Best Grants for Museums in Nevada

The Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Grant Program inspires young students to cultivate a love for gardening by providing free oversized cabbage plants to 3rd grade classrooms across the continental U.S. Initiated in 1996, the program encourages hands-on learning about where food comes from. Each year, students compete for a $1,000 prize awarded to the best cabbage grown, fostering excitement and education about agriculture. This initiative not only promotes environmental awareness but also engages students in practical science.

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Nevada offers crucial funding for rural areas to enhance drinking water systems and manage sewage and solid waste disposal. This initiative supports eligible governmental entities, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes in acquiring and improving essential infrastructure. Funds can also cover associated legal fees and operational costs. By focusing on rural communities with populations of 10,000 or less, the program aims to ensure sustainable and reliable service delivery.

The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aim to enhance water management and supply reliability through innovative research and data utilization. By inviting qualified entities to apply for funding, the program focuses on improving hydrologic data access, forecasting capabilities, and modeling tools. This initiative aligns with federal priorities to optimize resources, ensuring water managers can effectively address future demands and adapt to climate challenges, thus fostering resilience in water operations across the nation.

The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) empowers tribal communities across the U.S. by promoting renewable energy projects and workforce development. Launched by GRID Alternatives, TSAF provides critical funding for solar initiatives, enhancing energy sovereignty and resilience. Since its inception, TSAF has integrated community participation into its projects, ensuring that tribes can access sustainable energy solutions. By prioritizing education and equity, TSAF supports a transition to a clean energy economy, aiming for a sustainable future for generations to come.

Nevada water purveyors that are publicly or nonprofit-owned and existed before 1995 can receive funding for capital improvements to drinking water systems and water conservation projects in Nevada. Nevada Division of Environmental Protection provides support for treatment facilities, line replacements, storage tanks, meters, hydrants, and related engineering, land, and administrative costs, which may benefit museum-operated water systems.

Small Community Drinking Water Infrastructure Grant Program

The State of Nevada offers a grant program to help small communities pay for important drinking water infrastructure. This program was created by state law to support capital projects that are needed to meet requirements set by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

This program is designed to close the gap between what a project costs and what a community can afford. Communities are expected to contribute as much as they reasonably can before requesting state assistance. For larger projects, the community must finance as much of the work as possible at the local level, with the grant helping to cover the remaining need.

The grant program helps fund projects that improve drinking water systems and meet state and federal drinking water standards. Examples of eligible projects include:

• Building or upgrading water treatment facilities, intake structures, pumping plants, and transmission lines
• Replacing leaking water lines
• Replacing small pipelines to maintain water pressure during peak use
• Connecting dead end water lines to improve system circulation
• Rehabilitating springs to meet treatment rules
• Adding or replacing wells and pumps to improve water quality or provide backup supplies
• Repairing or replacing storage tanks to fix leaks or structural issues
• Installing water meters
• Adding fire hydrants
• Improving irrigation efficiency by lining canals, recovering or reusing water, or improving storage

Nevada Department of Wildlife

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is the state agency responsible for the restoration and management of fish and wildlife resources, and the promotion of boating safety on Nevada’s waters. NDOW is organized into seven divisions (Conservation Education, Habitat, Game, Data and Technology Services, Law Enforcement, Biodiversity and Fisheries) that develop programs and projects, and three regions (eastern, southern and western) that implement these programs.

Habitat, Research & Management (HRM) Funding

As of the June 28, 2024 Board of Wildlife Commissioners meeting, pursuant to changes made to NRS 502.253(1)(b) during the 82nd session of the Nevada State Legislature, NDOW is authorized to expend funds from the $3 fee charged for processing game tag applications directed for the use of “improvement of wildlife habitat and research or management activities beneficial to nonpredatory game species”. Changes to this statute also included the removal of the 80% minimum spending requirement for the management and control of predatory wildlife (lethal removal). All awards shall be made in the form of grant awards through the Wildlife Heritage Committee following the same process as prescribed by NDOW’s Heritage Program Grant Manual.

Rules and regulations governing the Wildlife Heritage Account have evolved since its establishment; however, the original concept remains the same: to award grant money to projects “for the protection, propagation, restoration, transplantation, introduction, and management of any game fish, game mammal, game bird or fur-bearing mammal and the management and control of predatory wildlife in this state.” (NRS 501.3575)

Funding priority will be given to applicants who have obtained outside funding sources as partial support for the project. Additional priority will be given for projects of habitat restoration and improvement of a long term or permanent nature and projects that demonstrate in writing a need for money to fund the project. 

About the Department

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Nevada's capital, Carson City, and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State with mission of improving student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Executive Team, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.

