Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations

Forward Turn is a youth-led grantmaking program aimed at enhancing community giving in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties. It empowers young individuals to address critical issues such as substance abuse, bullying, and mental health. Funded by the Community Foundation, it encourages projects that promote collaboration and resource leveraging among youth, nonprofits, and local organizations. With a focus on impactful initiatives, Forward Turn prioritizes proposals that are written by youth to foster community involvement and positive lifestyles.

The Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation employs a trust-based philanthropy model, fostering collaborative partnerships with organizations in West Virginia dedicated to supporting children's holistic health. This approach emphasizes primary and secondary prevention strategies while promoting systemic change through relationship building and mutual understanding. By prioritizing less restrictive funding and streamlined processes, the foundation seeks to empower organizations that align with its mission to create lasting impact in the community.

The June & Julian Foss Foundation, established in 1997, prioritizes support for children and young adults, especially those facing mental illness or physical disabilities. With a mission to foster healthy, responsible adults and promote family philanthropy, the Foundation emphasizes family strength, diversity, and self-worth. Grants typically do not exceed $5,000 and are directed towards programs that enhance self-sufficiency and recognize individual capabilities, while upholding values of integrity and respect.

The Saginaw Community Foundation offers the General Grant to support a variety of nonprofit projects in Saginaw County. With five distinct grantmaking committees, it provides funding for programs that enhance community life. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $15,000, depending on the committee. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits and local government entities, with a focus on initiatives that leverage additional resources and promote collaboration.

The Ahmanson Foundation Grant supports cultural projects in Los Angeles County, focusing on arts, education, healthcare, and human services. It emphasizes funding for established 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate sound management and impactful programs. The Foundation prioritizes one-time or short-term requests, particularly from organizations with a history of effective leadership. While supporting innovative initiatives, it typically excludes funding for operational support, individual scholarships, and political activities, aiming to enhance the community's cultural legacy.

The P. Joann Womble Dehring Memorial Education Endowed Scholarship supports full-time undergraduate and graduate students at Western Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Development. This scholarship encourages those enrolled in teacher education, counseling education, or counseling psychology programs to apply, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 required. Renewable for eligible students, it aims to foster academic success and dedication in future educators and counselors.

The Marilen Reimer Advocacy & Public Policy Legacy Scholarship, provided by the ACEC Colorado Scholarship & Education Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing engineering or land surveying degrees at ABET-accredited universities in Colorado. This scholarship recognizes outstanding commitment to government and public policy, encouraging applicants with relevant volunteer experience. Scholarships are awarded directly to students to cover educational expenses, with varying amounts based on merit and need, honoring Marilen Reimer's influential role in advancing engineering advocacy.

The Trades Workforce Development Grant, offered by the Patterson Family Foundation, aims to support skill development in high-demand trades like HVAC, plumbing, and welding. Organizations in Kansas and western Missouri can apply starting April 1, 2025. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance community engagement and offer pathways to quality jobs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. Early submission of the Letter of Intent is encouraged for timely review and consideration.

The Organizational Development Grant by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts aims to enhance nonprofit effectiveness through funding small capital needs. This initiative supports vital resources such as furniture, equipment, and technology, ensuring nonprofits can sustain their impact. Eligible organizations can apply once per program, fostering collaboration and measurable outcomes. This grant aligns with the foundation's mission to improve community life across a diverse 33-community region, emphasizing capacity-building and efficiency.

The GFO-25-301 initiative by the California Energy Commission seeks to fund innovative technology demonstrations that enhance the integration of distributed energy resources into commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. By addressing barriers to energization and reducing costs for ratepayers, this program aims to foster advanced energy management systems and flexible utility agreements, ultimately benefiting both customers and the grid.

The Daniel C. and Beatrice M. Fisher Fund Grant, established by longtime Clarence Center residents, supports local non-profits and community initiatives. With a legacy of civic engagement, the Fishers aimed to enhance the Town of Clarence's betterment through this fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Their commitment continues to inspire future generations. For more details, refer to the provided FAQs.

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce is the front door of government across our state. Our work touches every corner of Washington and impacts every community. We are advancing the most urgent needs facing our state: the transition to a clean energy economy, climate resilience, housing supply to meet our growing population, and the equitable engagement of communities, Tribes, local governments, and organizations.

