Best Community & Civic Engagement Grants

The Scioto Foundation

The Scioto Foundation is a collection of hundreds of endowment funds created by people, businesses, families, and nonprofit organizations in our community. These funds are linked together by our mission to improve and enrich the quality of life for the community by:

• Promoting philanthropy,
• Providing a continuous stream of income to meet community need and the intent of our donors,
• Demonstrating leadership through collaborative partnerships with community organizations,
• Maximizing the outcomes of grant making, and
• Practicing wise and careful investment of assets.

We are a tax-exempt public charity governed by a board of volunteer civic and business leaders. We use professionals to invest and manage our assets in a cost-effective way. Our staff researches and understands the charitable needs of our community, and our board awards grants that advance the good work of our local nonprofit sector. We identify current and emerging issues, stimulate resources to address those needs, and help our community prepare for the future.

Scioto Foundation Grant

The Scioto Foundation is a community foundation serving the people of the Scioto County area. Since 1975, the Scioto Foundation has awarded approximately $30 million in grants and distributions to local non-profit organizations, schools, and local governments. 

Typically, the Foundation funds projects in the following areas: education, healthcare, community development, economic development, arts and culture, social services, and civic benefit.

The Small Community Initiative Grant provides essential funding to rural Oregon communities, fostering enhanced quality of life and sustainable economic development. The program offers up to four annual grants of $10,000 to support local initiatives. It encourages community participation and collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful change. This grant prioritizes towns with populations under 15,000, emphasizing the importance of community-led efforts in creating lasting revitalization and connections to broader regional economic opportunities.

The RI Beacon Foundation Grant aims to enhance community welfare by supporting U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in Rhode Island. The Foundation seeks to promote goodwill, sponsor impactful initiatives, and foster partnerships through donations and volunteerism. By focusing on health, education, and civic causes, it endeavors to create a significant positive impact within the community while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and non-discrimination.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has launched the $100,000 Greater Together Community Fund Grant for Newington. This initiative aims to empower local communities by fostering ownership of their needs, promoting inclusive civic engagement, and strengthening the Foundation's presence in towns. Eligible applicants include any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving West Hartford residents, regardless of their base. The GTCF Committee will facilitate a process to identify community needs and ensure impactful grantmaking.

The Cemala Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Greensboro by supporting strategic investments in community projects. With an emphasis on early childhood development, transformational spaces, and workforce training, the foundation aims to build a thriving community. Organizations promoting Continuous Quality Improvement are encouraged to apply for funding. This grant is vital for initiatives that address the evolving needs of Greensboro residents and foster sustainable growth.

The Georgia Bar Foundation provides grants to enhance access to justice in Georgia. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it supports organizations that assist low-income individuals, children in the justice system, and initiatives promoting legal education and understanding of democracy. Funding primarily comes from the IOLTA program, ensuring that qualified organizations can receive necessary resources to further their missions and impact the community positively.

The Sumners Foundation Grant aims to engage and educate the public about self-government through various programs, including civic education, democracy reform, and teacher training. Grants are available to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, supporting activities that foster civic engagement and understanding of democratic principles. The Foundation emphasizes direct involvement in the political process and does not fund political activities or provide individual grants.

The AJ Muste Foundation's Rapid Response Grants support U.S.-based organizations engaged in grassroots activism for social justice. These grants, up to $5,000, are aimed at addressing immediate needs of groups fighting for equality and liberation. The funding is designed for unexpected opportunities and emergencies, promoting powerful organizing efforts. The foundation prioritizes groups lacking traditional funding sources and those focused on systemic change rather than individual support.

Watertown-area public entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking to expand civic and community engagement programs can apply for Watertown Community Foundation’s Community Engagement Grants, offering up to US $5,000 for direct program costs. Eligible projects increase access to community programs, foster intercultural communication, or strengthen community connections for Watertown residents.

Nonprofits, public schools, and certain local agencies in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga counties can seek US $500 - US $10,000 for racial justice and equity initiatives. Grants from The Community Foundation for South Central New York help community and civic engagement efforts in leadership, health, economic opportunity, arts, youth education, and related capacity building.

Rhode Island 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for organizational planning, strategy, or DEIA-focused capacity work can apply for the Rhode Island Foundation’s Capacity Building Grants, offering up to US $15,000. Funding and technical assistance can strengthen strategic, business, fundraising, communications, financial management, and board development efforts that advance community and civic engagement priorities.

Grants from Patterson Family Foundation help Kansas and western Missouri nonprofits, school districts, and government entities test innovative community engagement projects in rural communities. Eligible applicants located in or serving the foundation’s catchment can request US $25,000 - US $500,000 to strengthen civic participation, volunteerism, and cross‑generational involvement in local life.

