Best Grants for International Development

The Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, offered by the National Forest Foundation, invites graduate students to engage in hands-on conservation projects. This fellowship provides practical experience, mentorship from conservation professionals, and training in collaborative leadership. Fellows will gain a deep understanding of forest management and expand their professional networks. With a focus on developing future conservation leaders, the program seeks students passionate about public lands and community engagement.

The Alice Huffard Richards Fund provides environmental grants aimed at conserving and stewarding the natural resources of the West Georgia Region. The fund supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits engaged in river monitoring, recycling projects, and community education initiatives. Grants are specifically for projects in Carroll, Haralson, or Heard counties, promoting environmental awareness and community engagement to protect local ecosystems. This initiative empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to their environment.

CDBG Construction Grants

Overview

Funding for all Community Development Block Grant programs is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The State of Indiana distributes CDBG funds to rural communities to support a range of projects, including infrastructure enhancement, downtown revitalization, improvements to public facilities, and economic development initiatives.

The state CDBG program offers competitive grants to units of local government to support rural areas. Within the CDBG program, there are five types of Construction Grants designed to enhance community resilience and livability:

• Blight Clearance
• Main Street Revitalization
• Public Facilities
• Stormwater Improvements
• Wastewater/Drinking Water

Main Street Revitalization

The Main Street Revitalization Program (MSRP) is designed to empower rural communities in their efforts to build vibrant, sustainable environments and enhance overall quality of life.

Eligible projects include:

• Traffic Control or Pedestrian Safety
• Functional Art
• ADA Improvements
• Sidewalk Rehabilitation or Addition
• Signage or Utility Relocation for Accessibility
• Pavers
• Water Management
• Energy Efficiency (LED Traffic Lights or Signals)
• Alley Activation

To be eligible, applicants must have a designated Indiana Main Street organization that meets one of the following qualifications:

• National Accreditation through the National Main Street Center (NAMS), or
• Indiana Accredited Main Street (IAMS) status with at least three years of active designation
• Be in good standing with the Indiana Mainstreet Program requirements

Grant awards are based on the proposed project cost, as outlined below.

• Projects over $2 million in total project cost may received a grant up to $600,000
• Projects under $2 million in total project cost may received a grant up to $500,000
• A local match of 20% of the total project cost is required for funding consideration.

CDBG funds will be awarded at a rate of $5,000 per project beneficiary.

The Benter Foundation Grant supports invited organizations whose projects align with the foundation's current priorities. Established in 2007, the foundation focuses on enhancing livability in Pittsburgh, promoting smart transportation, the arts, and global connections. It also aims to broaden access to opportunities for local communities, encouraging young people to pursue education and career development. Through innovative projects, the foundation seeks to create impactful solutions beyond Pittsburgh, fostering community engagement and addressing global challenges.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Aquatic Invasive Species Control – Large or Small-Scale Population Management

(See page 31 of attatched PDF)

When an established population of aquatic invasive species is having adverse effects on a waterbody or wetland, funding is available for control activities. Managing aquatic invasive species can be challenging, but adaptive and integrated pest management can help. Participation in the large- or small-scale control program requires an approved recommendation in an aquatic plant or aquatic invasive species management plan. Eligible projects will implement one or more of the resulting recommendations. Public access required, unless controlling a prohibited species.

DNR cost share: Grants may cover up to 75% of total project costs.

The AIS Population Management Grant includes Small-Scale Population Management Projects and Large-Scale Population Management Projects.

Large-Scale Population Management Projects

Large-Scale Population Management projects will result in long-term, multi-season suppression of one or more established populations of aquatic invasive species. Projects are large in scale, affecting a substantial portion of a lake, stream reach, or wetland.

Projects that address multiple populations across a region should employ a strategic approach to managing multiple populations, prioritizing control actions in a way that ensures wise spending of grant funds. For example, a regional wetland control project might focus on populations that threaten high-functioning natural wetlands or focus on small, more easily controlled populations. For Phragmites-focused projects seeking AIS planning and control grant funds, please see the Phragmites Statewide Management Strategy for more specific guidance.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

The Wild Resource Conservation Grant Program (WRCP) was established in 1982 to support the conservation of non-game wildlife and native plants in Pennsylvania. It facilitates funding for research, management, and conservation efforts focused on threatened species and their habitats. Administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the program plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and promoting environmental stewardship through targeted grants.

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The Anna May Family Foundation, established in 1999, aims to support organizations in southern Oregon that assist economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly focusing on children, women, elders, and minorities. The foundation prioritizes grants addressing urgent needs, such as abuse victims, at-risk children, and those requiring emergency services. However, it does not fund individuals, completed projects, or operational costs, ensuring that its contributions are directed towards impactful initiatives in the community.

The John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation, established in 1970, focuses on enhancing community quality of life in north central Iowa. With over $72 million in assets, the foundation has awarded $64 million to nearly 1,000 organizations, supporting arts, culture, family recreation, and youth education. Their mission emphasizes innovative projects that strengthen families, with a commitment to community engagement and philanthropic ties to the Mayo Clinic, ensuring a lasting positive impact.

