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Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

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

32,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,423 Results based on applied filters

Smith Literary Scholarship

Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Smith Literary Scholarship, established in memory of Margaret P. Smith, supports literary and historical research for students majoring in History or English Literature. Award amounts range from $2,000 to $5,000, with funds disbursed to colleges by August 1. This scholarship is available to residents within the Community Foundation's 42-town service area, promoting educational opportunities for aspiring writers and researchers.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Take Note! Antonia Brancia Memorial Scholarship

Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut
Private
United States
Approximately US $1,000
The Take Note! Antonia Brancia Memorial Scholarship, established in 2007, honors the legacy of Antonia Brancia, a dedicated pediatric audiologist and music lover. Offered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, this scholarship supports students from multiple towns who actively participate in music and pursue post-secondary studies in related fields. With an approximate award of $1,000, it aims to foster future talent in music education and performance.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Tri Kappa Scholarship - Women's Giving Circle

Crown Point Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Tri Kappa Scholarship - Women's Giving Circle, established by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to enhance life quality in South Lake County by providing financial assistance for various community needs. This non-renewable scholarship is open to residents over 21, with the next awards ceremony scheduled for May 7, 2026. The initiative reflects a commitment to maximize charitable impact while honoring donor intentions.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Slater Excellence in Teaching Award

Polk County Community Foundation
Corporate
Polk County, North Carolina, Spartanburg County, South Carolina
US $2,000 - US $5,000
The Slater Excellence in Teaching Award, offered by the Polk County Community Foundation, supports certified classroom teachers and media specialists in Polk County and Landrum. This program encourages professional growth by funding attendance at educational conferences and unique travel experiences related to their curriculum. The aim is to enhance classroom teaching through innovative learning opportunities. Eligible applicants must work directly with students and submit individual applications, ensuring impactful teaching practices in the local community.
Teacher Development & Training

Karen and Cornel Raab Scholarship

Crown Point Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Karen and Cornel Raab Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduating high school students from Crown Point, Cedar Lake, or Lowell with a minimum GPA of 2.8. This non-renewable scholarship aims to assist students in achieving their educational goals. The foundation oversees over 80 scholarship funds, ensuring resources are allocated to meet the diverse needs of the community.
Education - Higher Education

L. Jane Keene Memorial Scholarship

Crown Point Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The L. Jane Keene Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors and college students from Crown Point or the Crown Point Community School District. This scholarship offers financial assistance to meet various community needs while fostering educational advancement. Selection is based on donor-specified criteria, ensuring that resources are aligned with the aims of both students and the community.
Education - Higher Education

Christopher Day Memorial Scholarship

Crown Point Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Christopher Day Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Crown Point Community Foundation to support graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in Culinary Arts. Applicants must be accepted into an accredited program. This non-renewable scholarship aims to assist students with financial needs while encouraging involvement in the ProStart program. The foundation manages over 80 scholarship funds, ensuring that community-driven financial support is directed to those who meet specific criteria.
Education - Higher Education Culinary Arts

American Italian Benevolent Society Scholarship

Crown Point Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The American Italian Benevolent Society Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and college students of Italian descent residing in Lake or Porter County. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and can re-apply annually. Preference is given to those with family ties to the Society, ensuring that community values are upheld while providing essential financial assistance for education.
Education - Higher Education

MRAC Emergency Relief Grant

Metropolitan Regional Arts Council
Private
Anoka County, Minnesota, Carver County, Minnesota +5 more
Up to US $500
The MRAC Emergency Relief Grant offers $500 to artists in the Twin Cities metro area facing unexpected financial hardships due to personal emergencies or natural disasters. This initiative by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council aims to enhance arts access by supporting individuals actively engaged in creative practices. Eligibility requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and residing in one of the seven metro counties for a minimum of six months prior to application.
Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid

Kevin Umlauf Foundation Scholarship

Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc.
Private
Greene County, Missouri
US $800
The Kevin Umlauf Foundation Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $750 scholarship to high school seniors or undergraduates from Christian or Greene County, Missouri. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI. Participation in community service and school activities is required, along with an essay submission. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing their education at select institutions.
Education - Higher Education

Southwest Missouri Public Relations Society of America's Dr. Joe McAdoo Memorial Scholarship

Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc.
Private
Greene County, Missouri, Jasper County, Missouri +1 more
US $1,500
The Southwest Missouri Public Relations Society of America's Dr. Joe McAdoo Memorial Scholarship offers a $1,200 scholarship for undergraduate students entering their third or fourth year or postgraduate students pursuing degrees in Communications or Public Relations. Applicants must attend one of the designated universities and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above. The scholarship requires an essay detailing community service and work experience, promoting values of integrity, respect, and collaboration.
News Media & Communications

Individual Artist Fellowship: Literary Arts

Kentucky Arts Council
State/Local Government
Kentucky
US $7,500
The Individual Artist Fellowship, offered by the Kentucky Arts Council, provides a competitive $7,500 award to professional artists in Kentucky. This fellowship recognizes creative excellence and is based on the quality of submitted work samples. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of achievement in their field and have been Kentucky residents for at least one year. The award is unrestricted, allowing artists to use the funds to enhance their careers in various ways.
Artist Training & Development

John R. Coleman Traveling Fellowship

Archaeological Institute of America
Association/Society
France, Greece +4 more
US $12,000
The John R. Coleman Traveling Fellowship, awarded by the Archaeological Institute of America, supports U.S. graduate students engaged in dissertation research. It honors John R. Coleman’s legacy, facilitating travel and study in Italy and the western Mediterranean. Candidates must submit a report post-fellowship and are encouraged to present at the AIA Annual Meeting. The fellowship fosters inclusivity and does not support excavation projects or administrative costs, ensuring a focus on academic advancement and cultural appreciation.
Archaeology

NCAAA Older American’s Act Grant

North Central Area Agency On Aging Inc
Private
Connecticut
Up to US $5,000
The NCAAA Older American’s Act Grant, managed by the North Central Area Agency on Aging, aims to enhance service systems for older adults in Connecticut. Its objectives include supporting independence, removing barriers to personal and economic freedom, and ensuring a continuum of care for vulnerable seniors. This grant focuses on comprehensive planning, resource development, and advocacy, ensuring older individuals receive the necessary services to thrive in their communities.
Senior Services

CAAP Community Impact Grant Program

Arab Community Center For Economic And Social Services
Private
United States
Up to US $10,000
The Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) Grant supports Arab American organizations in arts, culture, media, and human services. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to U.S.-based nonprofits that serve the Arab American community and hold valid 501(c)(3) status. CAAP aims to strengthen community organizations and foster philanthropy, ensuring impactful support for eligible groups dedicated to empowering the Arab American population across the nation.
Minority Services Middle Eastern / North African Culture & Heritage

Olivia James Traveling Fellowship

Archaeological Institute of America
Association/Society
Cyprus, Greece +4 more
US $25,000
The Olivia James Traveling Fellowship, offered by the Archaeological Institute of America, supports U.S. citizens in conducting travel and research in Greece and surrounding regions. The fellowship emphasizes archaeological inquiry and understanding while requiring recipients to submit reports and abstracts post-tenure. Preference is given to dissertation research and projects lasting at least six months. The fellowship promotes inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunity for applicants from diverse backgrounds, while explicitly prohibiting major concurrent fellowships.
Archaeology

Alaska Office of History and Archaeology: Historic Preservation Grants

Alaska Office of History and Archaeology
State/Local Government
Alaska
Up to US $50,000
The Alaska Office of History and Archaeology offers Historic Preservation Grants to support the rehabilitation of historic properties. Eligible applicants include individuals, non-profits, and local governments. The program provides up to 60% funding with a 40% cost-sharing match for various projects such as surveys, inventory, and planning. All work must adhere to The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties, ensuring the preservation of the property's historic character.
Historic Preservation

The Archaeology of Portugal Fellowship

Archaeological Institute of America
Association/Society
Portugal, United States
Up to US $6,000
The Archaeology of Portugal Fellowship, offered by the Archaeological Institute of America, supports research on the archaeology of Portugal, including its Autonomous Regions. It is open to Portuguese nationals for study in the US and encourages diverse archaeological inquiries. Applicants must provide evidence of citizenship, project plans, and transcripts as needed. The fellowship aligns with AIA's mission to promote archaeological understanding and preserve cultural heritage, fostering appreciation of diverse cultures.
Archaeology

