Best Grants for BIPOC

About Us

At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn't happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success.

Community Assistance Grant Program

The Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program (CAGP) is intended to provide grant funds to cities, counties, and non-profit organizations of the State of Arkansas for eligible community and economic development projects and eligible non-profit organization projects. The amount of funding available to any one (1) project in any state fiscal year shall not exceed $1,500,000. The amount of the grant award shall be determined by AEDC based on eligibility criteria, availability of funding, and program demands, which may result in grant offers that are less than application requests. 

Is there a matching requirement?

The applicant must be able to match its grant award with cash, in-kind labor, in-kind materials, or in-kind land at a flexible 20% rate. The amount of matching funds/in-kind provided by the applicant will be taken into account in the application review process; a match is dependent on the project need and not all matches will be waived.

The value of all matching (including in-kind) must be documented by bank statements, official cost estimates for in-kind materials and labor, or official appraisals for land. Official cost estimates for in-kind materials and professional labor should document what the material or professional labor would cost if it were not being donated. Community labor being donated is equal to $18.04 per hour. Official appraisals for land may be in the form of an appraisal from a certified appraiser or a copy of the property assessment from the county clerk.

The Green River Area Community Foundation Grant aims to support local nonprofits in Daviess, Hancock, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster counties, Kentucky, with approximately $70,000 available for distribution. GRACF, established in 1993, is dedicated to enhancing community life through philanthropic efforts. By submitting the Needs Survey Form, nonprofits can share their financial needs, allowing GRACF to connect them with potential donors and media, ultimately fostering a stronger charitable network in the region.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Maine

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The Community Support for Marine Debris Removal RFP aims to tackle the pressing issue of marine debris in Alaska's coastal and offshore waters. This initiative, funded by the NOAA Marine Debris Program, empowers local communities by providing small grants to support their efforts in cleaning up litter and debris. The program addresses essential food safety and security concerns while promoting environmental stewardship and community resilience in the face of ongoing challenges related to marine waste.

The Minister’s Special Licence Resident Draw Grants support conservation projects that enhance wildlife and their habitats in Alberta. Funded by Alberta hunters and anglers, these grants have raised millions since 1995. Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations committed to wildlife health and habitat enhancement, with no maximum funding limit. Notably, projects must occur within Alberta, ensuring local impact. This initiative promotes responsible hunting education and fosters community involvement in conservation efforts.

The Larry L. Hillblom Foundation offers the Start-Up Grant to support early-career researchers in California focused on diabetes and age-related brain and vision disorders. Grants of up to $120,000 per year for three years are available for projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to medical research. The foundation prioritizes funding for those affiliated with California institutions and encourages applications from those who have not held faculty positions for over a year.

The WHEDA Housing Grant Program, established by the WHEDA Foundation in 1983, supports organizations improving housing for individuals with complex needs in Wisconsin. The Foundation aims to enhance housing opportunities for vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities and experiencing homelessness. With $2,000,000 in grants, the program focuses on developing housing facilities that address crises faced by residents. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community development authorities.

The Advocacy for Child-Serving Systems RFP by the William Penn Foundation aims to enhance educational equity in Philadelphia by increasing the number of certified, diverse teachers. This initiative addresses the significant gap between the racial demographics of students and teachers. By funding strategic outreach and educational efforts, the foundation seeks to mobilize stakeholders to advocate for improved funding in early childhood and K-12 education, ensuring that all children have access to quality education and support.

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.

Under the leadership of the Director, the Department is managed by four Divisions which offer a variety of programs and services and carry out mandated regulatory and land management responsibilities. Additionally, six commission are administratively attached to the Department.

Forestry - FY26 Local Government Assistance (LGA)

Program Goals

Provide financial support to help local governments engage in activities to accelerate the pace and scale of forest management to reduce wildland fire hazards, improve forest health, and enhance economic productivity on cross-boundary projects that include federal, state, or private lands in Montana.    

