Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Woodcock Family Education Scholarship Program, established in 1993 by C.E. (Woody) Woodcock and Dixie, offers merit-based scholarships of up to $10,000 for Albuquerque metro area high school seniors excelling in science and math. With a strong belief in the importance of education, the program aims to support students with a minimum GPA of 3.8 who demonstrate exceptional promise and commitment to these fields. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years.

The Women in Rhetoric and Logic Scholarship, established by the Sandia Foundation, supports female students from Albuquerque Academy pursuing higher education in the U.S. This one-time, non-renewable award of up to $3,000 aims to empower young women by alleviating financial burdens associated with college. Applicants must present a high school transcript, a résumé, a personal essay detailing their college aspirations, and a letter of reference. Preference is given to those with debate team experience.

The Crestlea Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Delaware and Southeastern Chester County, PA, focusing on social services, education, healthcare, and more. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in the specified areas. A meeting is required for first-time applicants or those requesting over $15,000. Organizations can reapply after one year if not funded, while grants are not provided for political or religious activities, special events, or scholarships.

The External Agency Fund: Resilience and Community Services Grant invites local non-profits to apply for funding to support programs that align with the mayor's strategic goals. Applications will be accepted starting January 31, 2025, for the fiscal year 2026. This grant focuses on providing essential services to homeless populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and young adults. The minimum funding request is $25,000, and agencies must demonstrate a measurable impact and good stewardship of funds.

The R. Don Cowan Music & Performing Arts Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in music and performing arts, including musical theater and dance. Applicants must be graduating seniors or current college students from Smith County, with no specific financial need requirement. This scholarship is available for one year and allows recipients to major in any subject while continuing their performing arts education.

The Summer Reading Camp Community Partnership Grant aims to support students struggling with reading proficiency by providing quality instructional services and engaging learning experiences. With approximately $700,000 available, the grant encourages partnerships with community organizations to enhance student achievement. Applicants are urged to ensure regular attendance and parental involvement. The South Carolina Department of Education will award 10-15 grants based on the quality of applications received, with final budgets subject to negotiation based on needs.

Tourism Legislative Event Grants

In the FY2026 Budget, $2,730,000 was allocated to the Alabama Tourism Department for grants to promote local and state economies. Grants shall be reflective of the geographical diversity of the state. Each grant shall be awarded following the recommendation of members of the Legislature or legislative delegations. No House of Representatives district shall receive more than five grants at $2,600 per grant awarded, and no Senate District shall receive more than ten grants at $3,900 per grant awarded. The Alabama Tourism Department is proud to work with the Alabama Legislature to administer these grants. 

The MyGOAL Autism Grant Program provides essential financial support for families caring for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This need-based grant assists with non-reimbursable medical expenses, nutritional needs, personal care, and educational enrichment activities. With a funding amount of $1000, the program prioritizes first-time applicants and aims to enhance the well-being and development of children with ASD, addressing gaps left by other funding sources.

The 2026-2027 SSI Community Partnerships C4 Continuation Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational outcomes for students in struggling neighborhoods. This initiative focuses on schools with low performance on state assessments, providing comprehensive support to help students achieve grade-level proficiency. By fostering partnerships among academic, community, and governmental entities, the grant seeks to ensure that children and youth from distressed backgrounds gain access to quality education and support systems essential for their success.

The Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Aftercare program aims to combat substance abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native populations. It focuses on enhancing care coordination, expanding culturally competent behavioral health services, and implementing early intervention strategies for at-risk youth. By supporting Tribal and community-led initiatives, the program fosters collaboration among families, youth, and community partners to create effective prevention, treatment, and recovery solutions.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Llewellyn L. Cayvan String Instrument Scholarship

Open to students studying music with concentration in viola, violin, violincello, or bass viol.

The Behavioral Health Integration Initiative aims to enhance the health of American Indian and Alaska Native individuals by expanding access to integrated behavioral health care. It supports Tribal and Urban Indian Organization health systems in providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed services. The initiative focuses on improving care coordination, promoting early identification of mental health issues, and integrating various health services to improve overall health outcomes and quality of life for AI/AN communities.

