Best Library Grants in Europe

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers, sponsored by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, supports international scholars in advancing their research in Germany. Eligible candidates must have completed their doctorate within the last four years and can apply for fellowships ranging from 6 to 24 months. The fellowship includes benefits such as a monthly stipend of 2,500 EUR, travel allowances, and insurance subsidies, promoting academic collaboration and exchange.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The Paul Oskar Kristeller Fellowship, offered by the Renaissance Society of America, supports scholarly research in various disciplines, excluding Art History. It provides funding up to $2,000 for research-related expenses, including travel and digital access fees. The fellowship prioritizes contingent faculty, independent scholars, and early career researchers. Applications are evaluated on scholarly quality, applicant achievements, and feasibility of research. Up to ten fellowships may be awarded annually, encouraging innovative contributions to the understanding of the Renaissance.

The RSA-Samuel H. Kress Research Fellowships in Renaissance Art History support innovative research in art history from the Renaissance period. Funded by the Renaissance Society of America, these fellowships provide up to $3,000 for scholarly projects that require access to archives or collections. Applicants must demonstrate the quality of their proposals and potential contributions to the field. The fellowships prioritize early career and independent scholars, ensuring a diverse range of voices in Renaissance studies.

The RSA–Virginia Fox Stern Center Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for scholars to conduct intensive research at the Johns Hopkins University Sheridan Libraries. This one-month fellowship focuses on pre-1800 rare book and manuscript collections, particularly the Women of the Book Collection and the Bibliotheca Fictiva Collection. It encourages innovative research that contributes to Renaissance studies, supporting scholars across all disciplines and career levels.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Lapidus Fellowship for the Study of Rare Early American Legal Texts, offered by the Omohundro Institute in collaboration with William & Mary Law School, supports scholars at various stages of their careers. This one-month fellowship allows access to a unique collection of rare legal texts. With a stipend of $2,500, it aims to foster research in early American legal history, encouraging innovative scholarship through the use of valuable resources.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens offers travel grants for research abroad in fields aligned with its collections. Six grants are available, each providing a stipend of $3,500 after submitting a detailed report. Applicants must be doctoral candidates, faculty, or postdoctoral scholars based in North America. The grants aim to support scholarly pursuits in libraries and archives outside the U.S. or Canada, particularly in the UK, Europe, and Latin America.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Bernadotte E. Schmitt Grants, offered by the American Historical Association, provide funding for research in the history of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Grants up to $1,500 support travel, archival work, and other research-related expenses. Eligible applicants include members of the Association, with a preference for advanced doctoral students and non-tenured faculty. Grants are awarded annually in June and can be used within 15 months, though individuals may not exceed a total of $1,500 from all AHA grants in five years.

Beverly J. Gilliam Scholarship for Foreign Study

The Beverly J. Gilliam Scholarship for Foreign Study offers financial assistance to students who are accepted into recognized summer study abroad programs. The scholarship’s goals are to help students obtain international experiences that will allow them to become better world citizens and successfully compete in the global job market. Beverly J. Gilliam was educated in the New York Public School System received her undergraduate degree from City University of New York and obtained a graduate degree from Columbia University's School of Library Science.

Her professional career started in Asia where she was responsible for activating and managing American libraries in Korea and Japan as well as libraries at U.S. military installations throughout Europe. Her overseas experience impacted her career and allowed her to become well-versed in various cultures. This program will allow UNCF students to experience diverse cultures and participate within challenging overseas' academic environments. 

The study-abroad program, taking place during the summer 2026, must be approved by your home institution and will allow the applicants to receive earned credit hours towards their undergraduate degree. The candidates will be required to submit the following documents: On-line Application, Resume, Transcript, Essays, Study-Abroad Details and Academic Recommendation. In addition, applicants will also upload the supporting documentation, whereby their study abroad program will be able to transfer earned credit hours to their undergraduate institution. 

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.