Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations

The Washington Biologists' Field Club (WBFC) Research Awards Competition offers grants to support field research focused on the Mid-Atlantic Region's natural history. This includes studies on biodiversity, ecology, and conservation, with a particular emphasis on organisms from Plummers Island and the Potomac River. The WBFC encourages proposals that enhance understanding of lesser-known taxa and has funded diverse research topics, such as fish behavior and conservation genetics.

Department Information

Department History

The mission of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department is to protect, conserve and enhance fish and wildlife populations and their habitat for sustained public consumptive and nonconsumptive use.

Sponsorship/Education/Conservation Grants

Sponsorship/Education/Conservation Grants provide funding to organizations for projects/events that closely relate to or assist in fulfilling the Department’s mission.

Joyful Heart Foundation

Since 2004, Joyful Heart has been a leading national organization with a mission to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse by building a world that prioritizes survivors’ healing.

Our Areas of Focus

We continue to carry out our mission through programming centered on survivors’ needs. We strive to fill gaps where those needs aren’t being met, without duplicating existing programs. In order to build a more compassionate, more informed culture rooted in the possibility and promise of healing, we focus on three key areas: Awareness and Community Building, Policy and Advocacy and Healing Programs.

• Healing Programs and Resources: Creating and fostering a culture of healing and nurturing for survivors and the professionals who support them.
• Policy and Advocacy: Advocating for policies and practices that forge a path to safety, justice and hope for survivors.

• Awareness and Community Building: Creating spaces and conversations that channel a drive for change into action and transformation.

Heal the Healers Grant 

Helping alleviate the effects of secondary trauma for the long-term wellbeing of professionals who support survivors

Building for a System of Care and Compassion

Heal the Healers Grantmaking Program provides critical support for professionals who help survivors heal and seek justice. People working on the frontlines of survivor-centered services are subject to the often overlooked effects of secondary trauma that can emerge as a result of continuous exposure to people who have recently experienced abuse and violence.

The Heal the Healers Grant Fund and Grantee Learning Cohorts provide resources to mitigate the effects of secondary trauma among the practitioners responsible for the earliest stages of survivors’ paths to justice and healing. Creating a safer, more compassionate world for the people who do this work helps lay a foundation for lasting change and a world where every survivor’s healing is prioritized.

The Heal the Healers Fund provides micro-grants of up to $5,000 to nonprofit, Tribal, or governmental organizations supporting survivors for training, small capital projects, or organizational activities.

Areas of Support

The Joyful Heart Foundation has established the following guidelines for its Heal the Healers Fund grants to support those working directly with survivors in the following areas.

• Training and/or program development on self-care practices such as training in trauma-informed yoga, breathwork, somatic therapy, etc.
• Small capital items and equipment that specifically allow staff and volunteers to address their self care needs such as daylight lamps for staff or new furniture for a break room.
• Staff activities to build and support connections between colleagues such as, trust building experiences, monthly pizza nights, or bagel Fridays.
• Or any combination of the above. 

In addition to the financial support, grantees will also be invited to join a peer learning community cohort that includes:

• Opportunities to amplify their fellowship/cohort experiences to inspire others in the field
• Virtual peer-to-peer networking opportunities
• Virtual training/presentations by leading healers, therapists and other professionals with expertise in cutting edge vicarious trauma, empowerment, leadership and therapeutic modalities

Oakland Human Services Department

The Oakland Human Services Department exists to make our city a place that works for all. We offer free programs and provide public resources to community organizations that make sure all of our residents can access what they need to be safe, healthy and realize their full potential.

Oakland Fund for Children and Youth

The Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY) is a cornerstone initiative of the City of Oakland, operating within the Children and Youth Services Division of the Human Services Department. As the city’s largest grantmaking program, OFCY plays a vital role in supporting the well-being and success of Oakland’s children, youth, and families. 

Through strategic funding of community-based organizations, OFCY invests in programs that uplift, empower, and protect Oakland’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring access to critical resources, enriching opportunities, and brighter futures for the next generation.

Mission Statement: We provide strategic funding to support Oakland's children and youth from birth to 21 years of age to become healthy, happy, educated, engaged, powerful and loved community members.

OFCY Request for Proposals (RFP) for Children, Youth, & Family Services

Scope of Services

The City releases the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit program proposals from non-profit organizations and public agencies to provide services to children, youth, and their families in Oakland. OFCY will fund programs that are prevention and early intervention oriented.