Early Childhood Education Facilities Expansion Grant Funding Opportunity

Goals and Priorities

The primary goal of this grant is to expand equitable access to high-quality early childhood education in Nevada by funding facilities projects that directly support the expansion of facilities for early childhood education in areas of Nevada where access to high-quality early childhood education is limited. In alignment with SB460 (2025) and Nevada’s broader early learning goals, this initiative supports capital investments that address physical space limitations and promotes longterm access to licensed, developmentally appropriate early childhood education programs for Nevada’s young learners, particularly those in underserved and high-need communities.

The Department of Education shall disburse not more than $150,000 for each 800 square feet of expansion.

Nevada small businesses that own or operate underground storage tank systems can receive up to US $90,000 to purchase and install required UST upgrade equipment, helping them meet federal testing and compliance rules. Grants from Nevada Division of Environmental Protection help Nevada museums with fuel tanks, or affiliated small business entities, cover spill buckets, overfill devices, and containment sumps.

Nevada museums and other organizations focused on poverty alleviation and job creation can access funding to support quality job growth and workforce development initiatives. Grants from New World Foundation help Nevada groups invest in small businesses, CDFIs, and training programs that create sustainable quality jobs in working-class communities through grants and impact investments.

About the Department

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Nevada's capital, Carson City, and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State with mission of improving student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Executive Team, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.

Early Childhood Literacy & Readiness Programs Grant

The Early Childhood Literacy & Readiness Programs Grant was established with the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 460 in June 2025 during the 83rd session of the Nevada Legislature. These funds are intended to establish an innovative new program or to expand an existing early literacy program that supports children less than the age of six years old, their families, and early childhood professionals. 

Funds awarded through the competitive application process must supplement and not supplant existing state or federal funds

Goals and Priorities

Priority will be given to applicants who:

• Have demonstrated sustained success in improving the literacy and readiness for entering kindergarten of children less than 6 years of age; OR
• Provide services to geographical areas with higher proportion of children entering kindergarten who have demonstrated a deficit across early learning domains during the immediately preceding two years. 

Participation and Evaluation

Each program supported by a grant awarded must:

• Serve children who are less than 6 years of age;
• Be evidence-based;
• Provide appropriate individualized accommodations and supports for children with disabilities;
• Include a plan of reporting accountability for the performance of the program; and
• Include an implementation plan which is financially sound and proposes to use all funds awarded within FY27.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Wildlife Management and Research

RMEF funds wildlife management and research to keep big game healthy and thriving, including disease surveillance, big game-friendly fencing, road management, and scientific studies that expand our understanding of big game habitat, movement, interactions, and overall herd health.

RMEF’s 2026 priorities include:

• Research on migration + connectivity, critical habitat + nutrition, big game population trajectories, challenges to big game populations, and big game management solutions
• Big Game-Friendly Fencing

The Peter E. Palmquist Memorial Fund Grant provides vital support for research into under-researched women photographers and Western American photographers from the Great Depression era. Open to both individual researchers and nonprofit institutions, this grant emphasizes the importance of quality proposals and the ability to execute projects efficiently. Recipients will contribute their findings to the Humboldt Area Foundation, thus enriching the Peter Palmquist Archive and promoting the legacy of photography history.

The Raiders Foundation Grant aims to uplift the community by supporting military members, veterans, health and wellness initiatives, and youth development. With over $8 million granted since 2018, the Foundation focuses on enhancing social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered nonprofits in Nevada, demonstrate sound leadership, and provide diverse community services. The Foundation prioritizes integrity in program implementation and does not fund schools or football development programs.

The Rosendin Foundation Emergency Grant provides financial support for unplanned expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for community-focused non-profit organizations in states where Rosendin and MPS operate. The foundation prioritizes emotional, occupational, and nutritional health initiatives, aiming to positively impact communities and empower individuals through financial support and volunteer efforts.

The Rosendin Foundation Annual Grant provides financial support to community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations across various states, aiding initiatives in emotional, occupational, and nutritional health. Grants can reach up to $50,000 and are geared towards organizations that positively impact their communities. However, the foundation does not fund discriminatory practices, political efforts, or religiously affiliated projects, ensuring that support is directed towards inclusive and impactful community services.

About the Department

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Nevada's capital, Carson City, and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State with mission of improving student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Executive Team, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.

ESSA Title III Immigrant Children and Youth Competitive Grant

To better support Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in creating high-quality, impactful programs, the Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) is shifting to a competitive model for Title III Immigrant Children and Youth funding. This change allows NDE to award fewer, larger grants of sufficient size and scope to help recently immigrated students acclimate to U.S. schools, master English, and achieve challenging State academic standards.

