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Best Private Grants for Nonprofits
Explore private grants for nonprofits funding programs in education, health, community development, and the arts
8,000+
Available grants
$3715.1M
Total funding
$37.5K
Median grant
8,000+
grants
$3715.1M
total
$37.5K
median
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Up to US $10,000
Chatlos Foundation Grant
Rolling deadline
The Chatlos Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and globally, focusing on Bible colleges, religious causes, liberal arts colleges, medical concerns, and social issues. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the category. The Foundation prioritizes program support and typically funds requests under $10,000. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based, tax-exempt for at least two years, and aligned with the Foundation's mission, ensuring that funded projects achieve independence.
Chatlos Foundation
US $100,000 - US $1,000,000
DDCF: Environment Program Grants
Rolling deadline
The Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.
Doris Duke Foundation Inc.
Unspecified amount
Entergy’s Open Grants Program
Rolling deadline
Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.
Entergy Charitable Foundation
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Unspecified amount
George and Sarah Buchanan Foundation Grants
Rolling deadline
The George and Sarah Buchanan Foundation provides grants to support charitable organizations focusing on military, special needs, at-risk youth, education, and faith-based initiatives. By partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation aims to enhance programs that create positive change in communities. Their funding priorities include providing essential services to military families, advocating for individuals with disabilities, and ensuring educational access for all. Through these efforts, they strive to uplift communities and improve the lives of those in need.
George And Sarah Buchanan Foundation
More than US $50,000
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Grants
Rolling deadline
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Unspecified amount
OneAmerica Financial: Community grant
Rolling deadline
The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.
OneAmerica Financial
Unspecified amount
Pratt Family Foundation Grant
Rolling deadline
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.
Pratt Family Foundation Inc.
Unspecified amount
Rauch Foundation Grant
Rolling deadline
The Rauch Foundation Grant focuses on promoting systemic change through innovative approaches in global food systems and financial literacy for students. By partnering with various organizations, including nonprofits and educational institutions, the foundation aims to create significant impacts on community health and economic preparedness. Their work emphasizes evidence-based research and collaboration, particularly in addressing environmental concerns and enhancing financial education among the youth.
Rauch Foundation Inc
Unspecified amount
The Audacious Project Grant Program
Rolling deadline
The Audacious Project Grant Program, supported by TED, aims to catalyze social impact by funding bold solutions to pressing global challenges. This initiative encourages changemakers to develop transformative ideas into actionable plans, with a focus on various issues, including health and education. The program operates on a rolling basis, welcoming applications from individuals and organizations with a proven track record and a budget of at least $2 million. Join us in creating lasting change for a better world.
TED
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
Tickets for Kids Grant Program
Rolling deadline
The Tickets for Kids Grant Program, offered by the Tickets For Kids Foundation, aims to support low-income, at-risk children and youth by providing access to ticketed experiences at no cost. Organizations eligible for partnership include nonprofit agencies, schools serving primarily low-income students, and government agencies. The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks, with responses expected within five business days after review. This initiative enriches existing programming through valuable experiences.
Tickets For Kids Foundation
Unspecified amount
Doyle Foundation Grants
Applications due Jul 1, 2026
The Doyle Foundation, Inc. offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., supporting a variety of causes. Founded by Frank and Gertrude R. Doyle, the foundation initially focused on scholarships for local students but has since expanded its reach to nonprofit grants. With no minimum GPA or income cap for applicants, the foundation aims to empower diverse communities by funding educational pursuits and enhancing quality of life. Its mission reflects the Doyles' legacy of opportunity and community service.
The Doyle Foundation Inc
Unspecified amount
Mutual of America's Community Partnership Award
Applications due Jul 1, 2026
The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.
Mutual Of America Foundation
Unspecified amount
Changing Aging (CA) Grant
Full proposal due Jul 2, 2026
The Changing Aging (CA) Grant supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for older adults and combating ageism. Priorities include advancing digital equity and promoting aging in place for marginalized communities. Funded by Next50, the grant encourages collaboration among nonprofits and requires an equity-focused approach to project design. Organizations may apply for up to three years of funding, with no maximum request limit, although a pre-application call is necessary for larger requests.
