Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations

The Rocket Community Fund Grant, initiated by Rocket Mortgage, aims to enhance community welfare by addressing homelessness, preventing displacement, and promoting equitable homeownership. By investing in innovative programs, the Fund seeks to create stable housing solutions and bridge the digital divide, fostering economic opportunities in Detroit and beyond. Its mission emphasizes simplifying complex systems to ensure all Americans have access to healthy homes, reflecting a commitment to social impact and community engagement.

The MN AWWA Community College Scholarship offers up to two $2,000 awards annually to students enrolled in technical or community college programs that support the water industry. Applicants must have completed at least one semester in a water-related program and provide a current transcript. Preference is given to MN AWWA members and those involved in related activities. The scholarship will be awarded directly to the college, and winners are encouraged to attend the MN AWWA Annual Conference.

About the DNR

Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin

In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

County Forest Land Acquisition Grants

Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program

In 2007, the Wisconsin Legislature made changes to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program (s. 23.0953, Wis. Stats.) allowing counties with lands entered under the County Forest Program (s. 28.11, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR]) to compete for land acquisition funding under Stewardship.

Grant applications are evaluated jointly by a ranking panel consisting of staff from DNR Forestry and the Wisconsin County Forests Association (WCFA) and selected for funding based on ranking criteria and priorities set forth in s. NR 51.960, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR].

The Truist Foundation Grants aim to empower communities by providing resources for economic mobility and supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by racially and ethnically diverse individuals. The foundation focuses on enhancing job navigation for disadvantaged workers and building sustainable business ecosystems through collaboration and innovation. By addressing barriers to growth and promoting access to capital and education, the Truist Foundation strives to create equitable opportunities for all.

The Sahee Foundation Grant supports sustainable projects aimed at improving the living conditions of underprivileged communities in Eswatini and Peru. Established in 2006, the foundation prioritizes initiatives aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education, health, and environmental protection. Sahee emphasizes collaboration with local partners and promotes small, manageable projects that can continue autonomously. This funding opportunity is particularly beneficial for local organizations and groups committed to making a lasting impact.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Montana provides essential funding for the development of reliable drinking water, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water systems in eligible rural areas. It supports applicants unable to secure conventional financing, including local governments, private nonprofits, and tribes. Eligible areas include rural towns with populations under 10,000 and tribal lands. Funds can cover construction costs, legal fees, and necessary project expenses to enhance community health and environmental sustainability.

The Utah 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) Grants provide essential support to Local Education Agencies and Community-Based Organizations, focusing on students in high-poverty schools. These grants aim to enhance academic enrichment and offer a variety of services, including tutoring, youth development activities, and family literacy programs. With over 30 grants serving more than 6,000 students, this initiative plays a crucial role in improving educational outcomes in Utah.

The Capacity Building Grant program, initiated by the Rhode Island Foundation, offers funding and technical assistance to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. This program aims to address critical community priorities identified through extensive public engagement and research. By focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, the grant supports various activities, including strategic planning and operational improvements, enhancing the capacity of organizations to better serve their communities.

The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust provides funding for basic medical research focusing on heart disease, cancer, and AIDS. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in the Greater Philadelphia area and Camden, NJ. Each grant typically ranges from $100,000 to $125,000 for a one-year term. The Trust aims to support unique and promising research projects that can lead to larger awards, ensuring a direct impact on health outcomes.

The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District Grant supports high school students engaged in community-based natural resources projects. With funding up to $1,500, this grant encourages students to plan and implement projects that benefit local ecosystems. Eligible applicants must reside within the district and demonstrate active involvement in initiatives such as FFA supervised agricultural experiences, 4-H projects, or other community engagement efforts. This grant fosters environmental stewardship among youth, promoting sustainable practices in their communities.

The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program (CLPP) Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to significantly reduce cigarette waste in public spaces across the U.S. since 2003. The program has successfully implemented strategies in over 1,800 communities, achieving an average 50% reduction in litter. Eligible applicants include KAB affiliates and local organizations focused on recycling and public education. Priority is given to partnerships and projects that expand the program's reach, especially those targeting clean water initiatives.

The Kings County Conservation Futures Grant provides essential funding for the Land Conservation Initiative, aimed at preserving vital natural and urban green spaces. This grant supports projects like parks, community gardens, and habitat restoration, particularly in underserved areas. Eligible recipients include local governments and qualified nonprofits. The initiative seeks to enhance community access to open spaces, ensuring that all residents can benefit from nature and recreational opportunities.