Nonprofit organizations in Barnstable County, Massachusetts with operating budgets of at least $25,000 can apply for The Cape Cod Foundation’s Open Door Grants, which award up to US $10,000 for general organizational needs and capacity-building. Groups advancing community development, civic engagement, education, health, housing, arts, or environmental initiatives may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups hosting programming or fundraising events in the Chicago region can apply for up to US $10,000 in sponsorship support from The Chicago Community Trust. Focused on community and civic engagement, this opportunity can back meetings, panels, forums, conferences, galas, and similar events, with one sponsorship per organization each year.

Nonprofits, government entities, and academic institutions in Rhode Island can seek multi-year funding for collaborative civic engagement and education initiatives, with awards up to Up to US $250,000. Grants from The Rhode Island Community Foundation support innovative, DEIA-centered projects that catalyze lasting community change across priorities like education, health, housing, climate resilience, and equity.

Nonprofits and other providers offering adult basic skills, literacy, and civics education in New Jersey can apply for funding to deliver Adult Education and Family Literacy Act services. With a mission to strengthen workforce readiness, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development supports programs that build literacy, career pathways, and civic understanding for adult learners and immigrant communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities serving the Aurora, Marionville, and Verona area can seek up to US $3,000 to fully fund a single community-strengthening project. Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ Hometown Partners Giving Circle supports initiatives that build civic engagement, community services, and local revitalization in Lawrence County, Missouri.

Graduating high school seniors interested in communications, journalism, leadership, or historic preservation can apply for the Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship, awarding US $500 - US $2,500 toward college tuition. Students from Coral Gables High, Miami Senior High, or ISPA planning full-time study at a four-year institution may benefit, including those in civic engagement fields.

Rural-focused 501(c)(3)s, community foundations, tribal and local governments, cooperatives, and similar entities in the U.S. can seek up to US $25,000 to run experimental civic participation programs that engage residents in shaping community priorities and solutions. Community and civic engagement nonprofits in eligible regions may be referred to the Trust for Civic Life’s Civic Experiment Grants, distributed via local Civic Hubs.

Youth-led teams working on civic engagement and community projects in the U.S. can receive funding and stipends through the Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Fellowship. Focused on civic education and youth leadership, the Institute for Citizens & Scholars invites young changemakers ages 14–24 to design and implement local initiatives that build civic skills and dialogue.

Nonprofits and community groups working on community services or civic engagement in Bloomfield, within Hartford County, can apply for grants of US $500 - US $10,000 to address local needs and strengthen civic life. The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s Bloomfield Greater Together Community Fund supports resident-led solutions and broad, inclusive community participation.

Kentucky K–12 educators planning, enacting, or showcasing student civic engagement projects can receive US $100 - US $1,000 to support Kentucky Civic Seal activities. The Kentucky Civic Education Coalition’s mini-grants fund curriculum planning, hands-on implementation, and public presentations that deepen civic engagement and education in schools and communities.

Youth-led groups and youth ages 5–25 in the U.S. and Canada can receive US $250 - US $500 to design and run community service, advocacy, awareness, or philanthropy projects. With a mission to empower young changemakers, Youth Service America supports civic engagement efforts that engage diverse youth volunteers and build social and emotional skills.

Greater Hartford County civic engagement and community service organizations can receive funding to address local needs and strengthen inclusive participation. Greater Hartford Gives Foundation provides Hartford County civic engagement and education groups with grants of US $500 - US $7,500 to support community-driven projects that encourage residents to take ownership in improving Suffield and surrounding towns.

Nonprofit organizations serving Boone, Campbell, or Kenton counties in Northern Kentucky with health, mental health, or substance use disorder programs can apply for The 410 Grant, awarding US $15,000 for innovative, high-impact projects. Focused on community well-being and civic leadership, Horizon Community Funds engages young professionals to collectively fund solutions that leverage local resources.

Nonprofit and community organizations running single-state AmeriCorps programs in Vermont can seek funding to support community service, civic engagement, and volunteerism initiatives. With a mission to strengthen service in communities, SerVermont provides Vermont civic engagement and education programs with access to AmeriCorps State 2026 competitive and formula awards for the 2026–2027 program year.

Nonprofit and public organizations planning AmeriCorps programs in Texas can receive up to US $100,000 to design evidence-based service initiatives that strengthen community and civic engagement. The Onestar Foundation supports planning for AmeriCorps projects in areas like education, economic opportunity, disaster services, environmental stewardship, health, and services for veterans and military families.