Democracy Grant Program 

Our Democracy Grant Program will consider proposals that address one or more of the following:

• Organizing across issues (e.g., economic justice, climate justice) that builds power and strengthens democratic participation and/or works to improve the material conditions of Minnesota communities
• Narrative infrastructure and storytelling that expands civic voice and dialogue toward an equitable democracy and a just Minnesota
• Infrastructure and institution building that expands our movement landscape, strengthens leaders and equips our changemaking ecosystem for lasting power-building

We understand this work of realizing and strengthening our democracy manifests across issues. We also understand that organizing leverages various strategies required to shape political agendas and social conditions for long-term change include strengthening narrative infrastructure, organizing resources, increasing democratic participation, and building new institutions.

Organizing that works to change the material conditions of communities will both fortify our civic infrastructure and strengthen the democratic participation of communities across the state. Efforts grounded in strong issue-based campaigns, the defense of democratic institutions, leadership development that brings new leaders into the fold, and an orientation of institution building all lay the groundwork for long-term change.

Funded work could include any of the following and more:

• Cross-issue organizing around topics of economic justice, public safety, environment/climate, LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, immigration, Indigenous governance and sovereignty, civic engagement working to improve the material conditions of Minnesota communities
• Organizing strategies that expand base-building and grow new constituencies to build a bigger “we”
• Organizing that builds narrative infrastructure and power to shape storytelling and expand civic discourse for a just Minnesota

Grant Details

Grant amounts will be $100,000 per year for a five-year grant period, for total grant amounts of $500,000 per grantee

In 2026, up to $2,000,000 is available for this grant program, and we anticipate awarding approximately 20 grants

The Quinnipiac River Fund Grants, founded in 1990, aim to enhance the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River and New Haven Harbor. Annually, over $100,000 is allocated to projects focusing on pollution reduction, ecological research, public education, and habitat restoration. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and their fiscal agents. Priority is given to local nonprofits. This fund supports initiatives that significantly improve the health of the river and its surrounding watersheds.

The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) is inviting media professionals from North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain to participate in the Awards for Excellence in Journalism. This prestigious competition features 14 categories, including Migration Journalism and Sustainability, to highlight significant contributions in journalism. Open to works published in Spanish, English, or Portuguese, the contest encourages broad participation. Winners will receive awards, with many categories offering prizes of US$2,000.

Who We Are

Our Mission

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

UNCF’s North Star is to increase the total annual number of African American college graduates by focusing on activities that ensure more students are college-ready, enroll in college and persist to graduation. This is done through a three-pillar strategy. Positioning member institutions as a viable college option for students and investing in institutional capacity to improve student outcomes; creating transformational support programs to ensure students are enrolling and persisting through college completion; building awareness of educational attainment and cultivating college-going behaviors within the African American community.

For Students

UNCF is more than just scholarships. We’re the nation’s leading minority education organization and our goal is to help you get to and through college.

Our support takes many different forms. From merit scholarships to financial assistance, on-campus assistance to professional development, emergency financial aid to community support, UNCF is committed to getting more students like you to and through college.

2026-2027 The Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship is directed towards current talented high school seniors within the Class of 2026 from the state of New York, who will be enrolling at any accredited UNCF member institution or other accredited Historically Black College/University.

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship is directed towards academically achieving high school seniors, who are seeking enrollment at any accredited UNCF member institution or other Historically Black College/University. 

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Foundation, Inc. is a social impactful philanthropic organization based in New York. The foundation actively focuses on funding critical initiatives in the arts and culture, education, health and religion.

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Foundation, Inc. has partnered with UNCF to establish the Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship. This scholarship is focused on providing vital financial assistance to ensure that high school seniors within the state of New York have access to a quality college education.

The candidates will have the opportunity to enroll in any accredited field of study at their selected institution. The candidates must be enrolled as first-time freshman within the 2026-27 Academic year. The eligible candidates must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 throughout the entire application process. 

The selected recipients will be eligible for renewal awards upon their continual adherence to the program guidelines and have established financial need by their institution each year.

The Mid-Illinois Communications Association Scholarship supports rising juniors, seniors, and graduate students pursuing communications-related fields such as journalism, public relations, and marketing. Applicants must be from Central Illinois or attend a Central Illinois college, and they should be direct descendants of U.S. Service Members. This scholarship fosters educational growth for those committed to serving their communities through effective communication.

