Best Grants for Preschools

The Chichester DuPont Foundation provides grants focused on environmental, educational, healthcare, and social service initiatives, emphasizing support for underprivileged children in Delaware. Organizations are encouraged to develop relationships with trustees to enhance funding success. Grants typically cover one year, with potential for multi-year funding in special interest areas. Nonprofit organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3) are eligible, while individuals and for-profit entities are not. The foundation seeks innovative proposals and capital improvements to drive positive change.

The Colcom Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing local environmental and community projects in southwestern Pennsylvania. It supports initiatives in advocacy, land conservation, and community development to improve quality of life and promote ecological sustainability. Eligible projects may include arts and culture, health services, and environmental education, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to regional heritage and stewardship. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations to engage in meaningful work that addresses pressing community and environmental needs.

The CFGNB: Community Response & Community Initiative Grants aim to support organizations and programs that enhance community well-being. Since 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain has been a strategic partner, providing vital funding to improve the quality of life for residents. From educational grants to support for local non-profits, this initiative plays a crucial role in fostering growth and development in the region.

The Kenai Peninsula Foundation Competitive Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of the central Kenai Peninsula. This grant supports diverse community projects focused on health, education, the outdoors, arts, and community development. Priority is given to organizations that have not received funding in 2024. Collaborations with other entities are encouraged to maximize impact across the community. The foundation utilizes its permanent endowment to fund these essential projects.

The Kodiak Community Foundation Grant Program, managed by The Alaska Community Foundation, invites applications from tax-exempt organizations to address community needs in the Kodiak Archipelago. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 and can support initiatives in health, education, arts, and more. Projects must be completed within a year, with a final report required. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal entities, and certain government bodies.

The Jessica Stevens Community Foundation: Healthy Communities Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in the northern Susitna Valley. It provides funding for projects in arts, healthcare, education, social engagement, recreation, and the environment. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, faith-based groups, and local governments. Collaboration among organizations is encouraged, with a focus on projects that can make a broad impact on the community.

The Petersburg Community Foundation Annual Grant Program supports projects that improve the quality of life for residents in Petersburg. Grants, ranging up to $10,000, target diverse community needs including health, education, arts, and development. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations serving Petersburg, while ineligible entities may still access funds through fiscal sponsorship. The program emphasizes collaboration and broad community impact, aiming for sustainable improvements in the region.

The Ketchikan Community Foundation Grant Program, part of The Alaska Community Foundation, invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and equivalents to support community projects in Ketchikan. The new IMPACT GRANT aims to address diverse needs, including health, education, and arts, with funding up to $50,000. Eligible organizations include local nonprofits, faith-based groups, and tribal entities, fostering sustainable community development and lasting impacts.

The Sitka Legacy Foundation Competitive Grant Program, an initiative of The Alaska Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Sitka and surrounding rural communities. The program supports a diverse range of projects focusing on health and wellness, education, arts and culture, and community development. Priority is given to applications that demonstrate collaboration among organizations and have the potential for broad community impact, ultimately fostering a stronger, more connected community.

The Community Organizing Grants Program by the Peace Development Fund empowers local organizations to drive social justice initiatives. It supports groups that foster grassroots leadership and systemic change while dismantling oppression. Grants are primarily for general support, focusing on projects that align with their mission. Eligible organizations include those in the U.S., Haiti, and Mexico, while excluding completed projects or lobbying activities. This initiative encourages sustainable, community-based solutions and diverse alliances for a just society.

The DEW Foundation Grant supports tax-exempt charitable organizations globally, aiming to promote the common good through financial contributions and personal involvement. The foundation prioritizes charities where family members are actively involved and focuses on ministries, health, education, and community service. While it may fund its own projects, it typically does not exceed 10% of an organization's operating budget and avoids supporting politically affiliated causes or normal church operations. Innovative and effective organizations are especially welcome.

Stew's Cares Donation program encourages community support by providing donations via gift cards to local 501(c)(3) organizations. The Leonard family believes in giving back and has established a Wishing Well in stores to accumulate funds for charity. To apply for donations, organizations must submit requests in writing on official letterhead at least 60 days prior to their event. This initiative reflects Stew Leonard's commitment to supporting local communities and charities.

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Self-Determination

Founded in 1977, Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples emerged from Indigenous communities during the cultural, social, and political renaissance era of the ’60s and ’70s. Leaders of the time, such as our primary founder the late Daniel Bomberry (Salish/Cayuga), included chiefs, clan mothers, youth, and community activists. These leaders established the organization to respond to the needs of grassroots Indigenous communities and initiatives.

Seventh Generation Fund focuses on cultural revitalization, leadership development, tribal sovereignty, and culturally appropriate economic development. Our organization grew and evolved into the foremost Indigenous social-profit organization in the U.S. serving transnational community-based organizations.

We recognize the critical need at the grassroots level for access to resources, technical assistance, and training. Our work has consistently been based on traditional Indigenous concepts of holistic ecological stewardship. We have long understood the direct relationships between a healthy environment, social justice, and community well-being. We remain focused on grassroots development through Indigenous community empowerment and action.

Our organization derives its name from a precept of the Great Law of Peace of the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy). This precept mandates that chiefs consider the impact of their decisions on the seventh generation yet to come. This principle guides us in our frontline work of revitalization, restoration, preservation, planning, and development projects.

Our Purpose

The primary purpose of our work is dedicated to Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination and the sovereignty of Native nations.

