Best Grants for Preschools

The PPL Foundation's Empowering Communities Grants provide up to $50,000 to support initiatives that enhance education, workforce development, and community revitalization. Targeting nonprofits in the PPL Electric Utilities region, these grants focus on environmental stewardship, economic development, and promoting sustainable communities. Eligible organizations must demonstrate their impact in improving community quality of life, with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applications are limited to one per organization per grant cycle.

The Fifth Third Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area, focusing on education, arts, community development, and health services. It aims to enhance community vibrancy and provide opportunities, supporting various funding interests from several benefactors. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in Cincinnati, Dayton, or Northern Kentucky. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that empower women, support children, and promote environmental conservation, among other charitable purposes.

The George Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for Fort Bend County residents by funding initiatives that address critical community needs. Focused on education, health, human needs, and community enhancement, the foundation supports nonprofits through various grant types, including general operating grants and small grants for emerging organizations. With an annual budget of approximately $15 million, the foundation fosters collaborative partnerships to effectively respond to the evolving needs of the community.

The George Family Foundation focuses on Whole-Person Health and Wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of nurturing mind, body, spirit, and community. The foundation seeks to empower individuals and promote healthcare choice by funding community-based initiatives and select medical systems. Their funding priorities include enhancing access to whole-person care for diverse populations and supporting professional training programs for practitioners, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

The Gerber Foundation provides research grants focused on enhancing the health and nutrition of infants and young children, particularly those aged 0-3. The foundation seeks innovative projects that address critical health issues and improve developmental outcomes. Grants support applied research, diagnostic tools, and treatment regimens that promise significant advancements in pediatric health. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations, emphasizing a commitment to projects with a direct impact on children's well-being in the U.S.

The Dover Foundation, established in 1944 by Jack and Charles Dover, focuses on enhancing community lives through support for faith-based, educational, and human service organizations. This private family foundation prioritizes grants to nonprofits in Cleveland County, having awarded millions to local causes since its inception. With values centered on education, community service, and integrity, the foundation is committed to making a meaningful impact and fostering collaboration among residents.

The 'What If...' Mini Grants program, funded by the Rosamond Gifford Charitable Corporation, aims to empower City of Syracuse residents aged 12 and older to enhance their neighborhoods. Grant applicants must attend an orientation and are encouraged to partner with an advisor if under 18. The initiative seeks projects that foster community participation and address local needs, ensuring that the voices of Syracuse residents are heard and valued.

The Irving S. Gilmore Foundation offers grants to enhance the cultural, social, and economic life of Greater Kalamazoo. With a focus on arts, education, community development, and health, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations benefiting local residents. First-time applicants must consult with the Program Officer prior to submission. Grants of $10,000 or less can be submitted anytime, but the foundation does not fund individuals or academic research.

The Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging (K76)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), The John A. Hartford Foundation, and the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) are collaborating on this initiative to develop of a cadre of talented scientists prepared and willing to take an active leadership role in transformative change that will lead to improved health care outcomes.

Emerging leaders are clinically trained (primarily physician) early-stage investigators who have begun to establish research careers and have shown signs of leadership potential who will use this award to further develop the tools, skills and resources to have a significant impact in their field of expertise. 

The National Institute on Aging is pursuing this initiative to recruit talented new investigators who have begun to establish research programs and through this award will be ready to assume leadership roles in their field of expertise and well poised to change theory, practice and health outcomes related to the health of older individuals. Unlike other mentored K awards candidates for this award must have received competitively awarded research support as a PD/PI at the faculty level and have had prior leadership responsibilities in the clinical or research domain.

It is anticipated that seven to ten awards will be granted in 2017, up to 5 years of funding limited to $225,000 in direct costs per year. 

The Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, established in 1956, supports innovative projects that explore architecture's role in society and culture. It offers grants to individuals for production and presentation, as well as research and development, focusing on diverse ideas that provoke critical dialogue. The foundation prioritizes first-time applicants and seeks to amplify underrepresented perspectives while fostering collaboration across various disciplines in the arts and education.

The Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts offers grants to organizations focused on architecture and its role in society. Established in 1956, the Foundation promotes innovative projects that encourage public dialogue, raise awareness, and foster experimentation in the field. Grants, not exceeding $30,000, support diverse practitioners and initiatives, enhancing discourse in architecture, design, visual arts, and related fields. The Foundation encourages projects that demonstrate originality, feasibility, and potential for meaningful impact.

The Carter Manny Award, established by the Graham Foundation in 1996, supports outstanding doctoral dissertation projects focusing on architecture and its impact on arts and culture. Each year, two awards are granted: a Research Award of up to $20,000 for students in the research phase and a Writing Award of up to $25,000 for those in the writing phase. This initiative fosters innovative scholarship, encouraging emerging scholars to contribute meaningful insights to the field of architecture.

The VCF: Hills Fund Grant offers financial support ranging from $1,501 to $7,500 for projects that enhance educational opportunities and foster community sustainability in Poultney, Vermont. Eligible applicants include schools, municipal entities, and nonprofit organizations. The Hills Fund prioritizes initiatives that engage local residents and leverage additional community resources. Applications are accepted annually from January 1 to November 1, with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all participants.

The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, offers competitive grants ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 for projects that restore, protect, or enhance vital habitats like prairies and wetlands. Applicants must provide a 10% match of non-state funds and the total project cost cannot exceed $1,000,000. Focused on habitat benefits, the program emphasizes conservation easements and public ownership for funded projects.