Edison International's Community Grants Program partners with local nonprofits focused on education, the environment, public safety, and civic engagement. With a commitment to supporting underserved communities, the program has contributed $20 million to initiatives that improve air quality, enhance disaster preparedness, and promote diversity. The grants prioritize educational programs emphasizing STEM and environmental sustainability, aiming to empower diverse populations and foster community resilience in Southern California.

The Sustaining Impact Grant from the Fund for the Arts provides essential operating support to arts organizations that enhance community vitality and engagement. Eligible returning applicants, having met prior reporting requirements, can apply via the online portal. The grant focuses on community impact, engagement, and sustainable operations, with funding levels based on annual revenues, ensuring that organizations can continue to thrive and contribute to the arts ecosystem.

Connecting Community

Together, we bring to life what’s important to you.

Vision

The Fond du Lac Area Foundation will support efforts to enhance the quality of life in the Fond du Lac Area.

Mission

Creating a better community by promoting philanthropy, awarding effective grants, and providing leadership on important community issues … today & forever.

Rural Vitality Grants

The Fond du Lac Area Foundation and Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation are honored to partner with Compeer Financial to support rural vitality in our communities. The Rural Vitality grant cycle focuses on helping communities of less than 10,000 people or rural micropolitans of less than 50,000 people to create and maintain an active, strong, and thriving economy. Fond du Lac and Dodge County nonprofits and schools are eligible to apply, with the City of Fond du Lac and City of Beaver Dam being ineligible due to population.

This granting cycle there is approximately $50,000 available to fulfill grant requests. Requests may be $500 - $25,000.

Rural Vitality Grant applications are only accepted through the Fond du Lac Area Foundation’s online portal.

The Episcopal Health Foundation Grant invites existing and new partners to apply for funding opportunities from January to May 2026, focusing on three key Impact Drivers. This initiative is part of the Strategic Framework 2025-2030, aimed at improving health systems and removing barriers for Texans. The application process for Cycle 2 will commence in June 2026, with updates on funding priorities expected in Spring 2026.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

Aquatic Invasive Species Control – Large or Small-Scale Population Management

(See page 31 of attatched PDF)

When an established population of aquatic invasive species is having adverse effects on a waterbody or wetland, funding is available for control activities. Managing aquatic invasive species can be challenging, but adaptive and integrated pest management can help. Participation in the large- or small-scale control program requires an approved recommendation in an aquatic plant or aquatic invasive species management plan. Eligible projects will implement one or more of the resulting recommendations. Public access required, unless controlling a prohibited species.

DNR cost share: Grants may cover up to 75% of total project costs.

The AIS Population Management Grant includes Small-Scale Population Management Projects and Large-Scale Population Management Projects.

Small-Scale Population Management Projects

Small-Scale Population Management projects will maintain a low abundance of one or more aquatic invasive species populations or further reduce their size. Projects should implement management activities with the goal of continued suppression of the target species where the actions are unlikely to affect the entire lake, stream reach or wetland. Projects should be designed to result in long-term, multi-season suppression of one or more established populations of the target species.

The Viking Foundation of Lincoln is dedicated to enhancing the lives of young people facing challenges such as poverty and educational barriers. By providing modest grants, typically between $5,000 and $10,000, the foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations in the Lincoln, NE, Denver, CO, and Des Moines, IA areas. Emphasizing core values like equal opportunity and community well-being, the foundation seeks innovative projects that promote health, education, and environmental sustainability.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering $1.6 million in planning grants for climate resilience projects across Minnesota. These funds aim to help communities assess vulnerabilities related to stormwater management, wastewater systems, and public services in the face of climate change. This initiative supports local efforts to enhance resilience, reduce flood risks, and adapt to changing environmental conditions, ensuring healthier communities and sustainable natural resources.

The Weld Trust offers Cycle Grants to nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving Weld County residents. They accept Letters of Inquiry three times a year for various initiatives including access to resources, childhood literacy, and food security. Eligible organizations can receive up to two grants per cycle and six per year, with funding available for indirect costs up to 15%. This initiative aims to foster health and education within the community.

Northern Trust

Guided by our founding principles of service, expertise and integrity, we are passionate experts from around the globe who turn ideas into action to help the world’s most successful individuals, families and institutions achieve their goals.

Since 1889, when our founder Byron Smith built Northern Trust on our enduring principles, we have shown time and again that we exist to serve not only clients, but also the community at large.

Corporate social responsibility and philanthropy are essential elements of our mission and culture. Driven by our strategic focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, community engagement and environmental sustainability, we strive to be socially accountable – to ourselves, our stakeholders and the public.

The Northern Trust Foundation Grants

Increasing access to essential human needs will broaden opportunities for Chicago's young people and support them in fulfilling their potential and achieving long-term financial success. The Northern Trust Foundation is focusing its funding on communities in Chicago's South and West Sides by providing general operating support and program grants that specifically target youth ages 16-24.

