Best Financial Assistance Grants in Nevada

The Western SARE Professional + Producer Grant Program fosters collaboration between Agricultural Technical Advisors and Producers to promote sustainable agriculture through research and outreach. This initiative aims to improve environmental quality, enhance profitability for farmers, and ensure community well-being. By supporting demonstrations, educational activities, and practical applications, the program seeks to communicate effective sustainable practices to agricultural professionals, ultimately benefiting rural economies and ecosystems.

The Western SARE Graduate Student Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative research and educational outreach in sustainable agriculture. Funded by the USDA, it aims to enhance environmental quality, improve profitability for producers, and uplift rural communities. Projects must involve both research and education components, with proposals authored by graduate students collaborating with their advisors. This initiative fosters communication of results to agricultural professionals, ensuring practical applications for sustainable practices in the Western U.S.

The Nevada Heritage Fellowship Award, offered by the Nevada Arts Council, honors tradition bearers in Nevada who significantly contribute to the state's traditional arts. This fellowship, awarded as an honorarium, does not require funds to be allocated for specific projects. It aims to elevate public appreciation for traditional arts and recognizes artists who actively engage in their community's cultural practices, fostering a rich artistic heritage.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

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 Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative Grants aim to support communities by leveraging infrastructure funds to create equitable projects that benefit underserved areas. This pilot program will provide funding for local workers through career training and inclusive economic practices. With grants ranging from $45,000 to $120,000, the initiative focuses on enhancing human infrastructure, fostering collaboration among key partners, and ensuring that frontline communities directly benefit from project implementations.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is offering funding to establish the Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) in Region 6. This initiative, part of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, aims to support small businesses in transportation sectors. The cooperative agreement includes a 12-month base year and two additional option years based on performance, promoting growth and accessibility for local businesses in transportation.

The Cooperative Invasive Plant Cost Share Program by the Nevada Department of Agriculture aims to combat invasive plant species through a cost-sharing model. Eligible applicants include Cooperative Weed Management Areas and Conservation Districts in Nevada, focusing on projects that promote sustainable land management and ecological health. Funding covers early detection, control measures, and education to enhance community engagement in preserving Nevada's natural resources while adhering to federal guidelines.

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 Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program, funded by FEMA, aims to enhance flood risk awareness and management in communities across Region 9. With a total funding of $41 million, the program supports the development of crucial flood hazard data and mapping, empowering local entities to make informed decisions on flood risk reduction. This initiative fosters collaboration among government agencies and the private sector, ensuring effective planning and response to flooding challenges.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Steingard Family Scholarship

Established in 2019, the Steingard Family Scholarship will award up to $2,500. Awards have the potential to be renewed with reapplication for up to three additional years.

The Underground Storage Tank System Upgrades Grant Program in Nevada aims to assist small businesses with the financial burden of complying with federal UST regulations. Grants of up to $90,000 are available for the purchase and installation of necessary equipment, ensuring environmental safety. Approximately $2 million is anticipated annually for upgrades, prioritizing applicants based on need. Eligible applicants must meet specific requirements, including being registered with the state UST program and complying with petroleum fund enrollment.

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.

Boston Family Scholarship

The Boston Family Scholarship aims to provide college scholarships for undergraduate students through a competitive scholarship application process.

The Boston Family Scholarship aims to provide college scholarships for undergraduate students through a competitive scholarship application process, so that they may attend a 4-year college in Nevada to complete a degree that will qualify them to teach elementary, middle, or high school.

The Boston Families have been a working part of the Educational Community for three generations and have personally seen the impact teachers have on students’ lives. They welcome the opportunity to give to others who are committed to the field of teaching. One of the greatest gifts a teacher can give is to encourage and assist students in identifying their strengths and skills. This leaves a student with confidence in themselves which will make a difference in their lives now and in the future.

The scholarships given provide immediate assistance to recipients who are committed to the teaching field and all the challenges that lie ahead. These special individuals will inspire and make an impact on students for generations. The Boston’s feel fortunate to be able to assist others in pursuing a Teaching Career.

