Best Grants for BIPOC

The Department awards grants from State appropriations, federal awards, and other funding sources. Since the award and appropriation of these funds do not always conform to the State Fiscal Year, the information included in this directory is based on anticipated grant awards that will begin in the period from July 1 through June 30 of each State Fiscal Year. The ability of the Department to make grant awards is expressly dependent upon the availability of funds appropriated by the State Legislature from State and/or federal revenue or such other funding sources as may be applicable.

Stillbirth Awareness Campaign NOFA

The grant will be used to develop and maintain a state-wide, evidence-based, stillbirth prevention public health campaign that increases awareness of stillbirth prevention measures and decrease New Jersey's high stillborn rate.

Estimate amount of money in the grant program

• $99,700

The Rocky Community Improvement Fund Grant, established by Rocky Brands, Inc., aims to enhance local communities by providing grants that promote safety, health, and cleanliness. With a focus on addressing the needs of disadvantaged populations in Athens County, Ohio, this fund prioritizes projects that align with its mission and foster collaboration among organizations. Eligible applicants include 501c3 organizations and government agencies, ensuring impactful contributions to community improvement initiatives.

Marshall Community Foundation: Mini Grant

Funding Amount

• Up to $750

The Marshall Community Foundation reviews/awards grants quarterly and yearly based upon the size of the grant request. (Grant applications can be submitted at any time.) Grants are awarded to agencies across Calhoun County that benefit residents of the City of Marshall and surrounding townships. Grants are intended to be a flexible local funding opportunity that can respond to community needs.

Application priorities include, but are not limited to:

• Yields substantial community benefits for the resources invested
• Facilitates cooperation and enhances collaboration among organizations
• Avoids duplication of services
• Benefits the greatest number of people in the community and attracts volunteer resources
• Strengthens or improves the self-sufficiency and efficiency in areas such as, but not limited to:
  • Capacity Building
  • Workforce Development
• Represents innovative, start-up efforts
• Supports low income/underserved populations with:
  • Access to Resources
  • Poverty Intervention
  • Food Insecurity
• Promotes youth development in areas such as, but not limited to:
  • Student Performance
  • Teacher Training
  • Supplemental Programs
  • Youth Mental Health
• Examines and addresses underlying causes of local challenges
• Seeks challenge or matching financial resources

The Marshall Community Foundation will only consider granting to organizations who have submitted final reports for all previous grants. Final reports must be approved by the Board of Trustees. The approval process may take up to three months.

The RIC Foundation's Catalyst Grants program aims to support innovative initiatives that catalyze change in Rhode Island. By prioritizing collaborations among organizations, the program addresses essential community priorities while emphasizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Grants are available to state and local governments, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations, focusing on systemic inequities. Applications are accepted annually, with a single grant awarded per cycle, fostering impactful partnerships for lasting progress.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency.

DEC's Mission: "To conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being."

DEC's goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.

Resilient Watersheds Grant Program

$60 million of Environmental Bond Act funding is available for implementation of flood mitigation projects across New York State through the Resilient Watersheds Grant (RWG) Program. Applicants to RWG must either be a recipient of a Resilient NY flood study or possess a DEC-approved comparable study, and prepared to supply a 10% match.

Description

The Resilient Watersheds Grant (RWG) program is a competitive, statewide grant program open to local governments, Indian Nations, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, state agencies, and not-for-profit corporations. The overall goal of RWG is to implement projects that build community resilience, reduce risk of flooding, erosion, and ice jams during extreme weather events, enhance climate resilience, and/ or implement natural and nature-based feature construction while supporting healthy riparian habitats. This funding is for the implementation or construction of projects, not projects exclusively for planning and/ or design.

At least five total rounds are anticipated for RWG.

Funding Overview

The Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 allocated $4.2 billion for state agencies, local governments, and partners to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resilience, and create green jobs. The first round of RWG closed in 2025 and awarded $55 million in funding to 15 applicants. The RWG program has a total of $60 million available for the second round of applications, opening in 2026. RWG awards received may fund up to 90% of eligible project costs, resulting in a 10% match requirement. Projects are funded to the extent of available funds based on the evaluation criteria. The RWG program, in its sole discretion, may fund all or a portion of an eligible project and will determine the percentage amount available for any project. A local match for the balance of the estimated project cost is required.

