Best Northern Mariana Islands Grants for Nonprofits

The DoW Toxic Exposures Translational Research Award aims to foster translational research that bridges military-related toxic exposure studies and clinical applications. This program encourages innovative collaborations by allowing for a Partnering Principal Investigator Option, enhancing interdisciplinary partnerships. By integrating basic science with clinical insights, the initiative seeks to expedite the development of impactful health care products and interventions to address toxic exposures faced by military personnel.

Creative West

Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West was founded on the belief that place matters to the creative process. Fifty years later, communities of place, practice, experience, and identity remain fundamental to our work, framing our understanding of how culture is creatively produced and collectively experienced.

Creative West empowers artists and culture-makers with direct, practical resources, delivered regionally.

We offer practical, equity-centered learning experiences and funding opportunities that connect and inspire artists, culture-bearers and communities to build a more inclusive sector, strengthen the arts field, and catalyze change.

Pacific Jurisdictions Artist Fund

The 2026 Pacific Jurisdictions Artist Fund (PJAF) is a community-rooted, artist-centered fund co-designed with artists and cultural leaders across American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). PJAF honors artists as essential culture bearers — preserving language, lineage, land-based knowledge, and strengthening community wellness and belonging. This year is the second round of the program. There will be one more round of the program in 2027.

This is not a project grant. This is unrestricted support rooted in trust and care.

What’s New for Year Two (2026)

• Flat grant: Exactly $2,000 per awardee
• 15 awards per jurisdiction
• $30,000 allocated per island
• Ambassador pathway for alumni
• Simplified application
• Short informational videos on what to expect and how to apply
• Virtual information sessions and office hours with Creative West
• Opportunities to meet with or connect selected past awardees (Ambassadors) for support

Funding Overview

• Each selected artist receives:
• $2,000 (Without restrictions)

The artist decides how they want to use the funds.

Examples include:

• Time to create or rest
• Tools, materials, or equipment
• Mentorship or training/workshops
• Rent, food, or family care
• Cultural teaching or gatherings
• Wellness or healing

The Recordings at Risk Grant, administered by CLIR, supports the preservation of rare audio and audiovisual media of scholarly value through digital reformatting. With funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the program aims to award $6.75 million across twelve competitions, offering grants between $10,000 and $50,000. It encourages U.S. nonprofit institutions to preserve vulnerable media, helping them to develop strategies for effective digital reformatting and promoting best preservation practices.

The Genesis Mission by the DOE aims to transform science and energy through AI by inviting interdisciplinary teams to tackle significant challenges in energy, environment, and nuclear sectors. With multiple deadlines for FY26 Phase I and II applications, the initiative encourages leveraging diverse scientific resources to enhance R&D workflows. Successful proposals could integrate AI advancements into the American Science Cloud, fostering innovation in critical areas like advanced manufacturing and quantum information science.

The Teiger Foundation's Hosting Grant provides up to $75,000 for US-based curators or artistic directors to present contemporary visual art exhibitions that originated in different contexts. This grant encourages resource-sharing and collective learning, allowing institutions to expand their programming sustainably. It prioritizes projects affiliated with established non-profits, fostering community-building and positive change in the field of visual art while addressing issues of racial justice and climate crisis.

The Teiger Foundation's Curatorial Research and Development Grant offers support for innovative curatorial practices within the contemporary visual arts sector. Designed to address gaps in funding, this grant provides up to $50,000 for curatorial research projects, including travel and collaborative investigations. It emphasizes the importance of experimentation and creativity while aligning with values of racial justice and environmental sustainability. The next Call for Proposals will open in Fall 2026, with funding opportunities available to U.S.-based curators.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The U.S. Wildland Fire Service Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) invites proposals for regional fire science exchanges across nine designated regions in the U.S. This initiative aims to promote the sharing of fire science knowledge and practices over a two-year period. Eligible applicants can focus on regions including Alaska, Appalachians, Great Basin, North Atlantic, Northern Rockies, Northwest, Oak Woodlands, Pacific Islands, and Southwest. Proposals must be specific to one region.

The Strengthening Services to Prevent the Infectious Disease Consequences of Drug Use initiative aims to enhance prevention services for infectious diseases among people who use drugs (PWUD). It encompasses two components: a biennial survey to assess service gaps and capacity, and increased support for testing and treatment services. The initiative seeks to improve data utilization in service provision, ultimately increasing testing for HBV, HCV, and HIV, and ensuring more PWUD engage in treatment and care.

The CDC is allocating funds through NOFO DD-27-0028 to enhance maternal child health surveillance and partnerships. This initiative targets public health challenges such as alcohol use during pregnancy and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). It aims to improve clinical surveillance systems, data quality, and timely reporting, while fostering national partnerships to prevent FASDs and support affected infants and children. The approach focuses on translating high-quality surveillance data into actionable prevention strategies.

The CDC's initiative focuses on developing clinical decision support (CDS) tools for cancer screening and management, specifically for cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers. The project aims to enhance guideline-concordant screening and improve management processes through rigorous implementation and evaluation within large health systems. By integrating these tools into electronic health records, the initiative seeks to support clinicians in making evidence-based decisions at the point of care, ultimately improving patient outcomes in cancer care.

The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) at the NIH aims to advance small molecule drug discovery and development. This program supports investigators in their own labs while offering access to NIH experts and contract research organizations. By combining NIH resources with industry expertise, BPN reduces risks in drug development, enabling partners to undertake late-stage projects. Focused on small molecules, it uses a cooperative agreement mechanism to support innovative, higher-risk projects, fostering essential collaborations for successful therapeutic advancements.

