Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides federal funding to non-entitlement cities and counties to improve infrastructure, support community facilities, and strengthen local economies in ways that primarily help low-to-moderate income people while addressing local health and safety concerns. Project awards are available in several categories for a wide range of community development initiatives.

Emergency funding is available for projects that address a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community. The condition must be of recent origins (within 18 months of the event that caused the emergency), and the applicant must demonstrate that other financial resources are not available to address the need. All proposed activities must meet applicable CDBG eligibility requirements and a national objective. Emergency projects are typically evaluated under the Urgent Need national objective. Proposals are accepted at any time, but must be submitted within the required 18-month period. CDBG staff will review the proposal for eligibility and then invite the community to apply if conditions are met. 

To apply for an emergency project, please first reach out to the CDBG Project Development team for consult on the project. This will help ensure eligibility. Once the approval has been given for submitting an application, one of the team members will provide an application. It is encouraged to also reach out to the environmental review team to better understand what is needed and what can be waived for the emergency project.

The New Era Cap Foundation Impact Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations in Western New York and beyond, focusing on five key areas: Cancer Patient & Family Care, Veterans & First Responders, Women Empowerment, Youth Sports, and Arts & Education. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) charities, while religious organizations for non-secular purposes and individual youth sports teams are ineligible. This initiative encourages impactful community engagement and fosters positive change.

The Benton Telecommunications Foundation Grant aims to enhance human development across spiritual, intellectual, physical, and psychological domains. The foundation prioritizes projects that promote healthy living, address basic human needs, and foster educational and personal development. It supports community improvement initiatives, particularly in Benton County, Minnesota, while considering the financial need of applicants and the potential community impact of proposed projects.

The PRO 2026-07 Water Safety Leading Grant aims to fund initiatives that enhance water safety for children and families in Hillsborough County. Approved by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, the grant focuses on collaborative service delivery addressing urgent community needs. Grantees will provide education, swimming lessons, and safety resources while meeting strategic outcomes. This grant prioritizes children aged 1 to 18 and their caregivers, ensuring a comprehensive approach to preventing drownings and promoting family support.

The Community Connections Grant, formerly known as the Community Action Project Grant, provides funding of up to $4,000 for grassroots initiatives aimed at enhancing neighborhood quality of life in Hampton. This program encourages collaboration among local organizations to foster community engagement, safety, and cultural development. Eligible projects may include public safety education, organizational development, and recreational or cultural events, making it a vital resource for community-driven improvements.

The Community Foundation of Richmond County Grant supports healthcare-related charitable needs in Richmond County, NC. It funds projects that promote health and wellness, indigent care, health education, and research. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities, churches, and government agencies. Ineligible projects typically involve debt retirement, direct individual support, or political activities. The foundation encourages collaboration and fiscal sponsorship for non-eligible organizations, ensuring that grants effectively benefit the local community.

The Highmark BluePrints Small Grants program, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, allocates funds to nonprofits addressing critical health-related issues in Delaware. Grants up to $50,000 support initiatives focused on enhancing health care access, reducing disparities, and fostering early childhood development. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities and certain government agencies. The program emphasizes community equity and welcomes applications for innovative solutions that improve health outcomes for underserved populations.

The Herbert Family Foundation Grant focuses on philanthropic efforts that promote healing and fight hunger. Founded by Jim and Judi Herbert, both Distinguished Alumni of the University of Tennessee, the foundation supports health and food charities. It aims to advance medical research, education, and hunger relief initiatives, emphasizing sustainable practices and nutritional assistance. The foundation's mission reflects its commitment to impactful charitable causes that resonate personally with the founders.

New Jersey Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance

New Jersey is responding to the crisis of violence that has emerged in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic through an innovative approach to public safety. In September 2022, through an administrative directive, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin created the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) within the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety (LPS). In October 2023, Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed A-4978/S-3086 into law, codifying VIVA within the Department of Law and Public Safety.

VIVA advances a unified strategy for public safety by bringing together victim services – including victims of domestic violence and sexual assault – and the Department’s violence intervention and prevention programming. Having previously been dispersed throughout the Department, VIVA centralizes under one roof services that were previously dispersed throughout LPS and provides staffing to support the programs statewide.

Competitive Community-Based Violence Intervention Program - Tertiary Prevention (Category 1A)

The purpose of the CBVI program is to support non-profit community service providers in the development and implementation of community violence intervention programming for communities impacted by higher than average rates of community violence, with a focus on gun violence. Applicants may develop new initiatives or enhance already existing programs. This public health approach to addressing violence requires working collaboratively, creatively, and by addressing various levels of community and individual engagement, Primary/Secondary and tertiary prevention each have specific benefits, and all are part of our collective public safety ecosystem. 