DAI Fellowship for Study in Berlin

Archaeological Institute of America
Association/Society
Germany
Unspecified amount
The DAI Fellowship for Study in Berlin offers two post-doctoral research fellowships to North American AIA members. Each fellowship lasts up to two months and covers travel, a daily allowance, and accommodation at the DAI guest house. Selected fellows must have a Ph.D. and submit a detailed research proposal. The program emphasizes scholarly merit and encourages family accommodations, supporting equal opportunity in its selection process.
Archaeology

Richard C. MacDonald Iliad Endowment for Archaeological Research Grant

Archaeological Institute of America
Association/Society
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina +6 more
Up to US $20,000
The Richard C. MacDonald Iliad Endowment for Archaeological Research Grant supports innovative projects that explore the context of Troy and the Trojan War's influence on ancient Mediterranean civilization. Open to PhD holders in archaeology, the grant encourages the use of advanced technologies such as GIS and LiDAR. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the mission, project feasibility, and potential impact. AIA promotes inclusivity and does not discriminate based on personal attributes, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants.
Archaeology

Youth Empowerment Program Scholarship

Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc.
Private
United States
US $1,200
The Youth Empowerment Program Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior who has been a member of the Youth Empowerment Project for at least one year. Applicants must submit an essay, a letter of recommendation from a project sponsor, and a transcript. This initiative aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions while fostering community engagement.
Vocational & Trade Education

Terry and Deborah Mitchel Scholarship

Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc.
Private
Missouri
US $1,000
The Terry and Deborah Mitchel Scholarship provides a $1,000 scholarship to undergraduate students entering their second, third, or fourth year at a Missouri college or university. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and submit a transcript along with an essay. This scholarship is offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, which aims to enhance the quality of life in the region through resource development and community engagement.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Anna Marguerite McCann Diversity Student Travel Grants

Archaeological Institute of America
Association/Society
Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
US $500
The Anna Marguerite McCann Diversity Student Travel Grants, offered by the Archaeological Institute of America, aim to support undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented minority groups in the United States and Canada. These grants assist with travel expenses to the AIA Annual Meeting, fostering diversity within the archaeological community. Recipients will also receive a complimentary student membership in the AIA, encouraging their continued engagement and support for archaeological education and preservation.
Archaeology

Arts Education Community Impact Grant

Tennessee Arts Commission
State/Local Government
Tennessee
More than US $20,000
The Arts Education Community Impact Grant, provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to enhance arts education through sustainable, community-driven initiatives. This three-year funding opportunity encourages partnerships among K-12 public schools, nonprofit arts organizations, and local agencies to address gaps in arts education. By emphasizing collaborative efforts and shared leadership, the grant seeks to create lasting systemic change, ensuring high-quality arts learning for all Tennessee K-12 students while supporting innovative projects and community engagement.
Art Education

Arts Access Assistance

Kentucky Arts Council
State/Local Government
Kentucky
Up to US $5,000
The Arts Access Assistance program, run by the Kentucky Arts Council, provides funding between $2,500 and $5,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for innovative arts programming aimed at underserved communities. This initiative fosters creativity and well-being by utilizing arts-based strategies that evolve with each grant cycle. The program seeks to enhance cultural engagement, promote lifelong learning, and increase participation in the arts across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Anderson Niskanen Scholarship Fund

Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Private
Minnesota
Up to US $8,000
The Anderson Niskanen Scholarship Fund, established by Suama Niskanen Anderson in 1998, supports graduates from Duluth public high schools in financial need who wish to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth or Twin Cities. This initiative, backed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, emphasizes community values and educational access, honoring the legacies of Elmer Anderson and Saima Niskanen. Eligible applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate leadership potential.
Academic Scholarship Programs

P. E. MacAllister Fieldwork Participation Scholarships

American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR)
Private
Armenia, Croatia +19 more
US $2,000
The P. E. MacAllister Scholarships for Fieldwork Participation, offered by the American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR), provide $2,000 scholarships to support ASOR members and students in archaeological fieldwork. Established in 2013, these scholarships aim to encourage participation in ASOR-affiliated projects, with a focus on individuals who have not previously received funding. ASOR has awarded over $1 million since 2007, fostering research and understanding of the Near East and Mediterranean cultures.
Archaeology

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.

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