Applicants may be high school seniors, college sophomores, or college juniors; reapplication is required for continuing years of support. Current college students applying for the scholarship must be attending a Nevada 4-year college. Scholarship awards may be single- or multi-year. Scholarship recipients who receive a multi-year award are required to provide transcripts that verify they are taking and completing a full-time course load while maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Jack and Jane Becker Medical School Scholarship

The Jack and Jane Becker Medical School Scholarship is for medical students at the University of Nevada, Reno. Dr. John C. and Mrs. Jane Becker were well known to the Washoe County medical community. They were committed to providing medical services to the rural areas of Nevada. This scholarship honors the life and medical service of Dr. and Mrs. Becker and is given to assist medical students with their hefty education costs.

This is a one-time award and has the potential to be renewed with reapplication. 

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 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 Orlo M. Kintz and Stanley M. Kintz Memorial Scholarship Endowment

The Orlo M. Kintz and Stanley M. Kintz Memorial Scholarship supports outstanding students who demonstrate both academic excellence and dedication to community service.

The Orlo M. Kintz and Stanley M. Kintz Memorial Scholarship Endowment is named after the mother and brother of Rosalie Quesnoy, a passionate educator who taught 7th grade math in Palo Alto, CA. She was a teacher who went the extra mile for her students, and now whose legacy will be carried forward for northern Nevada students pursuing their postsecondary education. This scholarship is designed for students with a high level of academic achievement and community involvement, who plan to attend a school that has a strong program for their chosen major. Students must have a clearly demonstrated financial need. This scholarship is for students who plan to attend a college or technical program that is one, two, or four years. Multi-year scholarships may be awarded. 

The Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program aims to provide equitable and high-quality outdoor experiences for Nevada students aged 18 and younger. Administered by the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, this program allocates state funds for environmental education and recreation initiatives. Grants of up to $50,000 are available, encouraging projects that enhance academic performance and environmental literacy. The program seeks to bridge social barriers and foster community engagement through increased access to nature.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

NV Energy Powerful Partnerships Scholarship

To support the attainment of higher education for youth in our communities, NV Energy Foundation offers the Powerful Partnership Scholarship Program. The Powerful Partnership Program recognizes and encourages the accomplishments of outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership in academics and community service. NV Energy’s goal is to support tomorrow’s leaders’ educational achievements while creating a legacy of community involvement.

The NV Energy Powerful Partnerships Scholarship is offered to students who are graduating high school seniors in NV Energy’s northern service territory, including all communities served by NV Energy in northern Nevada. This one-time scholarship of $1,000 - $1,500 is awarded based on the program’s selection criteria and on the number of applications received. The scholarship will benefit the dependents of NV Energy employees and members of the general public. The scholarship may be used at any accredited university, college, community college, trade, or vocational school in Nevada. We encourage graduating high school seniors both in public and private schools as well as homeschooled to apply.

Dependents of NV Energy employees will be considered separately for a one-time scholarship of $2,000.

The scholarship recognizes the accomplishments of high school students who have demonstrated leadership in academics and community service.

The Early Childhood Education Infrastructure Expansion Grant, established by Senate Bill 460 in June 2025, allocates $4 million to enhance early childhood education facilities in underserved areas of Nevada. This initiative aims to provide high-quality education at little to no cost, ensuring accessibility for all children. The Department of Education will distribute funds up to $150,000 for every 800 square feet of facility expansion, fostering community growth and educational opportunities.

Notice of Funding Opportunity: School Psychologist Services Grant

Introduction and Background

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) is issuing a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) under the School Psychologist Services Grant, funded through Nevada’s federal School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMHS) award. This subaward competition is designed to increase the number of credentialed school psychologists serving students in high-need LEAs through recruitment, retention, and service delivery strategies aligned with early intervention and intensive mental health supports. Eligible applicants must demonstrate need, describe how they meet the high-need LEA criteria, provide current local workforce data, and propose a feasible plan to increase access to school psychology services within the grant period. Awards will be made through a competitive review process consistent with federal SBMHS requirements and Nevada subaward procedures.

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Nevada, offered by USDA Rural Development, provide vital funding to help rural communities respond to emergencies threatening reliable drinking water access. Eligible applicants, including local governments and nonprofit organizations, can apply for grants to construct or repair water facilities. This program aims to restore water quality and supply, benefiting populations of 10,000 or less while promoting environmental sustainability and community resilience.