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Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

Explore private grants for nonprofits funding programs in education, health, community development, and the arts.

33,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

33,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,595 Results based on applied filters

VFW Hedrick-Rhodes Post 5206 Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $1,500

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

VFW Hedrick-Rhodes Post 5206 Scholarship

Applicant must be a graduating senior or graduate of a public, parochial, or private school and intend to enroll in a degree-granting program at an accredited school. 

The schlarship is renewable.

Education - Higher Education

Valley Clinic Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $1,250

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Valley Clinic Scholarship

Applicant must be pursuing a degree in the health care field who demonstrates financial need and academic merit. Applicant must be a full-time resident of the Hickory Nut Gorge community.

Education - Higher Education

Tracy Grove Community Club Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $1,000

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Tracy Grove Community Club Scholarship

Applicant must graduate from a school in Henderson County and must intend to enroll in a degree-granting program in an accredited two- or four-year institute. 

Education - Higher Education

Don and Barb Horan Memorial Scholarship

Decatur County Community Foundation Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

About Decatur County Community Foundation

Decatur County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter. 

Our Mission

To inspire the generosity of our community to create a lasting impact.

​We help visionary donors practice highly effective charitable giving; award grants to not-for-profits doing good in the community; award scholarships to ease the financial burden of education for students; provide leadership to make Decatur County a better community.

Online Scholarships

The following scholarships are managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation. Complete details for each scholarship are available on the individual online scholarship application.

Don and Barb Horan Memorial Scholarship

The mission of this scholarship is to help a student residing in Decatur County that will graduate from Oldenburg Academy.

Education - Higher Education

T. Llyle and Marion S. Keith Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $1,000

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

T. Llyle and Marion S. Keith Scholarship

The applicant must be a graduating senior or a graduate of a public high school in Henderson County. This scholarship is not based on merit (however, must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 or better), but on financial need. Students must be pursuing their undergraduate education in a two or four year accredited institution.

The schlarship is renewable.

Education - Higher Education

Thomas Oliver and Louise Jordan Mulcahy Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $7,500

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Thomas Oliver and Louise Jordan Mulcahy Scholarship

This scholarship is for a graduate of a high school in Henderson County and shall be awarded based on academic standing and financial need. The recipient need not be at the top of his or her class academically nor at the bottom of his or her class financially.

The schlarship is renewable.

Education - Higher Education

Project Grants in Education

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
State/Local Government
Rhode Island
Up to US $7,000
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts offers Project Grants in Education to foster artistic engagement in schools and communities. These grants support schools, arts educators, and nonprofits in delivering high-quality arts education experiences. Aiming to enhance students' learning through art, the program encourages collaboration and creativity while ensuring equitable access for diverse communities. With funding up to $10,000 for organizations and $3,000 for individuals, these grants empower teaching artists and enrich Rhode Island's cultural landscape.
Art Education

Robert C. Edwards, Jr. and Sandra Edwards Waggoner Memorial Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $1,250

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Robert C. Edwards, Jr. and Sandra Edwards Waggoner Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial aid to a deserving student who has a desire and commitment to pursue his or her education.

Education - Higher Education

Rebecca S. Poole Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $2,000

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Rebecca S. Poole Scholarship

This educational scholarship is for a Henderson County student pursuing his or her education beyond high school.

The schlarship is renewable.

Education - Higher Education

Hans and Margo Nagel Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
United States
US $2,000

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

  • Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
  • Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Hans and Margo Nagel Scholarship

This scholarship provides assistance with education expenses for a citizen and resident of Henderson County who graduates from a high school in Henderson County. This scholarship is for someone who is doing things to prevent and break the cycle of desperate need and is to act as an incentive for the recipient to do something, primarily in using education, to pull his or her life together and make a better life for himself or herself and the next generation.

This is a renewable scholarship.

Education - Higher Education

NATA: Professional Grants Program - New Investigator Grant

National Athletic Trainers Assn Research & Education Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $20,000
The NATA Foundation's Professional Grants Program - New Investigator Grant offers up to $20,000 in funding for innovative research projects in athletic training. This program is aimed at supporting new investigators who are NATA members and BOC certified athletic trainers. The grant fosters research that enhances the profession and contributes to the health and safety of physically active individuals, promoting evidence-based practices in athletic training.
Kinesiology & Sports Medicine

Helen F. Lindner Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
Henderson County, North Carolina
US $2,500

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

  • Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
  • Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

About Helen F. Lindner Scholarship

The applicant must be male graduating senior from any high school located within the boundary of Henderson County. The successful male applicant will be a student who may not have excelled academically but who has shown promise academically and who indicates a willing spirit to work. The applicant should be someone who has shown diligence above average but who may not have academically achieved above average.

This is a renewable scholarship.

