Best Grants for Minorities

The African American Unity Fund Grant, managed by the Omaha Community Foundation, supports initiatives that benefit the African American community in Omaha. Funding prioritizes arts, basic human needs, community development, health, and capacity building. Collaboration among organizations is encouraged, and applicants must align with non-discrimination policies. There are no budget limits, and both new and previous applicants may apply. This initiative seeks impactful solutions tailored to the community's needs.

The BRAVO Fund, established by The Community Foundation Boulder County, seeks to enhance the quality of life for Latino communities in Boulder County. This initiative promotes social justice, strengthens Latino leadership opportunities, and empowers individuals to engage in philanthropy for their communities. By raising funds and distributing grants, the BRAVO Fund aims to bridge gaps and foster resilience within diverse communities, ensuring that all residents benefit from enhanced social and economic opportunities.

The Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) offers Community Grants to support organizations in New York and New Jersey addressing economic security for low-income Korean and Asian Americans. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for projects focused on education, workforce development, and community advocacy. Organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a minimum operational history of six months. KACF prioritizes comprehensive support and measurable outcomes in its funding decisions.

The Opportunity Fund Grants support small to midsize arts organizations and initiatives promoting social and economic justice, primarily benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh community. Funding areas include performing and visual arts, with a focus on projects led by Black and LGBTQ+ individuals. Grants are available for organizations with 501(c)(3) status or governmental entities. The fund emphasizes flexibility in its focus to adapt to community needs, ensuring diverse projects receive support.

The Artemas Stearns Trust Grant supports projects aimed at assisting the indigent elderly and deserving poor in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Organizations applying must demonstrate a direct benefit to these populations. However, the trust does not fund individuals, endowments, capital campaigns, or construction projects. This targeted approach ensures that the funds contribute effectively to the welfare of vulnerable community members.

The Quintin E. Primo Jr. Fund for Racial Justice and African American Empowerment Fund, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, will open for applications in March 2025. This fund offers small grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 to support educational programs and initiatives that promote racial justice and empower African American communities. It aims to foster positive change and enhance opportunities for education and engagement.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance health outcomes by addressing healthcare disparities related to non-communicable and chronic diseases in Latin America and among U.S. Hispanic populations. It encourages innovative, interdisciplinary research teams to develop and implement clinical and community-based interventions. Key partnerships with institutions in Latin America are essential for collaboration. Deadlines for applications range from February 2024 to June 2026, with specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grant submissions.

Unity Fund

Mission

This fund serves as a catalyst for advancing equity and justice for people of African Heritage in our community. It invests in initiatives that expand access to opportunity, strengthen systems, and ensure African Heritage individuals can fully participate in and benefit from community life.

Priorities include:

• Advance racial equity and dismantle systemic racism
• Increase health, wealth, resiliency, and long-term sustainability
• Engage community members in efforts to end racism
• Address inequities within systems (e.g., housing, education, health, policing, transportation, wealth-building)
• Create physically, emotionally, and culturally safe spaces for people of African Heritage
• Raise awareness of systemic racial inequities through education, outreach, and cultural sharing
• Support leadership development for African American and African Heritage individuals of all ages
• Build relationships across diverse backgrounds to foster understanding and connectedness

Other Considerations

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Alignment with the fund’s mission
• Demonstrated community engagement and need
• Potential for measurable impact
• Contribution to long-term or systems-level change
• Collaboration where appropriate

Award Range

• Individual organizations: $5,000 – $10,000
• Collaborations of multiple organizations (lead organization as applicant): $5,000 – $25,000

The Coors Light Líderes Grant Program honors exceptional Latino leaders across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, awarding five individuals with a $10,000 grant each for their nonprofit organizations. This initiative, active for 17 years, aims to empower emerging leaders who demonstrate significant community impact through innovative programs. Eligible nominees must be between 21-39 years old, associated with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and committed to fostering positive change in their communities.

