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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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Filters

32,595 Results based on applied filters

K-5 STEM Grant Program

Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology
State/Local Government
Nevada
US $2,000 - US $25,000
The K-5 STEM Grant Program, initiated by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology, aims to enhance STEM education in elementary schools. With funding up to $25,000 for schools and $2,000 for individual educators, the program focuses on increasing hands-on, evidence-based STEM learning. The initiative seeks to address the low engagement in science among young students, ultimately preparing them for future STEM careers and improving overall educational outcomes in Nevada.
STEM / STEAM Education

American Association of University Women/Wagy Fund

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
Private
Clay County, Missouri, Jackson County, Missouri +1 more
Unspecified amount

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

American Association of University Women / Wagy Fund (AAUW)

The Kansas City, Missouri, Branch of the American Association of University Women promotes education and scholarships for women. The mission of the Wagy Fund is to further the mission of AAUW and to honor Irene Wagy.

Grant Focus: Organizations that promote societal change through programs benefiting women and girls in Kansas City, Missouri.

Women & Girl Services

Gene and Donna Mallak Memorial Scholarship

Saginaw Community Foundation
Private
Michigan
Unspecified amount

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Gene and Donna Mallak Memorial Scholarship

The Gene and Donna Mallak Memorial Scholarship was established by their daughter Jeanne in honor of the tremendous support they gave her to pursue her college dreams. Her hope is that this scholarship will provide the same support for those who receive this award to also pursue their dreams.

Education - Higher Education

Lawrence Spraragen Memorial Scholarship

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

About

We’re Here to Serve You

Partnering with Donors and Community Leaders to Make a Lasting Impact

Our mission is to strengthen our community through philanthropy.

Scholarships for High School and College Students

Lawrence Spraragen Memorial Scholarship 

Established to the child or grandchild of a current, active member if IBEW Local 236 or the child or grandchild of the management or staff of a signatory contractor to IBEW Local 236.

Education - Higher Education

Allen, Mollie J and Nelson G Scholarship: Scholarship 1

Community Foundation Of Northwest Missouri
Private
Missouri
Up to US $20,000

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. 

Allen, Mollie J and Nelson G Scholarship

This fund was established to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of Northwest Missouri intending to pursue a degree in education at a 2 or 4-year college/university or a Vocational degree/certificate at a 2-year college or Vocational/Technical School.

There are two types of this scholarship: Scholarship 1 and Scholarship 2

One recipient will be chosen for each scholarship. Scholarship 1 is awarded on an annual basis and is renewable for up to 4 years with disbursements in August and January. Scholarship 2 is awarded on an annual basis and is renewable for up to 2 years if needed. 

Scholarship 1

The students eligible shall be graduating seniors of a high school within the 18-county region of The Community Foundation intending to pursue a degree in education (elementary or secondary) through a two or four-year college and/or university. 

Scholarship 1 renewing students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher their freshman year and 2.5 or higher the remaining 3 years to be eligible.

Education - Higher Education

Alice R. Moomy Pennsylvania State University Scholarship

Erie Community Foundation
Private
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Beaver County, Pennsylvania +19 more
Unspecified amount
The Alice R. Moomy Pennsylvania State University Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, awards funds to Erie County students pursuing degrees in STEM or nursing at any Penn State campus. With over $800,000 distributed in 2023, this scholarship aims to support academically promising individuals, particularly encouraging female applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0. It reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities within the community.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Riecke Professional Development Fellowship

Achieve Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Up to US $5,000

About

What We Do

The Achieve Foundation promotes high-quality education that prepares South Orange-Maplewood School District students for the future.

We support our students, families and educators by addressing inequities, inspiring innovation and fostering community.

Riecke Professional Development Fellowship

About the Program

Achieve’s Michelle T. Riecke Fellowship funds summer professional development opportunities for faculty.

Fellowships are awarded to individuals (up to $3,000) and/or teaching teams (up to $5,000).

This year, Achieve awarded $9,111 to support four professional development programs for six teachers.

The Michelle T. Riecke Teaching Fellowship was established with the Achieve Foundation in 2004 in memory of former Board of Ed president Shelley Riecke, who passed away at age 39.

The Fellowship fosters outstanding teaching by enabling educators to undertake continuing education in their fields in the summer, and inspiring them to share the new knowledge they acquire with their District colleagues upon their return to school.

While fellowships are awarded for both subject-specific and broader educational interests, faculty are encouraged to look for programs that nurture their professional passion.

Teacher Development & Training

Franklin County Ed-U-K8or Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
Private
Franklin County, Virginia
More than US $1,000

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Franklin County Ed-U-K8or Scholarship Fund

Fund provides educational scholarship assistance to needy, deserving individuals.

Academic Scholarship Programs

Joseph Waskey Gilbert Memorial Fund

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
Private
Virginia
Up to US $850

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Joseph Waskey Gilbert Memorial Fund

Fund will provide higher education financial assistance to deserving students who demonstrate an enthusiasm for life and broad participation in a variety of activities in church, school, and community.

Academic Scholarship Programs

RIF: Basic Human Needs Grants

The Rhode Island Community Foundation
Private
Rhode Island
Up to US $5,000
The RIF: Basic Human Needs Grants provide crucial support to community agencies in Rhode Island, offering up to $5,000 for emergency assistance programs. These grants target organizations delivering essential services such as food, clothing, housing, and utilities assistance. The funding aims to help both new initiatives and established programs, ensuring they can meet the needs of Rhode Islanders in crisis. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply, emphasizing the importance of local support for vulnerable populations.
Basic Human Needs

International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) supports U.S. postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty to engage in mentored research and career development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This initiative promotes collaboration with local researchers, enhancing understanding of the research environment and strengthening international networks. Recipients are expected to spend significant time at LMIC sites, ultimately aiming to develop competitive NIH research proposals and become leaders in global health.
Data Science & Digital Information Systems Emerging Technology Development Technology Access & Digital Literacy

Digital Health Technology and Reciprocal Innovation to Improve Clinical and Public Health Outcomes

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
This initiative aims to enhance clinical and public health outcomes through innovative digital health interventions. It supports research on the development and effectiveness of tools designed for underserved settings, leveraging new technologies and analytics. By fostering collaborations between U.S. and low- and middle-income country researchers, the program emphasizes reciprocal innovation to tackle common health challenges, ultimately maximizing benefits for diverse populations.
Data Science & Digital Information Systems Emerging Technology Development Technology Access & Digital Literacy

World Trade Center Health Program Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K01) (363054)

Dept. of Health & Human Services: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $189,000
The World Trade Center Health Program K01 Award supports early-career researchers dedicated to enhancing the health of those impacted by the September 11 attacks. This award grants up to three years of mentored research and career development, focusing on the physical and mental health effects of 9/11 exposures. It encourages studies that translate scientific findings into improved clinical care and public health practices, ultimately addressing emerging health concerns and improving long-term outcomes for affected populations.
Occupational Health & Safety

Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant

Administration for Children and Families
Federal Government
Alabama, Alaska +42 more
US $500,000 - US $15,000,000
The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.
Education - Preschool / Early Learning

Heather and Patrick Henry Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Heather and Patrick Henry Scholarship Fund

  • Must demonstrate academic achievement or academic potential.
  • Must demonstrate financial need.
Education - Higher Education

Direct Services Grants

St. Louis City Senior Fund
State/Local Government
St. Louis City, Missouri
Up to US $75,000

St. Louis City Senior Fund

The St. Louis City Senior Fund envisions the City of St. Louis as an aging-friendly community where older residents can thrive in environments that best support their well-being.

Direct Services Grants

Purpose of this RFP

The City of St. Louis Senior Citizens’ Services Fund (St. Louis City Senior Fund) is seeking proposals from non-profit organizations or government entities for one-year grants.

Applicants must provide programs or services for older adults in the City of St. Louis that fall under one of two focus areas for this funding round:

  • Caregiving Support OR
  • Case Management & Resource Navigation

We will prioritize support for:

  • Organizations who have a history, commitment, and established local presence for serving older adults living in the City of St. Louis;
  • Programs and services that are evidence or experience-based and adapt to and reflect the people they seek to serve;
  • Programs and services that have limited availability and could expand their reach with grant funding or are threatened due to changes in funding; and/or
  • Programs and services focused on serving residents that have limited to no access to similar existing services due to financial, language, mobility, or other barriers.
Senior Services

Ken and Ann Horoho Memorial Fund

Pittsburgh Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Ken and Ann Horoho Memorial Fund

The Ken and Ann Horoho Memorial Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the Johnstown/Altoona area to assist in furthering their educational pursuits.

  • Average Award: Varies
  • Award Type: Single-Year Award
Education - Higher Education

H. David Faust Memorial Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

H. David Faust Memorial Scholarship Fund

A native of Philadelphia, David made his home in West Palm Beach for more than 20 years. He was the administrative partner of Steel, Hector, Davis, Burns & Middleton (now Steel Hector & Davis), as well as attorney for the towns of Ocean Ridge and South Palm Beach. Additionally, he taught law courses at Palm Beach Community College. David was extremely active in his church, and served as a board member of the Community Foundation for six years. He was instrumental in starting the scholarship program.

Dave always said that he was content with his life, that it had been a good and satisfying one, and it surely seems to have been – a successful career, a prestigious and challenging practice, a prominence in the community, the bar, his church and his firm, blessed with a healthy and accomplished family, with a wife whose love, strength and enormous depth have been demonstrated so magnificently over this past year – all these were David’s. And perhaps, most important of all to him, was his deep and abiding faith in God. David’s life is an exemplar to all of us – the perfect partner, the great counselor, the outstanding lawyer, the effortlessly skilled leader, the caring father and husband. While he was here, he set a course for all of us in our daily lives which we will be proud to point to and should hope to emulate.”

Education - Higher Education

Harry and Bertha Bronstein Memorial Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Harry and Bertha Bronstein Memorial Scholarship Fund

For Students in Martin County.

Education - Higher Education

ASHP Foundation Compounded Sterile Preparations Training Awards Program

American Society Of Health System Pharmacists Research And Education Foundation (ASHP)
Private
United States
US $1,000
The ASHP Foundation Compounded Sterile Preparations (CSP) Training Awards Program supports pharmacists engaged in CSP responsibilities by providing educational sessions and training opportunities. It aims to enhance competency through the ASHP Sterile Compounding Designated Person Training, which includes immersive experiences and practical sessions. Funded by the Lawrence A. Trissel Pharmacy Legacy Fund, the program offers full-meeting registration, training registration, and travel stipends to two deserving recipients, fostering professional growth and excellence in pharmacy practice.
Pharmacology

Littler Youth Fund Operating Grant

The Weld Community Foundation
Private
Weld County, Colorado
Up to US $35,000
The Littler Youth Fund Operating Grant supports nonprofits serving Weld County youth, offering funding based on organizational budget size. Grants range from $12,500 for budgets under $250,000 to $35,000 for budgets exceeding $500,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities providing dedicated youth services, with at least three years of operational experience in Weld County. The grant aims to empower nonprofits to effectively direct spending towards impactful youth programs.
Youth Services

PLTW Launch - New Program (Burns and McDonnell)

Project Lead The Way Inc
Private
Adams County, Colorado, Alamance County, North Carolina +300 more
Up to US $20,000
The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.
STEM / STEAM Education

San Antonio Area Foundation: Animal Services

San Antonio Area Foundation
Private
Atascosa County, Texas, Bandera County, Texas +6 more
Unspecified amount
The San Antonio Area Foundation’s Animal Services grant focuses on improving the lives of pets and people through community engagement and funding for nonprofits. With a history of reducing euthanasia rates from 50,000 annually to over 90% live release since 2016, the foundation has made significant strides in animal welfare. Eligible organizations must operate in designated Texas counties and possess 501(c)(3) status. The foundation does not fund endowments, capital campaigns, or individual-related expenses.
Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

AGC College Scholarship

Associated General Contractors Of California
Private
United States
US $500 - US $2,500

Associated General Contractors Of California

Since 1920, we have worked together with our members to provide advocacy, education, career development, and networking opportunities to experienced and next generation construction and contracting professionals. From the moment you become an AGC member, we go to bat for you with state and local governments, while helping you connect with industry leaders through services, innovative programs, and events.

Scholarships & Giving

We award scholarships to individuals enrolled in certified training, pre-apprenticeship, or craft apprenticeship programs, and those attending two- or four-year college degree programs.

AGC College Scholarship

This scholarship awards individual scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500. It is a great opportunity for college students pursuing construction or construction-related careers who are enrolled in a two—or four-year degree program. 

Education - Higher Education

Associates Scholars Empowerment Program

United Negro College Fund Inc
Private
United States
Up to US $2,500

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Associates Scholars Empowerment Program

The Associates Scholars Empowerment Program is a renewable need-based scholarship open to students receiving certificates and two-year degrees. 

Education - Higher Education

HBCU Scholars Empowerment Program

United Negro College Fund Inc
Private
United States
Up to US $5,000

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

HBCU Scholars Empowerment Program

The HBCU Scholars Empowerment Program is a renewable need-based scholarship open to students receiving four-year degrees at Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Education - Higher Education

Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship

United Negro College Fund Inc
Private
United States
Up to US $10,000

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship

The Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship program was established by Tench and Simone Coxe in honor of Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President, and CEO of UNCF, in partnership with UNCF. The scholarship program is designed to provide scholarship support to deserving students attending one of the 37 UNCF member institutions.

Michael L. Lomax Endowed Scholarship program is annually renewable based on availability of funds and provided students continue to meet the eligibility requirement.

Education - Higher 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.