Best Grants for BIPOC

The Friends of Reservoirs: Large Grant supports fish habitat enhancement projects in manmade reservoirs, promoting conservation and partnerships. With approximately $250,000 in Federal funding and $500,000 from Bass Pro Shops, grants up to $75,000 are available. Projects must match funding and can be multi-year, with specific caps on subsequent funding. This initiative aims to address habitat impairments and enrich community quality of life through improved fishing opportunities.

MassDOT Complete Streets Funding Program

The MassDOT Complete Streets Funding Program provides Massachusetts municipalities with tools and financial support to address gaps in their local transportation networks. A “Complete Street” is one that provides safe and accessible options for all travel modes—including walking, biking, transit, and vehicles—for people of all ages and abilities.  

When launched in 2016, the program utilized a three-tiered system to incentivize long-term change through the adoption of local Complete Streets Policies (Tier 1), Prioritization Plans (Tier 2), and construction grants (Tier 3). After ten years of successful program operation and nearly 100% municipal participation across the Commonwealth, the program no longer requires advancement through the tiers in order to be eligible for construction funding.  

Construction grants are awarded up to $1,000,000 for eligible projects. While a prioritization plan is no longer a requirement for construction funding, the program still offers technical assistance funding up to $38,000 for communities to develop a plan if they have not done so already. Moreover, communities with previously adopted Complete Streets Policies and Prioritization Plans will receive extra consideration in funding evaluations for construction funding. Municipalities may also submit new policies and plans to be approved for this purpose. A municipality may only be awarded one grant per funding program per grant round.

Complete Streets Policies, Prioritization Plans, and Prioritization Plan Development Technical Assistance - Optional

The Complete Streets Funding Program no longer requires attending a Complete Streets 101 or 201 course, the adoption of a Complete Streets Policy, or the approval of a Prioritization Plan. While no longer requirements, we still encourage communities to attend trainings and complete these documents and submit them to MassDOT for approval as future applications for design or construction funding will be given further consideration if you have attended trainings and these documents are approved in Grant Central. We still require that a Complete Streets Policy be submitted and approved before putting together a Prioritization Plan and submitting it for approval or obtaining technical assistance. 

The Norm Winn Memorial Conservation Grant, managed by the Keta Legacy Foundation, supports conservation, preservation, and restoration projects in Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, and Eastern Washington. This competitive grant encourages non-profit organizations to apply for up to $25,000 to implement innovative environmental initiatives. Applicants must demonstrate project feasibility and significant community impact, while ensuring their proposals align with the Foundation's commitment to supporting diverse conservation efforts.

The Friends of Reservoirs: Mossback Grant offers three grants of $1,000 in Mossback products to eligible members of Friends of Reservoirs organizations. Sponsored by Mossback Fish Habitat, these grants aim to enhance structural habitat in public waters. The total retail value is approximately $1,500. Applicants must cover freight costs, and a $25 application fee applies to each submission. This initiative supports habitat restoration efforts across member organizations.

The Northern Arizona Community Health Grant aims to enhance the health and well-being of adolescents in northern Arizona. By focusing on health access, behavioral health, and chronic conditions, the grant supports initiatives for youth aged 0-19. With a funding preference of $50,000 or more, projects promoting equitable healthcare access and healthy behaviors are encouraged. The Health First Foundation seeks innovative collaborations that address community health needs, fostering a comprehensive approach to improve outcomes for young people.

About U

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5408 - IPR Aquifer Geochemistry Forum

Grant Information

Facilitate information exchange to address key knowledge gaps in aquifer storage and recovery by synthesizing practical insights on groundwater geochemistry impacts, mitigation measures, and field-scale challenges.

The Edna E. Harrell Community Children’s Fund Grant, managed by The Oregon Community Foundation, supports programs enhancing the lives of underserved youth in Baker County and North Powder. Established in 2014, it provides funding for various enrichment activities, including summer camps, after-school programs, and arts initiatives. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, churches, and schools, ensuring that children from financially constrained families have access to vital development opportunities.