The FY26 Vision Research Program's Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) offers funding for innovative research addressing eye injury and visual dysfunction due to military exposure. This award supports preclinical to early translational studies aligned with specific focus areas. Unique features include two funding levels and a Partnering Principal Investigator Option. Applications undergo rigorous peer review based on research rationale, strategy, and impact, with potential for sharing with the National Eye Institute for additional funding consideration.

The NCCIH Multi-Site Feasibility Clinical Trials of Mind and Body Interventions (R01) invites applications for clinical trials focusing on complementary and integrative health approaches. This funding opportunity emphasizes the importance of multisite feasibility trials to gather essential data for planning future efficacy studies. Deadlines for standard and AIDS-related applications range from February 2024 to November 2026, underscoring the urgency for innovative research in high-priority areas.

The NIDCR Behavioral and Social Intervention Clinical Trial Planning and Implementation Cooperative Agreement (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Required) aims to support innovative research in behavioral and social interventions for dental, oral, and craniofacial conditions. This funding opportunity includes a milestone-driven planning phase of up to 2 years, with potential transition to implementation for an additional 5 years, facilitating comprehensive trial development and assessment.

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research grants for institutions with limited NIH funding, emphasizing biomedical research experiences for undergraduates. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over the past seven years. This initiative aims to enhance the research environment at these institutions, fostering student involvement in research activities.

The NCI Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Non-Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K22) aims to support postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented backgrounds in transitioning to tenure-track positions. This award provides essential funding for salary and research support for three years, enabling candidates to establish independent biomedical careers. Key deadlines for applications range from February 2025 to October 2027, ensuring ample opportunity for eligible researchers to secure funding for their career development.

The FY26 Toxic Exposures Research Program (TERP) Clinical Trial Award supports clinical trials aimed at addressing health issues from military-related toxic exposures. This initiative encourages collaboration through a Partnering Principal Investigator Option, enhancing interdisciplinary research efforts. Projects range from early-phase trials to large-scale studies, focusing on innovative treatments and management strategies for affected populations. The goal is to expedite the translation of research findings into effective clinical applications.

The DoW Toxic Exposures Investigator Initiated Research Award aims to fund critical studies addressing diseases linked to military-related toxic exposures. This award supports a wide range of research phases, from basic laboratory investigations to translational research involving both animal models and human subjects. Projects may also explore New Approach Methodologies, enhancing our understanding and treatment options for affected individuals. By facilitating innovative research, this initiative seeks to improve patient care and outcomes.

The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) supports promising scientists in their research endeavors, providing salary and protected time for three to five years. This award is designed for newly independent scientists who can demonstrate the necessity for focused research to advance their careers. The program specifically targets basic experimental studies involving human participants, aligning with NIH's clinical trial definitions and aims to foster significant contributions to various scientific fields.

The NIH Blueprint Initiative aims to enhance neuroscience research by funding the development and application of germline and somatic gene-editing techniques. This initiative builds on existing marmoset gene-editing frameworks and integrates New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to improve understanding of human brain function and disease. High-priority areas include complex conditions like autism and schizophrenia. The initiative emphasizes the use of appropriate models to address critical questions in neuroanatomy, cognition, and behavior related to human brain health.

The Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health (IRINAH), led by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, focuses on enhancing health outcomes in Native populations. It supports research to identify causes of health issues, develop and test effective interventions, and implement strategies that promote sustainability. Emphasizing community strengths, the initiative aims to rigorously evaluate solutions to reduce health disparities, ensuring interventions can be adapted and shared across diverse communities.

The Affirm Cares Employee Foundation Grant, established by Affirm, aims to support non-profit organizations making a significant impact in financial literacy, community enrichment, and technology education. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, focusing on sustainable initiatives that empower communities and alleviate housing insecurity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated non-profits operating within the U.S. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes in its funding efforts, fostering civic engagement and vibrant communities.

The New Music Creator Fund provides financial support to individual music creators across all genres, helping them advance their creative practice. This initiative covers costs associated with developing new work and collaborative projects. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have three years of professional music experience. The fund aims to empower diverse music creators in the U.S. by facilitating the development of innovative musical ideas and fostering artistic collaboration.

The NIDA Core "Center of Transformative Science" Grant Program aims to enhance research on substance use, addiction, and HIV by fostering collaboration among NIH-funded researchers. Centers are expected to innovate and extend existing research through shared resources and support for new investigators. This initiative encourages interdisciplinary work and aims to transform the scientific landscape by promoting data sharing and collaborative opportunities. Applications should focus on integrating research within a specific thematic framework to maximize impact.

The upcoming National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) funding opportunity aims to explore the effects of HIV immunotherapies on central nervous system (CNS) outcomes. It seeks to identify mechanisms, benefits, and risks associated with these therapies, focusing on overcoming CNS-specific barriers. The initiative encourages collaborations to develop strategies for achieving sustained virologic remission and improving neurological outcomes for individuals with HIV, particularly targeting neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation.

The ALACRITY Research Centers, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, aim to enhance the effectiveness of mental health interventions for youth and adults. This initiative supports interdisciplinary research to develop innovative approaches for optimizing mental health care access and quality. By fostering collaborations across various fields such as behavioral science and health systems engineering, the program seeks to transform clinical practices and improve outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges.