Best Grants for BIPOC

The Makulinski Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofit and charity organizations, emphasizing sustainable community development. With a commitment to lasting change, MFF actively matches investments to amplify their impact, ranging from 10:1 to 1:2 based on beneficiary needs. The foundation welcomes proposals from various regions, including Ohio, Michigan, and South Carolina, and encourages applications that align with their mission. Interested parties can access the grant request form to submit their proposals.

The NSF Core Research in Biological Sciences (BIO Core) program supports innovative research that enhances our understanding of biological systems, from molecular to biome scales. This funding opportunity encourages interdisciplinary proposals and can fund both single and multi-investigator projects. The awards will vary in scope and duration, accommodating exploratory projects and long-term commitments, depending on available funding and alignment with the program's objectives.

The Jefferson Community Foundation Grant supports not-for-profit initiatives aimed at benefiting the Jefferson School District community. It funds projects that are educational, cultural, charitable, or innovative, with a focus on addressing community needs. Grants are awarded biannually, and applicants must be tax-exempt organizations serving the public. This fund aims to enhance the community's future by supporting meaningful projects within a one-year timeframe.

The Associates of the Montana Contractors Association Scholarship supports students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at Montana State University. This scholarship, which varies in amount, is intended for full-time students who maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have junior status or higher. Montana State University is committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities and financial support to students with strong academic records and potential for success.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering funding through the Engineering (ENG) program, focusing on foundational research in civil, mechanical, and manufacturing innovation. Key areas include advanced manufacturing systems, civil infrastructure, and intelligent dynamic systems. The NSF ENG encourages innovative and transformative proposals that may not require immediate commercial outcomes. Award sizes and durations will vary based on budget availability, aiming to support long-term research advancements.

The NSF NCAR Advanced Study Program (ASP) Graduate Visitor Program (GVP) Fellowship provides an enriching opportunity for graduate students to collaborate with NSF NCAR scientists on their research projects. It supports visits of 2 to 3 months, covering travel and housing costs. Eligible candidates include advanced Master’s and Ph.D. students focused on atmospheric sciences and related fields. The program encourages professional development through workshops and allows for potential extensions with co-sponsorship. Applications for the 2026 program are now open.

The CERSP Grant Program, administered by Harlem CDC, aims to provide financial assistance for initiatives and events that align with the mission of Harlem CDC. Funded through contributions from Columbia University, this program supports community and economic revitalization efforts in New York State, promoting local economic growth and job creation. With a focus on inclusivity and development, CERSP seeks to enhance the quality of life and opportunities within diverse neighborhoods.

The Juliet Ashby Hillman Foundation Grant supports organizations that help young people in the Portland, Oregon area thrive. With a focus on cultural vibrancy and sustainability, the Foundation aims to mitigate risk factors affecting youth potential. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of October 1, 2025, for this year. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that foster a healthier, more stable future for the community.

This funding opportunity invites applications for Testing Centers focused on evaluating somatic cell genome editing technologies for translational applications. These centers will provide essential resources and testing services to researchers, ensuring the efficacy and safety of novel genome editing methods. By developing innovative in vivo and in vitro models, the centers aim to enhance scientific rigor and reproducibility in biomedical research, ultimately supporting the advancement of therapeutics for human diseases.

Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education

For more than 100 years, Oklahoma’s system of career and technology education has focused on improving Oklahoma’s economy by offering individuals the training and skills necessary to be successful in the workplace and providing companies with the workforce necessary to compete globally.

Oklahoma's CareerTech system significantly contributes to the state's economic development and quality of life. Vision: We are securing Oklahoma’s future by developing a world-class workforce. Mission: We prepare Oklahomans to succeed in the workplace, in education and in life.

Competitive Technology Center Lottery Grant

The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education requests proposals from technology centers for funding the implementation and/or upgrading of instructional and training technology for the purpose of (1) innovative “cutting edge” hardware and software, (2) curriculum materials, (3) machinery and equipment for new technologies, and/or (4) instructor training.

All proposed expenditures, including instructor training/professional development, must be related directly to the approved proposal. Curriculum materials purchased should support the technology requested in the proposal and could include digitally delivered curriculum and assessments. The request should not supplant current curriculum expenditures. For the purpose of this grant request, technology refers to any use of innovative processes, equipment and software that will enhance and/or advance instructional techniques or an advanced interactive learning environment to provide for the needs of the students and clients of the district, including business and industry.

Any and all technology equipment purchased with these funds will become the sole property of the local school district and will be placed on the local school district inventory. However, technology/equipment purchased with the grant must remain located at the technology center and in the specific Career Tech program to which it is awarded. 

The Warner Area Community Foundation Grant, part of the South Dakota Community Foundation, aims to enhance philanthropy by supporting local nonprofits and providing scholarships. This grant allows for the administration of charitable gifts and focuses on fulfilling basic needs while improving the quality of life in the region. By empowering local organizations, it fosters community development and encourages youth engagement through educational opportunities.

The Hahl Proctor Charitable Trust Grant provides financial assistance to charities focusing on children, families, arts, and education. Established by Hahl Proctor, a generous community member, the trust aims to support worthwhile causes with grants typically ranging from $2,000 to $20,000. This initiative reflects her commitment to enhancing community life through charitable endeavors.

The RSA–Virginia Fox Stern Center Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for scholars to conduct intensive research at the Johns Hopkins University Sheridan Libraries. This one-month fellowship focuses on pre-1800 rare book and manuscript collections, particularly the Women of the Book Collection and the Bibliotheca Fictiva Collection. It encourages innovative research that contributes to Renaissance studies, supporting scholars across all disciplines and career levels.

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I program invites proposals for groundbreaking aerospace concepts, aiming to transform potential in aeronautics. This initiative supports innovative research through multiple award phases, focusing on Phase I requirements and evaluation criteria. A virtual forum will be held on October 7, 2026, to discuss the Appendix’s details and clarify submission guidelines. Additional information will be available on the NSPIRES page, ensuring participants are well-informed about the process.

The Hamer Foundation

Our Mission:

The mission of The Hamer Foundation is to provide support to nonprofit organizations within a 100-mile radius of State College PA in the following areas: 

• Environmental Support – 50% of donations 
• Community Support – 35% of donations 
• Educational Support – 15% of donations 

About Oregon Humanities

Oregon Humanities is committed to bringing people together across differences of background, experience, and belief. Each year, we offer hundreds of public conversations and programs across the state, train and support dozens of discussion facilitators, and award grants and fellowships that help people connect, reflect, and cultivate a stronger sense of agency in their communities. In our magazine and on our website, we publish stories that explore the thoughts, perspectives, and experiences of Oregonians. Our long-term hope is that the work of Oregon Humanities will make broad and significant contributions to a more cohesive, inclusive, and imaginative democratic culture.

Mini Grants for Libraries

A grant for Oregon libraries to create and host events in their communities.

Purpose of this grant

Our Mini Grants for Libraries enable Oregon libraries to create and host events in their own communities around an annual theme that corresponds to our Consider This Conversations.

For 2027, Oregon Humanities will award $40,000 in funding to enable Oregon libraries to create and host events in their own communities. 

Events should reflect our 2027 theme: What Do We Trust? We live in a time of declining trust. According to the Pew Research Center, most Americans now say they do not trust government, media, or one another. Grantees are welcome to interpret this theme and develop topics that are relevant to their communities. Potential topics include, but are not limited to the following:

• Why is trust so scarce? 
• How do we decide who or what to trust? 
• How is our trust in others affected by our circumstances, such as wealth, race, and where we live? (Oregonians are more likely than residents of other states to say that most people can be trusted. Why is that?) 

Applicants are encouraged to think about the concept of trust from various perspectives, including family, the economy, technology, civic life, and faith. 

Notes about grant funded activities

• Programs can be in multiple languages or be in a language other than English. Grant reporting must be in English.
• Programs can be hosted online or in-person.

Some activities that are commonly funded by this grant include: 

• Community dialogues
• Speaker events that include audience engagement
• Interactive author presentations
• Storytelling
• Programming that connects exhibits to current experiences
• Community-engaged interpretation of history, art history and theory, cultural history, or philosophy

The RTK Scholars Program, funded by RTK Environmental Group, provides a $1,500 scholarship to support students pursuing careers in science, particularly in environmental studies, biology, and engineering. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of experts in environmental testing and technology. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be enrolled in an accredited institution. The application deadline is May 31 each year, promoting academic excellence and dedication to environmental sciences.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency will improve outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems. TEA, under the leadership of the commissioner of education, carries out the following functions:

• Administers the distribution of state and federal funding to public schools
• Administers the statewide assessment program and accountability system
• Provides support to the State Board of Education (SBOE) in the development of the statewide curriculum
• Assists the SBOE in the instructional materials adoption process and managing the instructional materials distribution process
• Administers a data collection system on public school information
• Performs the administrative functions and services of the State Board for Educator Certification
• Supports agency operations, including carrying out duties related to the Permanent School Fund
• Monitors for compliance with certain federal and state guidelines.