The Desert Tortoise Council invites proposals for conservation projects aimed at enhancing desert tortoise populations and habitats. With a funding opportunity of $9,000, the RFP emphasizes the importance of in situ conservation efforts such as habitat restoration and predator control. Projects must be completed within the current year in the Mojave Desert region. Applicants are required to submit detailed proposals, including budgets and project descriptions, and must report outcomes post-completion.

The BTCF: Simple Gifts Fund Grant supports young artists aged 13-19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing financial assistance for summer enrichment programs in the arts. Established in 1998 in memory of folk singer Bill Crofut, the fund aims to empower youth through small grants that can cover costs for tuition, art supplies, or living expenses. The grant fosters creativity and personal growth, ensuring that young individuals have opportunities to pursue their passions.

The Building Better Lives Grant, offered by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, aims to empower local leaders and communities through innovative, community-led solutions. By prioritizing engagement, collaboration, equity, and sustainability, the grant supports projects that strengthen families, promote health and wellness, cultivate welcoming communities, enhance economic mobility, and build nonprofit capacity. Together, these efforts contribute to a more resilient and thriving region.

The NIDDK High Risk Multi-Center Clinical Study Cooperative Agreement (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) invites proposals for high-risk, multi-center observational studies on diseases relevant to NIDDK's mission. Applicants are encouraged to consult with NIDDK staff and must complete planning activities before submission. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2026, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to full proposals.

The Leslie Brown Memorial Grant offers up to $5,000 in financial assistance aimed at promoting research and sharing knowledge about African birds of prey. This grant honors Leslie Brown, a renowned raptor conservation biologist, and aims to support projects that directly involve the primary author in research relevant to African raptors. It also waives page charges for publication in the Journal of Raptor Research, ensuring that awardees can disseminate their findings effectively.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) offers Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants to enhance access to training for individuals from underrepresented communities. Grants of up to $1,200,000 are available over two to three years for projects that create career pathways in climate-critical occupations. Applicants can propose initiatives focused on employment training, pipeline preparedness for adult learners, or capacity planning for effective training programs, aiming to address existing barriers and foster employer engagement.

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC)

Our work began in 1937, when citizen-led efforts created the Department of Conservation to restore, conserve and regulate Missouri's over-stressed fisheries, forests and wildlife populations. During our first 40 years, hunting, fishing, and trapping permits provided most of our funding, but in 1976 an expanded program, the "Design for Conservation," was passed to set aside one-eighth of one percent sales tax directly to the agency. That consistent funding, plus a strong, non-political structure and very supportive public helped make Missouri a national leader in conservation. Today we continue our legacy of protecting our state's wild resources and helping Missourians connect with their natural heritage. Our goal is to sustain diverse, healthy plant and animal communities — well into the future.

We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources.

Community Forestry Cost Share Program

Community Forestry Cost-Share is designed to assist Missouri communities with improving their community forest. This cost-share program encourages communities to have a sustainable, balanced, and comprehensive community forestry program based on a current tree inventory and managed with the guidance of a community forestry professional. Lastly, Community Forestry Cost-Share is designed to promote community forest benefits through the proper management and care of trees.

Cost-share opportunities are available beginning in July. Due to limited funding, applications are funded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the cost-share opportunities, please contact your regional office. 

The Rapid Response Opioid and Pain Management ECHO Funding Opportunity by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) aims to enhance clinician training in effective pain management strategies. This initiative focuses on non-opioid treatments, substance use screening, and risk reduction counseling, promoting compassionate care while addressing public health challenges and ensuring continuity for patients affected by prescription disruptions. The program seeks to improve overall health outcomes and reduce risks associated with opioid use.

Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation

The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation goes beyond food aid to create lasting change. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships and volunteer action, Stop Hunger tackles the root causes of food insecurity.

In 2025, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and the Hunger Center awarded grants to 131 programs representing 118 communities in 37 states plus the District of Columbia. Collectively, these programs provided an estimated 22,000 backpacks full of shelf-stable food items for students to take home for the weekend or holidays when school meals are not served.