Grants are for:

• Funding coordination/facilitation costs for forest collaborative groups that have county commissioner involvement or support.
• Funding of amicus briefs for projects with local government support and likely to be litigated in the next year.

The 79 Fund Grant, offered by the Emporia Community Foundation, focuses on addressing the charitable needs of the Emporia Community. With a particular emphasis on enhancing the quality of life for children, this grant aims to support long-term improvements in the community. Organizations seeking funding should align their projects with these goals to be considered for assistance.

New Mexico Community Foundation

For over 40 years, New Mexico Foundation (NMF) has worked to improve the quality of life for all residents of New Mexico. The only statewide foundation, NMF was started in 1983 by a small group of dedicated and visionary volunteers who believed in the power of Philanthropy as a tool for inspiring creative, community-based change and prosperity.

NMF has distinguished itself as a leader in philanthropy. Our progressive, grassroots approach to building stronger communities empowers community members to collaborate on critical issues by tapping into local resources and discovering the strength in themselves.

In 2019 we changed our name to better define our purpose and identity as the only community foundation serving the state of New Mexico.

Native American Preparatory Scholars Fund

The Native American Preparatory Scholars (NAPS) Fund was established in 2012 from the remaining assets of the former Native American Preparatory School located in Rowe, NM. The purpose of the fund is to support programs that increase the number of New Mexico Native American students who shall aspire to, be prepared for, and graduate from colleges and universities.

To accomplish this mission, New Mexico Community Foundation is pleased to announce a funding opportunity through our NAPS Fund.

Grant Focus Areas

• Programs that assist Native students with college acceptance.
• Programs whose goal is to increase college matriculation of Native students.
• Programs that support Native students for career readiness.

The Wayne County Community Youth Foundation Grants support charitable organizations that benefit youth in Wayne County, Ohio. Applications are accepted annually until February 1 for projects starting after May 15. Grants cover various categories, including arts, education, and health. Eligible organizations must be recognized as nonprofit or educational entities. The foundation does not fund scholarships, deficit financing, or religious activities unless for non-religious programs. Ensure compliance with eligibility criteria for successful applications.

The WCCF: GIVE 365 Wayne County Grants focus on enhancing community wellness and success in 2024. This initiative invites nonprofit organizations in Wayne County, Ohio, to submit proposals addressing issues such as homelessness, care for the elderly, and food insecurity. Grants support established projects, startups, and capacity-building efforts. Organizations must demonstrate leadership and fiscal responsibility. Collaboration among nonprofits is encouraged, ensuring impactful use of funds to strengthen community support systems.

The Fund for Women Grant, administered by the Delaware Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering women and girls in Delaware. This one-year grant provides financial assistance for innovative programs that enhance the potential of women and girls. Eligible applicants must demonstrate 501(c)(3) status and address the specific needs of this demographic. The grant aims to foster self-sufficiency and productive lives, ensuring that women and girls can achieve their full potential.

Cupertino Electric, established in 1954, is dedicated to supporting communities through donations and volunteerism. Our giving program focuses on addressing hunger, homelessness, and early education (K-8). With substantial annual contributions and a commitment to service, we aim to make a meaningful impact in the areas where our employees live and work. By fostering a culture of giving back, we believe that enhancing community well-being is as vital as our business operations.

The Delores and Jerry Etter Graduate Research Scholarships, offered by the Tulsa Community Foundation, support master's and doctoral students conducting impactful research at the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Established to promote diverse research topics, these scholarships aim to enhance conservation efforts in the region. Selection is based on the potential impact of the projects, evaluated by a committee comprising foundation staff and academic professionals. This initiative fosters academic excellence and ecological stewardship in Oklahoma.

