Best Grants for BIPOC

Hometown Fund grant

The CVS Health Foundation’s Hometown Fund was created to support local nonprofits across Hartford, Connecticut, and the state of Rhode Island – places where our CVS Health teams live, work and care deeply about community health. Through this fund, we support organizations that are making a real difference by expanding access to health care and addressing the everyday factors that shape people’s well‑being, like nutritious food and stable housing.

In 2025, the Hometown Fund awarded $2 million in general operating support grants – $1 million to 20 organizations in Greater Hartford and another $1 million to 20 organizations across Rhode Island. These investments continued our commitment to improving local health and strengthening community support systems, bringing the amount of Hometown Fund grants awarded since 2022 to $8 million. 

The Carl Alwin Schenck Award, presented by the Society of American Foresters, honors exemplary contributions in forestry education. This prestigious award recognizes individuals with at least ten years of professional experience who demonstrate outstanding teaching abilities and commitment to forestry. Awardees receive a $500 honorarium, complimentary registration for the SAF national convention, and up to $500 for travel expenses. This award underlines the importance of effective education in advancing sustainable forestry practices.

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.

Rural Health Transformation Pharmacy Initiative

Summary

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Section 71403 of Public Law 119-21) and empowers the state to strengthen rural communities by improving healthcare access, quality and outcomes by transforming the current system. Five key strategic goals of the program, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) are:

• Make rural America healthy again
• Sustainable access
• Workforce development
• Innovative Care
• Technology Innovation

Ohio’s plan aligns with federal priorities to improve the health of rural residents through sustainable access, workforce development, innovative care, and tech advancement. As part of Ohio's Rural Health Transformation Program, the selected vendor will engage in activities to maximize the role that pharmacists and pharmacies play in ensuring access to healthcare in rural Ohio and Support systems and policy changes to allow pharmacists and pharmacies in rural Ohio to operate under an expanded scope of practice and provide training these professionals need to do so successfully. This work with pharmacists supports the RHTP objective of improving the health of rural Ohioans through chronic disease management, care coordination, and reducing drug related adverse events

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.

Ohio Rural Health Workforce Pipeline; Pathways, Upskilling, and Retention

Summary

Ohio recognizes the need to develop long-lasting pipelines that engage students at the earliest stages of career planning to educate them about the numerous opportunities that exist in healthcare. This is vitally important in rural areas where the need for workforce is great and we have the opportunity to create pathways for Ohio’s students in K-12 education settings to explore rural health careers, initiate learning in high school, continue training close to home (in technical/trade schools, community colleges, or universities with significant rural engagement), and secure careers in health provider settings within the rural communities that are most familiar to them. Our activities in this initiative will place high priority on integrating pipelines, recruitment and retention activities for 5-year work commitments, and upskilling and workforce development in RHTP sites. Projects will be implemented in partnership with academic institutions, other training facilities, and professional and paraprofessional associations to:

• In conjunction with the ODH and other state agencies, identify and prioritize rural healthcare workforce needs in Ohio’s 73 identified rural counties.
• Coordinate workforce pipeline activities between high schools, universities, community colleges, career technical schools, and healthcare employers. Activities include career awareness/exploration, pathways education awareness, and career awareness programs in K-12 education, secondary education programs, rural work-based learning/apprenticeships, career placement agreements with employers, and coordinating all Federal and State workforce development and financial resources. This could also include a multi-state approach for educational and healthcare systems that transcend state lines. A focus is placed on placements in RHTP facilities and partner programs funded through Ohio’s RHTP
• Provide rural recruitment and retention incentives and 6-month housing stipends for those who relocate to serve in rural communities for a minimum of 5-year commitments. This project will support filling workforce needs for various healthcare capacities, e.g., MD/DO, nurses, pharmacists, therapy providers, dietitians, behavioral health, oral health, optometry, audiology, Community Healthcare Workers (CHW)/navigators, etc. This could also include a multi-state approach for educational and healthcare systems that transcend state lines.
• Identify and promote continuing education opportunities for Ohio’s healthcare workforce.
• Collaborate with ODH, other state agencies, and vendors who are operationalizing RHT initiatives to support the workforce needs of those projects.

The Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids Minority Scholarship, funded by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports full-time undergraduate students of color from Kent County, Michigan. With a minimum GPA of 2.5, applicants pursuing Visual or Performing Arts are encouraged to apply. This scholarship aims to eliminate barriers to education and empower local students to achieve their academic and career goals while contributing to a vibrant, inclusive community.