Since 2006, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has been a driving force behind weekend and holiday hunger relief for students across the U.S. Through support of food backpack programs, the Foundation partners with local food banks and schools to discreetly provide K-12 students with backpacks filled with nutritious, shelf-stable meals. These backpacks are distributed in safe, familiar settings – typically on the last school day before a weekend or school break – ensuring that all children who rely on free or reduced-price school meals don’t go hungry when school is out.

K-12 Backpack Grant

The K-12 Backpack Grant is an initiative launched by the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and administered in partnership with the Congressional Hunger Center to support community backpack programs. Grants of $1,000 will be issued to community organizations with established backpack feeding programs that provide students with shelf-stable, nutritious meals when school is out of session.

The Gerber Foundation supports youth programs in West Michigan, focusing on projects benefiting children from birth to 18 years. Emphasizing health, nutrition, literacy, and education, grants typically are under $10,000, with an average size of less than $5,000. Collaborative programs are encouraged. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that enhance the quality of life for young children, particularly those in Lake, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties.

South Carolina Department of Commerce

From site selection to infrastructure improvement, we are here to help grow new and existing businesses.

SC Commerce promotes economic opportunity for individuals and businesses through initiatives like workforce training. As a national leader in foreign direct investment, the state extends its global reach with offices in Europe and Asia that help existing companies in developing export markets.

South Carolina Community Development Block Grant

The South Carolina Community Development Block Grant (“State CDBG Program”) is designed to aid units of general local government in improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs, particularly for persons of low- and moderate-income. The State CDBG Program has been funded through the State since 1982 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (Title I). 

CDBG Program Goals and Outcomes

The SC Department of Commerce seeks to improve the well-being of all South Carolinians in a manner that supports and enhances a high quality of life. The State CDBG Program supports the agency’s efforts to strengthen communities through revitalization and improvement of neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and the local economy. 

The three overarching goals of the HUD CDBG program are to provide decent housing, economic opportunities and a suitable living environment. Within the context of these goals, each project funded by the State must also meet one of three outcomes identified by HUD: affordability, accessibility, or sustainability. 

Local Match/Leveraging

CDBG projects are expected to leverage other public and private investments and serve as a catalyst for future development.

There must be a 10% match of the total CDBG request, unless otherwise approved, which can come from a variety of committed sources including other grants, loans, waiver of fees, public or private investments, and documented volunteer or in-kind contributions. Matching funds must be immediately available for the project at the time of application. 

Community Development Block Grant Categories

There are three broad grant program categories: Community Development, Business Development, and Regional Planning. The Community Development Program is further broken down into several subcategories to address infrastructure, community facilities, and local priorities.

Community Development Programs

Description

This program is designed to produce outcomes that improve citizens’ quality of life and create a competitive environment for jobs and investment by addressing priority community development needs. Activities should contribute to healthy, safe and sustainable neighborhoods and communities. These grants are designed to improve the quality of life for distressed and LMI communities. Community Development projects will compete within the following subcategories that have the same general submission requirements, except that the Ready to Go Program will not be funded in a competitive funding round.

Community Development Program Categories: Community Infrastructure; Community Enrichment; Local Priorities Program; and Ready to Go Program

Community Infrastructure Grants

Outcome and Priorities

A Community Infrastructure application must contribute to creation of healthy and sustainable residential communities through water, sewer, roads, drainage or other activities that address one or more of the priorities listed in order of importance:

Significant improvements to existing infrastructure to address health concerns, meet required quality standards, ensure community sustainability or improve resiliency.

Projects that result in a more viable regional infrastructure solution or that provide new access to services near business centers where it is cost effective to address a documented health threat

Upgrades to infrastructure to address quality standards where there are only general health concerns or provide new services that are not near business centers when it is cost effective to address a documented health threat

The WNAN Natural History Research Grant supports research in biological natural history within western North America. Grants of up to $2,500 are available for five authors to assist with travel, supplies, and other research-related expenses. This initiative particularly encourages applicants from institutions where research is not the primary focus, aiming to foster diverse contributions to natural history.

The Private Forest Accord Grant aims to fund projects that benefit various species covered under the anticipated Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). This program prioritizes initiatives that restore habitats, eliminate threats, and enhance overall ecosystem health. Eligible projects can span multiple types, including implementation and stakeholder engagement, with funding requests typically starting at $50,000. The program emphasizes collaboration and effective strategies for the recovery of native salmon and trout species and other targeted wildlife.

The Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Grant Program, established by AB109, aims to support conservation projects that enhance resilience against climate impacts in California. With an initial funding of $20 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, this program focuses on protecting ecosystems, assisting land managers, and increasing carbon sequestration, while aligning with statewide climate strategies and priorities. It seeks to promote environmental benefits and enhance the sustainability of natural and working lands.

The James River Water Quality Improvement Grant Program, managed by the Virginia Environmental Endowment, aims to enhance water quality through targeted investments. The program focuses on riparian buffer installations, agricultural pollution reduction, living shoreline construction, and stream restoration. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and local governments, with funding prioritized for implementation costs. Proposals must align with established priorities to demonstrate effectiveness in improving the James River's water quality.

The Valley Water Standard Grants - Stewardship Grants program provides $1.87 million in funding for projects aimed at enhancing safe, clean drinking water, water conservation, and environmental stewardship in Santa Clara County. This initiative supports diverse community efforts including pollution cleanups, habitat restoration, and educational programs, requiring a 15% matching contribution. Open to public agencies and nonprofit organizations, it empowers local communities to tackle pressing water and environmental challenges effectively.

The Dream Tags Charitable Fund Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, supports projects aimed at wildlife conservation and habitat restoration in Nevada. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities. Projects must demonstrate measurable impact and require a 25% funding match. The fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance big game habitats and address urgent conservation needs while ensuring funds are used for charitable purposes only.

The Craig S. Harrison Conservation Fund Grants support seabird conservation efforts in developing countries bordering the Pacific Ocean. Established by the Pacific Seabird Group, this fund addresses funding gaps for essential conservation projects. Eligible applicants include citizens from these nations, focusing on activities that enhance seabird restoration and expertise. Preference is given to local initiatives, ensuring sustainable conservation practices and community involvement. The fund aims to empower local conservationists and address critical seabird conservation needs.

The Watershed Council Grant Program, managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), invites proposals from watershed-based organizations to enhance organizational administration, conservation, and educational initiatives. With a total funding of $600,000 available, individual grants are capped at $40,000 for a 12-month period. Projects should focus on capacity building, water quality improvement, and community engagement to foster sustainable water resource management.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Missouri’s air, land and water resources play an important role in our health and are essential to the environmental and economic vitality of our state. The department aspires to help Missouri citizens thrive by advancing environmental and economic sustainability. The department provides a range of services to help Missouri citizens, communities and businesses in these efforts. The department also provides opportunities to learn more about Missouri’s natural and cultural history at our state parks and historic sites.

Our Mission: We serve as stewards of our natural resources to benefit Missourians.

Water Safety and Security Act Project Grant

The Missouri Water Safety and Security Act, found in Missouri Revised Statutes section 640.144, RSMo, requires certain community public water systems to develop valve and fire hydrant inspection programs. The Act also requires systems to develop an accurate map identifying shut-off valve and hydrant locations using a geographic information system (GIS) or an alternative physical mapping system and create a hydrant inspection program.

Section 1452(g) and (k) of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act authorizes the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to distribute part of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to public water systems to improve system capacity, promote asset management and maintain compliance with federal and state drinking water laws. Through this grant program, the department provides financial assistance to eligible community public water systems to develop accurate maps that satisfy the requirements of the Missouri Water Safety and Security Act.

Eligible Projects and Costs

Eligible projects are limited to contractual agreements to develop valve and hydrant inspection programs and accurate valve and hydrant maps that include all shut-off valve and hydrant locations throughout the applying water system’s distribution system and to satisfy the requirements of Section 640.144, RSMo.

A finalized valve and hydrant inspection program plan and/ or a map accurately depicting the locations of all system shut-off valves and hydrants must be provided to the department for a project to be considered complete. Reimbursement for pre-approved project-related costs is only issued following completion of awarded projects and submission of a finalized map to the department.

Award Amounts and Match

Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis after the priority application period. Matching funds are not required, but may contribute to project selection and ranking according to the priority point criteria described in section 4 of the grant application form.