The Black Philanthropy Giving Circle Grant, managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations that are Black-led or serve Black communities in the Baltimore area. This grant aims to enhance services for African-Americans, ensuring their needs are prioritized. With a focus on community-driven initiatives, the Fund encourages applications from organizations that contribute positively to the local landscape and uphold the values of empowerment and support for Black communities.

Overview

In 1966, Mr. Bernard H. Jones founded Urban Youth Action (UYA), a youth support program that provided developmental and social growth opportunities to Black inner-city youth in Pittsburgh. Urban Youth Action offered daily life studies and other programs to help young people transition from adolescence to adulthood. Participants learned the importance of doing well in school and working hard to achieve their dreams. They also explored ideas about family and community. These young people were admonished to take pride in everything they did. In addition, Urban Youth Action taught them fundamental skills to succeed, such as how to dress and prepare for an interview, balance a checkbook, and plan and run a business. They were exposed to business and civic leaders who imparted knowledge to them that would have otherwise been unavailable.

After years of incredible, transformative work with Black inner-city youth, the Urban Youth Action Program stopped offering formal programming around 2012. However, the work and legacy of Urban Youth Action will continue through annual grant support and youth flex funds provided to organizations that exemplify the vision of Urban Youth Action.

Urban Youth Action Flex Grant

The Urban Youth Action Flex Grant supports eligible applicants who provide consistent programming or services in youth education and enrichment.

The fund is intended to assist Black middle or high school students with expenses related to enrichment activities or their education, career or entrepreneurial development. Eligible use of grant funds includes, but is not limited, to field trips, bus fares, school supplies, technology, out-of-school time activities and traveling expenses. 

• Depending upon fund availability, grant amounts will be up to $1,000 per applicant; 
• Only one application per applicant per year can be submitted; 
• Funds may be used to support more than one youth;
• Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Annual support is not guaranteed. 

The Urban Youth Action Grant, initiated by the Poise Foundation, offers funding to 501(c)(3) organizations that provide educational and enrichment services specifically for Black middle and high school students. With grants up to $10,000 available, eligible applicants can support general operations or specific programs. The grant aims to continue the legacy of Urban Youth Action, which historically empowered youth through skill-building and mentorship, fostering their growth into successful adults.

The TFish Fund Grant aims to alleviate poverty in East Asia by empowering small but impactful NGOs to achieve sustainability and transparency. Founded in 2011, the Transparent Fish Fund partners with select organizations that focus on poverty alleviation. By providing financial aid, capacity building, and promoting accountability, the fund bridges the gap between Western donors and local NGOs, fostering a philanthropic spirit while addressing the complex social issues faced in the region.

The Indian Education Formula Grants, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, aim to support the educational needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students. This program assists local educational agencies, tribes, and organizations in meeting state academic standards through various initiatives like after-school programs, tutoring, and enrichment activities. Eligible entities include certain local educational agencies, schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education, and Indian organizations. Grants aim to supplement regular educational programs.

The Latino Giving Circle Grant Program, facilitated by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, aims to empower the Latino community in the greater Rochester area. This initiative supports 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to reducing disparities and enhancing quality of life for Latinos. Preference is given to projects in Monroe County that align with the program's mission, fostering collaboration and meaningful impact within the community.

The IDEA Grant aims to address funding gaps for Black-led nonprofits in Frederick County, as identified by the Frederick Funders Data Project. The Ausherman Family Foundation is committed to enhancing the sustainability and impact of these organizations through targeted support, including coaching and mentorship. By focusing on inclusion, diversity, and equity, the grant seeks to empower Black-led initiatives, ensuring equitable access to resources and fostering long-term community vitality.

The Siembra Latinos Fund, initiated by local Latino leaders, aims to enhance the quality of life for the Latino community in Monterey County. The fund prioritizes economic mobility through leadership development, work experience, and educational support. Grants are available to 501(c)3 organizations and public agencies, promoting projects that foster community engagement and skills growth. Funded initiatives should align with the mission to create opportunities and improve livelihoods for Latino residents.

Community Action Fund

A grant for Indigenous frontline organizations, groups, and individuals for direct action initiatives.