Advancing the effectiveness of Indigenous-led work is the reason why we first emerged. We remain focused on these core tenets:

• Recognizing that Indigenous Peoples, communities, and nations understand their issues and are best suited to design solutions and programs that remedy their concerns.
• Advancing the unique wisdom, knowledge, cultures, and practices that shape and inform the vitality of future generations, supporting Mother Earth’s abilities to nurture and sustain life.
• Mobilizing resources through strategic placement of program-related support with grants, technical assistance, and organizational capacity building to increase assets, knowledge, and skills.
• Engaging civil society, the philanthropic arena, and pertinent partners to advance Native issues, strategies, and perspectives.
• Building collective power and multi-generational leadership through focused campaigns, issue advocacy, intergenerational mentoring, convening, and peer learning.
• Optimizing impact and success through culturally relevant asset development for self-determined, collective prosperity.

Thriving Women

Recognizes Indigenous women and girls’ inherent strength and capacity for healing, leadership, and regenerating positive futures.

Thriving Women affirms and amplifies the leadership of Indigenous women to reclaim traditional matrilineal lifeways – those of which have upheld nations since time immemorial. It recognizes the targeting of Indigenous women and girls as the embodiment of colonization, and the link between extractive industries and violence against Mother Earth.

The program supports grassroots, Indigenous women-led and serving initiatives to prevent and remedy gender oppression including strategies addressing MMIWg2; uplifts matrilineal healing and wellness practices (birthkeeping, reproductive health, body sovereignty, arts, etc.), bolsters coming-of-age ceremonies; advances multi-generational kinship and leadership development, and revives ancestral food systems and land practices.

Thriving Women is implemented through the following pathways for gender and social justice:

• Birthkeeping, Motherhood, and Kinship
• Honoring the Rights of Mother Earth
• Reclaiming a World Without Violence Against Women, Girls, and Two-Spirits
• Women and Girls’ Cultural Vitality and Leadership

The F. D. Rich Foundation Grants support charitable organizations in lower Fairfield County, Connecticut, focusing on arts, education, healthcare, and social services. Established under section 509(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, the foundation has contributed over $8 million to various non-profits since its inception. This funding aims to improve the quality of life for residents in the Stamford area and enhance community well-being through diverse initiatives.

The Richard Davoud Donchian Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals and communities through character development, literacy, and ethical practices. Their focus is on enhancing personal integrity and fostering leadership within education, humanitarian efforts, and personal development. The foundation encourages innovative programs and partnerships that yield long-term benefits, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and effective management in achieving meaningful impact. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The FCB Annual CommunityFirst Grant Program, established by the First County Bank Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations focusing on community development, affordable housing, and educational enrichment in Fairfield County. With over $10 million awarded since 2001, the Foundation prioritizes agencies benefiting low-to-moderate income populations. Grants range from $2,500 to $5,000, with a commitment to addressing community needs and ensuring fiscal responsibility. The Foundation's contributions reflect its dedication to community well-being.

The Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation (NCCF) offers Cycle Grants to enhance community life through arts, education, environment, health, and social services. Grants are available for small projects up to $1,500 and traditional projects over $1,500, with an average award of $5,000. NCCF encourages innovative, collaborative projects serving residents in its 20-town area, fostering local philanthropy and volunteerism.

The Year-End Critical Needs Grants, funded by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, allocate a minimum of $60,000 to support public charities and faith-based organizations within a 20-town service area. These grants aim to address urgent community needs and are part of a competitive grant process held three times a year. Organizations eligible for funding include those serving areas such as Barkhamsted, Cornwall, and Torrington, ensuring a responsive approach to local challenges.

The Edwards Community Endowment Program (ECEP) offers matching grants to support nonprofit organizations in northwest Connecticut in establishing or augmenting endowment funds. Funded by the Marion Wm. and Alice Edwards Fund, it provides $1 for every $4 raised, with a maximum match of $20,000. Organizations must raise at least $16,000 to qualify for initial matching funds, promoting sustainable endowment growth through strategic fundraising and board engagement.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Annual Main Grant Funding Cycle by the New Canaan Community Foundation aims to enhance the community's quality of life through strategic funding. Supporting diverse areas such as arts, health, human services, seniors, and youth education, the foundation seeks to address local challenges collaboratively. By investing in nonprofit organizations and fostering partnerships, the foundation strengthens community ties and ensures that all residents have access to essential resources and support.

The CFMC Competitive Grant Cycle invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for funding for the year 2026. Two application cycles are available, in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, focusing on general operating support and impactful community programs. The foundation emphasizes grants that address community needs, enhance organizational capacity, and foster collaboration. Eligible organizations must address documented community concerns and align with the foundation's areas of need, including health, education, and social services.

The General Grant Cycle by the Main Street Community Foundation supports community organizations in Bristol and surrounding areas. Since 1995, the Foundation has positively impacted local residents through competitive grants aimed at addressing basic needs, access to opportunities, and vibrant community projects. Eligibility requires tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3) and compliance with prior reporting. Preference is given to initiatives that respond to community needs, leverage funding, and promote collaboration among nonprofits.

The Plainville Community Fund, established in 2006, serves as a vital resource for charitable programs enhancing the lives of residents in Plainville. Grants are available for public institutions or private tax-exempt organizations that benefit the community. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate sustainability and community impact through collaborations, addressing emerging needs, and leveraging additional funding resources.

The Burlington Community Fund Grant, established by the Main Street Community Foundation in 2011, aims to enhance the lives of Burlington residents through charitable projects. The fund supports nonprofits and organizations that address Basic Needs, Access to Opportunity, and Vibrant Communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and public units serving Burlington. Notably, organizations must provide services directly to Burlington residents and adhere to specific grantmaking criteria.

The Bradley Henry Barnes and Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust Grant supports health and well-being initiatives for Southington residents through 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $100,000, with funding priorities including healthcare for the aging population, mental health, and access to healthy food. Organizations must demonstrate a connection to Southington and adhere to eligibility criteria. Funding requests are accepted biannually, ensuring collaborative community efforts.