Category 1A would include Tertiary Prevention strategies described in Category 1 with the addition of a Violence Intervention Coordinator. A Violence Intervention Coordinator will assist the agency with capacity building efforts through implementing best practice community coordination strategies. A Violence Intervention Coordinator, in partnership with community utilizes data driven public health approaches to identify the most effective and coordinated strategies.

New Jersey Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance

New Jersey is responding to the crisis of violence that has emerged in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic through an innovative approach to public safety. In September 2022, through an administrative directive, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin created the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) within the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety (LPS). In October 2023, Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed A-4978/S-3086 into law, codifying VIVA within the Department of Law and Public Safety.

VIVA advances a unified strategy for public safety by bringing together victim services – including victims of domestic violence and sexual assault – and the Department’s violence intervention and prevention programming. Having previously been dispersed throughout the Department, VIVA centralizes under one roof services that were previously dispersed throughout LPS and provides staffing to support the programs statewide.

Competitive Community-Based Violence Intervention Program - Primary/Secondary Prevention (Category 2)

The purpose of the CBVI program is to support non-profit community service providers in the development and implementation of community violence intervention programming for communities impacted by higher than average rates of community violence, with a focus on gun violence. Applicants may develop new initiatives or enhance already existing programs. This public health approach to addressing violence requires working collaboratively, creatively, and by addressing various levels of community and individual engagement, Primary/Secondary and tertiary prevention each have specific benefits, and all are part of our collective public safety ecosystem. 

Primary prevention strategies typically address risk factors associated with violence in the general population. These approaches include community-wide impact and awareness efforts in communities that are disproportionality effected by gun violence, as well as individual- or group-related activities for populations at risk of gun violence. Primary prevention programs create safe spaces for all, provide pro-social activities, and help bring community together. These approaches increase crucial protective factors.

Secondary prevention strategies focus on sub-populations with risk factors for future violence either as victims or perpetrators. Potential secondary prevention strategies may include, mentorship, skill-building in areas that promote protective factors, or restorative healing circles. Subpopulation focus on a secondary prevention model are those more acutely at risk for violence or recidivism due to the presence of one or more risk factors. 

The Legacy Fellowship, offered by the American Antiquarian Society, supports scholarly research in American history and culture through 1900. Funded through contributions from former fellows, this fellowship provides a stipend of $2,000 per month for a term of one to two months. It is open to postdoctoral scholars and graduate students, prioritizing those who have not held long-term fellowships in the past three years. Applications are encouraged from various academic fields related to American studies.

The American Historical Print Collectors Society Fellowship supports research on American prints from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Funded jointly by the American Historical Print Collectors Society and the American Antiquarian Society, this fellowship offers a stipend of $2,000 per month for one to two months of research. Eligible applicants include postdoctoral scholars and graduate students from various humanities fields. Preference is given to those who have not held long-term fellowships recently.

The Alstott Morgan Fellowship, offered by the American Antiquarian Society, supports research on 19th-century American education. It provides a stipend of $2,200 per month for a term of one to two months, available from June 1 to May 31. Eligible candidates include postdoctoral scholars and graduate students engaged in scholarly research across various fields related to American history and culture up to 1900. Preference is given to those without long-term fellowships in the preceding three years.

The AAS-American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies Fellowships support research projects on the American eighteenth century. Funded by the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies and the American Antiquarian Society, these fellowships offer a stipend of $2,200 per month for one to two months of research between June 1 and May 31. Eligibility includes postdoctoral scholars and foreign nationals residing in the U.S. for three years prior to application.

The Carolyn Jane Scott Charitable Trust, managed by Wells Fargo Bank, supports 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in New Jersey. It funds a variety of areas including education, health, and the arts, with grants typically ranging from $15,000 to $25,000. The Trust prioritizes requests that demonstrate community need and administrative stability, while excluding individuals and for-profit entities. Its mission embodies a commitment to charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes.

The Kate B. and Hall J. Peterson Fellowships, offered by the American Antiquarian Society, support scholarly research in any field related to American history and culture up to 1876. Each fellowship provides a stipend of $2,000 per month for a term of one to two months between June 1 and May 31. Preference is given to applicants who haven’t received long-term fellowships in the past three years, and eligibility extends to postdoctoral scholars and graduate students.

The Hench Post-Dissertation Fellowship, offered by the American Antiquarian Society, provides a unique opportunity for scholars to refine their dissertations for publication. This prestigious fellowship includes a $40,000 stipend and up to $4,000 for health insurance. Applicants must be within three years of earning their doctorate and focus on topics relevant to American history and culture through 1900. The program fosters collaboration and feedback from leading scholars, enhancing the academic community in Worcester, Massachusetts.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been advancing energy solutions and working to protect the environment since 1975.

