Best Grants for BIPOC

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is a state agency whose goal is to protect the environment and public health by ensuring compliance with environmental laws. Those laws and related rules outline Ohio EPA's authority and what things we can consider when making decisions about regulated activities.

Ohio EPA was created on Oct. 23, 1972. It combined environmental programs that previously had been scattered throughout several state departments. 

Community and Litter Grants

Local governments and nonprofits can receive funding to purchase equipment for collecting and processing recyclables and construction and demolition debris. These organizations can also receive funding to implement litter collection events, outreach, and education. Tire amnesty programs, with a minimum $0.50/tire collection fee, are an eligible activity. Grantees have 24 months to complete their projects, but they may choose to close out the grant earlier than the specified deadlines with no penalty, provided it aligns with the grant timeline.

Combination Grant Requests

A single application may include a combination of grantrequests. For example, a litter collection event, drop-off containers, and outreach and education may be included in one application. Combination grant requests will be evaluated as a single application, not by the individual activities. A combination grant request is eligible if:

• the requested total amount equals $100,000 or less
• KAB certification and KAB renewal may not be requested together

The Wiregrass Foundation Grant aims to enhance the health, education, and quality of life for residents in Houston, Henry, Dale, and Geneva counties, Alabama. Eligible organizations must have been in operation for at least two years and focus on areas such as health, education, and community well-being. The foundation does not fund churches, political organizations, or individual scholarships, ensuring that resources are directed to impactful community-driven projects.

Just One More Grant aims to transform lives by providing financial support to individuals and nonprofit organizations in the U.S. who are overcoming challenges like mental health issues, drug misuse, and educational barriers. The foundation encourages applications from those committed to personal growth and community support. Though current grants are paused for nonprofits, interested individuals with actionable plans are invited to apply. More information and past winners can be found on their website.

Maryland Forestry Foundation

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a member of the Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards. We act as the fiscal agent for several programs of the 24 local Forestry Boards and provide important tax deductibility for their donors.

From advocating for innovative legislation that impacts Forestry in Maryland to overseeing Maryland's largest private property tree-planting operation, we're committed to making a greener and healthier future. We also actively support Urban Forestry programs, nurture the next generation of environmental leaders with the largest college fellowships in Natural Resources in the mid-Atlantic, and serve as the fiduciary agent for programs like the Natural Resources Careers Camp for high school students and the Maryland Urban & Community Forest grant program.

MUCFC Grant Program

The Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council (MUCFC) is a volunteer group of citizens, professionals and government officials united to protect and enhance Maryland's urban and community forested areas. Beyond their work to educate the public and to work with legislators on the issues affecting Urban Forestry in Maryland, the committee also administers a grant program that supports tree planting and tree care initiatives across the state and they manage the Maryland PLANT (People Loving and Nurturing Trees) award program.

The primary goal of the MUCFC Grant Program is to enhance Maryland's urban forest by providing funding for community tree planting and educational projects. The projects funded are carried out on public lands within parks, metropolitan areas, cities, or towns and may be undertaken by schools, service organizations, homeowner organizations or other volunteer-based groups. The maximum grant per project is $1,000.

Funding Innovative Research

Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc) prioritizes funding clinical trials, research that is nearing translation to a clinical trial, and young investigator grants.

Grants funded by CKc must be innovative and provide better quality of life or symptom relief than current treatments. 

When possible, CKc will prioritize funding research:

• with a focus on cancers that are under-funded or under-researched,
• with a focus on patient populations who are traditionally underserved.

When possible, CKc will prioritize funding researchers of diverse backgrounds.

For CKc, “innovation” means the invention or application of novel methods or treatments, specifically treatments that have fewer side-effects than standard care, increase a child’s quality of life, and/or create an option for care where there otherwise were few or none (either on primary diagnosis, relapse, or for recalcitrant cancers).

Research Grants

Grant Program: Young Investigator

$100,000 over 3 years

• PI must hold an academic appointment at the instructor level or higher
• PI must be within 5 years of completing a training fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology or a closely related discipline that has direct clinical contact with pediatric cancer patients
• Research must be within 2-3 years to translation to a clinical trial or already associated with a clinical trial

• Evidence of Mentor's commitment to the PI's career development plan
• Translational potential

The Colorado Plateau Foundation offers the CPF Rapid Response Grant to support Native-led organizations addressing urgent needs in the Colorado Plateau region. Grants of up to $10,000 are available at any time, separate from the annual grant cycle. The foundation focuses on four priority areas: water protection, sacred place preservation, language preservation, and sustainable agriculture. Since 2012, it has invested over $1.2 million in more than 60 initiatives to empower Native communities.

