Best Grants for BIPOC

The Altrusa International Grant, managed by the Madison Community Foundation, supports projects that empower children and youth in education, aid workforce reintegration, and encourage lifelong learning. Established in 1942, the foundation has a mission to foster a generous community through impactful charitable giving. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, with an average of $1,200, aimed at making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals in Madison and Dane County.

The Enterprise Mobility™ Philanthropic Giving program focuses on enhancing community engagement through grants aimed at supporting health, education, arts, and disaster relief initiatives. Only Enterprise Mobility team members and their spouses or domestic partners who volunteer with a nonprofit can apply for funding. The program prioritizes sustainable projects that uplift local communities and address pressing social issues, fostering a culture of responsibility and giving back to society.

The TOS Conservation and Research Grant, offered by the Tennessee Ornithological Society, aims to support projects that protect Tennessee's birds and enhance scientific knowledge. With a total funding of $15,000, the grants are open to anyone with bird-related initiatives, including students and professionals. Applicants can also allocate up to $50 for attending scientific meetings to present their project results. A recommendation letter is encouraged to strengthen applications.

The Desert Tortoise Council offers a Regular Grants Program to support projects aimed at the conservation and management of desert tortoise populations and their habitats. Grant requests are accepted year-round, with priority given to emergency responses, impactful projects, and those that leverage additional funding. Grants are awarded based on availability and a majority vote by the Board, ensuring that significant conservation issues are addressed effectively.

The Waste Tire Grant Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, supports local governments and schools in purchasing tire-derived products made from recycled materials. Eligible projects must use at least 50% waste tire material. Applicants must be in good standing, comply with safety regulations, and meet match requirements. The program aims to promote sustainable practices and enhance playground safety through the use of innovative materials derived from waste tires.

The Community Livability Grant (CLG) Program, funded by Prosper Portland, supports community-based organizations in creating healthy and resilient neighborhoods. Grants, ranging from $10,000 to $300,000, aim to benefit historically underserved communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and neighborhood associations in specified districts. Projects should improve access to jobs, support small businesses, and enhance cultural diversity. Applications require a concept plan and must adhere to strict timelines for project initiation and completion.

The CDBG: Water/Wastewater Grant provides essential funding for communities to enhance their drinking water and wastewater systems. This grant, in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and USDA-Rural Development, invites applications year-round following a preliminary proposal review. The maximum funding available is $750,000, or $5,000 per household, targeting construction projects related to public water treatment and sewer systems, while excluding maintenance activities.

The Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants (FL) program offers essential financial and technical support to rural fire departments serving communities with populations of 10,000 or less. This initiative aims to enhance firefighting capabilities and safety through funding that must be matched by non-federal dollars. Eligible departments can use the funds for training and necessary equipment, with a focus on benefiting the rural population. Grants are available for one year following approval, facilitating ongoing support for rural fire protection.

The Projects Bill Grants, authorized by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, address statewide water supply needs through investments ranging from $1 to $10 million. Eligible projects include water management, habitat conservation, and feasibility studies. These grants require matching funds and are aimed at significant regional impacts. Projects must demonstrate a clear need and can be proposed by any public or private entity capable of contracting with the state. Ineligible projects include those that can be completed without state funding.

The Jim and Margie Fegley Orchestral String Scholarship Fund, established in 2013 by Marjorie Fegley, honors her late husband, James E. Fegley. This fund supports Berks County residents pursuing music education, particularly in orchestral strings. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and have participated in music programs. The Berks County Community Foundation manages this fund, which contributes significantly to the local arts and education landscape, fostering musical talent in the community.

The Southern Oklahoma Memorial Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in southern Oklahoma by providing funding for healthcare, education, and social services. Established in 1950, this foundation plays a vital role in enhancing community welfare. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) organizations operating within a 50-mile radius of Ardmore. Grant applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines on December 1, March 1, June 1, and September 1. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for area residents.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is inviting proposals for the Adaptive IPM for Invasive Agricultural Pests grant program. This initiative aims to develop integrated pest management strategies that can be implemented swiftly when new invasive pests threaten California's agriculture. With $500,000 available for one award, the program seeks to enhance existing IPM strategies and explore new control measures to combat pesticide resistance and ensure a sustainable agricultural environment.