The Anne and Tony Hillerman Scholarship, part of the New Mexico Press Women Scholarship Fund, supports New Mexico students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in journalism or communications. Established in 2023, the fund promotes ethical journalism and offers networking opportunities through the NMPW Annual Conference. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a relevant program, provide a portfolio of work, and submit a personal essay detailing their interests and career goals. This scholarship fosters the next generation of communicators and advocates for First Amendment rights.

HealthCare Foundation for Orange County

The Foundation makes grants each, in support of our mission, to programs and services at local nonprofit hospitals, clinics and community-based organizations. Funds for our annual grant making come from charitable remainder trusts gifts and bequests of generous individuals and families, who want their charitable giving to improve the health of Orange County residents. In addition, a significant proportion of our grant making draws on the proceeds of the sale of United Western Medical Centers to Tenet, and is intended to continue the charitable legacy of those hospitals in central Orange County, California.

Grant Giving

Our Impact Goal and Funding Priorities

The primary goal of The HealthCare Foundation for Orange County is to improve the health of underserved women and children in Orange County. Specifically, we fund projects, programs, collaborative initiatives that do one or more of the following:

• Remove barriers to healthcare
• Address community health priorities and delivery system gaps

Areas Served

The ZIP codes below identify the Foundation’s primary service area.

Anaheim

• 92801
• 92805
• 92807
• 92808

Buena Park

• 90621
• Fullerton
• 92831
• 92832

Garden Grove

• 92841
• 92843
• 92844

Laguna Hills

• 92637

Midway City

• 92655
• Orange 
• 92866
• 92868

Santa Ana

• 92701
• 92703

Seal Beach

• 90740
• Stanton
• 90680

Trabucco Canyon

• 92678

Westminster

• 92683

If your organization is not serving in one of these areas, please be prepared to explain the data you are using to show you are serving the lowest 25% of Orange County residents. 

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Integrated HIV/AIDS Planning Resource Allocation Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance the effectiveness of HIV prevention and care planning for RWHAP Parts A and B recipients. Through the provision of training, tools, and technical assistance, this initiative seeks to optimize resource allocation and strengthen the overall system of HIV care and treatment, ultimately improving health outcomes for those affected by HIV.

Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative San Diego

Investing in Nonprofit Impact

The Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative (NSI) San Diego is a pooled fund fiscally sponsored by Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties inviting applications from September 1, 2026 onward to support non-profit organizations pursuing formal sustained collaboration partnerships that increase mission impact, organizational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Strengthening Nonprofits Through Collaboration

Collaboration is one of the most powerful paths towards sustained impact, and yet it is often one of the most under-resourced. Many nonprofits lack access to the flexible, discretionary funding required to navigate complex transitions while continuing to deliver on their missions.

NSI San Diego helps close that gap by supporting a range of collaboration models, including:

• Jointly managed programs
• Back-office consolidations
• Shared ventures
• Full-scale mergers.

With the right support in place, organizations can reduce duplicative work, strengthen internal operations, and focus more of their time and energy where it matters most: serving their communities.

Responding to a Changing Nonprofit Landscape

Nonprofits today are facing increasingly destabilizing conditions that threaten their long-term viability. Federal funding cuts, heightened scrutiny, and shifting policy environments have changed what risk looks like and how quickly it can compound. The pace of these challenges means organizations are losing capacity faster than it can be rebuilt.

NSI San Diego responds to these challenges by investing in the kinds of structural supports that help nonprofits adapt, stabilize, and continue serving communities.

Implementation Grants support two or more organizations that have reached an agreement to pursue a formal collaboration following an exploratory process.

Examples of eligible costs include:

• Financial and accounting services
• Technology and systems integration
• Human resources integration
• Communications and branding
• Board development and governance transition
• Asset consolidation
• Lease termination costs
• Staff transition and severance expenses
• Legal fees (when pro bono resources are unavailable)

Implementation Grants typically range from $20,000–$50,000.

Grant funds are intended to support one-time implementation and transition costs. While implementation funding is primarily intended for external costs, organizations may request support for limited staff-related expenses if they can demonstrate a unique, time-bound role that is essential to successful implementation.

Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative San Diego

Investing in Nonprofit Impact

The Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative (NSI) San Diego is a pooled fund fiscally sponsored by Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties inviting applications from September 1, 2026 onward to support non-profit organizations pursuing formal sustained collaboration partnerships that increase mission impact, organizational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Strengthening Nonprofits Through Collaboration

Collaboration is one of the most powerful paths towards sustained impact, and yet it is often one of the most under-resourced. Many nonprofits lack access to the flexible, discretionary funding required to navigate complex transitions while continuing to deliver on their missions.

NSI San Diego helps close that gap by supporting a range of collaboration models, including:

• Jointly managed programs
• Back-office consolidations
• Shared ventures
• Full-scale mergers.

With the right support in place, organizations can reduce duplicative work, strengthen internal operations, and focus more of their time and energy where it matters most: serving their communities.

Responding to a Changing Nonprofit Landscape

Nonprofits today are facing increasingly destabilizing conditions that threaten their long-term viability. Federal funding cuts, heightened scrutiny, and shifting policy environments have changed what risk looks like and how quickly it can compound. The pace of these challenges means organizations are losing capacity faster than it can be rebuilt.

NSI San Diego responds to these challenges by investing in the kinds of structural supports that help nonprofits adapt, stabilize, and continue serving communities.

Exploratory Grants support two or more organizations that are ready to engage in structured discussions regarding a potential strategic partnership.

Organizations receiving Exploratory Grant funding are not committing to a specific outcome. Rather, they are committing to participate in a good-faith process of exploration, due diligence, and negotiation to determine whether a partnership would advance their missions and better serve their communities.

• Potential activities may include:
• Strategic assessment and readiness discussions
• Facilitation and negotiation support
• Organizational due diligence
• Governance and leadership conversations
• Financial and operational analysis
• Exploration of partnership models

Exploratory Grants typically range from $20,000–$40,000.

Funds are intended primarily for third-party consultants and technical assistance providers supporting the exploratory process.

Women's Breast Health Fund

The Women’s Breast Health Fund is a field of interest fund that provides support for holistic breast cancer care for women and their loved ones throughout the region served by the Community Foundation (Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker counties).

The Fund’s mission covers the entire breast cancer continuum from diagnosis through follow up care throughout the life of the survivor with this focus: to make life better for women and their loved ones who are facing this disease.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) in North Carolina supports landowners in protecting and enhancing wetlands and agricultural lands through conservation easements. By limiting non-agricultural uses, ACEP ensures the preservation of valuable ecosystems and agricultural viability. The program offers financial assistance for permanent and 30-year easements, facilitating the restoration of degraded wetlands. Additionally, the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) enhances habitat protection efforts, prioritizing applications that benefit migratory birds and wildlife.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

As You Sow Grants promotes environmental and social corporate responsibility through funding initiatives that focus on toxic exposure and consumer protection in California. With over $2.1 million granted to more than 100 organizations since 1992, the program supports nonprofits dedicated to toxics reduction, environmental education, and community protection. Priority is given to projects that benefit California residents, emphasizing enforcement and education around toxic risks and rights.

The SAF National Awards Program recognizes excellence in forestry through various awards, including the Award in Forest Science. This award acknowledges significant research contributions in quantitative, economic, managerial, and social sciences, promoting advancements in forestry. Recipients receive a $1,000 honorarium, a complimentary SAF convention registration, and travel expense support. Established in 1996, this award highlights the importance of innovative research that impacts both national and international forestry practices.

The Senator Harold "Potch" Wheeler Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Whitley County, honors the legacy of a dedicated public servant. This competitive scholarship is available annually to high school seniors from Whitley County who plan to pursue college education in public service or within the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Recipients are chosen based on their embodiment of the ideals and character traits exemplified by Senator Wheeler.