Best Grants for BIPOC

The NH Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides essential funding to improve public facilities and support affordable housing initiatives across New Hampshire. Administered by the Community Development Finance Authority, the grants aim to enhance economic opportunities and meet the needs of low- and moderate-income residents. Key focus areas include financing for municipal infrastructure, water and sewer improvements, and housing rehabilitation projects, ensuring community revitalization and support for vulnerable populations.

The OUT Georgia Impact Fund, launched in 2021 by United Way of Greater Atlanta, focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that significantly impact Georgia's LGBTQIA+ community. With priorities in economic stability and small business support, the fund aims to uplift vulnerable individuals and families facing systemic barriers. By granting funds to eligible nonprofits, it fosters equity and enhances the well-being of diverse communities throughout Georgia, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The Pathways Grants Programme supports community and voluntary organizations in Ealing and Brentford, focusing on projects that alleviate poverty, tackle homelessness, and promote healthy living. The program invites applications for diverse initiatives aimed at strengthening local communities and addressing challenges faced by disadvantaged groups, including those impacted by domestic violence and unemployment. Grants may cover startup costs and are intended for projects that foster collaboration and enhance community well-being.

The CCCF Standard Grant, administered by the Clay County Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Clay County by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and local governments. With over $85,000 available, grants will focus on community betterment projects in education, health, arts, and economic development. Applications are welcomed for initiatives that foster collaboration and address pressing community needs, with funding ranging from $500 to $10,000 for new or expanding projects.

The Caring for Pueblo County Grant Program aims to promote equity for children, youth, and families by funding initiatives in four key areas: Basic Needs, Social & Emotional Well-Being, Behavioral Health, and Economic Stability. The program recognizes the importance of nurturing environments for young people's development and success. It seeks to address critical needs such as safety, nutrition, and housing, while fostering resilience and well-being through community-driven support and flexible funding opportunities.

The Stenzel Scholarship, established in 2023, awards $2,500 annually to individuals with cystic fibrosis enrolled in higher education programs in health or environmental sciences. This scholarship honors Isa and Ana Stenzel, who dedicated their lives to supporting others with CF. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment and can receive funding based on their enrollment status. This initiative aims to empower those affected by cystic fibrosis to pursue meaningful educational opportunities.

The Icicle Fund Community Grants support nonprofit organizations in North Central Washington that promote the arts, history, and environmental stewardship. These unrestricted grants allow organizations to address community needs flexibly and innovatively. With funding typically ranging from $3,000 to $35,000, the program prioritizes engaging local communities in appreciation and understanding of their unique cultural and natural heritage. Eligible organizations include public schools, governmental entities, and faith-based groups focusing on these core areas.

The Non-Point Source Grants, provided by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, support projects addressing critical water quality issues without requiring repayment. Eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, and government agencies. The application process requires detailed project proposals and documentation of effectiveness through monitoring. Funding can also match other sources, enhancing project viability. Successful applicants must submit a final report upon project completion to ensure compliance and accountability.

The Utah Division of Water Quality offers funding through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program, providing approximately $9 million annually from state and federal sources. This initiative supports critical water quality and wastewater infrastructure projects aimed at protecting human health, improving environmental conditions, and promoting educational activities. Eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, and governmental agencies, focusing on projects that address sewage discharges, reduce runoff, and enhance groundwater quality.

The Chicago White Sox Grant aims to improve the lives of Chicago's underserved communities through funding for programs in child abuse prevention, health and wellness, youth education, and cancer research. With over $47 million distributed, the grant seeks qualified nonprofit organizations that demonstrate strong financial health and impactful outcomes. Interested parties should prepare for the 2027 grant cycle, as inquiries for the 2026 cycle are no longer accepted, with reviews starting in June 2026.

The Field-of-Interest Grant Program supports local nonprofits in Mendocino County, focusing on children and youth projects. Established in 2016, it aims to empower young people through initiatives that enhance workforce readiness, health, and well-being. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,500, with proposals for larger amounts undergoing a two-stage review process. Priority is given to programs that foster leadership and inclusivity for youth of diverse backgrounds.

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG)

United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG) is committed to fighting for the education, financial stability, and basic needs of everyone in Central Kentucky. Through the work of UWBG programs, grant-funded programming, and our nonprofit partners, we’re making great strides toward creating a thriving community where everyone can prosper.