Online Educator Resources Production and Maintenance Services

The purpose of the 2026–2029 Online Educator Resources Production and Maintenance Services grant is to provide and support content development, adaptation, management, and maintenance of professional learning content and instructional resources within TEA Learn, the statewide Learning Management System (LMS). This grant offers strategic support for the development of professional, high-quality learning resources, from project planning and learning design to media production and marketing, it additionally provides support for the transition of existing instructional materials into accessible, high-quality digital formats, optimized for delivery through Canvas and other supported platforms. Services include project planning, instructional design for platform integration, media production, and marketing. These digital professional learning resources are designed to enhance instructional practices and support educators across Texas. The grant also supports the expansion of TEA’s digital credentialing program and the sustainability of online and hybrid learning offerings.

The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies—Academy Scholars Program is designed for recent PhD recipients and advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences. This prestigious program provides a two-year in-residence postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, offering financial and research support. Scholars engage in interdisciplinary research, mentorship, and collaborative activities to enhance their academic careers while contributing insights on global issues through a comparative lens.

The Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation (TAEF) Grant, offered by the Barry Community Foundation, supports educational and community enrichment projects in Middleville, Michigan. Grants range from $50 to $5,000 throughout the year, focusing on initiatives that promote positive change and enhance the lives of residents. This collaborative effort invites nonprofit, educational, and government partners to participate in initiatives that align community needs with available resources, fostering sustainable development and impactful programs.

The Ashe County Community Foundation Grant supports local nonprofits through various funds, including those for education and children's programs. Established in 1995, ACCF aids community development via competitive grants, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities or local government units, promoting inclusivity without discrimination. This grant is vital for enhancing community assets and addressing local needs in Ashe County.

The Lenoir County Community Foundation Grant Program, established in 1993, supports local charitable initiatives through competitive grants. It primarily serves organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or local government units, including public schools. Grants typically range from $500 to $3,000 and are aimed at enhancing community life in Lenoir County. This program encourages diverse organizations to apply, excluding those that engage in political lobbying or faith-based exclusivity.

The BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Competitive Grants Program aims to enhance the capacity of state and local government crime laboratories for processing DNA samples. This program focuses on using DNA technology to improve forensic efficiency and implement Rapid DNA in booking stations. It targets jurisdictions with operational challenges, ensuring fair access to funding. Eligible agencies can apply for both competitive and formula CEBR funding.

Community Foundation of the Quincy Area

My Community Foundation (also known as The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities it serves by connecting compassionate donors with meaningful causes. The foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit partners to gather charitable contributions, grow those funds through professional investment strategies, and grant the earnings in ways that address local needs now and into the future. It builds and manages permanent endowments tailored to donors’ goals, ensuring their philanthropic visions—whether honoring a loved one, establishing a legacy, or supporting community needs—are realized. Serving a 12-county region across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the foundation acts as a steward of charitable assets, helping donors make a lasting impact through customized giving opportunities, community grants, and strategic support for nonprofit organizations.

Teens Active in Grantmaking (TAG)

TAG (Teens Active in Grantmaking) is a chance for high school students in Quincy to make real change in their community. From September to May, TAG members meet monthly to explore the world of community leadership, philanthropy, and civic engagement. Through hands-on learning, guest speakers, and team collaboration, members gain a deeper understanding of local issues and how nonprofits make a difference.

Whether you're passionate about mental health, food access, education, or creating more opportunities for youth, TAG gives you the tools (and trust!) to turn ideas into impact.

The NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (R13) grant aims to facilitate high-quality conferences that contribute to public health and the scientific missions of NIH Institutes and Centers. Key application deadlines range from April 2024 to January 2027, providing vital opportunities for researchers to gather and share knowledge. This grant is particularly focused on enhancing the impact of scientific dialogue in critical health areas.

The Japanese-Language Education Project Grant supports initiatives that enhance Japanese language education across various regions. Offered by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, this grant targets workshops, seminars, and original projects that connect language learning with Japan Studies. Eligible applicants include non-profit educational organizations in the U.S. Projects should benefit multiple programs, ensuring a broad impact on Japanese language education. The deadline for applications is two months before the project start date, which must be between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

The Andover Greater Together Community Fund Grant aims to empower local organizations by providing financial support ranging from $250 to $10,000. Established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this initiative encourages civic engagement and community ownership of local needs. It invites registered nonprofits and the Town of Andover to apply, fostering growth in philanthropy and volunteerism within the Greater Hartford region. This funding opportunity addresses community priorities while enhancing awareness of local challenges and opportunities.