Best K–12 Education Grants

The Central Minnesota "Difference Maker" Grants aim to foster significant advancements in racial equity across the region. Funded by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, these grants, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, support eligible nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving Benton, Stearns, and Sherburne Counties. The initiative encourages collaborative projects addressing racial disparities and community engagement, promoting sustainable impacts and additional investments.

The Paynesville Area Community Foundation Grant aims to foster positive change in the Paynesville area through targeted funding in education, social services, arts and culture, civic initiatives, recreation, and health. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 will support eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, or government entities. The foundation emphasizes sustainability, collaboration, and projects that enhance quality of life and promote diversity, inclusion, and equity within the community.

The ROCORI Area Community Builder Grant, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to foster lasting, positive change in the ROCORI area. This grant supports various initiatives including education, social services, arts and culture, and civic engagement. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities. The grant encourages collaborative efforts to enhance community impact, ensuring a sustainable investment in the quality of life for residents. Organizations can apply for funding for new programs, capital projects, and other strategic investments.

The Beyond Pencils and Beyond Crayons Grants are designed for K-12 teachers in Marathon County to promote innovative curriculum projects. These grants aim to enrich educational experiences, inspire both students and educators, and fulfill specific community needs. Proposals must be cost-effective and demonstrate educational value, with a focus on projects that are not typically funded by school district budgets. The grants support projects that can be completed within the current school year.

The Beyond Crayons & Computer Grants, provided by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, aim to promote innovative educational projects in Merrill area schools. This initiative encourages community partnerships and creative approaches to enhance learning experiences for students from pre-K to 12th grade. Projects should be cost-effective and address specific educational needs while inspiring both educators and students. The grants exclude funding for standard curriculum items and refreshments.

The GAR Foundation supports nonprofits in Akron, Ohio, focusing on initiatives that enhance education, community development, and cultural enrichment. They prioritize strategic collaboration across sectors to foster vibrant community solutions. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations benefiting Akron residents. However, the foundation does not fund special events, anniversaries, individuals, national or religious organizations, and medical research, ensuring a targeted approach to grantmaking.

The Community Foundation of Elkhart County offers Community Investment Grants under $25,000 with no application deadlines, providing weekly reviews. These grants support initiatives focused on early childhood development, career skills, vibrant downtowns, and parks. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and public charities serving Elkhart County residents, along with certain governmental and educational institutions. This funding aims to enhance quality of life and foster generosity within the community.

The Community Foundation of Elkhart County offers Community Investment Grants exceeding $25,000 to support impactful projects that enhance the quality of life in Elkhart County. These grants focus on areas such as early childhood development, career pathways, and placemaking. Nonprofit organizations, public charities, and other eligible entities are encouraged to apply for funding aimed at fostering community engagement and addressing local needs. Learn more about the application process and eligibility criteria on their official website.

The Jelley Family Foundation Endowment for Children's Education Fund, established in 2013 by Dr. Carl Jelley, supports educational initiatives for children in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri. With an average grant award of $5,000-$8,000, and a maximum of $10,000, the foundation encourages innovative proposals focusing on at-risk youth. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public education institutions, with a new 3-year funding rule starting in 2024 to enhance sustainability in educational projects.

The Charter Fund: Seed Funding program supports nonprofit organizations operating high-performing public charter schools that aim to expand their reach by serving 250 to 1,000 additional students within two years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate proven leadership, strong academic performance, and a commitment to underserved communities. The fund offers general operating grants ranging from $250,000 to $600,000 to assist leaders in opening new schools, providing vital resources and cohort-based learning opportunities to foster growth and innovation.

The Charter Fund: Scale Funding supports nonprofit organizations that operate high-performing public charter schools. It seeks leaders dedicated to expanding their impact, aiming to serve an additional 1,000+ students over the next 3-5 years. The fund offers grants and low-interest loans starting from $750,000, alongside strategic partnerships and community-building initiatives to help schools navigate growth challenges, enhance educational quality, and foster collaboration among charter leaders.

The Anderson Children's Foundation, established in 1970 by Irene W. Anderson, aims to address the unmet needs of children of diverse backgrounds in the Coachella Valley, California. The foundation encourages nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to support initiatives in health, education, recreation, and the arts. With a commitment to nurturing young people, ACF welcomes proposals that align with its mission to inspire and uplift the youth in the community.

The DCCF: YEP Grants, managed by the DeKalb County Community Foundation, engage youth in philanthropy, fostering a commitment to community service. Starting in 2025, only select grant applications will receive site visits based on specific criteria, while others will be evaluated solely on submitted information. This program aims to inspire young adults to create a lasting impact through philanthropy and community involvement.