Safety Net Grants

The safety net grant funding threshold will be $20,000 and will continue to provide essential support to individuals and families facing an immediate crisis. (The single county basic needs grant threshold was $10,000 previously.) The focus on safety net services is a more refined approach from the wide lens of basic needs. By eliminating regional basic need grants, funding becomes more targeted, ensuring equitable grant distribution across counties. (Six-month Single County Safety Net grant application available now)

2026 Safety Net Grants – Investment Focus

Food Access & Nutrition Support:

• Food Pantry - Provides groceries for home preparation, typically including canned goods, grains, and other basic staples, to address short-term food insecurity.
• Weekend/Backpack Programs for Youth - Distributes easy-to-prepare food to children who lack reliable meals outside school days.
• Senior Nutrition Programs - Home-delivered or congregate meals targeted to older adults to prevent hunger and isolation.
• Infant & Toddler Nutrition Support - Provides formula, baby food, and nutrition supplies for households with young children.
• Community Kitchens / Congregate Meals - On-site meals are served at faith-based or nonprofit facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty.

 Housing Stabilization & Eviction Prevention

• Provides short-term financial assistance and limited supportive services to clients to prevent eviction or quickly stabilize households at risk of homelessness (including domestic violence housing stabilization). Primary focus is rent payment assistance, with flexibility for related costs (utilities, deposits, arrears, application fees) when directly tied to maintaining or securing housing.

The SAFER program aims to provide safe and affordable drinking water to over one million Californians currently without access. Established by Senate Bill 200 (SB200) in 2019, it allocates $130 million annually to help small water systems achieve compliance with drinking water standards. By offering funding for operational costs and system consolidation, SAFER is essential for ensuring sustainable access to clean water, thus supporting public health and equity in California.

Pima County GHovernment

Pima County government can be divided into several general areas of responsibility. Under each area, a group of departments and their divisions provide services to the community. Many of the services the County provides are mandated under state law. Others do not hold legislative mandates but are critical to the effective operation of the County or are important to the health, safety, and quality of life of County residents.

Unlike most Arizona counties, Pima County has a large urban, unincorporated population. Nearly 400,000 residents of unincorporated Pima County live in mostly urban areas of the County, not within any city or town. Because of this, Pima County provides many services that a municipality would typically provide.

Short-Term Crisis & Emergency Resources Grant Program – Round 2

 Program Overview

In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact on Pima County residents, the County is offering targeted support to eligible nonprofit organizations through the Short-Term Crisis & Emergency Resources Grant Program – Round 2. This initiative provides direct funding to partner agencies to increase food security, stabilize housing, prevent eviction, and address other urgent human needs among individuals and families affected by the crisis.

This emergency program is administered under the framework of the Pima County Outside Agency (OA) Program, which strategically invests County General Fund dollars into nonprofit organizations that deliver essential services.

The Youth Initiative Grant, provided by the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation, aims to support innovative programs that enhance resilience and psycho-social health for youth aged 14-21 affected by trauma from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Grants are available for new programs or therapeutic components within their first year. The foundation prioritizes organizations that actively engage with beneficiaries and implement holistic approaches to service delivery, ensuring long-term sustainability and effective evaluation of program impacts.

The Jesse Parker Williams Foundation Grant aims to foster a healthy metro-Atlanta region by supporting organizations that provide comprehensive health services for women and children in Clayton, Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties. The foundation focuses on improving access to quality healthcare, promoting healthy behaviors, and enhancing organizational capacity. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with a strong commitment to addressing social determinants of health, with an emphasis on measurable outcomes and community collaboration.

StopWaste

StopWaste is a public agency serving the 1.7 million diverse residents of Alameda County. Formed in 1976, we work on behalf of 17 member agencies—the County, 14 cities, and 2 sanitary districts—committed to advancing environmental sustainability and building healthy, equitable, climate resilient communities in Alameda County. Our vision is focused on an Alameda County in which people thrive and are empowered to utilize resources and energy in ways that are good for the health of our communities, our local economy, and the planet.

StopWaste's work is guided by three long-term goals: building a healthy local food system that eliminates waste, advancing a thriving circular economy, and accelerating innovation in the built environment. We prevent wasted food, recover surplus food to nourish communities, and keep materials in circulation through reuse, repair, recycling, and composting—while helping communities across Alameda County cut pollution, save money, and meet California’s climate and waste goals.