Education - Higher Education

Henderson County Educational Scholarship

Community Foundation of Henderson County
Private
Henderson County, North Carolina
US $2,000

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

  • Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
  • Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Henderson County Educational Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial assistance to graduates of any Henderson County public high school.

This is a renewable scholarship. 

Education - Higher Education

Medical Mutual Scholarship Fund for Customer Schools

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000 - US $10,000

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Medical Mutual Scholarship Fund for Customer Schools

Education encourages ingenuity, fosters creativity, and inspires us to reach for new horizons. Medical Mutual is honored to play a role in helping prepare the young people of Ohio for a bright future. Medical Mutual is the oldest and largest health insurer based in Ohio. For 80 years, we have been serving our members and the Ohio communities where they live and work. We strive to be the health insurance choice of Ohioans and help make Ohio the best it can be.

Education - Higher Education

Community Arts Access Tier 1 & 2 Grants

North Dakota Council on the Arts
State/Local Government
North Dakota
US $2,000 - US $4,000
The Community Arts Access Tier 1 & 2 Grants offer funding up to $4,000 for arts activities to both arts and non-arts organizations, as well as unincorporated groups. This program supports diverse projects such as art festivals, exhibitions, and performance series. First-time applicants are encouraged to consult with the program officer to ensure eligibility and refine project ideas. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement through the arts.
Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Worcester County Weatherization Assistance Grant Program

Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Private
Worcester County, Massachusetts
Unspecified amount

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Run by the people, for the people, the Foundation is unique as a citizen-run model of philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the community as a whole, now and in the future, rather than just one sector or cause. The Foundation is unique in its capacity to unite people from diverse sectors in influencing and effecting positive change throughout Worcester County.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Mission: To enhance our community, now and in the future, through philanthropic leadership. Vision: The communities of greater Worcester are valued and attractive because of the well-being of our citizens.

Worcester County Weatherization Assistance Grant Program

National Grid has partnered with Greater Worcester Community Foundation – through our Worcester County Green Fund – to support nonprofit organizations that help households reduce their winter and year-round energy costs. As a Sponsor of the Mass Save Programs, National Grid offers qualifying income-eligible households a variety of no-cost upgrades, including comprehensive home energy assessments, insulation and air-sealing upgrades. For residents living in single family (1-4 unit) homes:

  • Low-income customers are defined as those earning up to 60% of state median income (“SMI”)
  • Moderate-income customers are defined as those earning 61% SMI up to either 80% area median income (“AMI”) or 80% SMI (whichever is greater)

This funding is available to Worcester County nonprofit organizations that already do this type of home energy improvement work themselves, or sub-contract vendors to do this type of work as part of their existing service mix. The goal of this funding is to supplement existing National Grid programs and enable weatherization assistance.

Renewable/Sustainable Energy Energy Efficiency & Conservation

Professional Grants Program - General Grant Category

National Athletic Trainers Assn Research & Education Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $50,000
The NATA Foundation, established in 1991, is dedicated to advancing the athletic training profession through research and education. It offers the Professional Grants Program to support exceptional research projects relevant to athletic training. With a funding limit of $50,000 over three years, the program encourages diverse proposals, ensuring that the primary or co-primary investigator is a BOC certified athletic trainer. This initiative aims to enhance the profession and benefit the broader physically active community.
Kinesiology & Sports Medicine

Arts in Education Collaboration Grant

North Dakota Council on the Arts
State/Local Government
North Dakota
Up to US $6,000
The Arts in Education Collaboration Grant offers up to $6,000 to support collaborative projects that enhance arts education for K-12 students in North Dakota. It encourages partnerships among schools, arts organizations, and community resources to increase access to quality arts education. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and public entities located in North Dakota. The program aims to address barriers to arts education and support sustainable, participatory learning experiences for students.
Art Education

Apprenticeship Innovation Funding (AIF)

California Department of Industrial Relations
State/Local Government
California
US $3,500 - US $4,500
The Apprenticeship Innovation Funding (AIF) in California supports innovative apprenticeship programs. Established in 2022, it allocates $95 million over three years to sustain and scale these initiatives. With $3500 per active apprentice per year and a $1000 completion bonus, the AIF aims to enhance training opportunities. The funding rounds have awarded $17.3 million and $24.8 million, with an additional $52 million available for FY 2024-2025 to build on previous successes.
Apprenticeship & Internship Programs

Rays of Hope Foundation Vocational Scholarship

Educational Foundation of Lake County
Private
Lake County, Florida
Unspecified amount
The Rays of Hope Foundation Vocational Scholarship aims to support Lake County graduates pursuing vocational, technical, or trade school programs. Established by the Education Foundation of Lake County, this scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition and related expenses, empowering students to achieve their educational goals. Annually, scholarships range from $500 to $20,000, based on academic achievement and financial need, ensuring that deserving students have access to the education they desire.
Vocational & Trade Education