The Northern Great Plains Grant Program, initiated by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to conserve and restore grasslands and wildlife in the Northern Great Plains. With approximately $22 million available in grants for 2025, the program focuses on sustaining healthy populations of grassland-obligate species while promoting sustainable livelihoods and preserving cultural identities, including tribal cultures and food sovereignty. Key funding partners include multiple federal agencies and private organizations.

The Regional Impact Grants for Norwich Youth aim to support youth development programs targeting economically and socially disadvantaged youth in Norwich. Funded by generous legacy gifts, these grants prioritize initiatives that enhance early childhood education, mentoring, mental health access, and educational opportunities. With grants of up to $15,000 available, eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions committed to fostering youth empowerment and social change.

The CHCF Innovation Grant supports organizations in the Capitol Hill community with funding between $5,000 and $15,000. This grant is aimed at fostering innovative programming and outreach to serve new audiences. Applications are accepted biannually, with deadlines in September and March, encouraging creative proposals that align with core community areas such as education, arts, and social services. This initiative promotes collaboration and enhances community impact.

The Southern Plains Grassland Grant Program, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to conserve and restore vital grasslands in the Southern Great Plains. Collaborating with nonprofit organizations and ranching communities, the program enhances ecosystem health and resilience while providing financial resources. Additionally, it supports carbon storage efforts, benefiting both wildlife and rural economies. Key funding partners include Sysco, Burger King, Cargill, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The State Street Foundation Grant supports nonprofits and NGOs that promote economic opportunity and reduce equity gaps in education and employability. Organizations seeking funding must operate in areas where State Street has a business presence and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and focuses on racial equity and social justice, ensuring that grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and sustainable impact.

HFW Strategic Grants

Healthcare Foundation of Wilson seeks ideas from organizations located in Wilson, NC with a desire to provide programming and services related to our focus areas.

• Access to Healthcare
• Active Living / Healthy Eating
• Alcohol / Substance Misuse
• Behavioral / Mental Health

Request Range

• The amount of the grant can vary but needs to support the development of the program.
• The board of directors prefer to be a partner in a project and not the funder of the entire project.

Funding Priorities

The foundation prioritizes:

• Innovative ideas that support the development or expansion of one or more of our four focus areas.
• Programs focused on youth through age 29.
• Eligible organizations who implement or have a desire to start evidence-based program models identified as having significant outcomes in one or more of the four focus areas.

The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to enhancing lives in rural Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado through grants exceeding $10,000. It supports nonprofits and government entities focused on food, shelter, healthcare, education, and the arts. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives that enrich communities and improve access to essential services, while maintaining a commitment to assisting veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities.

The Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA), managed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, provides vital financial assistance for enhancing community water systems. For Program Year 2026, the agency invites project nominations, offering low-interest loans and potential principal forgiveness funds. This initiative aims to support necessary improvements in both community and non-profit non-community public water systems, ensuring access to safe drinking water for all Ohio residents.

The Truist Foundation Grants aim to empower communities by providing resources for economic mobility and supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by racially and ethnically diverse individuals. The foundation focuses on enhancing job navigation for disadvantaged workers and building sustainable business ecosystems through collaboration and innovation. By addressing barriers to growth and promoting access to capital and education, the Truist Foundation strives to create equitable opportunities for all.

The Bethany Legacy Foundation Grant supports organizations in Jefferson County, focusing on innovative solutions for mental and physical health challenges. This grant is open to 501(c)(3) non-profits, churches, and government entities, promoting projects that serve the community and create lasting, positive change. Priority is given to initiatives that align with the Foundation's core focus areas and demonstrate collaboration, sustainability, and a commitment to accessibility for all residents.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) aims to enhance environmental quality by providing financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners in North Dakota. The Migratory Bird Resurgence Initiative, part of EQIP, focuses on conserving wetlands to support migratory bird populations. This program emphasizes sustainable practices that improve soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitats, ultimately aiding farmers in their conservation efforts while promoting ecological balance in vital agricultural areas.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program aims to enhance the state's vital water resources by funding projects that restore and protect high-quality streams and wetlands. Despite progress, challenges like habitat degradation and siltation threaten water quality. The program offers a maximum funding of $15 million to support initiatives that address these ecological concerns and promote biodiversity, ensuring the health of Ohio's waterways for future generations.