Commerce fosters resilient communities by building partnerships, delivering resources, and advancing equity through responsive, transparent and collaborative public service. We invest in Washington’s future and communities, supporting equitable economic growth, innovative solutions, and a skilled workforce. We build and strengthen partnerships, systems, and projects, deploying solutions at scale and with community input. We serve communities, individuals, and our state by ensuring transformative projects and funding reach every Washingtonian; urban, rural, and Tribal, and we are committed to supporting the Commerce team who serve our state with such dedication.

Capital Project Capacity Grants for Non-profit Organizations

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Capacity Initiative is accepting applications for FY2027 Capital Project Capacity-Building Grant Program. These grants will help eligible organizations strengthen their capacity and advance viable capital projects that directly benefit overburdened communities in Washington. Funding may support a critical next step in an early-stage capital project, including targeted technical assistance and predevelopment activities. Priority will be given to projects in overburdened communities that address housing, energy or infrastructure needs and to applicants and communities with limited financial capacity.

The Koerner Family Foundation Scholarship, offered by the Four County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors and recent graduates from Almont, Dryden, and Romeo High Schools. Eligible students must plan to major in business, engineering, IT, medical health fields, natural sciences, or vocational training, with a minimum GPA of 2.50. Award recipients will be honored at a Scholarship Celebration in May and at their respective high school awards events.

The Pegasus Prize, a $50,000 grant from the Dallas Foundation, recognizes innovative nonprofit organizations in Dallas County that utilize data-driven solutions to tackle community challenges. This award amplifies recipients' impacts, enhances their visibility, and encourages further investment in transformative ideas. Projects should focus on education, economic stability, or mental health, and be designed to support the community while fostering growth and effectiveness. The prize aims to accelerate progress in addressing pressing local issues.

The New England Grassroots Fund offers SEED Grants to support community-driven projects in New England, particularly those initiated by groups with limited resources and experience. These grants aim to empower organizations that represent diverse voices in their communities and focus on local environmental issues. Eligible applicants include grassroots organizations without formal tax status, emphasizing the fund's commitment to accessible funding for innovative, grassroots solutions.

The Montgomery County Community Foundation offers various grants aimed at enhancing the well-being of local communities. With a focus on nonprofits in Montgomery County, Texas, the foundation supports initiatives in arts, education, health, and social services. It encourages collaborative projects that address significant community needs while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Grants are available for organizations that are tax-exempt and provide substantial services to the area, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce is the front door of government across our state. Our work touches every corner of Washington and impacts every community. We are advancing the most urgent needs facing our state: the transition to a clean energy economy, climate resilience, housing supply to meet our growing population, and the equitable engagement of communities, Tribes, local governments, and organizations.

Commerce fosters resilient communities by building partnerships, delivering resources, and advancing equity through responsive, transparent and collaborative public service. We invest in Washington’s future and communities, supporting equitable economic growth, innovative solutions, and a skilled workforce. We build and strengthen partnerships, systems, and projects, deploying solutions at scale and with community input. We serve communities, individuals, and our state by ensuring transformative projects and funding reach every Washingtonian; urban, rural, and Tribal, and we are committed to supporting the Commerce team who serve our state with such dedication.

Capital Project Capacity Grants for Local Governments

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Capacity Initiative is accepting applications for FY2027 Capital Project Capacity-Building Grant Program. These grants will help eligible organizations strengthen their capacity and advance viable capital projects that directly benefit overburdened communities in Washington. Funding may support a critical next step in an early-stage capital project, including targeted technical assistance and predevelopment activities. Priority will be given to projects in overburdened communities that address housing, energy or infrastructure needs and to applicants and communities with limited financial capacity.

Awards will be made through a competitive process. Commerce anticipates awarding a limited number of grantees across the three applicant tracks, depending on the applications received, requested amounts, and available funding. Applicants must apply through one of three tracks: Washington local governments, Federally recognized tribal governments, and Federally designated nonprofits registered in Washington.

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce is the front door of government across our state. Our work touches every corner of Washington and impacts every community. We are advancing the most urgent needs facing our state: the transition to a clean energy economy, climate resilience, housing supply to meet our growing population, and the equitable engagement of communities, Tribes, local governments, and organizations.

Commerce fosters resilient communities by building partnerships, delivering resources, and advancing equity through responsive, transparent and collaborative public service. We invest in Washington’s future and communities, supporting equitable economic growth, innovative solutions, and a skilled workforce. We build and strengthen partnerships, systems, and projects, deploying solutions at scale and with community input. We serve communities, individuals, and our state by ensuring transformative projects and funding reach every Washingtonian; urban, rural, and Tribal, and we are committed to supporting the Commerce team who serve our state with such dedication.