Forward Turn is a youth-led grantmaking program aimed at enhancing community giving in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties. It empowers young individuals to address critical issues such as substance abuse, bullying, and mental health. Funded by the Community Foundation, it encourages projects that promote collaboration and resource leveraging among youth, nonprofits, and local organizations. With a focus on impactful initiatives, Forward Turn prioritizes proposals that are written by youth to foster community involvement and positive lifestyles.

The Laura Hare Charitable Trust is dedicated to enhancing Indiana's natural environment through the preservation of ecologically significant lands and promoting environmental education. Grants are available for not-for-profit organizations focused on land acquisition, environmental restoration, education, and stewardship. The Trust aims to maintain the integrity of natural habitats while supporting initiatives that foster public awareness and engagement in environmental conservation. Funding is targeted towards projects that align with these core values.

The Building Hope: Future Forward Schools Prize & Fellowship Program aims to enhance career exploration for middle and high school students. This initiative, launched by Building Hope in partnership with American Student Assistance, recognizes schools that excel in career-connected learning. Awardees receive funding, mentorship, and resources to empower students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they develop essential skills for future success. With $50,000 available for five schools, this program fosters innovation and prepares students for a changing economy.

The Healthy Kids Initiative Grant aims to enhance child health and development from before birth through young adulthood. Launching in 2026, it focuses on Healthy Start, Healthy Families, and Healthy Schools. The initiative supports maternal and infant health, access to pediatric care, and school-based health services. It seeks to create nutritious environments and promote active living, addressing behavioral health care needs to foster lifelong well-being for children and their families in Michigan.

The Dr. Alice M. Hudder- Richard T. Molder Post-Secondary Scholarship Fund, established by Richard Molder, supports Erie County high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education. In 2023, the Erie Community Foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to deserving students. Two awards will be granted: one for students focusing on science, math, or business, and another for those studying art or music, emphasizing financial need and a strong work ethic.

The Children's Services Fund of Clay County provides grants to organizations serving children under 19 in Clay County, Missouri. Funded by a voter-approved sales tax, it supports various services like counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health screenings. Organizations are encouraged to apply for one-time grants to enhance or start programs that benefit children's well-being. However, the fund does not support inpatient services, transportation, individual grants, capital expenditures, annual appeals, or endowments.

The NIHCM Foundation Investigative and General Reporting Award honors outstanding reporting that enhances understanding of U.S. health care affordability and quality. A $20,000 prize is awarded to the winner, with entries evaluated for quality, originality, and impact. Eligible submissions include stories published in 2025 from national outlets, focusing on insightful reporting that informs health care policymakers and consumers about rising costs and access solutions.

The NIHCM Foundation's Television and Audio Journalism Award honors outstanding television and audio reporting that contributes to enhancing the affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare in the U.S. With a prize of $20,000, the award seeks entries that showcase creativity and originality while providing new insights relevant to health plans, policymakers, and consumers. Eligible entries include stories broadcasted in 2025, focusing on critical healthcare issues.

The Bower Foundation Grant supports innovative strategies to enhance the health of Mississippians through various initiatives. Organizations seeking funding must submit a Grant Concept Summary for consideration. The foundation focuses on improving healthcare access, promoting healthy lifestyles among children, developing innovative health policies, and addressing End Stage Renal Disease. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and those committed to enhancing health in Mississippi.

Home

The Middle Run Foundation is a family-governed foundation based in Newark, Delaware. The Board of the foundation is chaired by Sarah Ives Gore, its founder, and includes her children, grandchildren, and non-family members who bring experience and expertise to our work.

About

Purpose:

The purpose of the foundation is to fund and support non-profit programs which focus on building healthy, self-sufficient families.

Apply

The Middle Run Foundation makes grants up to $500,000 annually with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s mission is to strengthen communities in Washington. We are the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on helping communities achieve positive growth.

Who is OCVA?

The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA) is housed within the Department of Commerce. OCVA serves as a voice within government for the needs of crime victims in Washington State. Established in 1990, OCVA serves the state by:

• Advocating on behalf of victims obtaining needed services and resources.
• Administering grant funds for community programs working with crime victims.
• Assisting communities in planning and implementing services for crime victims.
• Advising local and state government agencies of practices, policies, and priorities that impact crime victims.

OCVA’s Telemedical Forensic Examination (TFE) Grants

What is this application for?

The purpose of this application is to implement and administer a statewide program to provide Telemedical Forensic Examination support and survivor advocacy to increase access to medical forensic exam services across the state, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This funding is available through the Unmet Needs portion of the VOCA Plan.

For this initiative, eligible applicants are organizations in Washington State that are able to provide telemedical examination and advocacy services to hospitals and clinics across the state.

What can these funds be used for?