Kansas Office of Apprenticeship

The Kansas Office of Apprenticeship (KOA) supports the development and expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs across the state and administers the Kansas Apprenticeship Council (KAC), which ensures programs meet state and federal apprenticeship standards.

Mission: To meet the needs of the Kansas economy and its citizens, the office of Apprenticeship will actively grow a robust system that supports our apprenticeship stakeholders, sponsors, intermediaries, and apprentices. We do this by strategically empowering partnerships that serve a diverse and inclusive workforce through occupational proficiency, for generations to come.

Rural Apprenticeship Innovation for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Grant

Overview

The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship are committed to meeting Kansas’ high-wage, high-demand workforce needs by expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs in counties with populations under 50,000 residents. This grant provides direct operational support to new and existing programs—such as business support, marketing, and training equipment—to help them grow, expand services, and reach more Kansans.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to provide seed funding for long-term investments in the expansion of new or established Registered Apprenticeship programs in rural Kansas with populations under 50,000. Registered Apprenticeships are a sustainable and economical way to connect residents to meaningful training for long term careers, retain talent in rural areas, and keep Kansas competitive.

Goals

• Support expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs in rural Kansas counties.
• Increase Registered Apprenticeship enrollment by at least 10% year over year in high-wage, high-demand occupations

The Marillac Mission Fund offers responsive grants primarily for established organizations addressing poverty and vulnerability in the St. Louis area. Focus areas include support for older adults living independently, immigrants and refugees, veterans (existing grantees only), and human trafficking prevention. Grant types include program/project funding and general operating support, with a preference for organizations demonstrating alignment with Catholic moral teachings and serving specific populations. Applications are currently limited to existing grantees in designated focus areas.

The Smart Growth Community Planning Program, managed by the New York State Department of State, aims to enhance community planning by integrating Smart Growth principles. This program supports the development of comprehensive plans and zoning codes that prioritize equity, economic development, environmental stewardship, and energy efficiency. By fostering inclusivity and sustainability, it empowers communities to create vibrant, livable spaces that cater to diverse populations and promote long-term resilience.

The Brownfield Opportunity Area Program in New York aims to revitalize underutilized and contaminated properties, enhancing community investment and growth. Managed by the New York State Department of State, the program provides grants and technical assistance to develop strategic redevelopment plans. This initiative targets areas with known contamination, especially in disadvantaged communities, transforming them into valuable assets that promote economic development and improve quality of life for residents.

The Parkinson Family Foundation Grant supports organizations focusing on Food & Water, Faith & Evangelism, and Health & Humanitarian Efforts. Applications are open year-round, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000; larger requests are typically declined. Eligible applicants include schools, state governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The Foundation emphasizes selectivity and prioritizes organizations with established relationships and those promoting American ideals like freedom and justice.

The James Ledwith Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2011 by the Albuquerque Community Foundation, supports high school graduates from the Albuquerque Metro Area who have faced extraordinary challenges. This scholarship awards up to $2,000 to those pursuing post-secondary education while demonstrating hope, faith, and courage. Applicants must submit letters of reference and a personal essay outlining their life dreams and challenges. One to two scholarships are awarded annually, promoting resilience and personal growth in the face of adversity.

The Jonathan Sherman Spradling Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2023, honors the legacy of Jonathan Sherman Spradling, a dedicated New Mexico resident committed to education and community service. This scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism. With a focus on applicants from Valencia County, NM, the fund aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions while encouraging continued involvement in community service.

The WE Initiative Grant, part of the Walter and Elise Haas Fund's Social Well-being program, seeks nonprofit organizations dedicated to fostering belonging and community cohesion in the Bay Area. With a focus on cultural identity and collective action, grantees will receive $100,000 annually for five years to support collaborative projects aimed at uplifting diverse voices and driving community-led change. This initiative promotes connection, creativity, and healing to address social fragmentation and empower marginalized communities.

The NHWF: Women and Girls of Color Fund Grant supports projects led by and serving women and girls of color in New Hampshire. With only 1.9% of philanthropic dollars directed towards women and girls, this fund aims to address the funding gap by providing small, quarterly grants of up to $2,000. This initiative encourages community-based solutions, ensuring women and girls of color play a significant role in project planning and implementation, fostering equity and justice.