Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations

Governor’s Office of Community Service aka ServeMontana

Established in 1993, Montana’s Commission on Community Service administers grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, amended by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 and the Montana Community Service Act of 1994 (MCA 90-14-103). In partnership with the Montana Commission on Community Service, a primary function of the Governor’s Office of Community Service (GOCS) is administering funds to AmeriCorps State programs. 

AmeriCorps Montana

AmeriCorps State grants aid programs in addressing critical community needs, including Education, Disaster Services, Health, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Opportunity, and service to Veterans and Military Families. Grants must align with priorities in the Montana State Service Plan.

Eligible organizations may apply for the following AmeriCorps grants to address pressing needs in Montana: Competitive Program Grants; and Formula Program Grants.

Formula Program Grants

Implement or continue a Formula AmeriCorps State program.

This Notice is the first step an applicant must complete to apply for and receive AmeriCorps State Formula funding. ServeMontana’s role is to solicit, screen, and rank applications. All applications cleared through screening will be ranked and submitted to AmeriCorps for funding determination.

Organizations proposing a new AmeriCorps State program or continuing a currently formula funded program that places AmeriCorps members and operates only in Montana must apply to this competition.

Expectations of All Applicants

• Address rural, Tribal, underserved, or areas of poverty not currently served by AmeriCorps programs;
• Clearly connect proposed activities to the needs and priorities in the Montana State Service Plan;
• Take a collaborative approach to program planning, design, and delivery;
• Recruit Montanans to serve in their local community; and
• Design and deliver an inclusive program that is accessible to individuals with disabilities

Safe Haven Baby Box Grant

The Arkansas Safe Haven law allows delivery of a child who is thirty (30) days old or younger to a medical provider, law enforcement agency, fire department, or medical provider staff member. The child may be left in a designated safety device (often called a baby box) that is voluntarily installed by the medical provider, law enforcement agency, or fire department. The baby box must be physically located on a structured wall of or inside a hospital, law enforcement agency, or fire department; and located in an area that is conspicuous and visible to the employees of the hospital, law enforcement agency, or fire department.

The Safe Haven Baby Box Grant program provides funding to eligible organizations to assist with the costs associated with implementing a Safe Haven Baby Box.

Grant funds may only be used for costs associated with implementing a Safe Haven Baby Box that meets the requirements set forth in A.C.A. § 9-34-202. Applicants are eligible to apply for grant funding to cover up to 50% of the cost.

The LAST MILE program, initiated by the NIAID, aims to enhance the implementation and effectiveness of HIV prevention and treatment strategies through real-world effectiveness trials. By fostering collaborations and focusing on diverse populations, this initiative seeks to translate clinical findings into practical applications. The program supports research across various disciplines, aligning with the NIH's mission to improve HIV/AIDS outcomes and address associated comorbidities. This multifaceted approach promises to bridge the gap between clinical trials and community-based interventions.

The Dayton Foundation's Basic Human Needs Grants provide essential financial support to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Greater Dayton, focusing on vital necessities like food, shelter, healthcare, and clothing. Grants are awarded quarterly to eligible organizations that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and collaboration in addressing the needs of the homeless, poor, and hungry. This funding also covers operational costs and infrastructure improvements, ensuring organizations can effectively serve their communities.

The Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund Grant, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides funding for projects aimed at restoring and conserving longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood forests. With approximately $30 million available for 2024, grants range from $250,000 to $3,000,000. This initiative, supported by various federal and private entities, emphasizes the importance of ecological preservation and sustainable land management practices.

Housing Opportunities for People Living with HIV/AIDS

This funding opportunity is to support rental assistance and housing-related supportive services for eligible District and Maryland residents living with HIV through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program.

The mission of DC Health is to promote and protect the health, safety, and quality of life of residents, visitors, and those doing business in the District of Columbia. The agency is responsible for identifying health risks; educating the public; preventing and controlling diseases, injuries, and exposure to environmental hazards; promoting effective community collaborations; and optimizing equitable access to community resources.

The mission of HAHSTA is to protect and improve the health of District residents by preventing, diagnosing, treating, and reducing the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis, while ensuring access to high-quality, coordinated, and culturally responsive care and support services for individuals and communities most impacted by these conditions.