Services provided with this funding must be available to hospitals serving child, adolescent, and adult victims of sexual and/or physical abuse and/or assault. Applicants must provide both telemedical support to hospitals and tele-advocacy support to survivors, either through their own program or partnership with another.

The Public Access Program Grants, established by the California Wildlife Conservation Board, aim to enhance public access to natural areas, promoting wildlife-oriented recreation and supporting projects that encourage hunting, fishing, and equitable access for underserved communities. By funding planning, implementation, and community outreach initiatives, the program fosters a connection between individuals, families, and the environment, ensuring that all Californians can enjoy the benefits of nature while becoming stewards of the land.

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) focuses on enhancing education and workforce development in food and agricultural sciences. It invites applications for various grants aimed at professional development, non-formal education for youth, community college training, and fellowships for both predoctoral and postdoctoral candidates. The program, managed by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, emphasizes the cultivation of skills necessary for the future workforce in agriculture, with multiple deadlines for submissions.

The Gospel Fest Music Arts Scholarship, established by Vicki Hill of WTLZ-FM, aims to support Saginaw County students pursuing degrees in Musical Arts. This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Saginaw Community Foundation to enhance local education through scholarships and grants. The annual Gospel Fest, attracting up to 2,000 attendees, serves as a vibrant community event promoting peace and cultural unity through music, showcasing both local and national talent.

The Guy A. and N. Kay Arboit Charitable Trust Grant, administered by First American Bank, focuses on supporting education for underprivileged individuals, funding cardiac and cancer research, and endorsing religious activities, especially those tied to the Catholic Church. Grants are primarily available to organizations in the greater Chicago area that face challenges in accessing other funding sources, ensuring targeted assistance where it is most needed.

The CFNJ Empower New Jersey Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of New Jersey, supports organizations in New Jersey focused on economic empowerment. This initiative aims to enhance economic stability, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and financial literacy through effective projects. With a history of granting over $100 million to non-profits, CFNJ seeks to fund innovative programs that foster access to opportunities. Up to two grants will be awarded, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to community progress.

The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on inspiring youth through physical activity, literacy, and community engagement. With a mission to empower children in New England, the Foundation awards grants of up to $5,000 twice a year. Priority is given to programs serving individuals under 17, particularly in areas with low reading scores and high poverty. This initiative fosters self-confidence and community support, ensuring a brighter future for the youth it serves.

The Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program, previously known as the RI America the Beautiful Grant Program, supports projects enhancing urban and community forest management. This initiative aims to promote sustainable practices, protect trees from various threats, and improve public awareness of the importance of tree cover. Eligible applicants include local and state governments, educational institutions, and certain non-profits. Projects should align with the goals outlined in the Rhode Island Forest Action Plan to qualify for funding.

The BCBSND Health Innovation Grants support innovative projects aimed at improving health outcomes in North Dakota. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipal entities, or school systems. Projects may focus on expanding access to fresh foods, behavioral health services, or recovery education programs. The grants are not intended for existing programs or operational costs, and restrictions apply to funding for employee positions and capital campaigns. Successful proposals should demonstrate replicable models for community health improvement.

The John and Mary Franklin Foundation Grant aims to break the cycle of poverty by funding organizations that provide essential services such as education, healthcare, and job creation in Atlanta and Georgia. The foundation supports public charities focused on improving community welfare, enhancing educational opportunities, and attracting businesses to the area. With a commitment to fostering economic security, the foundation’s investments facilitate lasting change and promote high-quality job growth.

The Rasmuson Foundation, established in 1955, aims to empower Alaskans through program-related investments (PRIs). These financial tools, which include loans and equity investments, support charitable projects in housing, economic development, and nonprofit facilities. By increasing access to credit for nonprofits and community developers, the Foundation fosters homeownership, entrepreneurship, and community stability, while avoiding high-risk ventures that stray from its charitable mission.

About the Department of Health Services (DHS)

The Department of Health Services (DHS) is one of the largest state agencies in Wisconsin, with an annual budget of roughly $15 billion and more than 6,700 employees. DHS is committed to protecting and promoting the health and safety of the people of Wisconsin, making sure everyone can live their best life.

Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project

The Division of Care and Treatment Services is seeking applications for funding to provide statewide and Wisconsin-specific alcohol prevention and policy education, training, and technical assistance. This includes providing education and information on alcohol-related trends, gaps, and opportunities and providing guidance and implementation of evidence-based and environmental strategies and policies to prevent and reduce underage drinking, alcohol misuse, and binge drinking.

Program requirements

The intention of the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project is to provide training, tools, and technical assistance to municipalities, law enforcement, public health, and community coalitions working to improve the alcohol environment and reduce alcohol-related problems.