Programs should be culturally responsive, age-appropriate, and child, youth, and family-centered. Investments are designed to support all children in Oakland, particularly those who experience the greatest disparities in the city.

The OFCY Three-Year Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) outlines how funds should be distributed to meet the four OFCY foundational goals:

• Support the healthy development of young children
• Help children and youth succeed in school and graduate high school
• Prevent and reduce violence, crime and gang involvement among children and youth
• Help youth transition to a productive adulthood 

Eight Funding Strategies were identified to support the four OFCY foundation goals: Strategy 1: Family Resource Centers & Parent Engagement; Strategy 2: Elementary School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 3: Middle School-Based Expanded Learning; Strategy 4: Youth Development & Leadership; Strategy 5: Career Access & Employment; Strategy 6: Youth Summer Jobs/Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program; Strategy 7: Independent Living; Strategy 8: Placed-Based Innovations for Safety 

Strategy 5: Career Access & Employment

This funding strategy supports employment programming for youth ages 15-21. Programming focuses on connecting youth to job training, employment, and internships. In addition, funded programs should provide wraparound support services to reconnect youth by addressing barriers such as housing instability, immediate financial needs, family, system involvement, and mental health and substance dependency.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Grant Program offers competitive awards up to $10,000 for projects in the Sarasota Bay watershed, focusing on habitat restoration, water quality improvement, and community engagement. With a priority on addressing climate change and resilience, the program encourages innovative solutions to combat rising sea levels and changing weather patterns. Projects that align with these goals are highly encouraged, even if they extend beyond the listed priorities.

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Maternal, Child, and Family Health announces the availability of competitive grant funds for the administration of the WIC Program in Pike County. The purpose of the WIC Program is to improve the health status and prevent health problems among Ohio’s at-risk women, infants, and children. WIC helps to:

• Provide nutrition and breastfeeding education and counseling to the target population,
• Improve pregnancy outcomes by providing or referring to support services necessary for full term pregnancies,
• Reduce infant mortality by decreasing the incidence of low birth weight,
• Increase breastfeeding rates among newborns, and
• Give infants and children a healthy start in life by providing nutritious food

The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) offers conservation grants up to €30,000 for projects that enhance biodiversity in wild landscapes, excluding North America. Funded projects must protect threatened species or habitats, demonstrate a connection to outdoor enthusiasts, and involve hands-on conservation work. Additionally, these initiatives should support local communities and address climate change issues, ensuring habitats sequester carbon and reduce emissions while promoting sustainable practices.

Gilead Africa Grants support innovative, data-driven projects aimed at enhancing healthcare systems and promoting health equity across Africa. Targeting key areas such as HIV/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis, the grants prioritize community-informed initiatives. Gilead encourages partnerships with nonprofits and patient advocates, focusing on direct programmatic support to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Applications are accepted year-round, with a commitment to funding that aligns with local needs and priorities.

The Roger Kresge Foundation Grant supports the physical, mental, and educational development of children and young adults. It is available to organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, primarily serving Broome County, New York. Interested entities should contact the Executive Director before the respective application deadlines of March 15 and August 1 to discuss their proposals. This grant aims to fund innovative projects that contribute to the community's growth.

The Wyoming Foundation Grants, established in 1976, aim to enhance the quality of life in Wyoming County through support for cultural, educational, and human service organizations. In 2023, the Foundation identified educational and arts opportunities as its main funding priorities. While initiatives beyond these areas are considered, they are secondary. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) organizations operating in Wyoming County, ensuring a focused impact on community needs.

The Gresham Community Enhancement Grant, initiated in 2017, supports various projects aimed at improving neighborhood appearance, enhancing public safety, and preserving local wildlife. Funded by Metro's solid waste collection fees, it prioritizes initiatives that benefit under-served populations and promote community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and local government entities, making it a vital resource for enhancing livability in Gresham.

The Colorado Springs Health Foundation (CSHF) invites applications for its Winter/Spring Grantmaking Program, focusing on healthcare access, suicide prevention, and trauma healing. Eligible organizations must consult with CSHF staff before applying. The foundation prioritizes proposals that align closely with its funding areas and demonstrate a significant need, evidence-based approaches, and potential for positive community impact. Specific grant types available include general operating, program/project, and capital funding.