Clean Energy Career Awareness Program: Teaching Resources & Educator Training

Description

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) requests proposals from firms that will help advance a Clean Energy Career Awareness Program to serve New York State (NYS) students, youths, and teachers. Proposal will be considered by contractors who wish to provide workforce development and training services for either or both of the following Pillars:

• Pillar 1 - Clean Energy Teaching Resources: A web-based platform that contains freely accessible clean energy educational resources responsive to the needs of NYS students and teachers.
• Pillar 2 - Clean Energy Educator Training: Professional development opportunities for NYS educators to advance their understanding of clean energy in NYS.

For Pillar 1, NYSERDA seeks proposer with experience and expertise in clean energy, curriculum curation, and web design. The proposer shall develop webpage(s) that contain freely accessible clean energy educational resources that are responsive to the needs of NYS students and teachers. The proposer shall maintain the webpage(s) regularly to ensure accuracy and timeliness of resources.

For Pillar 2, NYSERDA seeks proposer with experience and expertise in both clean energy and professional development for educators. The proposer shall develop and deliver professional development opportunities for at least 2,000 unique NYS educators to advance their understanding of clean energy in NYS and remove the barriers to understanding the benefits of clean energy. The proposer shall ensure 50+% of participating educators serve and/or are from NYS Disadvantaged Communities (DAC) and/or Priority District Schools.   

A total of $5,750,000 is available, with $750,000 designated for Pillar 1 and $5,000,000 designated for Pillar 2.

The Chicago Commitment: Civic Partnerships aims to foster a more equitable city by supporting local organizations and partnerships that address systemic racism and promote racial equity. With an emphasis on inclusive actions, the initiative focuses on community-driven solutions to pressing challenges. By investing in diverse voices and creative sectors, the foundation seeks to uplift marginalized communities and create a resilient environment where all Chicagoans can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

The Sierra Health Foundation offers sponsorship opportunities aimed at improving health and quality of life in Northern California. They support nonprofit organizations and public agencies aligned with their mission. Submission deadlines are set for Feb. 1, May 1, Aug. 1, and Nov. 1, with funding decisions made within six weeks. Requests must include detailed event information and can only be for one event. Late submissions or requests for past events will not be considered.

The CommonSpirit Health Equity & Advancement Fund aims to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations in Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. Launched in 2021, this initiative focuses on enhancing social justice through community engagement, addressing social determinants of health, and supporting innovative health equity projects. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and tribal nations that collaborate to serve underrepresented communities. Funding priorities emphasize collaboration, unique health equity solutions, and leveraging additional resources.

The Marshfield Area Affiliate Grantmaking Program, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Marshfield region. Grants of up to $3,000 are available for projects in education, arts, economic development, and more. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving the area. The program encourages community leadership and thoughtful grantmaking to support diverse initiatives that improve local welfare.

The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Program (DASA)

Funds are appropriated through the State of South Dakota general funds annually. Funds are awarded to provide domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and education programs, to provide training programs for the staff and volunteers of the shelter service programs and to provide assistance to shelter programs that serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The Booth Ferris Foundation, established in 1957, offers grants through its Strengthening NYC Grant Program. This initiative aims to support organizations that promote equity and build vibrant communities in New York City. Eligible entities must demonstrate a strong track record and focus on capacity building to address systemic inequities. The Foundation provides funding for projects that enhance nonprofit infrastructure and sustainability, helping organizations achieve long-term impact in their communities.

The Canadian Farm to School Grant, supported by Farm to Cafeteria Canada and the Whole Kids Foundation, provides funding up to $10,000 for schools across Canada to enhance local food initiatives. Schools from kindergarten to grade 12 are encouraged to engage students and communities in growing, cooking, and serving healthy local foods. This initiative promotes food literacy and sustainable practices, aiming to increase student access to nutritious meals while fostering community connections.

The Robert Rector Scholarship honors a legacy of education in machining and tool making, founded by Robert Rector, who believed in the power of learning. This scholarship aims to support graduates from Cascade, Cashmere, and Richland High Schools who are pursuing careers in metallurgy. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher and demonstrate interest in Material Science classes. This initiative encourages young talents to develop essential skills in a high-demand industry.

The Ruby J. Craddock Memorial Trust Grant supports the well-being of animals, educational programs for youth, epilepsy research, and home care for the terminally ill. Established by the Craddocks of Salt Lake City, Utah, it focuses on organizations qualifying as 501(c)(3) entities. The trust aims to empower communities through targeted interventions in health, education, and social services, providing crucial support to enhance lives and promote welfare.