Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations

Kieth and Serena Cockrell Scholarship

This program was established in honor of long-time HBCU and UNCF supporters Kieth and Serena Cockrell, who are passionate about education and paving the way for future leaders. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of North Carolina and a high school senior graduating from any public, private, or charter high school in Mecklenburg County, Union County, or Cabarrus County during this current Spring 2026 term.

Renewable Up to $30,000 Over a Four (4) Year Period. Up to $7,500 Per School Year.

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change provides a renewable need-based scholarship to male students attending an accredited, four-year Historically Black College or University (“HBCU”).

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change award recipients will receive a 2026-2027 academic year award of up to $4,000 based on need. UNCF will send electronic notification to the eligible recipients in April 2026; and scholarship funds will be disbursed to the eligible recipients’ enrolled institutions in the fall 2026.

Scholarship Renewal

If funds are available, recipients may be eligible for awards for up to four (4) additional years within a five (5) year period.

Previously awarded students shall be notified and must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain academic standing consistent with the student’s institution standards for continued enrollment.
• Annually complete FAFSA and continue to have a demonstrated unmet financial need, as verified by their college or university.

A student who transfers from an HBCU to any accredited four-year college or university after successfully completing at least one (1) academic term remains eligible for recurring awards for attendance at their new institution if they otherwise meet the renewal eligibility criteria.

A student who withdraws or takes a leave of absence, after completing at least one (1) academic year, has the equivalent of a full academic year to reenroll at any accredited four-year college or university.

The NDEP STEM Open NFO invites innovative proposals for research and implementation of effective STEM education and outreach programs. This continuously open announcement from the Department of Defense encourages submissions that align with key initiatives, including support for community colleges and strategic partnerships. As funding becomes available, amendments detailing specific topics and submission guidelines will be released. Applicants must submit white papers to express interest in full applications for potential funding consideration.

The Early-Career Artist Project Grant supports Minnesota-based artists in creating public artworks. This grant emphasizes accessibility and originality, fostering diverse artistic expressions in the community. Eligible artists must demonstrate 2-10 years of experience and be focused on developing their artistic voice. The initiative aims to uplift early-career artists, ensuring their work is visible and impactful in public spaces. This program is a valuable opportunity for emerging creatives looking to contribute to Minnesota's vibrant public art scene.

The OSGC Mini-Grant Program supports innovative STEM projects for Ohio K-12 teachers, offering up to $1,000 in funding with a required 1:1 cost share. This initiative encourages proposals that promote STEM education, have a lasting impact, and are replicable. Eligible projects may include purchasing materials or supporting field trips, provided they feature structured STEM programming. Applications are particularly welcomed from schools in urban and rural areas, with all awards contingent on available funding.

The Ohio Space Grant Consortium (OSGC) is dedicated to promoting STEM education through the Informal Education Innovation Proposal (IEIP). Established in 1989, OSGC supports a diverse network of institutions to enhance public engagement in NASA-related projects. With a focus on cost-sharing and collaboration, the IEIP aims to advance informal education initiatives that benefit the community. Funding is limited to $2,500 and is contingent on availability, making this a vital opportunity for fostering scientific literacy.

The SCAC Term Arts Education Project Grants support quality arts education for preschool and K-12 students during the 2025-2026 academic year. The grants aim to enhance access to arts education, integrate arts with school curricula, and address South Carolina’s educational standards. Eligible applicants include colleges, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Priority is given to projects serving underserved communities and addressing learning loss caused by COVID-19, ensuring a broad impact on students' educational development.

The Electronics, Photonics and Magnetic Devices (EPMD) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, promotes cutting-edge research on innovative devices utilizing electronics, photonics, and magnetics. The program aims to enhance micro-, nano-, and quantum-based technologies across diverse fields such as healthcare, energy, and communications. EPMD emphasizes the importance of novel materials and energy-efficient designs, fostering advancements that ensure improved functionality and reliability in future applications.

The Mary Ridder Cherny Fund, established in memory of Mary Agnes Ridder Cherny, supports Quincy public and parochial K-12 schools in fostering youth participation in the performing arts. The fund offers financial assistance for lessons, workshops, and instrument purchases, ensuring students can pursue their artistic talents. Grants, awarded annually, are based on recommendations to the Community Foundation’s Board, which retains the discretion to manage fund allocations. This initiative honors Mary’s lifelong passion for music and education.

The S.C. Arts Commission's Folklife & Traditional Arts Project Grants support non-profit organizations and government units in preserving and promoting South Carolina's traditional arts. This program aims to keep living cultural traditions vibrant through various projects, including workshops, festivals, and documentation efforts. Eligible applicants must be non-profit organizations with a valid DUNS number or government units. The grant encourages community engagement and the celebration of cultural heritage across the state.

Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP) - Documentary Collections

You should apply in the Documentary Collections category if your project focuses on preserving historical materials that contain recorded information such as documents, records, newspapers, photographs or similar types of items.

Resources in this category can include a variety of resource formats, such as albums, atlases, blueprints, broadsides, diaries, drawings, electronic records, films, ledgers, letters, maps, memoirs, minutes, newspapers, newsletters, oral histories, pamphlets, postcards, plats, photographs, photographic negatives, programs, reports, videotapes, and other multimedia materials.

Examples of documentary collections category projects include: 

• Processing collections – organizing, sorting, cataloging, arranging/describing, producing indexes, lists, inventories, and finding aids.
• Microfilming documents and records, with the proper preparation of material and adherence to professional microfilming standards
• Purchasing archival supplies such as UV filters, acid-free folders, boxes, envelopes, Mylar and tape for encapsulation.
• Formatting alternatives such as paper, microfilm, fiche, electronic, and also preparation of materials for re-formatting.
• Format or convert historical records collections, digitize for public access and make them freely available online.
• Provide consistent onsite researcher access to physical collections.
• Demonstrate the value of the informational contents of the collections to the understanding of Iowa’s history.
• Outlining in projects the use of archival best practices.
• Developing budgets that accomplish the project in a cost-effective manner.
• Outlining activities that bring researchers to the collections included in the project as well as the rest of the repository’s holdings.

The OREF Resident Clinician Scientist Training Grant aims to prepare residents for research-intensive careers in orthopaedic surgery. Grants up to $20,000 are available for one year, covering research expenses without salary. Projects must demonstrate clinical relevance and be feasible for residents as independent studies. Both laboratory and clinical research are encouraged, with potential for publication. Progress reports and annual reviews are required to ensure funding compliance.

The Mentored Clinician Scientist Grant, funded by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, supports the career development of clinician scientists by providing dedicated research time for up to five years. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record in research, evidenced by receiving NIH K08 or K23 funding. This grant is renewable annually based on scientific progress and available funding, fostering a strong future in academic surgery.

The National Center for Construction Safety and Health Research and Translation (U54) aims to enhance worker safety in the construction industry through innovative research and intervention strategies. By fostering partnerships and focusing on evidence-based solutions, the Center will address critical safety and health challenges faced by construction workers. The initiative aligns with NIOSH's strategic objectives, promoting collaboration among academic institutions and organizations to improve health outcomes and reduce the occupational health burden in this vital sector.

Nebraska Crime Commission

The Crime Commission was established to develop comprehensive plans and coordinate activities related to the improvement of criminal justice administration among state and local agencies. Since its inception, additional statutory responsibilities have been assigned to the Crime Commission, which now serves as an umbrella agency for many criminal and juvenile justice programs.

Crime Victim Reparations

The Nebraska Crime Victim’s Reparations (CVR) program assists eligible victims of crime who suffer bodily harm and have incurred a financial loss as a direct result of a criminal act. The Nebraska Crime Victim's Reparations Act was created in 1979 with the passage of Legislative Bill (LB) 910. The CVR program is funded through the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), state general fund appropriations, and cash funds.

Types of Expenses

• Medical expenses (hospital, doctor, dental, prescriptions, x-rays, etc.)
• Lost wages while under a doctor’s care
• Funeral expenses (Maximum of $10,000)
• Headstone | Grave marker may be considered
• Counseling | Therapy (Maximum of $5,000)
• Crime-scene clean-up (Maximum of $5,000)

The Dr. Mark K. Setter Leadership in Periodontology and Dental Implantology Award honors the legacy of Dr. Mark Setter, a distinguished figure in periodontology. Established by the AAP Foundation, this annual $10,000 award recognizes a full-time periodontal resident who exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities in promoting periodontology and dental implantology. The recipient is selected based on their impact on peers and the community, underscoring the importance of mentorship and the advancement of the field.

The Excellence in Education Award, presented by the Florida Literacy Coalition, recognizes organizations showcasing exceptional leadership and innovation in adult and family literacy education. This prestigious award includes a $100 gift certificate from New Readers Press and a $2,500 grant to support the recipient's initiatives. Eligible organizations include community-based volunteer literacy programs and local educational agencies, all contributing to enhancing literacy services across Florida.

Expanding Equity and Opportunity in America’s Cities

The Kresge Foundation is a private, national foundation that works to expand equity and opportunities in America’s cities through grantmaking and social investing in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services and community development, nationally and in Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans and Fresno. In collaboration with our partners, we help create pathways for people with low incomes to improve their life circumstances and join the economic mainstream.

Detroit Parks Coalition 2026 Summer Parks Programming Grants

The Detroit Parks Coalition, in partnership with Kresge, is offering grants of up to $20,000 to support free, drop-in youth and family programming in Detroit neighborhood parks this summer. Community-led organizations — including block clubs and community-based organizations — with a demonstrated connection to a local park are encouraged to apply.