The mission of the CBHCP Division is to strengthen the HIV service delivery system by expanding access to stable housing, enhancing organizational and workforce capacity, and fostering strategic community partnerships that improve health outcomes, promote service coordination, and address structural barriers impacting people living with HIV in the District of Columbia.

The mission of the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program is to provide stable, affordable housing and housing-related supportive services for low-income individuals living with HIV and their households, recognizing housing stability as essential to improved health outcomes, sustained engagement in care, and overall well-being

Governor’s Office of Community Service aka ServeMontana

Established in 1993, Montana’s Commission on Community Service administers grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, amended by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 and the Montana Community Service Act of 1994 (MCA 90-14-103). In partnership with the Montana Commission on Community Service, a primary function of the Governor’s Office of Community Service (GOCS) is administering funds to AmeriCorps State programs. 

AmeriCorps Montana

AmeriCorps State grants aid programs in addressing critical community needs, including Education, Disaster Services, Health, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Opportunity, and service to Veterans and Military Families. Grants must align with priorities in the Montana State Service Plan.

Eligible organizations may apply for the following AmeriCorps grants to address pressing needs in Montana: Competitive Program Grants; and Formula Program Grants.

Competitive Program Grants

Implement or continue a Competitive AmeriCorps State program.

This Notice is the first in a multistep process an applicant must complete to apply for and receive AmeriCorps State Competitive funding. ServeMontana’s role is to solicit, screen, and rank applications. This process is only for ranking; no funding will be awarded from this solicitation. All applications cleared through screening will be ranked and submitted to compete nationally for funding. 

Organizations continuing a competitively funded program or proposing an AmeriCorps State program that operates only in Montana must apply to this competition.

Expectations of All Applicants

• Address rural, Tribal, underserved, or areas of poverty not currently served by AmeriCorps programs;
• Clearly connect proposed activities to the needs and priorities in the Montana State Service Plan;
• Take a collaborative approach to program planning, design, and delivery;
• Recruit Montanans to serve in their local community; and
• Design and deliver an inclusive program that is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Career and Technical Education

The goal of the South Dakota Department of Education is for all students to graduate college, career, and life ready. The Division of College, Career and Student Success provides support for students' preparations for postsecondary education and the workforce. Services are connected to approved Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, work-based learning, student organizations and more. In-line with the department's aspiration, DCCSS works to ensure students not only graduate from high school, but that they are prepared to navigate the transitions and life events that come after high school.

Workforce Education Grants

In 2013, the South Dakota Legislature established the Workforce Education Fund through SB 235. Part of that fund was designated to provide grants for Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs in secondary schools.

The Workforce Education Grants provide school districts and private, nonprofit entities who provide specialized training in South Dakota the opportunity to make transformative change in career and technical education programs. High quality CTE programs give students the knowledge, skills and experiences to be well prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce. Partnerships among secondary education, postsecondary education, and business & industry lay the foundation for modern CTE programs.

Grant Purpose & Eligibility

The Workforce Education Grants are designed to support and align secondary school CTE systems with South Dakota's postsecondary education programs and workforce needs, developing the state's talent pipeline for workforce development and economic growth. Projects are meant to serve middle and high school students.

Eligible applicants are Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with projects designed to serve middle and high school students. The LEAs who are awarded grants will serve as fiscal agents through the completion of their projects. All applications must demonstrate commitment by all grant partners to the grant project and its sustainability following the conclusion of the grant.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Our mission is to be a diverse and inclusive organization providing programs, services and supports that protect and promote the health and well-being of all Kentuckians and their communities.

Department for Public Health (DPH) - Rural Health Transformation Program Funding Opportunity to Establish or Expand Community Paramedicine Programming

About the Program

This project is 100% funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a total of $212.9 million in budget year 1 with 100% by CMS/HHS. The RHTF grant spans five budget periods aligned with federal fiscal years (FY2026–FY2030). Funding is disbursed annually by CMS based on achievement of performance metrics.

Funding is designed to support early program development and scaling. Community paramedicine programs are not expected to be fully sustainable during initial funding periods. Awards may vary depending on the proposed budget provided by the applicant and additional funding will be provided in subsequent years.