About VHCB

Our Mission: VHCB invests in the construction of affordable housing and conservation strategies that work together to ensure equity, resilience, and vitality for Vermont communities in perpetuity.

Project Feasibility Fund

The Board provides feasibility awards to assist with pre-development costs and feasibility analysis for individual projects. Feasibility funds typically cover the costs of appraisals, energy assessments, marketing studies, options, engineering and environmental studies, or other pre-development costs.

The purpose of this fund is to provide applicants with a source of funding to cover predevelopment project costs as described below in order to answer the question “is the project feasible?”. Evaluation of feasibility fund requests is done by VHCB staff.

Amount of Award

Conservation applicants may request up to $10,000 as a grant for a single project to cover feasibility related expenses. Housing applicants may request up to $20,000 as a grant for a single project to cover feasibility related expenses and up to $25,000 for scattered site projects containing more than two separate sites. Funds can only be used to compensate contracted services and shall not be used to compensate applicants for staff time.

Building Bright Futures

Building Bright Futures (BBF) works to improve the well-being of young children and families in Vermont. The BBF Network includes 12 Regional Councils, seven Strategic Plan Committees, and the State Advisory Council.

The State Advisory Council advises the Governor and Legislature on the well-being of children in the prenatal period through age 8 and their families. BBF maintains Vermont’s Early Childhood Strategic Plan, a shared vision and roadmap to ensure that every young child in Vermont has the resources, opportunities, and support to thrive.

 Vermont Early Childhood Fund

The Vermont Early Childhood Fund is a Building Bright Futures (BBF) program. VECF grants support creative solutions that will improve the well-being of children from the prenatal period to age 8, their families, and the Vermont communities where they live. These grants are open to nonprofits, businesses, municipalities, and schools.

These are not reimbursement-based grants; grantees will receive the full grant award at the start of the grant period.

Supporting Young Children and Families

VECF is focused on strengthening systems that support Vermont’s young children and families. This funding will prioritize one-time investments that expand capacity, improve infrastructure, and increase reach. The grant round is made possible through a combination of philanthropic support and the Building Bright Futures License Plate fund.

Equity Commitment

BBF envisions a future where every family in Vermont feels welcome, supported, and safe. We prioritize funding programs that address barriers faced by communities most impacted by economic insecurity and that advance equity, belonging, and justice. Projects that serve families furthest from opportunity—including, but not limited to, supporting family safety and basic needs of immigrant and migrant worker populations—will receive strong consideration.

Funding Priority: Meeting Basic Needs

BBF will fund systems-level improvements that strengthen food security and transportation infrastructure serving children in the prenatal period to age 8 and their families, including:

Food Security

• Upgrading systems and infrastructure to improve food distribution
• Expanding equitable access pathways (mobile markets, delivery models, grocery incentives)
• Strengthening farm-to-early-childhood initiatives
• Reducing barriers to Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) participation
• Improving dignity and accessibility within food distribution systems

Transportation

• Expanding transportation pilots and regional solutions
• Strengthening low-barrier transportation assistance programs
• Increasing access to micro-transit, flex-route, and on-demand models
• Supporting transportation solutions for families experiencing homelessness, immigrants, and migrant farmworker families

These funding priorities are aligned with Goal 1 of Vermont’s Early Childhood Strategic Plan: All Children and Families Have Their Basic Needs Met.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Rhode Island Foundation's RIF Capacity Building Grants program supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Rhode Island. It aims to empower organizations that align with community priorities, focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA). Grants provide funding and technical assistance for strategic planning, business development, and operational improvements to enhance community impact. Proposals are evaluated based on need, readiness, and expected outcomes, ensuring a commitment to addressing systemic inequities in the region.

ICAHN Workforce Funding Framework

Expanding a Resilient Rural Healthcare Workforce

ICAHN Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)

Purpose:

• Expand and strengthen the rural healthcare workforce
• Support sustainable workforce solutions for rural hospitals
• Improve access to high-quality healthcare across rural communities

ICAHN's Role:

• Identified as the subrecipient to administer workforce funding
• Provide resources and guidance to participating rural hospitals
• Empower hospitals to determine their own workforce priorities

ICAHN Recruitment Funding

Building the Rural Healthcare Workforce

Recruitment funding supports innovative and sustainable workforce strategies.