For the purposes of this grant, “Immigrant Children and Youth” are defined by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) §3201(5) as individuals who:

• Are aged 3 through 21;
• Were not born in any State (defined as the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico); and
• Have not been attending one or more schools in any one or more States for more than three full academic years.

About the Department

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Nevada's capital, Carson City, and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State with mission of improving student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Executive Team, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.

Open Enrollment Transportation Support Grant

Assembly Bill 533 (AB533) and Senate Bill 460 (SB460), passed during the 2025 Legislative Session, allocated $7M to support transportation services for students residing in the zone of attendance of a 1- or 2-star school who enroll in a program of open enrollment to attend a school outside of their zone of attendance and have attested to requiring financial assistance. The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) is tasked with establishing a program to award grants of money to school districts and organizations so that they may develop a program to provide transportation directly to pupils, provide reimbursement to the parents or legal guardians of students for the cost of transportation, or to identify the need and eligibility of students for a program of transportation assistance. Please note that details regarding this funding are explicated through regulatory amendments to the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) and are currently in draft as R076-25RP3. As these regulations have not yet been approved, excerpts of draft regulatory language are included in this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). 

The Conservation Education & Outreach Grant by the Nevada Division of Forestry aims to promote understanding and appreciation of natural resources among diverse age groups. Funding up to $10,000 is available for eligible applicants, including state and local agencies, tribes, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. This initiative supports educational programs that encourage responsible resource use and conservation, ensuring sustainable landscapes for future generations of Nevadans.

The Operations Planning Training Equipment Grant supports Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) in Nevada. Funded by fees from hazardous materials facilities, this grant enables LEPCs to enhance their emergency preparedness training and equipment. Eligible committees must comply with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and SERC policies. The funding period runs from July to June, with reimbursement options available, and advance funding for expenses exceeding $2,000.

The Creative West Artist Fund supports artists and cultural practitioners across 16 states, providing essential funding and resources to enhance their emotional and financial well-being. Rooted in values of Democracy, Wellness, and Belonging, this initiative offers no-strings-attached funding alongside coaching and community care. It aims to empower artists as vital contributors to the creative economy, while promoting equitable and trust-based grantmaking practices. The fund serves to foster a rich creative community through collaboration and support.

About the Department

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Nevada's capital, Carson City, and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State with mission of improving student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Executive Team, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.

K-3 STEM and ELA Integration Pilot Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity

Goals and Priorities

The Nevada Department of Education is committed to expanding high-quality educational opportunities that ensure all students reach reading proficiency by the end of third grade. The K-3 STEM and ELA Integration Pilot Program, established under SB 460 (2025) pursuant to Section 33.93, reflects this commitment by integrating STEM into foundational English language arts instruction through the implementation of highquality curricula, evidence-based teaching strategies, and educational innovation.

By utilizing scientifically based reading research and STEM-based texts, this initiative strengthens explicit, phonics-based instruction while pioneering new instructional models that bridge literacy and STEM concepts to prepare early learners for academic success. The results of this pilot will be used by the State Board to determine whether the statewide model curriculum for English language arts should be revised to include this integrated approach.

In determining whether to approve an application for a grant, the Department shall consider:

• The quality of the proposed curricula for a program that integrates texts related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics into instruction in literacy in kindergarten and grades 1, 2 and 3 that uses scientifically based reading research;
• The proposed instructional strategies; and
• The extent to which the approach to instruction is innovative.

The Shigeo and Winifred Ito Scholarship Fund, established by a former recipient of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hawaii pursuing higher education on the U.S. mainland. With awards averaging around $6,000, the fund prioritizes residents demonstrating financial need and maintaining good academic standing. The scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and giving back to the community, ensuring that deserving students can achieve their academic goals.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Nevada

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

The Finchum Family Scholarship

The Finchum Family Scholarship is designed to support students who are graduates of high schools in Douglas, Carson City, Lyon, Storey, Chuchill, Pershing, Humboldt, or Lander counties or who have received their high school equivalency/GED in Nevada, and plan to attend or are currently attending a trade or vocational school, community college, or 2- or 4- year institution in state or out of state. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate significant financial need, those with barriers or hardships that have made it difficult to attend school, and non-traditional (trade/vocational studies) students. This is a one-time award of $1,000 or more, with the potential to be renewed with reapplication. Students may reapply throughout their time in college, but can only receive the scholarship for a total of two years.

The Jonathan O. Davis Fellowship, offered by the Desert Research Institute, supports exceptional Masters and PhD students conducting research in Quaternary geology, geomorphology, and geoarchaeology within the Great Basin. Awards of up to $2500 for Masters students and $5000 for PhD students are available. This fellowship honors Jonathan O. Davis, a dedicated Quaternary scientist, and aims to foster significant research contributions to understanding this critical geological period.