Next50 Foundation
US $10,000 - US $50,000
Impact Fund Grants
Letter of inquiry due Jul 7, 2026
The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.
The Impact Fund
US $1,500 - US $7,500
STEM Innovation Grant
Pre proposal due Jul 8, 2026
The STEM Innovation Grant by Colocation America supports innovative STEM programs for K-12 students, offering up to $7,500 in funding. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and schools with STEM-specific programming. The grant aims to inspire youth through unique learning approaches and real-world applications of STEM knowledge. Interested parties must attend a mandatory informational call, with funding available for tools, curriculum development, and professional training.
Colocation America
US $250 - US $5,000
Spark Good: Strengthening Community - Local Grants
Applications due Jul 15, 2026
The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.
Wal-Mart Foundation
US $20,000 - US $250,000
Food Access and Retail Expansion (FARE) Fund Grant
Letter of inquiry due Jul 31, 2026
The Food Access and Retail Expansion (FARE) Fund Grant, part of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative, aims to enhance access to nutritious food in underserved regions. With a budget of $60 million over five years, the initiative supports innovative fresh food retail projects, offering grants and loans to address barriers in food access. This funding is crucial for catalyzing sustainable food enterprises and improving local food systems, ultimately fostering healthier communities.
The Reinvestment Fund Inc
US $15,000 - US $30,000
Sociological Initiatives Foundation Grant
Letter of inquiry due Aug 15, 2026
The Sociological Initiatives Foundation Grant supports research linking social action to addressing systemic inequalities in the U.S., funding projects that tackle racism, classism, and human rights violations. It prioritizes initiatives that foster partnerships between academia and community organizations, aiming to enhance advocacy and public knowledge. Grants typically range from $15 to $25,000, emphasizing research with tangible community impacts rather than mere reporting. The Foundation seeks projects that can fundamentally change societal structures and improve equity.
Sociological Initiatives Foundation Inc.
US $5,000 - US $250,000
Gupta Family Foundation Grant
Applications due Aug 31, 2026
The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.
Gupta Family Foundation
US $10,000 - US $250,000
Bolger Foundation Grant
Applications due Sep 1, 2026
The Bolger Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting capital projects that enhance tangible property for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Grants range from $10,000 to $250,000, with a maximum project budget of $2.5 million. The foundation focuses on community empowerment through conservation, health, and education, while excluding revenue-generating and operational costs. Eligible organizations must adhere to strict compliance with federal tax regulations. The mission is to inspire and empower nonprofits to better serve their communities.
Bolger Foundation
Unspecified amount
Ruth Bartsch Memorial Trust Grant
Applications due Sep 30, 2026
The Ruth Bartsch Memorial Trust Grant offers funding for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes, as well as for preventing cruelty to children and animals. This private foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. Notably, individuals are not eligible to submit grant applications. The grant promotes various program areas, including arts and culture, education, health, and community development.
Ruth Bartsch Memorial Trust
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
Delta Analytics: Data Service Grant
Applications due Oct 31, 2026
Delta Analytics offers the Data Service Grant to empower non-profits with data-driven insights. This opportunity, which extends applications until November 14, 2025, aims to enhance community impact through effective data management, analysis, and visualization. By partnering skilled data scientists with organizations, Delta facilitates the transformation of complex data into actionable strategies, ensuring that nonprofits can measure their impact and optimize their operations. Interested 501(c)(3) organizations are encouraged to apply.
Delta Analytics
US $5,000 - US $10,000
Lawrence Foundation Grant
Applications due Nov 1, 2026
The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.
