civic dialogues through artistic activities, encouraging community involvement in vital social discussions.

The Youth Support Services Competitive Grant Program, funded by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, aims to empower low-income communities by providing essential support services. This includes job training, internships, financial literacy, and academic interventions for low-performing students. The program specifically targets young adults from families with a history of poverty, ensuring they receive the necessary resources to thrive and succeed in their professional and personal lives.

The Craig Covey LGBT and Diversity Pride Fund Grant, established by Stark County activist Craig Covey, aims to support local nonprofits adopting non-discrimination policies. With a total funding of $5,000, it will provide ten mini-grants of $500 each to organizations that prioritize inclusivity for marginalized communities, including racial, cultural, and sexual minorities. This initiative reinforces Covey's lifelong commitment to advocacy and aims to foster a more engaged and inclusive community in Stark County.

The Transition Age Youth Advocacy Grant aims to empower young individuals aged 16-25, particularly those with serious mental health challenges, to advocate for their needs within California's behavioral health system. By fostering leadership and engagement, this initiative seeks to involve these youth in meaningful advocacy efforts that address issues like homelessness and involvement in justice systems. The goal is to create a supportive environment that reflects their realities and promotes their agency.

The Ceres Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance education and career pathways for historically underserved communities. With a commitment to measurable outcomes, the foundation prioritizes initiatives in college access, career pathways, and family strengthening. While currently not accepting new partnerships until Summer 2025, existing grantees can submit proposals for continued support. Grants typically average $70K annually, aimed at fostering long-term collaborations and capacity building.

The Columbia County Children's Fund Grant, administered by Innovia Foundation, focuses on supporting local organizations that provide essential programs for children. Eligible applicants include public charities, federally recognized tribes, and public entities serving Columbia County. The grant prioritizes educational enrichment, counseling, and medical services for disadvantaged children. Innovia Foundation encourages applications from organizations within its 20-county region, ensuring that funding contributes to meaningful community impact.

The Josephine Goodyear Foundation, established in 1912, provides approximately 50 grants annually totaling around $300,000 to support non-profit agencies assisting indigent women and children, primarily in the Greater Buffalo area. Applications are accepted from tax-exempt organizations with specific deadlines. The foundation's mission has expanded beyond medical facilities to address broader needs, ensuring vital support for vulnerable populations.

The Education and Workforce Development Honors Award, administered by the Texas Capital Bank Foundation, is a competitive grant program that supports innovative nonprofit organizations in Texas. With $50,000 grants for housing and workforce programs, and a $100,000 grant for veterans' services, this award aims to empower organizations that provide essential entrepreneurial resources to help individuals launch and grow sustainable businesses, ultimately benefiting low- and moderate-income communities.

McDonald’s Chicago Community Impact Grants aim to empower youth aged 16-24 by enhancing workforce readiness and addressing food insecurity. With an investment of $8.5 million since 2022, the program supports local organizations that demonstrate impactful community service. The initiative focuses on holistic approaches, including apprenticeships, training, and mentorship, ensuring young people have access to essential skills and resources. By fostering communities, McDonald’s reaffirms its commitment to creating pathways for empowerment and opportunity.

McDonald’s Chicago Community Impact Grants focus on addressing food access and insecurity for youth aged 16-24 in underserved communities. With an investment of $8.5 million since 2022, the initiative aims to empower local organizations through project-based funding. Key priorities include enhancing workforce readiness and promoting food access via food banks, community gardens, and mobile markets. This grant program emphasizes community engagement and sustainability to foster resilience and support for young people in Chicago.

This funding opportunity aims to support urgent research evaluating policies that impact health behaviors related to obesity. It is designed for studies that can only be performed with expedited review due to the time-sensitive nature of the research. Applications must demonstrate a compelling need for immediate funding to explore new policies or programs affecting dietary habits and physical activity, with the expectation that successful proposals will receive funding within four months.

The Enhancement Riparian Buffer Grant, offered by Watersheds United Vermont, supports organizations focused on implementing effective riparian buffer plantings along waterways using native plants. With a minimum buffer width of 35 feet and a density of at least 300 stems per acre, this grant is crucial for enhancing water quality and ecological resilience in Vermont's watersheds. Organizations must adhere to the 2023 DEC Clean Water Initiative Program Funding Policy to qualify.

The Virginia Trees for Clean Water Grant Program supports communities in enhancing their urban tree canopy to improve water quality and public awareness. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, projects can include tree plantings and community engagement initiatives. Grants are available for diverse organizations, including local governments and civic groups, aiming to foster long-term environmental benefits and community involvement in tree management.

JMPG Fund

This giving circle of emerging philanthropists is dedicated to supporting programs that improve the lives of children and families across San Diego County. Through this grant cycle, the JMPG Fund expects to award one to three grants totaling approximately $80,000 to $100,000. These nonprofit grants in San Diego will be distributed in January 2027 and will support programs taking place during the 2027 calendar year. This opportunity is especially relevant for small and midsize nonprofits in San Diego, as well as programs within larger organizations, where funding can create visible and meaningful impact.

Mission

The group’s mission is to empower and uplift the San Diego community through acts of kindness, generosity, and collective action. As Jewish mothers, members are committed to fostering a legacy of compassion and responsibility by supporting those in need and creating lasting positive change. Guided by the values of collective giving and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), the group seeks to make a meaningful difference for future generations.

Funding Priorities: Programs Supporting Children

The JMPG Fund is focused on supporting organizations that demonstrate a direct impact on children in the following areas:

• Basic needs
  • including food, housing, clothing, diapers, and related support
• Healthcare
  • including services that support the physical or emotional well-being of children
• Education and Intervention Services
  • including prevention, early intervention, after-school programs, and mental health services

The Rockfall Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 Annual Environmental Grants Program, aimed at non-profit organizations, municipalities, and schools. This program supports projects focused on environmental conservation, restoration, and education in the Lower Connecticut River Valley. Eligible expenses include materials, transportation, and program fees. Projects must demonstrate a clear benefit to the environment and align with the foundation's priorities, including environmental justice and youth engagement.

The Quadratec Cares 'Energize The Environment' Grant Program is dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations in the U.S. focused on environmental improvement. With two grants of $3,500 awarded annually, the program encourages initiatives like trail restoration and community educational projects. This grant aims to empower passionate individuals to enhance environmental awareness and stewardship, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Elder Organizations

The Markoly Foundation takes pride in supporting local organizations that provide services for elders in our community. Seniors face a number of challenges that come with aging, especially when they don’t have loved ones who are able to assist them with their needs. We provide grants for a variety of senior-related programs from Caregiver Education and Support to Emergency Meal Delivery and Transportation Services.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.