Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Nevada

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 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 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 Community Facilities Grant Program in Nevada offers funding to develop vital community facilities in rural areas, benefiting towns with populations under 20,000. Eligible projects include healthcare, public safety, education, and essential services. This program prioritizes lower-income communities, providing up to 75% funding for qualifying projects. Applicants can be public bodies, non-profits, or federally recognized tribes. It's a year-round program, ensuring ongoing support to enhance community infrastructure and services.

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.

The Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, offered by Western SARE, enables faculty worldwide to collaborate with farmers and researchers in the Western U.S. This program focuses on conducting innovative research and educational outreach in underserved regions, with an emphasis on unexplored topics. Grants up to $75,000 are available for projects spanning one year, promoting agricultural sustainability and community involvement.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

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.

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 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 Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

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 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.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

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 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.

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. 

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 Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships program, managed by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the training of new graduate students in food and agricultural sciences. It provides essential funding for master's, DVM, and doctoral students, focusing on developing the next generation of experts to address critical needs in agricultural sciences. This initiative supports U.S. citizens and residents in achieving their educational goals and contributing to the USDA's mission.

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.

About The American Chestnut Foundation:

Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

Our vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor.

Small Grants Program

Are you looking for funding to support your American chestnut research? External small grants offer recipients a variety of benefits such as professional development and an expanded network. Grant activities contribute to the continuous renewal and development of faculty and staff, to the education and motivation of students, and achievement of our mutual interest — restoration of the American chestnut. This is a small grants program. TACF does not ordinarily fund projects in excess of $10,000.

The Wilburforce Foundation Conservation Grants aim to enhance the conservation of vital lands, waters, and wildlife in Western North America. By 2025, their vision is to ensure native wildlife thrives across connected landscapes. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to strategic conservation efforts, focusing on habitat security and wildlife linkages. Grants are available to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities, fostering initiatives that protect critical wildlife habitats and promote ecological integrity.

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.

5418 - Optimizing PFAS Treatment Systems for Multi-contaminant Removal and Operational Benefits

Project Objectives