• Recruitment of providers (stipends, short-term housing assistance (up to six months), and other financial supports to attract and retain clinicians)
• Expansion of specialty access services
• Develop an apprenticeship program

The Paynesville Area Community Foundation Grant aims to foster positive change in the Paynesville area through targeted funding in education, social services, arts and culture, civic initiatives, recreation, and health. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 will support eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, or government entities. The foundation emphasizes sustainability, collaboration, and projects that enhance quality of life and promote diversity, inclusion, and equity within the community.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Michigan provides essential funding for the development and enhancement of drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and stormwater drainage in eligible rural areas. This program supports qualified applicants, including local governments and nonprofits, who struggle to secure commercial credit. Funds can be used for various activities, from construction to legal fees, ensuring clean and reliable services for communities.

The Drinking Water and Wastewater Funding program in Idaho provides financial assistance to eligible systems for planning grants. These funds support the development of facility plans to ensure compliance with state and federal standards. Eligible applicants include counties, cities, and nonprofit corporations for wastewater, and public water systems for drinking water. The number of grants is limited by available funding, with grants covering up to 50% of eligible costs, historically maxing at $45,000 for drinking water and $65,000 for wastewater.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Minnesota provides essential funding for rural areas to ensure access to clean drinking water and effective waste management systems. Eligible uses include the construction, improvement, and maintenance of drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and stormwater management. This program supports state and local governments, nonprofits, and tribes in areas with populations of 10,000 or less, promoting public health and environmental sustainability.

The Nevada Foundation Seed Program is designed to enhance the availability of high-quality, locally adapted native seeds for restoration efforts in Nevada. With the growing need for native plants due to wildfires, this initiative provides free seeds to producers who agree to return a portion of their yield to create a sustainable seed stock. This program also supports drought-resistant crops and encourages local farming practices to foster ecological resilience.

Marshall Community Foundation: Mini Grant

Funding Amount

• Up to $750

The Marshall Community Foundation reviews/awards grants quarterly and yearly based upon the size of the grant request. (Grant applications can be submitted at any time.) Grants are awarded to agencies across Calhoun County that benefit residents of the City of Marshall and surrounding townships. Grants are intended to be a flexible local funding opportunity that can respond to community needs.

Application priorities include, but are not limited to:

• Yields substantial community benefits for the resources invested
• Facilitates cooperation and enhances collaboration among organizations
• Avoids duplication of services
• Benefits the greatest number of people in the community and attracts volunteer resources
• Strengthens or improves the self-sufficiency and efficiency in areas such as, but not limited to:
  • Capacity Building
  • Workforce Development
• Represents innovative, start-up efforts
• Supports low income/underserved populations with:
  • Access to Resources
  • Poverty Intervention
  • Food Insecurity
• Promotes youth development in areas such as, but not limited to:
  • Student Performance
  • Teacher Training
  • Supplemental Programs
  • Youth Mental Health
• Examines and addresses underlying causes of local challenges
• Seeks challenge or matching financial resources

The Marshall Community Foundation will only consider granting to organizations who have submitted final reports for all previous grants. Final reports must be approved by the Board of Trustees. The approval process may take up to three months.

The Pathway to Recovery grant, funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, aims to combat the opioid epidemic by providing workforce development and training services to individuals affected by opioid use. With an estimated funding of $5 million for FY25, the program seeks to enhance employability through skills training, career services, and supportive resources. This initiative is essential for fostering recovery and promoting economic stability within communities impacted by the opioid crisis.

The Cushman Foundation Grant aims to support community and humanitarian efforts in San Diego County. The foundation focuses on areas such as aid to seniors, arts and culture, education, and health and well-being. Eligible applicants include current 501(c)(3) organizations located in the region. The foundation is committed to giving back to the community it has served for generations, fostering positive change and promoting human welfare through its initiatives.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Mississippi offers vital funding to enhance drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water drainage for rural households and businesses. Eligible applicants include local governments, private nonprofits, and tribes facing challenges in securing commercial credit. Funds can be used for construction, legal fees, land acquisition, and other essential project costs. This program aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation in underserved areas.

The Advanced Industries Collaborative Infrastructure Grant, offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, aims to bolster collaborative projects across key advanced industries in Colorado. With funding up to $500,000, the grant seeks to enhance industry infrastructure, promote partnerships, and support innovation. Eligible applicants must engage multiple partners, provide matching funds, and demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant, ensuring impactful contributions to the state's economic landscape.