The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation, established in 2007, supports small, impactful organizations in the Northeast US. The foundation prioritizes projects that alleviate suffering for people or animals and considers applications from 501(c)(3) organizations outside its usual funding parameters. Key areas of support include education, after-school programs, rehabilitation, arts, nutrition, and emotional support initiatives. The foundation is committed to fostering local community development through thoughtful funding.

Maine Sea Grant Undergraduate Scholarship in Marine Sciences

In partnership with undergraduate institutions throughout the state, Maine Sea Grant is recruiting applications for its annual Undergraduate Scholarship in Marine Sciences. The goals of this scholarship program are:  

• Provide support for tuition or other academic or research-related expenses.
• Develop a statewide network of undergraduate scholars doing exemplary academic work on marine and coastal issues.
• Offer participating students academic and professional development opportunities.
• Create mutually beneficial outcomes for students, partner institutions, and Maine Sea Grant. 

Award

Each applicant selected for this award will receive a $2,000 scholarship to support tuition or other academic or research-related expenses. This award is made possible through a matching grant program in which each $1,000 award from Maine Sea Grant is matched with a $1,000 award from the selected applicant’s home institution.

The Schwartz Charitable Foundation provides financial support to non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations in Worcester County and nearby areas. With average grants between $2,500 and $5,000, the Foundation focuses on various sectors including culture, education, healthcare, social services, and disaster relief. The aim is to assist deserving organizations in making a positive impact within their communities, ensuring continued support for vital local initiatives.

The Butler Family Foundation's Community Grants Program focuses on supporting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, through two-year grants. These grants, ranging from $30,000 for general operating support to $20,000 for specific projects, prioritize housing services, addiction support, and domestic violence prevention in urban areas of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with substantial annual budgets.

The Sheltering Arms Foundation Grant supports high-quality direct-service programs for children aged 0-12, focusing on early childhood and youth development along with advocacy efforts. The foundation aims to diminish opportunity gaps and enhance public commitment to children's well-being in Minnesota. Programs must be culturally appropriate and involve family engagement, ensuring children are socially and emotionally ready for kindergarten and prepared for academic success by 7th grade. Eligible organizations must be non-profits based in Minnesota.

The PATH Foundation offers Flexible Funding Grants of up to $75,000 for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper counties. These grants provide unrestricted operating support to enhance community health, childhood wellness, mental health, and senior services. The aim is to prioritize organizations that address critical needs and contribute to a healthy, equitable community. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to leadership, impact, and strong partnerships for community well-being.

The LaBounty Family Fund supports projects aimed at economic development in the Two Harbors area. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or have a qualified fiscal sponsor and serve the local community. The fund prioritizes initiatives that directly benefit the public, including business assistance, public land improvements, and social welfare projects. However, funding is not available for endowments, political activities, or individual requests, ensuring resources are directed towards community-enhancing efforts.

The WCF Community Health Grant aims to enhance the quality of life on Whidbey Island by funding projects that address health disparities and promote equitable access to resources. Eligible organizations can apply for grants up to $10,000 to support initiatives in health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and the physical environment. This program prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages innovative and evidence-based proposals that align with community needs.

Impact Grants Carroll County

The Carroll County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the release of its 2026 Impact Grant Opportunity. This one-time funding opportunity is centered around a key question: How do you make life better for the people of Carroll County? We invite nonprofit organizations to propose bold, meaningful, and actionable ideas that create measurable impact for residents.

This grant program reflects our belief that community challenges are best addressed through strategic investment in nonprofit partners who understand the needs of local residents and have the operational capacity to implement meaningful, sustainable solutions. We invite those nonprofit partners to submit proposals through this opportunity for impact. Proposals should describe how the project will address priority areas, serve Carroll County residents, be implemented effectively, and sustain long-term impact when possible. We also encourage multi-agency partnerships that tackle complex challenges through shared resources, leadership, and vision.

Chamber Music America’s Artistic Projects grant supports small ensembles and presenters in New York City with budgets under $250,000. Funding ranges from $7,500 to $20,000, covering 100% of eligible expenses for projects like commissions, performances, recordings, and residencies. Each project must engage the community and enhance access to chamber music between January 1 and December 31, 2025. This initiative promotes appreciation and respect for chamber music across diverse audiences.