The Grants for Greater Manhattan program supports initiatives in arts, humanities, education, health care, and community development, primarily benefiting residents of Manhattan and Riley County, Kansas. It prioritizes funding for activities requiring ongoing support but excludes school gardening projects and requests from for-profit organizations, unless for scholarships or free services for low-income individuals. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life and community engagement across various sectors.

The South32 Hermosa Community Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, focusing on education, economic participation, health, and natural resource resilience. Grants of up to $80,000 are available each cycle, with requests up to $10,000 considered. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing and demonstrate local leadership. The fund prioritizes collaborative projects that enhance community skills and capacities, ensuring equal opportunities for all, while maintaining a commitment to diversity.

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation aims to enhance life quality in Nemaha County by fostering philanthropy to create a lasting endowment. This fund will address evolving community needs and support cultural, educational, and health initiatives. We encourage local non-profits to apply for grants focused on various areas, including arts, education, and health care, to help make Nemaha County a vibrant place to live and work.

The Olive Tree Foundation Grant Program supports Canadian charities by awarding grants that address various community needs. In 2024, funding priorities include anti-racism, Indigenous initiatives, interfaith projects, climate action, and youth services. Eligible applicants must be registered charities or have a registered charity sponsor. Funding amounts vary based on available resources and community impact potential, encouraging innovative solutions to pressing social issues.

National Geographic Society: Request for Proposals

Award Overview

The National Geographic Society (NGS) is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for academic researchers and graduate students investigating topics related to geography education in select states and locations. Awards of up to $10,000 (for researchers) and $5,000 (for graduate students) are available to support research projects.

At NGS we spark curiosity, empower exploration, and inspire change. We fund inspiring changemakers around the world who use the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. 

We welcome submissions from researchers across disciplines but successful proposals must include research related to educational approaches or processes including but not limited to specific learning activities, learning outcomes, or educational tools that advance knowledge. Research that illuminates barriers and/or advances access for those farthest from opportunity is encouraged. 

Research proposals should generate new knowledge, and can either be new or scaled up versions of existing successful projects (e.g. evaluating a different group of learners or geographic area). 

The Community Foundation of West Alabama offers community grants aimed at supporting charitable initiatives in various sectors including arts, education, health, and social welfare. Established in 1999, the foundation prioritizes projects that address critical community needs and foster collaboration. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations in specific Alabama counties, but do not fund individuals or religious purposes. The foundation prefers requests that demonstrate clear impact and sustainable financial planning.

The Chaney Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance the welfare of children and families while promoting public safety in Barry County, Missouri; Cabell County, West Virginia; and Jackson & Josephine Counties, Oregon. Grants up to $15,000 are available for West Virginia organizations, while those in Oregon and Missouri can apply for up to $10,000, focusing on human services, faith-based programs, and public safety initiatives.

The Central Montcalm Community Foundation offers various scholarships aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for local students. Scholarships like the Dr. Victor Beal Jr. Scholarship and the Ronald R. Burkholder Athletic and Educational Scholarship focus on academic achievement and community involvement. With funding sourced from endowed funds, these scholarships support students pursuing further education at colleges and universities, ensuring a lasting impact on the community's youth and fostering a culture of academic excellence and service.

The Edison Scholars Program, sponsored by Edison International, offers $12,500 annually to thirty high school seniors pursuing degrees in STEM fields at accredited U.S. colleges. This renewable scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need and reside in Southern California Edison’s service territory. Scholars also gain access to a paid summer internship after their first year. Eligible majors include engineering, mathematics, and computer sciences, fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders.

The Community Stewardship Fund Grant, provided by the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, aims to enhance the quality of life in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties by awarding $6,500 to nonprofit organizations. This fund seeks to address evolving community needs by funding impactful projects that are actionable and clearly communicated. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and operate within the Greater Kankakee River Valley area, prioritizing categories such as education, health, and community services.