Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Nevada

The Western SARE Local Education and Demonstration Grants aim to promote sustainable agriculture through practical demonstrations and educational activities. This program addresses barriers to adopting sustainable practices by integrating findings from previous research. Projects can last up to three years and receive funding of up to $60,000. Successful proposals involve local demonstrations, trainings, and technical assistance, engaging farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals in the process of sustainable agriculture adoption.

The Forrest Shreve Student Research Fund, awarded by the Ecological Society of America, supports research in North America's hot deserts, including the Sonoran and Mojave. This fund aims to enhance our understanding of desert ecology through innovative projects. Eligible applicants include graduate and undergraduate students who are ESA members. Proposals are evaluated based on their significance, feasibility, and design, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, granted annually.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, facilitated by the National Arbor Day Foundation, empowers colleges and universities to cultivate community forests and enhance campus environments. By meeting specific standards, institutions can achieve annual recognition, promoting sustainability and mental well-being. The program underscores the importance of trees in reducing energy needs, absorbing carbon dioxide, and providing green spaces that benefit students and staff alike. Participation fosters pride and connects campuses to broader environmental initiatives.

The Folklife Community Grant, offered by the Nevada Arts Council, supports small community organizations in presenting folk arts and traditions. Eligible projects include festivals, concerts, and gatherings that engage traditional artists and cultural specialists. The grant aims to strengthen cultural communities in Nevada by fostering artistic expression and collaboration, ensuring that folk arts continue to thrive and contribute to the state's cultural vibrancy and economic vitality.

Quality Improvement Grant Request for Proposals

Optimizing Maternal RSV Immunization Delivery: A Systems-Based Quality Improvement Initiative to Improve Uptake, Equity, and Newborn Outcomes

Pfizer, in collaboration with the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), is pleased to announce a competitive grant opportunity to support independent Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives focused on advancing maternal immunization, with a specific emphasis on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination during pregnancy.

This initiative builds upon insights generated from the Maternal Immunization Needs Assessment (MINA) project, a multi-stakeholder collaboration that identified persistent clinical, behavioral, and system-level gaps in the delivery and uptake of maternal vaccines.

We seek to fund projects that implement measurable, evidence-based interventions to improve real-world delivery of maternal RSV immunization across healthcare systems and care settings. Proposed initiatives should aim to optimize access, strengthen provider–patient communication training and tools, enhance care coordination, and address structural and behavioral barriers impacting vaccine uptake and equity.

Pfizer Global Medical Grants (GMG) supports the global healthcare community’s independent initiatives (e.g., research, quality improvement or education) to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet medical need that are aligned with Pfizer’s medical and/or scientific strategies. Pfizer’s GMG competitive grant program involves a publicly posted Request for Proposal (RFP) that provides detail regarding a specific area of interest, sets timelines for review and approval, and uses an expert review panel (ERP) to make final grant decisions. Organizations are invited to submit an application addressing the specific gaps in clinical practice or care as outlined in the specific RFP.

For all QI grants, the applicant (and ultimately the grantee) will be solely responsible for the design, implementation, and conduct of the proposed initiative. Pfizer will have no involvement in project development, execution, or outcomes.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.

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.

Mission

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

The Folklife Artist Grant from the Nevada Arts Council supports traditional arts projects led by folk artists and culture bearers. Projects should focus on the transmission of folk arts within specific Nevada communities, covering learning and presentation activities. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including federal tax-exempt status and good standing with the Nevada Secretary of State. Grants are awarded based on eligibility and funding availability, emphasizing artistic merit and community representation.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5416 - Innovative Approaches to Extend Lifetime and Minimize O&M for Nature-based Installations

Grant Information

• Identify and evaluate innovative design, construction, and management approaches that extend the functional lifetime of nature-based installations and reduce ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements.
• Develop practical guidance on key factors affecting nature-based solution (NbS) longevity, including hydraulic optimization, engineered media selection and replacement, plant selection, sediment management, and construction-phase best practices.
• Survey utilities and other NbS owners to document current maintenance practices, costs, and hours, and establish benchmarks to inform targets for improvement.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Nevada support organizations in facilitating self-help housing projects for low-income families. By providing technical assistance, these grants enable participants to build their homes collaboratively, fostering community development. Eligible areas can be verified through the USDA Eligibility Site. The program emphasizes the importance of assisting families with loan applications and project participation, while prohibiting funding for direct construction work or purchasing materials.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

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.

The Alumni Professional Development Fund, established by Creative West, focuses on supporting alumni of its leadership development programs. It aims to foster personal and professional growth through flexible funding, ensuring that artists can access resources that enhance their skills and contributions to the community. This fund emphasizes equity, storytelling, and the importance of democracy, wellness, and belonging in the creative economy, ultimately strengthening the arts sector nationally.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League David McClure Memorial Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools and alternative education programs pursuing a degree in wildlife-related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted into accredited colleges or vocational programs. This scholarship fosters educational growth while promoting conservation efforts, reflecting the commitment of the Ashland County Community Foundation to enhance community development and support future leaders in wildlife conservation.

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The K-5 STEM Grant Program, initiated by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology, aims to enhance STEM education in elementary schools. With funding up to $25,000 for schools and $2,000 for individual educators, the program focuses on increasing hands-on, evidence-based STEM learning. The initiative seeks to address the low engagement in science among young students, ultimately preparing them for future STEM careers and improving overall educational outcomes in Nevada.

The IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in underfunded states by fostering collaborations among research institutions. By supporting faculty research, mentoring, and student involvement, INBREs create pathways for undergraduate students to enter biomedical careers. This initiative not only promotes institutional partnerships but also strengthens research infrastructure, ultimately contributing to a more robust scientific community in IDeA states.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

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.

Nevada Air National Guard Scholarship

The Chief Master Sergeant Gerald L. Larson Nevada Air National Guard Scholarship provides support for active enlisted members of the Nevada Air National Guard or the dependent of active members to attend the University of Nevada, Reno.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

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.

Nico Goon Compassionate Scholar Award

The Nico Goon Compassionate Scholar Award is designed to support graduating high school seniors from Northern Nevada who are planning to attend a 4-year university to complete their degree. One scholarship of $2,500 will be awarded each year to a student who the committee feels exemplifies the qualities that Nico possessed. Consciously, Nico had a love for learning and pursuit of knowledge that was inspiring to his classmates and teachers. Subconsciously, Nico walked through life with a kindness and compassion that impacted the lives of others. Together, these qualities can have a lasting impact on the world around you. This is a one-time award.