The Mathers Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on advancing basic scientific research with the potential to transform human health. It supports institutions and investigators in fields such as immunology, cancer biology, and neuroscience while prioritizing impactful, foundational discoveries. The foundation empowers researchers to drive innovative solutions and foster meaningful contributions to science and society. Eligibility includes U.S.-based institutions and principal investigators with equipped labs, while ineligible entities include overseas institutions and private foundations.

Texas Health Community Impact

A Department of Community Health Improvement

We invest in community health and well-being through grantmaking and strategic collaborations. From data-driven, home-grown regional strategies to technical assistance, Texas Health Community Impact collaborates with community leaders to offer creative grant opportunities to North Texas organizations with a mutual desire to transform health and well-being in innovative ways.

Texas Health Community Impact Grants (Request for Proposals)

Texas Health Community Impact requests proposals to fund local organizations collaborating on innovative solutions that address barriers to community health and wellbeing. Up to $5 million is available across nine counties for the 2027-2028 grant cycle.

These community health improvement grants are made possible by Texas Health Resources—a faith‑based, nonprofit health system that cares for more patients in North Texas than any other provider.

Key Requirements

Applications must fulfill four key requirements: 1. Propose an innovative approach. 2. Demonstrate a collaborative effort between two or more organizations. 3. Align with strategic priorities. 4. Promote sustainability. Read Grant Key Requirements.

Project Implementation

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to begin implementing activities within four months of the execution of the MOU. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Prior Applicants

Organizations that applied for a previous Texas Health Community Impact grant cycle and were not awarded are eligible to apply. 

Request for Proposals by Region

The Texas Health Community Impact Grant requests proposals by regions: 1) Collin Region; 2) Dallas and Kaufman Region; 3) Denton, Wise and Parker Region; 4) Southern Region; and 5) Tarrant Region.

Texas Health is investing a total of $5 million in grants across its five regions, which spans nine counties. Groups seeking to work collaboratively on innovative upstream approaches to address priorities identified in each region are encouraged to apply for this competitive funding opportunity.

Denton-Wise-Parker Region

The Denton-Wise-Parker Region has $800,000 to support up to four collaborative, innovative initiatives to increase access to non-medical drivers of health in underserved ZIP Codes - Denton: 76205; 76209; Wise: 76426 (Bridgeport); 76431 (Chico); Parker: 76020 (Azle); 76082 (Springtown): 76086 (Weatherford).

Evaluation and Impact

The Denton-Wise-Parker Region Leadership Council’s goal is to increase access to resources that address non-medical drivers of health (NMDoH), such as access to high quality health care, healthy and affordable food, safe and affordable transportation, and connectedness that will require careful tracking to measure success. Proposals should have strong goals and SMART objectives. Below are some examples of goals and measurement tools that might be appropriate:

• Improve the Duke Social Support Index score of a community to measure the connectedness of a community,
• Increase the percentage of people who report on visiting their primary care provider in the last 12 months,
• Increase the percentage of people who report they are nutritionally secure,
• Improve the Transportation Barriers Index (TBI) score of a community.

The Kauffman Foundation's Capacity Building Grant aims to enhance the organizational effectiveness of nonprofits through leadership development, strategic planning, and technology improvements. With funding between $100,000 and $250,000, this grant focuses on strengthening internal capacities rather than supporting specific programs. Organizations aligned with the foundation's strategic priorities and those demonstrating a capacity gap are encouraged to apply for these short-term, impactful grants.

The Kauffman Foundation's Collective Impact Grant - Planning supports coalitions of high-capacity organizations aiming for systems-level change in the Kansas City area. Grants of up to $500,000 are available to facilitate nine months of planning for collaborative initiatives. Eligible applicants include both established and emerging coalitions, focusing on education, employer connections, and equitable access. This initiative aligns with the foundation's strategic priorities to enhance economic mobility for Kansas Citians.

The Hyde Family Foundations Grant supports nonprofits in Memphis with a focus on education, community development, arts, and civic engagement. Established in 1961, the foundation has grown to over $175 million in assets, granting about $20 million annually. Organizations can apply for funding three times a year, with specific eligibility criteria. The foundation aims to empower initiatives that foster equity, improve quality of life, and enhance the community's cultural landscape, ensuring a thriving environment for all residents.