The HOKC Good Works Program provides over $2.5 million annually in grants to Kentucky nonprofits, aiding over 3.9 million individuals. Established in 1951, it has distributed $68 million through more than 8,900 grants, relying on the support of over 30,000 active Colonels globally. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) organizations based in Kentucky, operational for at least five years, and focused on tangible community benefits, aligning with the program's mission to foster community enhancement and support.

The HOKC Good Works Program provides medium grants ranging from $2,500 to $9,999 to support Kentucky nonprofits. With over $2.5 million distributed annually, the program aims to enhance community services in areas such as education, health, and support for low-income individuals. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating for at least five years within Kentucky. Ineligible entities include religious organizations and most government bodies. This grant initiative has a strong history of impactful contributions to local communities.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands or protect working farms and ranches through conservation easements.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) protects the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses which negatively affect agricultural uses and conservation values, protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible grazing land, and protecting and restoring and enhancing wetlands on eligible land.

ACEP has two components:

• Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) help private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities such as state and local governments protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches by limiting non-agricultural uses of the land through conservation easements.

• Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) help private and tribal landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses.

Additionally, through ACEP, USDA offers the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), a voluntary program through which NRCS enters into agreements with eligible partners to leverage resources to carry out high priority wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement and to improve wildlife habitat.

Columbia Basin Trust

The Trust was created in 1995 to support efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin—the region most affected by the Columbia River Treaty.

Mission: The Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.

Non-profit SMART Grants

Non-Profit SMART Grants support Basin non-profits and First Nations to increase their energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and/or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

There are two streams for this grant: Stream One – Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations; and Stream Two – Renewable Energy and Improvements to Buildings

Stream One – Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

This stream supports the purchase of one new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle for use in Basin communities, and/or up to two charging stations.

The Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation provides grants to support programs and projects that benefit the people of Maui County. With a legacy rooted in philanthropy, the foundation focuses on areas such as human services, housing, health, education, arts, and environmental preservation. By prioritizing community needs and organizational stability, the foundation aims to create a significant impact through modest grants that enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations in the region.

The MN AWWA Advanced Degree Scholarship offers up to three $3,500 scholarships annually to students enrolled in water-related Bachelor's or Graduate degree programs. Applicants must be juniors or seniors at accredited institutions and submit necessary documentation, including transcripts. The scholarship is awarded directly to the educational institution, and winners are recognized at the MN AWWA Annual Conference, typically held in Duluth, MN each September.

The PCCF: Women’s Giving Fund Grant supports transformative philanthropy for women and children in Summit County, Utah. Funded by the Park City Community Foundation, this grant seeks high impact projects that yield measurable outcomes and foster community collaboration. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, while presenting attainable goals and measurable objectives. This initiative aims to create lasting positive change within the community.

The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Fellowship supports graduate students in North America conducting research on waterfowl or wetland biology. The fellowship, offering up to $9,500 annually, emphasizes applicant qualifications, research proposal soundness, originality, and potential contributions to conservation efforts. This competitive opportunity is renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students and once for Masters students, pending satisfactory progress reports.

The Alaska Watchable Wildlife Conservation Trust Grant Program, managed by the Alaska Conservation Foundation, offers grants up to $5,000 every two years to support projects enhancing sustainable wildlife viewing and education. This initiative aims to conserve Alaska's unique biological diversity. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations based in Alaska or with Alaska-based programs. The next application deadline is August 2025, encouraging innovative solutions to protect Alaska's vulnerable ecosystems and promote wildlife appreciation.

The Hilliard Education Foundation's Annual Grant Program empowers educators in the Hilliard City School District to enhance student learning through innovative projects. Grants support initiatives not covered by traditional funding, allowing teachers to create unique learning experiences. Open to all district staff, these grants are awarded annually for projects commencing in the following school year. Fund requests of up to $10,000 are welcomed, fostering creativity and educational excellence in the community.