Program Objectives

Funded programs must demonstrate their willingness and ability to:

• Design and deliver community paramedicine services that address low-acuity, preventative, and high-utilization patient needs in Kentucky’s rural communities.
• Reduce unnecessary emergency department utilization and repeat visits after discharge by supporting community members where they are.
• Strengthen partnerships with rural service sites such as Local Health Departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural clinics, and behavioral health partners, including Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs).
• Connect community members to the right care before and after emergencies by repositioning EMS as a front-line connector to care.
• Operate in a cost-effective, sustainable, and compliant manner. Compliance is defined as adherence to KBEMS standards for EMS agencies. 

The Nantucket Fund Grants, offered by the Community Foundation for Nantucket, aim to enhance the quality of life for island residents through targeted community projects. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, and religious entities addressing critical needs such as mental health, housing, and senior well-being. The initiative encourages innovative, sustainable solutions that leverage additional support while fostering collaboration among local nonprofits to maximize impact and minimize service duplication.

About Us

At the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), we are dedicated to our mission of serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. As the largest executive branch agency in the state, our broad reach allows us to provide essential, community-based support where and when it matters most. Our DPHHS team is passionate about improving our clients’ lives and helping them build a more secure and independent future.

Food Farmacy Project

Support food insecure patients to access food resources. Using a team-based care approach, a clinic will partner with a local food pantry to improve access to healthier food for patients with high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol. Funds cannot be used to directly purchase food.

The Trinity Grants: Racial Justice Initiative, spearheaded by Trinity Church Wall Street, aims to foster equitable justice systems through community-driven approaches. Focused on mental health, safety, and reducing incarceration, this initiative emphasizes support for marginalized groups, particularly people of color. It addresses the need for restorative justice, legislative reforms, and comprehensive support for those impacted by the criminal legal system, aiming to transform communities and enhance public safety.

The NSEDC Water and Sewer Fund Grant provides critical financial support for water and sewer projects in Norton Sound communities, allocating $1 million for upgrades or new construction. Additionally, it offers emergency funding up to $300,000 for urgent health and infrastructure needs. This program, renewed in 2024 and set to expire in 2029, aims to enhance community health and financial stability through essential water and sewer improvements.

Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grants - Illinois

The Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant will utilize grant funds provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist small or disadvantaged communities in the State of Illinois where emerging contaminants have become a problem or appear likely to become a problem in the near term. The Illinois EPA will use the awarded funds to make sub-awards to eligible water systems for projects that will further quantify these problems and help to remediate them. 

The EC-SDC Grant Program will be utilizing $21,806,000 from the EPA EC-SDC Grant Program which congress appropriated from the State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG). The Illinois EPA expects to award a total of $21,806,000.00 in grant awards with an award ceiling of $6,650,000.00 per applicant. 

The Old National Bank Foundation provides sponsorships to enhance community initiatives in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their mission focuses on social responsibility, supporting underrepresented groups, and aligning with the Community Reinvestment Act. Sponsorships cover events such as fundraisers and sporting events, emphasizing active engagement and measurable impact. The Foundation aims to improve quality of life through strategic partnerships and meaningful contributions.

The Wisconsin Recycling Grant Program, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, offers financial support to cities, towns, villages, counties, tribes, and solid waste management systems. This initiative aims to enhance residential recycling and yard waste programs by covering essential costs for managing recyclable materials, including paper, plastics, and glass. By fostering effective recycling systems, the program seeks to improve material recovery and promote sustainable waste management practices throughout Wisconsin.

The Used Oil Collection Gift Grant Program, managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, provides gift grants to municipalities for establishing and improving used oil collection centers. These grants aim to support Do-It-Yourselfers in properly recycling their used oil at licensed facilities. Eligible entities include towns, counties, and registered inspection stations, with most grants not exceeding $2,500, while multi-town centers may qualify for up to $5,000.

The Steuben County Community Foundation offers the Health & Human Services Grant Cycle to support projects that enhance physical and mental health, provide essential healthcare services, and address basic human needs like hunger and homelessness in Steuben County. Nonprofits serving the area are eligible, with a focus on collaborative initiatives that improve quality of life and tackle root causes. This funding seeks to empower organizations committed to making a meaningful impact in the community.

Small Harbor Improvement Program

The Small Harbor Improvement Program (SHIP) promotes economic development, public access, improved commercial fishing opportunities and works to preserve, and create, infrastructure at facilities in tidewater and coastal municipalities. The SHIP program assists municipalities in improving or creating facilities, such as public wharves, piers, landings and boat ramps. There is a required 50% local share under this program. The SHIP program can provide up to $250,000 in assistance towards eligible projects.

Ongoing Program for Future Funding Assistance

This grant application is open to tidewater communities that can demonstrate a need to improve economic activity and access to a tidewater river or the ocean on publicly-accessible property. Typical types of projects funded under this program include commercial and municipal wharf improvements, hoist systems, boat ramps, gangways, stairwells to clam flats, piling replacements, etc.

The goal of this program is to promote economic development, and improve public marine infrastructure and public access. MaineDOT urges each community to contact us as soon possible with your project ideas/needs to begin the process for potential inclusion in upcoming budgets. MaineDOT will schedule site visits as needed once a letter of intent has been filed. Once a letter of intent project has been deemed eligible, the community will be able to submit an application.

The Shumaker Family Foundation supports social justice, environmental justice, and education initiatives. Founded in 2003, it emphasizes programs that promote equity, particularly for marginalized communities. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $30,000, focusing on systemic solutions and cultural shifts. The foundation prioritizes organizations with 501(c)(3) status and those led by community members. They prefer not to be the sole funder, valuing partnerships that enhance the capacity of grantees.

The Francis Courtney Educational Fund Grant, managed by Housing Pathways, supports individuals under 25 in the London Borough of Ealing with scholarships, bursaries, and one-off grants for educational expenses. Applications are welcomed from individuals and organizations that align with the fund's mission. Priority is given to residents of Southall and Norwood Green, particularly those in financial need. This initiative aims to foster educational opportunities and assist beneficiaries in their professional pursuits.

The Capacity Building Initiative (CBI) by the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network aims to enhance the organizational capacity of groups working towards community well-being and natural resource management. Funded projects may include strategic planning, staff training, and technology assistance, with funding requests typically capped at $40,000 for nonprofits and $150,000 for local governments. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and local governments operating within the Chesapeake watershed, focusing on water and natural resource goals.

2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG)

OCJS and JAG

The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state, administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also evaluates programs and products, develops training, resources, and best practices for criminal justice professionals and communities. OCJS has been designated by Governor Mike DeWine to administer the FY 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) Grant Program.

Proposed to streamline justice funding and grant administration, the JAG Program allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. JAG blends the previous Byrne Formula and Local Law Enforcement Block Grant programs so that agencies can prioritize their funding needs and choose where to place justice funds.

In 2024, OCJS implemented its strategic plan (PDF). The action items included identifying priority areas for funding and encouraging projects to use evidence-based practices in their funded programs. The “Goals, Priorities and Requirements” section of this document outlines these priorities, and references evidence-based practices for OCJS funding areas. Fiscal year 2026 applicants must continue to follow these most recent guidelines.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks.

Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education. Our mission is to conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in Iowa and ensure a legacy for future generations.

IRA Iowa Tree Planting Grant

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, through the USDA Forest Service & National Association of State Foresters 2023 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), received funds to plant trees in public spaces.

The Iowa Tree Planting Grant provides reimbursable grants to purchase trees, mulch, tree staking/protection and supplemental watering by contractor or city staff. The grant is a two-year program.

The Iowa Tree Planting grants are available to community governmental entities, volunteer organizations, and service organizations involved with local urban and community forest services, to plant trees on publicly owned properties within the community to diversify the tree canopy, increase tree benefits, help with energy costs and health disparities, and increase access to parks and nature. 

Act 101, Section 901, Household Waste (HHW) Education Grants. Counties are eligible for 80 percent reimbursement for educational programs on household hazardous waste and pollution prevention.

The Alabama State Council on the Arts Visual Arts - Project Grants support a variety of artistic activities aimed at enhancing the cultural landscape of Alabama. These grants encourage projects such as festivals, performances, and exhibitions, fostering public engagement with the arts. By promoting excellence and accessibility in arts education, the Council aims to recognize and preserve the state's rich artistic traditions while driving economic vitality through cultural initiatives.