The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program offers matching grants between $5,000 and $500,000 to organizations aiming to restore, protect, or enhance Minnesota's natural habitats. The program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, emphasizes projects that focus on prairies, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. A 10% match of non-state funds is required, and total project costs cannot exceed $1,000,000. Applications are reviewed bi-monthly until May 11, 2026, or until funding is depleted.

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

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.

Agricultural Land Easements

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.

Benefits

Agricultural Land Easements protect the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses. Land protected by agricultural land easements provides additional public benefits, including environmental quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat and protection of open space. Additionally, ALE easements leverage local partnerships to match NRCS funding and local partners are responsible for the long-term stewardship of the easement.

How does it work?

NRCS provides financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing Agricultural Land Easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land.

For working farms, the program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. Under the Agricultural Land Easement component, NRCS may contribute up to 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.

The program also protects grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland and shrubland. Where NRCS determines that grasslands of special environmental significance will be protected, NRCS may contribute up to 75 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.

Agricultural Land Easements are permanent or for the maximum term allowed by law.

The LA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to landowners, including American Indian tribes, to protect and restore wetlands that have been degraded by agricultural practices. This program enhances habitat for wildlife, improves water quality, and mitigates flooding, benefiting both the environment and landowners. Applications are accepted continuously, with a deadline for FY 2025 funding consideration on September 30, 2024, ensuring ongoing support for conservation efforts.

The Oklahoma Initiative Fund Grant, offered by the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, aims to strengthen rural communities through funding of up to $15,000. Eligible organizations include 501c3 nonprofits serving populations of 50,000 or less, focusing on areas such as literacy, health services, and food insecurity. Preference is given to community-based organizations within these eligible areas, fostering impactful connections between philanthropists and local needs.

The Fleeta Greenwood Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and churches in Shawnee, Oklahoma, continuing the legacy of Fleeta Greenwood. This annual grant aims to assist those with intellectual disabilities, honoring Fleeta's dedication to her community. Eligible applicants should demonstrate their commitment to these causes to receive funding. The foundation seeks to empower local entities making a difference, fostering a supportive environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Apply yearly to sustain this vital work.

The Goodyear Community Support Grant aims to empower nonprofit organizations that align with Goodyear's community engagement focus areas. With a strong commitment to safe, smart, and sustainable initiatives, Goodyear supports programs fostering safe mobility, inspiring students through education, and addressing environmental and societal needs. This grant serves as a catalyst for positive change, helping communities thrive by focusing on volunteerism and impactful partnerships.

The Joseph E. and Marjorie B. Jones Foundation is a private philanthropic organization committed to enhancing life quality in the greater Washington, D.C. area. The foundation focuses on human services, healthcare, and educational initiatives, believing in the inherent dignity of all individuals. It supports projects that foster community trust and partnership while avoiding funding for basic research, scholarships, or sectarian activities. The foundation aims to inspire and uplift communities through strategic partnerships.

The CFG Capacity Building Grants support established 501(c)(3) organizations in Greenville County, SC, aiming to enhance their operational capabilities and governance. Funding opportunities include projects for client engagement, management innovation, collaborative ventures, technology improvements, and revenue diversification. Examples of capacity building encompass financial planning, organizational assessments, strategic planning, and leadership development. Grants are awarded competitively, allowing one application per agency per year, excluding individuals and certain ineligible expenses.

The Hollingsworth Funds Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations in Greenville County that work towards removing systemic barriers based on race, place, and socioeconomic status. The grants focus on strengthening pathways to career opportunities, enhancing educational outcomes, and improving access to essential services like affordable housing and transportation. With a commitment to equity, the fund encourages proposals that align with its vision of creating a just and inclusive community where all individuals can thrive.

Greenville Women Giving (GWG) is a philanthropic organization in Greenville County, SC, focused on funding impactful community projects. Grants are awarded annually based on member voting and emphasize areas such as Arts, Education, Environment, Health, and Human Services. Organizations must be tax-exempt and serve Greenville County. GWG prioritizes high-impact initiatives that foster collaboration and measurable outcomes, with a commitment to addressing community needs without discrimination. The application deadline is at the end of November each year.

The Greenwall Faculty Scholars Program supports junior faculty in bioethics research, offering 50% salary support for three years and project funding of $5,000 annually. Scholars engage in community-building through semi-annual meetings, mentoring, and philosophical seminars. Priority is given to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and those not yet considered for tenure. This program aims to drive innovative research that addresses pressing ethical issues in clinical and public health settings, fostering future bioethics advancements.

The Hearing Health Foundation's Emerging Research Grants (ERG) program supports innovative research in hearing and balance, providing up to $50,000 per year for promising projects. Since 1958, it has fostered early-career researchers and led to significant advancements in the field. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with U.S. institutions and hold relevant advanced degrees. The program emphasizes underfunded areas and encourages applications that expand knowledge and research capabilities in hearing health.

The Charles Hayden Foundation Grant supports institutions serving youth and young adults in Boston and metropolitan New York, prioritizing high school to post-secondary success. It emphasizes programs that demonstrate significant impact and measurable progress toward defined goals. The Foundation seeks to ensure that young people gain quality education and career opportunities, and it provides funding for initiatives that foster confidence, informed decision-making, and academic achievement among youth.