Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

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.

National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) CMH

This scholarship was established to assist dependents of an active member of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Columbus, Ohio Chapter.

Award Amount:

• $1,500

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

Toby Gamble and Janet Helen Tolan Gamble Educational Fund

Scholarship to benefit students graduating from an Anchorage high school who are interested in vocational studies, pre-med, law, theology, sports or other areas specified in the scholarship guidelines.

The Toby Gamble and Janet Helen Tolan Gamble Educational Scholarship was established at The Alaska Community Foundation in 2015, with the inaugural scholarship cycle beginning in the spring of 2018. The Gambles wanted to support the post-secondary goals of students in Anchorage, a place they made their home for nearly sixty years.

The Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society Research Grant offers funding for research projects involving cacti and succulents, aligning with the organization's mission of education and knowledge dissemination. Grants support projects lasting up to one year, with the possibility of extensions. Budgets must detail all expenses, and co-funding is encouraged. This initiative aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of these unique plants within the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program promotes the importance of trees and green spaces on college campuses, enhancing the livability and health of these environments. By meeting specific criteria, institutions can gain national recognition while fostering community pride and involvement. This initiative not only supports sustainability but also provides mental health benefits and educational opportunities for students through service-learning projects. Participating schools can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation and community well-being.

The Biomedical Research Environment and Sponsored Programs Administration Development (BRE-SPAD) Program, funded by the NIH, aims to enhance the biomedical research landscape by supporting resource-limited organizations. It targets domestic institutions with limited research resources and few doctoral students in biomedical fields, promoting broader participation in research and boosting administrative capacities for sponsored programs. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, ensuring timely submissions.

The Girls with Goals Fund, established by Women Lead Change, aims to empower girls in Iowa from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. This fund supports non-profit organizations that inspire girls to recognize their strengths, celebrate individuality, and stimulate interest in traditionally male-dominated fields. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply for funding to foster mentorship and leadership skills among young girls, ensuring they have the resources needed for personal and academic growth.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to enhance their green spaces, benefiting both the environment and student well-being. By meeting five standards, participating institutions can gain national recognition for their commitment to tree care and sustainability. This initiative not only fosters a healthier campus but also engages students in environmental stewardship, making a positive impact on their communities. Join to celebrate the importance of trees in our lives.

Russell A. and Sophia Jean Hall Scholarship Fund

The Russell A. and Sophia “Jean” Hall scholarship was established in 2003. Feeling fortunate and grateful for their own education, Jean and Russell created this scholarship as a way to pay forward and support vulnerable students seeking an education. Recognizing the value in all avenues of education and the financial hardship it creates, these Ohio State graduates created the scholarship to support students pursuing a degree at a state-supported college, university, vocational, or technical school in the state of Ohio.

Award Amount:

• Up to $10,000 payable over four years at $2,500 per year; depending upon the needs of the student.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, promotes environmental stewardship on college campuses across Iowa. By achieving national recognition, universities can enhance their community forests and foster a culture of sustainability. This program encourages students' involvement in tree-related activities, which not only beautify the campus but also provide significant mental health benefits and combat climate change. Participating institutions can access resources and support to create a greener and healthier campus environment.

The Mark W. Schwiebert Fund for Environmental Studies, established in 2016, supports educational programs and research addressing climate change and resource depletion. It emphasizes projects that are financially and technically feasible, with a focus on public education and impactful returns on investment. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, universities, and governmental entities, particularly those serving Rock Island County, Illinois, and Scott County, Iowa. Funding is not available for marketing campaigns, deficit funding, or projects already completed.

The Feasibility Clinical Trials of Mind and Body Interventions grant aims to support trials that investigate complementary health approaches for high-priority conditions identified by NCCIH. This funding opportunity focuses on generating vital data necessary for planning future clinical efficacy studies. Applicants must demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of interventions, ensure proper recruitment and retention strategies, and refine protocols to significantly impact public health. A Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives is also required.

Department of Public Safety

The statutory purpose of the Department of Public Safety is to promote the detection and prevention of crime, to participate in searches for lost and missing persons, and to assist in cases of statewide or local disasters or emergencies. In order to carry out this purpose the Department is organized into four divisions: State Police, Emergency Management, Fire safety, and Forensics Lab.

Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG)

Program Purpose

OPSG supports enhanced cooperation and coordination among Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Border Patrol (USBP), and federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to improve overall border security. OPSG provides funding to support joint efforts to secure the United States’ borders along routes of ingress/egress to and from international borders, to include travel corridors in states bordering Mexico and Canada as well as states and territories with international water borders. State, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement agencies utilize their inherent law enforcement authorities to support the border security mission and do not receive any additional authority as a result of participation in OPSG.

Program Objectives

The programs objectives are to:

• Enhance collaboration and coordination among federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to strengthen border security;
• Support joint efforts to secure borders, including land and water routes, and critical travel corridors; and
• Improve information and intelligence sharing to address border-related threats effectively.

The Phyllis Utterback Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Howard County, provides a $2,000 award to a senior student attending a Howard County public school. This scholarship prioritizes students who demonstrate a commitment to education and family, and who plan to pursue a degree in secondary education. Eligible applicants must maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher through their junior year and into their first semester of senior year.

Valley Community Foundation

Valley Community Foundation's mission is to inspire philanthropic growth, provide and foster leadership, engage donors, and strengthen the Valley community both now and for future generations. Its vision is a vibrant inclusive Valley that is thriving, collaborative, generous, with a shared sense of community and opportunity.

Valley Needs and Opportunities Grants

It has been the policy of the Valley Community Foundation to make grants in a range from $250 to $10,000 to contribute to and support innovative programs and the urgent needs of our local nonprofits serving the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and/or Shelton, Connecticut.

About Us

Who We Are

The Wayne County Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community organization that works to strengthen the community we all share by helping donors make a lasting difference with their philanthropic endeavors – connecting their dreams and passions with causes that matter.

Established in 1978 with a single gift of $1,000, WCCF has become the steward of over 620 separate funds created from bequests and gifts, each with their own philanthropic purpose to support the future of our community now – and for many years to come.

The mission of Wayne County Community Foundation is to provide philanthropic leadership to our community.

Wayne County 4-H General Scholarship

Term: One Year

Amount: Varies

Number Awards: Varies

Red Oak Community School Scholarship

The scholarship program is designed for students who are enrolled at Red Oak Community School (ROCS), a tuition-based elementary school serving K-5 students across central Ohio. The scholarship program was created by and for the families who make up the ROCS community. It is funded through various independent, community-led fundraising efforts throughout the school year and is meant to lower financial hurdles to enrollment. 

Example Awards: 

• Five-day program students: $1,000
• Three-day program students: $600
• Two-day program students: $400

The 4Culture Preservation Special Projects grant supports initiatives that promote the preservation of historic places in King County, Washington. It funds research, documentation, education, and advocacy efforts, enhancing public awareness and accessibility to historic sites. Open to individuals and organizations, this grant emphasizes quality, public benefit, equity, and feasibility in project proposals. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their projects contribute to the long-term stewardship of important historic resources.

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.

The NCCIH Multi-Site Feasibility Clinical Trials program invites applications for innovative clinical trials in mind and body interventions. Funded by the NIH, this initiative aims to gather essential data for future efficacy studies, focusing on feasibility, recruitment, and participant retention across multiple sites. With deadlines from February 2024 to October 2026, researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate scientific necessity and potential public health impact through rigorous trial design.

The 4Culture Heritage Projects Grant Program supports initiatives that make history relevant through exhibits, publications, and oral histories in King County, WA. Grants range from $2,000 to $15,000, funding projects that enhance public access to heritage resources and promote collaborations among diverse communities. The program seeks to broaden historical narratives, focusing on racial equity and inclusion, while ensuring projects benefit underrepresented populations and provide accessible educational opportunities.

The Arts Idaho: Arts Education Annual Grant, provided by the Idaho Commission on the Arts, offers up to $10,000 for K-12 educational projects that integrate effective arts practices. This grant emphasizes enhancing teaching methods and learning experiences while requiring a 1:1 match. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and local government entities. The program aims to enrich Idaho's cultural landscape by supporting innovative arts education initiatives, ensuring professional artists are compensated and fostering creativity among students.

Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Program (84F)

Supports newly established RA programs in high-demand fields.

The Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Program (84F) specifically provides funding for sponsors who create a new RA program in an eligible high-demand occupation or add a high-demand occupation to their existing program.

Available Funding

• $760,000

Awarded Amount

• One-time reimbursement of expenses incurred in establishing a registered apprenticeship program, up to a maximum of $25,000.

Ripley County Community Foundation

The Ripley County Community Foundation was established in 1997 with $19,000 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. 

Mission: We serve Ripley County by growing and sustaining a culture of giving and investing resources to meet community needs.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program will provide one scholarship for otherwise reimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a special allocation of up to $900.00 per year for required books and equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis. The undergraduate study will lead to a baccalaureate degree at any Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Phase II: Timed Essay

Phase II of the selection process consists of a timed essay portion, which will be administered directly at your high school.

The Jon Grove Memorial Scholarship, valued at $2,500, supports Howard County Public High School seniors whose lives have been affected by cancer. Offered by the Community Foundation of Howard County, this scholarship encourages students with a minimum 2.0 GPA to pursue further education at a college, university, or trade school. It aims to recognize and assist those who have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, fostering hope and opportunity for impacted families.

The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program, established by the Boston Athletic Association, supports nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts that promote health and fitness through running. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 are awarded annually to initiatives that enhance community engagement and wellness. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered or public agencies and align with the B.A.A.’s mission to foster healthy lifestyles. This initiative plays a crucial role in expanding access to sports and building vibrant communities across Greater Boston.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Coleman Scholarship

This fund was established to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District. 

Scholarships will be awarded on a one-time basis and disbursed in August.