Funding Priorities & Objectives

Northern Trust prioritizes the following areas to help low-income youth ages 16-24 on Chicago’s South and West sides.

Food Security: Youth who experience food insecurity are more likely to struggle in school and face both mental and physical health challenges. We prioritize funding for programs that:

• Increase access to, awareness of, and participation in free food distribution programs and services
• Raise awareness of, and increase participation in, state and federal nutrition assistance programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, Summer Food Service Program, etc.)
• Increase access to affordable, nutritious foods for purchase, particularly within food deserts, and leverage innovative solutions to address the issue of access to food

Affordable Housing: Stable housing can serve as the foundation for a secure future. We prioritize funding to organizations assisting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with access to safe and permanent housing through programs that:

• Support youth experiencing homelessness and help navigate and access services available in their local communities with a goal of getting them into permanent housing
• Assist low-income college students by providing supportive services and affordable housing
• Provide temporary or permanent free/affordable housing options for youth; highest priority will be given to programs that focus on moving youth efficiently into permanent housing solutions
• Provide housing-related case management, foster care or other services to youth who are living in unsafe or unstable home environments including LBGTQ+ and youth transitioning out of the foster care system

Educational Excellence: Low-income youth attend and complete college at a much lower rate than their peers. We prioritize funding for programs that support students “to and through” college (including trade schools) and specifically focus on removing barriers for low-income youth that:

• Focus on academic readiness, including college-level coursework during high school, and high school completion with an emphasis on post-secondary school enrollment
• Support post-secondary school persistence, including those that focus on alternatives to remedial coursework
• Assist students through the college search, application and enrollment process, ensuring students ultimately are admitted to, enroll in and attend schools which are a good match and fit for their individual needs
• Provide access to financial aid for low-income youth and/or provide ongoing financial planning and credit building for students and their families, to ensure students complete their post-secondary education

Accessible Healthcare: The transition from child to adult healthcare is a greater challenge for low-income individuals. We prioritize funding to hospitals, healthcare centers and community organizations providing physical or mental healthcare that:

• Provide access to physical or mental healthcare for free or at a sliding scale
• Provide primary and preventative care, including health screenings for young women
• Focus on providing solutions that remove common barriers to care among this population (e.g., telehealth visits, pop-up clinics, after-hours appointments, etc.)
• Raise awareness and provide education of healthcare services and/or Medicaid and assist this population to apply for and access Medicaid

About KDOT

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Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Improvement Program

The Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Improvement Program offers funding for transportation projects that help meet Clean Air Act requirements. Eligible projects may include:

• Bike-sharing and shared scooter systems
• Purchasing diesel replacements or zero-emission vehicles
• Modernizing or rehabilitating locks and dams
• Building vehicle refueling infrastructure that reduces emissions

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering $1.1 million in Small Communities Planning Grants to support climate planning projects in communities with populations under 10,000. This initiative aims to enhance resilience against stormwater issues, improve wastewater systems, and adapt community services to changing climate conditions. By partnering with local governments, the MPCA is addressing the urgent impacts of climate change through innovative, community-centered approaches.

The Service Club Alliance Grant, offered by the Midland Lions Club, focuses on addressing critical needs in the Midland community through collaborative efforts of local service clubs. This grant supports various causes including vision, hunger, and humanitarian efforts, ensuring resources are allocated effectively. By streamlining the application process, the Alliance encourages community organizations to seek funding for impactful projects. The Midland Area Community Foundation facilitates this partnership without making grant decisions, empowering local service initiatives.

The Ordinance Development Projects grant, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, supports the creation of local regulations aimed at benefiting surface water. Eligible activities include ordinance text development, legal work, compliance training, and outreach efforts. Applicants must submit a pre-application by September 15 and a full proposal by November 15, along with a letter of support from the implementing government unit, promoting sustainable management of Wisconsin's natural resources.

The Proposition 4 Grant Program, managed by the California Tahoe Conservancy, aims to enhance watershed health, forest restoration, and climate resilience in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Funded by a $4.1 billion bond approved in 2024, it allocates $54.5 million for various environmental initiatives. Through ongoing grant opportunities, the program seeks to mitigate climate impacts, support biodiversity, and improve public access to natural resources, ensuring sustainable management of California's precious ecosystems.

The MHUW Strategic Investment Grants support nonprofit organizations in the seven-county Metro Denver area, focusing on basic needs, early childhood education, and out-of-school programming. These grants aim to empower organizations that align with the Mile High United Way's mission to foster community well-being and economic stability. This competitive grantmaking process emphasizes collaboration and community-driven solutions to address critical human service issues, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

The Fund for Women & Girls Grant aims to empower economically vulnerable women and girls in greater Mercer County through community investment and education. By supporting diverse projects such as early childhood education, mental health services, and workforce development, the grant fosters a collaborative environment for nonprofits. Eligible organizations must possess tax-exempt status and operate within specified geographical areas, ensuring targeted assistance. This initiative reflects a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, enhancing the quality of life for those in need.