The BECU Foundation's People Helping People Awards honor exceptional nonprofit work in communities served by BECU. Each year, BECU members can nominate organizations for grants up to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be active 501(c)(3) organizations with a direct impact in Idaho, Oregon, South Carolina, or Washington. This initiative highlights the importance of community service and encourages members to recognize local heroes making a difference.

The Lincoln Community Foundation's Open Door Grants offer year-round support for nonprofit organizations in Lancaster County. These grants provide flexible funding for operations, programs, and capital projects across various sectors, including arts, education, and health services. Applicants must be 501c3 organizations operating within the county and demonstrate a commitment to community impact and equity. This initiative aims to foster a prosperous and inclusive community by addressing essential needs and opportunities.

The Legacy Youth Alliance Grant supports youth-led projects and organizations in Wapello County, aiming to enhance education and health opportunities for local youth. The fund prioritizes innovative initiatives that demonstrate community impact and collaboration. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits or those with a fiscal sponsor. Notably, it excludes funding for individuals, for-profits, and projects lacking youth focus. The foundation seeks to empower youth through impactful programs.

The Scott County Regional Authority (SCRA) provides grants to non-profit organizations and educational institutions in Scott County, Iowa, primarily funded by gaming receipts from the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf. These grants support a wide array of services, including arts, education, and social services. The application cycles occur in April and October, with specific eligibility requirements for applicants. Since 1991, SCRA has awarded over $101 million to various community initiatives.

The Whittenberger Foundation supports innovative projects in Southwest Idaho that enhance the lives of children and young people. Focused on areas such as education, health, and arts, the Foundation aims to create measurable impacts through its funding. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate potential for long-term sustainability and effective use of resources. Grants are typically awarded to nonprofits that align with these values, ensuring a legacy of community support and development.

The Spring - Health Care Service Grant Cycle, administered by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Catholic Community Foundation, aims to support organizations providing essential health care services in the Milwaukee area, particularly in regions previously served by St. Anthony Hospital. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to philanthropy in Southeastern Wisconsin, focusing on health care for the underserved and fostering community well-being.

The Community Foundation of Howard County offers General Grants to support various programs and services across the community. These grants focus on health and medical initiatives, social services, education, cultural affairs, civic engagement, and community beautification. Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations benefiting Howard County residents are eligible, while certain requests, such as those for individual support or prior costs, are ineligible. This program aims to enhance community vitality and support nonprofit capacity building.

The High Mountain Hay Fever Children’s Health Fund Grant, established by the Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation, aims to enhance children's health in Custer County. This grant focuses on addressing physical, emotional, social, and educational needs for children up to 18 years old. Nonprofit organizations and governmental programs in Custer County are eligible to apply, with a preference for collaboration and evidence-based programs. It does not provide funding to individuals.

The Russell Foundation provides grants aimed at enhancing the development of children and youth into confident and responsible individuals. With a focus on education, character building, health, and intervention, the foundation seeks to support programs that address the holistic needs of young people. Their mission emphasizes fostering a positive environment that promotes growth and development, ensuring that children and youth can achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their socio-economic background.

The Lenawee Community Foundation offers Youth Grants for local projects in Lenawee County, providing up to $2,000 to nonprofit organizations. These grants aim to build youth assets and enhance community engagement. The foundation prioritizes proposals that demonstrate active youth participation and address significant community needs, ensuring that projects align with the foundation's mission of fostering health, hope, and happiness within the community.

The Building Equitable Opportunity Grant by the Connecticut Community Foundation aims to address systemic disparities affecting low-income communities in Waterbury. By combining various grant areas, the initiative focuses on creating equitable pathways to economic mobility through education, advocacy, and job development. The program targets BIPOC families and emphasizes culturally responsive education, community collaboration, and support for underserved populations, fostering long-term economic resilience and systemic change.

The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation focuses on strengthening communities by providing grants primarily to nonprofits assisting low- and moderate-income individuals. In 2023, they awarded $9.2 million across their footprint, emphasizing projects with significant community impact. Grants are recommended by local First Interstate Bank branches and are evaluated based on the nonprofit's leadership, financial stability, and community benefit. Areas of ineligibility include individual projects and those that do not demonstrate a substantial community impact.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation's Economic Mobility program is currently accepting grant applications through its General Application. While specific RFPs are no longer available, proposals that align with the Foundation's strategic goals for 2021-2030 are encouraged. The Foundation, established by visionary Richard King Mellon, has a history of supporting initiatives that enhance economic development and environmental stewardship in Southwestern Pennsylvania, with a commitment to awarding over $1.2 billion in the coming years.

The Gordon J. Barnett Memorial Foundation, established in 1955, supports educational initiatives in Florida, Indiana, New York, and Oklahoma. It prioritizes funding for tax-exempt organizations, including primary schools, universities, and trade schools. The foundation does not fund political campaigns or individuals. Grants are aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and preventing cruelty to children and animals, reflecting the foundation's commitment to charitable and educational purposes.