Community Traffic Safety Grant Program

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State/Local Government
Massachusetts
Up to US $75,000
The Underserved Communities Traffic Safety Grant Program in Massachusetts aims to enhance road safety for vulnerable populations. It supports projects utilizing crash data to identify community needs and implement educational initiatives aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries. Partnerships with local organizations are encouraged to foster a comprehensive approach to traffic safety. Key focus areas include impaired driving, pedestrian safety, and seat belt usage. The program aspires to achieve zero fatalities on the roads.
Automotive Safety

State Agency Traffic Safety Grant (MA)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State/Local Government
Massachusetts
Unspecified amount
The State Agency Traffic Safety Grant in Massachusetts provides up to $6.5 million in funding for state government agencies to enhance road safety. This grant, administered by the Office of Grants and Research, focuses on critical areas such as impaired driving, child passenger safety, and distracted driving. By targeting these priority areas, the program aims to significantly reduce traffic crashes and improve overall safety on Massachusetts roadways.
Automotive Safety

Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Registered Apprenticeship Ecosystem Through the Navigator Program

Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry
State/Local Government
Pennsylvania
Up to US $450,000

Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Registered Apprenticeship Ecosystem Through the Navigator Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announces the availability of approximately $450,000 in funding for Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Registered Apprenticeship Ecosystem Through the Navigator Program to include one award of up to $450,000.

L&I has created this grant opportunity to continue support of a local and/or regional apprenticeship navigator program which enables the expansion of registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. Additionally, the intent is to support technical assistance to regional consortiums of stakeholders, employers, intermediaries, training providers, and other partners by building a network of people trained on growing programming and apprenticeship ecosystems over the long term. 

Apprenticeship & Internship Programs

Wyoming Arts Council: Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grants

Wyoming Arts Council
State/Local Government
Wyoming
US $3,000
The Wyoming Arts Council offers Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grants to foster in-person, hands-on instruction of traditional skills in Wyoming. These grants aim to connect master artists with apprentices to enhance their skills in cultural art forms. The initiative, launched in 2005, is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and encourages applicants to commit to preserving endangered traditions. Projects must last a minimum of six months and involve collaboration between selected artists.
Folk Art / Traditional Art

Investing in Libraries as Community Builders grants

Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
Private
Adams County, Ohio, Ashtabula County, Ohio +30 more
Up to US $20,000

Investing in Libraries as Community Builders grants

A total of $250,000 will be invested to support Appalachian Ohio’s libraries in work that advances civic health by bringing residents together in meaningful ways, including through projects that forge deeper connections among community members and provide opportunities for residents to collaborate in solving challenges and creating new opportunities. In partnership with the Trust for Civic Life, FAO invites libraries in the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio to apply for up to $20,000 to support “civic experiments,” activities that:

  • Introduce entrepreneurial approaches to removing barriers that keep people from participating in their community;
  • Repeatedly bring together a group of community members who have not been engaged with one another, the library or the community around a shared interest, goal or unmet need; or
  • Integrate volunteer or community members as program leaders to expand capacity beyond staff.
Library Services Community Development & Revitalization

MSAC Folklife Network Grant

Maryland State Arts Council
State/Local Government
Maryland
Unspecified amount
The MSAC Folklife Network Grant, administered by the Maryland State Arts Council, supports organizations that function as regional folklife centers throughout Maryland. This funding aims to identify, document, and present the living cultural traditions of the state’s diverse communities, fostering collaboration and cultural engagement. Established following recommendations from folklife experts, this program highlights the importance of preserving Maryland's rich cultural heritage through various artistic initiatives.
Folk Art / Traditional Art

MSAC Arts in Education Grant

Maryland State Arts Council
State/Local Government
Maryland
Up to US $6,000
The MSAC Arts in Education Grant, offered by the Maryland State Arts Council, supports Maryland-based non-profit organizations and government entities through matching funds for educational programs led by Teaching Artists. This initiative aims to enhance arts education in schools and communities, ensuring financial support is available for engaging artistic experiences. By acting as a financial intermediary, MSAC streamlines payments to Teaching Artists, ensuring they receive the full budgeted amount while fostering a vibrant arts education ecosystem across Maryland.
Art Education

Private 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 $3.43B available. Instrumentl connects nonprofits to tailored grants from private funders, offering tools for tracking deadlines, customized searches, and insights to maximize impact.

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

7,000+ Private grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Community Development & Revitalization

3,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education

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
29.8%
Q2
23.8%
Q3
23.9%
Q4
22.6%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Private Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $34,887.

$0 $0 Min.
$34,887 $34.9 K Median
$655,609 $655.6 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

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 29.8% 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 $34,887, while the average grant awarded is $655,609. 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.