Capital Project Capacity Grants for Federally-Recognized Tribal Governments

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Capacity Initiative is accepting applications for FY2027 Capital Project Capacity-Building Grant Program. These grants will help eligible organizations strengthen their capacity and advance viable capital projects that directly benefit overburdened communities in Washington. Funding may support a critical next step in an early-stage capital project, including targeted technical assistance and predevelopment activities. Priority will be given to projects in overburdened communities that address housing, energy or infrastructure needs and to applicants and communities with limited financial capacity.

Awards will be made through a competitive process. Commerce anticipates awarding a limited number of grantees across the three applicant tracks, depending on the applications received, requested amounts, and available funding. Applicants must apply through one of three tracks: Washington local governments, Federally recognized tribal governments, and Federally designated nonprofits registered in Washington.

Zions Bank Grant supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential services within the communities it serves. Focus areas for funding include affordable housing, arts and culture, community service, inclusive communities, economic development, education, and health and human services. Nonprofits applying must be 501(c)(3) organizations and operate within Zions Bank's market area. Notably, the bank does not fund individuals, for-profit entities, or programs outside its service areas.

The FY2022 U.S. Embassy Tokyo Fulbright Alumni Awards celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Fulbright Program in Japan. This initiative aims to recognize and showcase the contributions of Fulbright alumni to the U.S.-Japan relationship, focusing on key areas such as security, sustainability, and women's empowerment. The awards will promote diversity and increase interest in the Fulbright program among the Japanese public, highlighting the alumni's impact through a dedicated video and outreach efforts.

The J.N. and Macie Edens Foundation Grant supports organizations in Navarro County, Texas, focusing on community improvement, education, and human services. Established by Joseph and Lilac Edens, the foundation aims to alleviate human suffering, promote scientific endeavors, and enhance public welfare. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) charities that contribute to the betterment of mankind and support religious and educational initiatives, reflecting the Edens' commitment to community service.

The Community Fund for Theresa, established in 2020 by the Russell I. Wilcox Family, aims to support vital programs and initiatives that enhance the Theresa, New York area. With a focus on cultural activities, historic preservation, and community development, the fund seeks to improve quality of life through recreational and educational projects. It serves the Village and Town of Theresa and the surrounding Indian River Lakes Region, ensuring that essential needs are met and community spirit is fostered.

Michael Dean Guilliams Memorial Scholarship Fund

Fund provides scholarship assistance to deserving students who are pursuing further educational studies in a career and technical field.

Amount

$1,500+

Taos Community Foundation Impact Grants

This annual competitive grant cycle addresses key needs in our community, including animal welfare, arts & culture, basic needs, community advocacy, environmental sustainability, health, education, and youth. This grant cycle provides both project funding and core operational support to local non-profits in Taos and western Colfax county.

The Julius Sumner Miller Foundation Grant supports projects that enhance science education, particularly in physics, and improve health care for the elderly in southern California's South Bay region. The Foundation prioritizes programs that address critical needs, provide measurable impacts, and are non-discriminatory. Grants are awarded annually, with multi-year options available based on project goals and outcomes. Eligible organizations must hold IRS 501(c)(3) status and cannot be private foundations.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

Wawa Foundation

The Wawa Foundation is Wawa’s recently established 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded to encompass all of Wawa’s charitable giving. The Wawa Foundation is committed to fulfilling lives every day by building stronger communities.

The Wawa Foundation Hero Award

What does it mean to be a hero to our communities? The Wawa Foundation Hero Award honors a non-profit organization, and its volunteers, serving Philadelphia by providing services that build stronger communities through preserving our independence, protecting our safety and mentoring and inspiring our youth.

The Wawa Foundation would like to hear from your organization or an organization that has had a direct impact on you or someone you know. Let us know what being a hero means to your organization and how it’s working to inspire and improve the communities it serves.

Share your organization’s story – including its mission, purpose, and services – by completing the form below. You may also share a video (up to 4 minutes long) in addition to your story. We’ll select 4 of the most compelling stories for voting by the public. The organization with the most votes will be presented to The Wawa Foundation Hero Award Panel for final approval and determination.

The winning organization will receive a $50,000 grant from The Wawa Foundation, and three finalists will each receive a $10,000 grant. The Wawa Foundation Hero Award will be announced as part of the Wawa Welcome America! festivities.