The Grand Forks Women's Fund Grant Program aims to empower girls and women by providing resources that promote economic, social, and political equality. This initiative supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public entities that operate in Grand Forks, Walsh, or Polk County. Preference is given to new projects and grant applicants, fostering leadership skills and encouraging philanthropic engagement among women.

The Lakeshore Protecting Animal Welfare Fund aims to enhance the health and welfare of companion animals in Manitowoc, Sheboygan, and Calumet Counties. Established by five dedicated individuals, this endowment fund supports the mission of securing permanent homes for displaced animals. It honors the profound impact of loving animal companions on our lives, fostering a strong human-animal bond. This initiative ensures ongoing support for animal welfare in the community.

Kala Art Institute

Founded in 1974 by Archana Horsting and Yuzo Nakano as an international workshop rooted in the local community and forum for ideas, Kala Art Institute provides exceptional facilities to professional artists working in and across all forms of printmaking, digital media, film, video, and sound, book arts, photography, and performance.

Misson

Kala Art Institute’s mission is to help artists sustain their creative work over time through its Artist-in-Residence and Fellowship Programs, and to engage the community through exhibitions, public programs, and education.

Curatorial Fellowship Program

We are excited to launch a new Curatorial Fellowship this cycle at Kala. For the inaugural program, we are accepting applications from Bay Area curators, artists, and cultural workers to provide research and exhibition development opportunities. The year-long program culminates in an 8-10 week exhibition in the Kala Gallery.

Curatorial Fellowship Resources

For this pilot program, Kala will select and support one Curatorial Fellow who will receive a $3000 stipend, an available desk in the gallery office for exhibition research and development, a Kala art class or workshop, access to Kala’s permanent collection of over 2,500 prints and works on paper, mentorship by Victoria Sung, Phyllis C. Wattis Senior Curator at Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive, support from Kala’s exhibitions and collections team, Mayumi Hamanaka and Sonya Castillo, and exhibition support (Kala will pay an additional 40 hours directly to Kala’s installers for for install/deinstall and up to $3,000 for artist honoraria, shipping, materials, and other misc exhibition costs for the Curatorial Fellow’s 8-10 week exhibition in the Kala Gallery to take place between September 2027 – January 2028.)

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

Caesars Nevada Team Member Scholarship

This year, Caesars Entertainment is partnering with Phil and Jennifer Satre to match the scholarship funding.

Paid work, internships, and volunteerism will be a weighted selection tool used by the committee. This is a one-time award; awards may be single- or multi-year.

The i-STEM Instructor Stipend offers an exciting opportunity for educators and industry professionals to collaborate in enhancing STEM education in Idaho. Participants will lead a 4-day workshop, delivering hands-on instruction and creating materials kits for educators. Instructors will receive a $2000 stipend, travel reimbursement, and support for substitute costs, while assistants from Idaho's education sector can also receive stipends. This initiative aims to connect classroom learning with real-world applications.

The Black Hawk Excellence in Education Fund, part of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, enhances educational programming beyond the Belmont school district budget. It addresses state funding cuts, empowering teachers and students to innovate in teaching and learning. By investing in this fund, donors support quality education and ensure resources for programs typically not covered by tax dollars, benefiting current and future generations in Southern Wisconsin.

The Hillsboro Excellence in Education Fund, established in 2012, provides essential support for educational programming outside the Hillsboro School District's budget. Managed by a local advisory board, this fund enhances educational opportunities for students in the district. It serves as a critical resource, enabling innovative programming that isn't typically covered by tax dollars, thus investing in the future of Southern Wisconsin's youth.

Bolivian Society of St. Louis

The Bolivian Society of St. Louis was founded in 1965 by Bolivian immigrants to promote and preserve the rich customs and culture of Bolivia for future generations and new Bolivian immigrants. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the Greater St. Louis Area.

Whether you're a native Bolivian, connecting with your family’s culture, or curious to learn more, we would love to have you join us at one of our events or fundraisers for some of the best food, music, traditions, and community that Bolivia has to offer.

Bolivian Society of St. Louis Scholarship

The scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit, community outreach, outstanding academic performance, and ancestry. Students of Bolivian and Hispanic/Latino ancestry (up to two generations) planning to enroll in a university, college, or trade school are eligible to apply. Preference will be given first to students of Bolivian decent, then to students born in a Latin American country, then to students of Latin American decent. 

Travel reimbursements are available for individuals attending approved STEM AC events. Participants will receive a reimbursement link via email after their attendance is confirmed. It is essential to complete the required forms and attach necessary documents promptly to avoid delays. Familiarize yourself with the reimbursement limits and policies of both STEM AC and Idaho. Payments may take up to 30 days after submission, ensuring timely responses to any inquiries.