Lawrence Foundation
Unspecified amount
Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation Grant
Applications due Dec 31, 2026
The Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that develop innovative programs and provide services for children with special needs, chronic disabilities, or acute illnesses. Founded by Estelle and Irving Packer, the foundation aims to create opportunities for all children to thrive, regardless of their challenges. Grants are awarded to organizations, not individuals, and applicants must be qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation
US $100 - US $10,000
Mockingbird Foundation Grants
Letter of inquiry due Jan 16, 2027
The Mockingbird Foundation offers competitive grants for music education for children. Focused on underserved communities, the foundation supports innovative projects that engage children directly through music. Grants are only available for nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, including public schools, in the U.S. The aim is to enhance creative expression and provide music education in unconventional settings. Applications must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion in their programs.
Mockingbird Foundation
US $2,500 - US $15,000
Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation
Applications due Mar 2, 2027
The Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation, established in 1994, supports public agencies and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to preserve historic environments. With grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, this highly competitive funding opportunity aims to foster appreciation for cultural heritage and enhance community livability. Eligible activities include planning, education, and preservation projects. Applicants must match the grant dollar-for-dollar and adhere to specific guidelines to ensure the success of their initiatives.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Up to US $25,000
AARP Community Challenge Grant: Flagship Grant
Applications due Mar 4, 2027
The AARP Community Challenge Grant supports projects that enhance community living for residents aged 50 and older. With a focus on immediate improvements and long-term progress, grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, covering areas like public spaces, transportation, and digital literacy. Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $20.1 million through more than 1,700 grants across the U.S. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities committed to serving the needs of older adults.
AARP Foundation
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Sign up to see the full listPrivate Grants for Nonprofits Highlights
Private grants for nonprofits provide funding from foundations, corporations, and individual donors to support programs and operations. The following grants empower organizations to achieve their missions, scale their impact, and address critical community needs effectively.
Search Instrumentl's Private Grants Database
Discover 8,000+ funding opportunities for nonprofits, with $3715.1M available. Instrumentl connects nonprofits to tailored grants from private funders, offering tools for tracking deadlines, customized searches, and insights to maximize impact.
Top Searched Private Grants for Nonprofits
Grant Insights : Private Grants for Nonprofits
Grant Availability
How common are grants in this category?
Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.
8,000+ Private grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.
3,000+ Private grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size
3,000+ Private grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size
1,000+ Private grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses
6,000+ Private grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects
500+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on All fields of work
600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Poverty Alleviation & Services
Grant Deadline Distribution
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Private grants for Nonprofits?
Most grants are due in the first quarter.
Q1
26.7%
Q2
24.4%
Q3
25.6%
Q4
23.3%
Frequently asked questions
Nonprofits working in education, healthcare, arts, social services, and the environment may be eligible for private grants. To be considered, organizations need to align with the mission and values of the donor or foundation offering the grant. Funders look for nonprofits that have strong evidence of making a positive impact on their communities and match their values.
Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for private grants, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 26.7% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.
The goal of private grants is for individual donors and foundations to support nonprofits who align with their goals. Some grants support specific projects, while others provide general operating funds to help organizations maintain stability and grow. Funders want to back creative projects with positive impact, ensuring their long-term success.
Funding for private grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $37,500, while the average grant awarded is $721,932. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.
Private grants usually come from independent foundations, family foundations, corporate foundations, and individual donors. Well-known funders include the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and Walton Family Foundation, which support a wide range of causes. Some private grants come from smaller, locally focused foundations. Individual donors, including wealthy philanthropists, also fund private grants to causes they are passionate about.
To improve the chances of being awarded private grants, nonprofits should:
- Research funders carefully – Get to know private funders by learning about their mission, past grant recipients, and funding priorities.
- Be clear about your goals and expected results – Outline measurable outcomes, how the funds will be used, and what you hope to achieve. Having a history of success can also make your application more convincing.
- Show financial responsibility – Prove you have good money management and a plan for long-term financial sustainability beyond the grant.
- Build connections – Meet with grantmakers through networking events, email introductions, or funder Q&As.
Want to improve your private grant prospecting strategy? Master the process with our guide to private grant research.
Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for private grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.
Streamline your grant management process with our workflow automation tools.
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