The Jed Burtt Undergraduate Mentoring Grants, offered by the Wilson Ornithological Society, support mentors of undergraduate students engaged in ornithological research. Grants of $1,000 are awarded annually to two projects demonstrating exceptional mentoring and collaboration. Each mentor-student team can receive an additional $2,000 to attend a WOS annual meeting, where students present their findings. This initiative honors Edward H. Burtt, Jr., a notable mentor and past president of WOS.

The Women’s Fund of Hawaii provides grants to programs that empower women and girls across the state. With a focus on financial security, leadership, and addressing barriers such as homelessness and health issues, the fund aims to uplift the community. Prioritizing projects that reflect its core values, the fund supports initiatives led by women for women, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and represented. This commitment fosters a supportive environment for growth and self-determination in Hawaii.

Land and Water Conservation Fund

Project sponsors such as cities, towns, counties, school and recreation districts are eligible to apply for federally funded LWCF grants. The LWCF is a matching grant program based upon a fifty percent (50%) reimbursement of the total cost of the project. Only costs for the development and/or acquisition of public outdoor recreation lands and facilities are eligible for assistance.

A successful grant applicant must agree to dedicate the park or area where the project is located for use by the public for perpetuity. In addition, the grantee must also agree to develop, operate and maintain the development to acceptable National Park Service (NPS) standards for public outdoor recreation. 

All applications must meet a State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) identified need and will then be numerically ranked by the Open Project Selection Process (OPSP). Grants for matching funds are subject to approval by the NPS. All costs must be incurred after the project has received approval from the NPS.

All applications will be prioritized by the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resource Commissioners and then sent to the NPS for their review and approval. It is anticipated the NPS will provide final approval by October 1st of each year. More information is contained in the Wyoming LWCF Handbook.

The Adolph Bolliger Award, presented by the Australian Mammal Society, honors the best spoken presentation by a student at the Society's Annual Meeting. Named after distinguished mammalogist Adolph Bolliger, this award includes a $500 monetary prize and a certificate. Only student members are eligible, and they must be the primary authors of the paper presented. This initiative promotes research and conservation efforts focused on Australasian mammals.

The A.G. Lyne Award, presented by the Australian Mammal Society, honors the best poster presentation by a student member at the Annual Scientific Meeting. With a monetary prize of $300 and a certificate, this award encourages student participation and recognizes outstanding research contributions. Student members are automatically entered unless they opt out when submitting their conference abstracts. The award celebrates the legacy of Gordon Lyne, a dedicated member and past president of the Society.

The Jonathan Ed Hara Scholarship Fund, established in 2020 in honor of a dedicated fire emergency medical specialist, supports Hawaii Island high school graduates pursuing degrees in Fire Science or Mobile Intensive Care Technician. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Preference is given to previous recipients and those studying in fire-related fields. This initiative fosters educational opportunities for future leaders in emergency services.

Patterson Family Foundation

The Patterson Family Foundation was established to reinvest in rural communities and cultivate values of education and hard work for current and future generations. Currently, the Foundation is led by the adult children of the Patterson Family.

The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri. 

Where We Serve

We are geographically focused on assisting Kansas and western Missouri counties with fewer than 50,000 residents.

Our impact is realized through four interconnected priorities:

Economic Opportunity

• Our vision: Rural communities have resilient economies that offer diverse and stable career opportunities for all residents.
• We are committed to keeping rural economies strong by helping grow and retain great talent, attracting former and new residents, and investing in opportunities that strengthen and diversify local and regional economies

Education

• Our vision: All students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
• A strong education system is at the heart of a thriving community, and we’re working alongside educators, families, and local leaders to help it grow. This means supporting and developing exceptional teachers, providing students with opportunities to develop skills and experience, and creating more hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for the future.

Healthcare

• Our vision: Communities have access to high-quality healthcare services, leading to improved health outcomes and increased well-being for all residents.
• Access to quality healthcare is essential for keeping rural communities strong. We work to expand the healthcare workforce, improve access to essential services, and empower all rural residents to lead long, healthy lives.

Community Engagement

• Our vision: Residents are actively engaged in decision-making process, contribute to community development, and have a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
• Strong communities are built through local leadership, volunteerism, and collaboration. We work alongside communities to drive grassroots engagement and empower multi-generational leaders. Through regional partnerships and strong community foundations, we help communities deepen relationships, expand opportunities, and steward local resources for future generations.

Open Call Grants

Patterson Family Foundation’s Open Call Grants are publicly announced and submitted through the Grants Portal. Applications are reviewed using criteria aligned with the Foundation’s priorities, including community impact, feasibility, sustainability, and readiness to implement the proposed work in the Kansas or western Missouri rural community. 

Open Call Grant: Adult Learning

This opportunity supports adult learners in building literacy, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning skills. Funding helps reduce barriers to participation and expands equitable access to evidence-based education that prepares adults for meaningful employment, civic engagement, and personal advancement. Projects should strengthen community-based programs, support innovation, and align adult learning with local workforce needs, with priority given to organizations in our rural catchment area or partnering with local employers. Applicants should plan to report on learner participation, skills or credentials gained, employment or career advancements, and partnerships that connect adult learners to local opportunities. 

Eligible uses of funds include:  

• Funding for new instructors and staff training 
• Instructional materials 
• Technology and digital learning tools 
• Outreach and recruitment 
• Support services that reduce participation barriers 
• Program evaluation and data collection   

Urban Forestry Grants

Eligible Projects for this Funding Opportunity

The intent of this funding is to assist state, local, and tribal governments in areas impacted by hurricanes and natural disasters in 2022, 2023, and 2024 by improving mitigating post-storm threats to ecosystem functionality and providing technical assistance for rural and community forest restoration. All projects and purchases must be shown in each proposal to have a direct positive impact on the recovery of the affected areas. Proposal narratives must explicitly describe how activities will assist in the recovery in impacted areas. SCFC will prioritize funding for projects affected by Hurricane Helene. SCFC will make subawards as described below to FEMA disaster declared counties/communities in South Carolina under this supplemental funding opportunity.

Nevada's RHT Funding Opportunities

The Nevada Health Authority (NVHA) is currently seeking applicants for initiatives funded through the Nevada Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

These funding opportunities support Nevada’s statewide effort to improve rural health access, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand workforce capacity, and implement innovative care delivery models.

The Rural Health Transformation Program is supported through a federal cooperative agreement authorized under Public Law 119-21, Section 71401, and administered in partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Request for Applications (RFA):

Rural Health Transformation Program, Nevada Rural Health System Flex Fund, BP1, Round 1

To bolster and modernize the state’s rural health care infrastructure through investments that enhance and modernize local rural health care infrastructures. 

Bolster and modernize the state’s rural healthcare infrastructure with new investments in items like technology, equipment, supplies, mobile units, emergency services, etc. 

The Loretta Morris Memorial Grants support individuals with cystic fibrosis in California who wish to engage in physical activities such as swimming, horseback riding, dance, or golf. Established in memory of Loretta Morris, this fund aims to help recipients enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. Applications are welcomed from both children and adults, promoting inclusivity and well-being within the CF community. Note that certain items, like memberships or accessories, are not eligible for funding.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

The Illinois Habitat Fund offers competitive grants for preserving and maintaining high-quality habitat lands, aimed at not-for-profit organizations and governmental entities. This initiative, part of the Special Wildlife Funds Grant Program, supports projects aligned with the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan. Successful proposals typically demonstrate reasonable costs, feasible methods, and public access, contributing to targeted ecological goals across Forest, Farmland, and Wetland Campaigns.

The Pasadena Audubon Society offers research grants aimed at supporting students and community organizations engaged in bird-related research and conservation. This funding is focused on projects relevant to Southern California and the Pacific Flyway, encouraging scientific studies and community initiatives that enhance our understanding and protection of avian species.

The Exelon Community Grants Program aims to support nonprofit organizations and students in local communities through funding initiatives that enhance education, environmental quality, local employment, and access to arts and culture. By prioritizing sustainable improvements and measurable outcomes, Exelon fosters community resilience and empowerment, ensuring that grants are awarded to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations that do not discriminate. This initiative encourages collaboration and strengthens community ties through impactful contributions.