Best Grants for Mentoring Programs

With a mission to foster cultural excellence, Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne provides U.S. mentoring programs in the arts with support for innovative projects in visual arts, classical music, and cultural education. Nonprofits offering mentoring or educational initiatives for youth in these fields may be eligible to apply for substantial, multi-year funding.

The Henry E. Niles Foundation Grant, focused on humanitarian efforts, seeks to uplift individuals in need through support for education, economic self-sufficiency, and public health initiatives. Grants range from $2,500 to $50,000, with a preference for programs demonstrating financial sustainability and collaborative efforts among organizations. Notably, the Foundation prioritizes long-term solutions over temporary fixes and encourages innovative pilot programs. Applications are considered on a rolling basis, primarily for established 501(c)(3) organizations in the northeastern United States.

Theodore R And Vivian M Johnson Scholarship Foundation Inc supports disability mentoring and education initiatives in the U.S. by funding organizations that assist students with disabilities in overcoming barriers to education and employment. Nonprofits offering mentoring or support services for youth with disabilities may be eligible for grants to enhance their impact and foster personal development.

The JSF Scholarships aim to empower economically disadvantaged students by providing financial assistance for their education. This initiative addresses barriers to education and employment, enabling students to achieve academic success and meaningful careers. The Foundation supports various scholarship programs, partnering with schools and universities, and focusing on areas such as financial need and mentorship. By fostering educational opportunities, the JSF Scholarships contribute significantly to community development and individual empowerment.

Kars4Kids supports mentoring and youth development programs in the United States by offering small grants to nonprofits focused on education, tutoring, and mentorship. Organizations providing mentoring services to children and youth may be eligible for funding. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, helping expand impactful initiatives.

Sanofi Philanthropic Donations support non-profit organizations aligned with Health Equity, STEM Education Equity, and Local Communities. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review process of 8 to 16 weeks. The initiative focuses on improving healthcare access, fostering innovation, and addressing social determinants of health. Sanofi emphasizes collaboration and sustainable solutions, advocating for equal opportunities in health and education, and nurturing future talent to tackle medical challenges.

The Saw Island Foundation provides Social Change, Faith-Based, and Special Grants to nonprofit organizations focused on community betterment. They support initiatives that enhance economic security and promote Christian education. While active engagement is primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, they welcome extraordinary projects aligned with their mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. The foundation does not fund individual grants, political activities, or lobbying efforts.

Smart Family Fund supports nonprofit growth and development in the United States by providing early-stage 501(c)(3) organizations with grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Nonprofits focused on mentoring or tutoring initiatives may be eligible if they can demonstrate scalable impact and articulate their unique approach to fostering positive change.

U.S. mentoring programs in higher education and STEM can access funding through the Alfred P Sloan Foundation. This grant supports initiatives that enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM graduate education, including mentoring and pathways from Minority Serving Institutions. Organizations with mentoring components for graduate students may be eligible.

Focused on data-driven impact, Delta Analytics invites U.S. mentoring and tutoring organizations to access pro bono data analytics services. Nonprofits operating mentoring programs can benefit from support in data management, analysis, and visualization to better measure outcomes and demonstrate effectiveness. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for these valuable in-kind services.

Grants from Amateur Radio Digital Communications help U.S. organizations advance digital communications, amateur radio, and STEM education. Nonprofits and schools with mentoring or tutoring programs that incorporate technology, radio, or STEAM learning may be eligible. Projects must make their results openly accessible to benefit the broader community.

The TK Foundation, established in 2002, has committed over $46 million in grants to enhance the maritime experience for disadvantaged youth. Its Youth Sailing RFP seeks nonprofit programs that foster engagement with the ocean, teaching seamanship, leadership, and life skills. With a funding pool of $500,000, grants range from $4,000 to $15,000 annually, supporting innovative programs that align with the foundation's core values of integrity, impact, and hands-on learning.

The Holloway Family Foundation, established in North Central Texas, aims to enhance community quality of life regardless of race, gender, or religion. Their mission focuses on financial security, creative expression for under-resourced youth, and mentorship for personal development. The foundation supports organizations that provide workforce training, artistic opportunities for children, and guidance for youth in need. By fostering individual growth and economic stability, they empower families and strengthen communities, staying true to the founders' core values and personal experiences.

With a mission to support education and youth development, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust provides U.S. mentoring programs with funding for initiatives such as tutoring, academic counseling, and after-school enrichment. Nonprofits offering mentoring services to youth or those in need of academic support may be eligible for grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.

Todd and Mary Heistand Family Foundation supports youth mentoring and education in the U.S. by funding impactful programs for children in poverty. Nonprofits and government entities, especially those serving the Omaha/Council Bluffs area or western Iowa, may be eligible for projects fostering mentoring, job skills, and community well-being.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

With a mission to advance health equity, Abbvie Foundation provides United States nonprofits with resources to develop innovative solutions improving health care access in underserved communities. Mentoring programs that address social determinants of health or support community-led care initiatives may be eligible for funding and accelerator support to scale their impact.