The Community Action Fund (CAF) grants support non-violent direct actions and organizing efforts that are often urgent and time sensitive. CAF prioritizes frontline, grassroots and community-based efforts that defend Indigenous peoples rights, communities and Nations.

Community Action Fund Intent

This grant supports Indigenous frontline, grassroots, community-based groups and organizations, Tribes, communities and villages, and individuals leading non-violent direct action or movement-building work in their effort to DEFEND Indigenous People’s rights, and protect their land, air, water, and natural resources.

The Visionaries for Change Grant, established by Black leaders in Hampton Roads, aims to support Black-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits that enhance opportunities in Black communities. Focused on economic empowerment, the grant encourages initiatives that strengthen local businesses and promote financial literacy. Grants typically average $5,000 and organizations are required to meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring support is directed to those in need. This initiative fosters community growth and resilience in an underserved region.

The Central Georgia Empowerment Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, fosters Black leadership and supports nonprofits serving the Black community. Members contribute $325 annually to enhance life quality and sustainability for marginalized African Americans. Grants are awarded based on presentations at an annual event. Eligibility includes being a 501(c)(3) organization, having a budget under $500,000, and demonstrating a commitment to Black-led initiatives that benefit the local community.

Maada’ookiing Grants provide up to $5,000 to support Native American-led community building initiatives. The program aims to strengthen culture and community among Native American peoples by fostering resilience and creative solutions. Guided by a Native American design team and an Advisory Board, Maada’ookiing emphasizes collaboration and relationship-building with Native nations. The grants focus on areas such as youth support, language preservation, and civic engagement, helping to bring community-identified issues to the forefront.

The San Antonio Area African American Community Fund Grant, supported by the San Antonio Area Foundation, aims to empower nonprofits that serve the African American community in Bexar County. With up to $50,000 available, the fund focuses on arts, health, education, and social welfare initiatives. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve a predominantly African American population. This grant fosters a legacy of philanthropy and addresses critical community needs through impactful programs.

The CIELO Fund at the Inland Empire Community Foundation aims to uplift and invest in Latino-led initiatives in the Inland Empire. Launched in 2022, it reflects the region's growing Latino majority and addresses disparities in areas such as education, health, and economic mobility. The fund emphasizes equitable growth and community collaboration to foster a vibrant future for all residents. With a focus on leadership development and environmental equity, it champions the aspirations of the Latino community while tackling pressing local challenges.

The 1954 Project - Luminary Award seeks visionary nonprofit leaders dedicated to advancing educational equity for Black students. Awardees receive $1 million in funding, leadership development, and networking opportunities. The selection prioritizes leaders demonstrating strategic vision, community commitment, adaptability, and collaborative spirit. Applicants must align with one of three impact areas: Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Diversity in Education, or Pathways to Economic Mobility, ensuring their initiatives foster systemic change and uplift marginalized communities.

The African-American Community Fund aims to enhance African-American participation in philanthropy, supporting diverse non-profits in the Dayton/Greater Miami Valley region. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, focusing on initiatives that promote community resource efficiency, coordination among organizations, and volunteer involvement. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities with a diversity policy. The fund does not support general operations, individual pursuits, or endowments.

The NJ Citizenship and Integration Program aims to enhance citizenship preparation services for lawful permanent residents. It focuses on improving English proficiency, U.S. history knowledge, and civic understanding while providing assistance for naturalization applications. With a funding limit of $80,000, the program supports initiatives that promote cultural integration, leadership development, and access to essential legal services, fostering inclusive communities throughout New Jersey.

The NJ Hispanic Entrepreneurship Assistance Grant Program supports the growth of Hispanic businesses by providing culturally relevant education and mentorship. Managed by the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development (CHPRD), this initiative aims to empower new entrepreneurs and enhance community development. Eligible applicants can seek funding for multiple programs, focusing on enhancing public-private partnerships and training opportunities. This grant is essential for fostering economic stability within the Hispanic community, promoting leadership, and ensuring long-term success.