Surplus Food Donation Equipment Grants

SFDE Grant supports Alameda County non-profit organizations that recover, transport, store, and distribute surplus edible food to community members. The program prioritizes investments that strengthen edible food recovery infrastructure and improve the safe, efficient, and dignified distribution of recovered edible food. 

SFDE grant funding is intended to support equipment with a demonstrated connection to edible food recovery activities. It is not intended to support general nonprofit operations or facility improvements. Applications are reviewed based on project need, operational readiness, food recovery impact, community benefit, and alignment with SFDE funding priorities. 

The Russell Sage Foundation's Core Research Grants support innovative research in Behavioral Science and Decision Making. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, inviting insights from economics, psychology, sociology, and law to enhance our understanding of decision-making processes across various societal contexts. Applications are open to scholars with a doctorate, focusing on critical issues such as policing, housing, and immigration, while encouraging a blend of theoretical and empirical research to inform public policy.

The Better Together Nature Positive Innovation Grant Program, administered by the PG&E Corporation Foundation, offers $100,000 grants for projects in five regions focused on environmental stewardship. Applications open on May 21, 2025, targeting land, air, and water quality initiatives. Priority is given to projects benefiting disadvantaged communities. In 2024, PG&E supported nearly 1,000 grants totaling over $36 million, demonstrating a commitment to community resilience and environmental sustainability.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service of Vermont provides crucial technical and financial assistance to farmers and forest landowners. This program aims to integrate conservation practices into working lands, addressing vital natural resource concerns like soil health, water quality, and habitat improvement. With year-round application acceptance, EQIP supports sustainable agriculture while enhancing resilience against climate change, offering a pathway for organic producers and those transitioning to organic farming.

The Fox Cares Foundation Grant, administered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, supports nonprofits addressing homelessness, hunger, and arts engagement. It provides funding for emergency shelter programs, innovative food security solutions, and arts initiatives that engage under-represented populations. Eligible organizations must be public charities serving specific counties in Wisconsin. Grants are not typically awarded to private foundations or for general operating support. This rolling application process enables impactful community support throughout the year.

The JCCC Student Development and Achievement Grants, offered by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago, aim to support innovative educational projects that enhance student learning and development. With a funding pool of approximately $100,000, grants of up to $10,000 are available for schools and non-profits in the Chicago area. The program encourages projects that promote critical thinking, personal initiative, and collaboration, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of diverse subjects and community involvement.

The Nonpoint Source Management Grants (Section 319) provide vital funding for small projects aimed at combating runoff pollution, a significant contributor to water quality degradation. Administered by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, these grants offer up to $15,000, with a 40% non-federal match required. Eligible applicants include government units, educational institutions, and non-profits, making it an essential opportunity for organizations seeking to improve water quality through innovative local projects.

The California Sea Grant State Fellowship Program offers graduate students a unique chance to engage in coastal and marine resource management in California. Modeled after the Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, it provides hands-on experience by matching fellows with agencies and organizations focused on marine policy. Since 1987, this program has successfully placed 350 graduates, enhancing their career prospects in marine and coastal management. Hosts benefit from the skills of motivated fellows while contributing to their professional development.

The Louisiana Agricultural Workforce Development Program supports businesses in establishing internship programs, fostering the next generation of agriculture professionals. This initiative provides financial assistance, reimbursing up to 50% of intern hiring costs, with a maximum award of $5,000. Eligible businesses include agricultural producers and related entities, while interns must be Louisiana students or beginning farmers. The program operates annually from July 1st to August 31st, promoting hands-on experience in the agriculture sector.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Instructional Materials: Tucker's Law Grant

Program Description

The Instructional Materials: Tucker’s Law Grant represents the commitment to increasing fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness in school systems through the creation and dissemination of evidence-based instructional materials. As established in Texas Education Code (TEC) §38.040 school systems are to annually provide to students in grades 6–12 research-based instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness.

The LA Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is designed to enhance land management practices for agricultural producers in Louisiana. By offering tailored conservation plans, CSP aims to improve productivity and protect natural resources. With a focus on sustainable practices, participants can increase crop yields, enhance wildlife habitats, and adopt innovative conservation activities. This program is a crucial part of the USDA's efforts to support working lands and promote environmental stewardship across 70 million acres nationwide.