With a mission to support youth development, Ross Stores Foundation provides United States mentoring organizations with gift cards for purchasing school or professional clothing for disadvantaged youth. Nonprofits offering ongoing mentoring or life skills programs may be eligible for this support to help youth succeed academically and build essential skills.

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Opportunity

About RSVP

Established in 1971 and now one of the largest senior volunteer programs in the nation, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP engages people ages 55 and older in a diverse range of volunteer activities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers tutor children, help prepare simple taxes, assist victims of natural disasters, provide nutrition/food support, facilitate opioid and substance abuse education workshops, and serve in their communities in many other ways. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week. While serving, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers improve their own lives by staying active and civically engaged. 

Funding Priorities

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP programming is designed to meet community needs. Applicants may propose activities intended to address community needs by thoroughly explaining the unmet need and activities to be completed by volunteers to address that need. In addition, AmeriCorps is interested in programming that addresses agency priorities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP priorities for this funding opportunity are:

• Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers: Provide respite, support groups, system navigation, care coordination, and resources for older adults, including custodial grandparents, and caregivers.
• Helping Older Adults Re-enter the Workforce: Offer job readiness, mentoring, training, and remove barriers to employment for older adults (volunteers provide services, not seek jobs).
• Building Strong Families: Support parents in helping children succeed, mentor parents, connect families to resources, and strengthen community partnerships.
• Preventing and Mitigating Fraud and Scams: Use digital navigators and other strategies to protect older adults from financial fraud and exploitation, including emerging AI-driven scams.
• Reducing Homelessness: Develop or renovate affordable housing, assist people experiencing homelessness in finding and maintaining permanent housing, and address housing needs for vulnerable populations.
• Supporting Behavioral Health Initiatives: Improve mental health, reduce isolation, prevent substance use, provide harm reduction tools (Naloxone, fentanyl test strips), peer support, and recovery services.

Award Funding Requirements

Applicants must construct the budget in the following manner. The federal share of the budget must not exceed $75,000 plus up to $350 for every unduplicated volunteer, whether or not they serve in an outcome-based work plan. 

The JWF Chicago Annual Grants aim to enhance opportunities for Jewish women and girls by funding projects that address their unique needs through a gender and Jewish lens. The foundation supports initiatives that promote social change and empowerment, focusing on areas like economic security, education, health, and innovation. Grants range from $15,000 to an average of $20,000-$25,000, with eligibility for 501(c)(3) organizations and specific requirements for Israeli grantees.

The JWF Chicago Multiyear Grants program supports initiatives aimed at empowering Jewish women and girls through strategic funding. With a focus on social change, it offers three-year grants up to $20,000 in the first two years and $15,000 in the third. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to Jewish women's needs, fostering leadership, economic security, and well-being. The program seeks innovative projects that can create a lasting impact in the community, ensuring support for diverse initiatives across the globe.

The Lisle Global Seed Grant supports innovative projects that foster intercultural understanding and bridge community divides. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 are awarded to organizations that promote collaboration among diverse groups. Since 2004, Lisle International has provided seed funding to initiatives worldwide, emphasizing new projects rather than established ones. The organization seeks to significantly contribute to well-defined, impactful projects that enhance social equity through shared learning experiences.

Grants from the Bernau Family Foundation help United States mentoring programs that promote positive leadership and long-term personal growth. Nonprofits that offer one-on-one mentorship, encourage substance-free living, civic responsibility, or continuing education may be eligible. Preference is given to organizations fostering constructive change and high levels of interpersonal engagement.

William T Grant Foundation Inc supports mentoring and tutoring research in the United States by funding early-career researchers focused on youth development. Projects must address reducing inequality or improving the use of research evidence for young people. Organizations running mentoring programs may be eligible if their research aligns with these priorities.

The Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) is excited to introduce the Patient Mental Health Grant, aimed at enhancing resources for patient mental and social health. This initiative encourages innovative program proposals such as trauma survivor mentorship, mental health screenings, and recovery coaching. Grants of up to $5,000 are available, with a matching requirement from institutions. The OTA is committed to supporting its members in advancing patient care and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all.

The IDEAL Internship Grants, offered by the Decorative Arts Trust, promote inclusivity and diversity within the museum field. With funding up to $5,000, the grants support internships aimed at students of color, fostering access to curatorial careers. This initiative encourages partnerships with museums and historic sites committed to serving diverse communities. By emphasizing mentorship and professional development, the Trust seeks to create systemic change and enrich the narratives in the decorative arts sector.

The Decorative Arts Trust offers Curatorial Internship Grants to support recent Masters or PhD graduates in gaining valuable experience in museums and historical societies. These internships, funded at $40,000 per year for two years, encourage projects that foster diversity in American decorative arts. The program emphasizes mentorship and aims to enhance the professional development of emerging scholars while providing essential staffing for host organizations.