The Big Sur Fund, established by the Community Foundation for Monterey County in 2020, focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance community resources in Big Sur. Priorities include health, safety, education, arts, culture, and community stewardship. Grants are awarded annually, targeting impactful projects such as educational programs, sustainable tourism, and community partnerships. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the Big Sur area, with a commitment to addressing local needs effectively.

The Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation grants are aimed at supporting wildlife conservation and animal science initiatives primarily in South Texas. The Foundation prioritizes projects that fill critical knowledge gaps through research or habitat restoration. Eligible organizations include IRS-registered, tax-exempt entities. The Foundation has awarded over $391 million since its inception, with a focus on impactful projects. Notably, capital projects require prior discussions with Foundation staff and at least 50% funding from other sources.

Grant Applicants

New Hampshire Victim Services Funding Opportunity

A funding opportunity for organizations that provide victim services for the State of New Hampshire is being released through a Request for Proposal through the New Hampshire Department of Justice (NH DOJ). This funding is dedicated to supporting programs for direct services to victims of crime.  

Special consideration will be made for projects that support victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.

The Kimball Foundation Grant Program supports college access, workplace training, cultural enrichment, and environmental education for low-income residents in the San Francisco Bay Area. By providing pathways to higher education, vocational training, and arts education, the foundation empowers youth to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. The foundation emphasizes culturally competent leadership and structured support, ensuring effective mentorship and long-term success for participants. Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that aligns with these impactful missions.

The Nonpoint Source Program (NPS Program) Grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) funds projects aimed at restoring and protecting waterbodies from nonpoint source pollution. This competitive grant opportunity invites submissions for funding under the EPA Clean Water Act Section 319(h). Applicants must enter into cost reimbursement contracts with the State for selected projects, guided by the 2022 Nonpoint Source Management Plan.

The Ribbons of Hope Grant, awarded annually by the Ribbons of Hope Foundation since 2012, aims to enhance the lives of women and children through education, health, economic independence, social well-being, and human rights initiatives. Non-profit organizations with a strong operational history and a commitment to impactful programs are encouraged to apply for this $100,000 grant, which supports both ongoing and self-sustaining projects.

The 2026 Alaska Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program seeks to enhance workforce development in marine-related professions and improve seafood safety and management. This initiative encourages projects that foster technological innovations in fishing practices and promote outreach on sustainability and quality of seafood. By strengthening partnerships among industry, researchers, and communities, the program aims to build a competitive and sustainable marine community in Alaska, with all projects required to be conducted within the state.

Clean Energy Fund (CEF) Building Electrification Grant Program

Commerce is accepting applications for the Clean Energy Fund Building Electrification Grant Program. These grants are intended to be used by current program grantees to enhance their existing building electrification projects and pursue additional measures to increase energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Funding

Commerce will distribute the remaining $495,000 from the CEF5 Building Electrification Grant Program. There is no minimum request amount, and the maximum award is $495,000.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service

About Us

The Maryland Forest Service restores, manages, and protects Maryland’s trees, forests, and forested ecosystems to sustain our natural resources and connect people to the land.

MUCFC Grant Program

Community Tree Planting and Education Grant Program

The Maryland Urban and Community Forestry Council (MUCFC) provides funding to support community-based tree planting and forestry education projects that strengthen Maryland’s urban forests. Grants are open to organizations statewide for work on public lands that improves the urban tree canopy, engages citizens, and promotes long-term environmental stewardship.

The Samuel H. French and Katherine Weaver French Fund provides grants focused on the welfare and education of the elderly, sight-impaired, and young in the San Diego region. Established by a couple committed to community support, the fund prioritizes programs that directly benefit these populations. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and demonstrate project-specific requests rather than general operating support. The fund aims to enhance educational and health services, contributing to the well-being of vulnerable community members.

The Louisiana Project Grants program, administered by the Louisiana Division of the Arts and regional arts councils, provides funding for diverse arts projects across the state. With $1 million allocated from the Louisiana Office of Tourism, artists, schools, and nonprofits can develop initiatives that address local community needs. The program supports various artistic disciplines, including dance, music, visual arts, and literature, fostering innovation and cultural impact in each region.