Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The California Botanical Society Paul Silva Student Research Grant supports undergraduate and graduate student members conducting botanical research in western North America. Grants of up to $600 are available for projects aimed at advancing Western American botany. The funding can cover research travel, supplies, and minor equipment, with the goal of producing a professional publication. Collaborative applications are encouraged, and there are no restrictions based on citizenship.

The Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors (CFJS) enhances the lives of Jewish seniors in the Carolinas by funding organizations that provide essential services and programs. In 2022, it supported 50 initiatives across 19 nonprofits, addressing health, wellness, and community engagement. CFJS prioritizes collaboration, measurable outcomes, and innovative solutions to combat social isolation among Jewish seniors, making it a unique and dedicated resource for improving their quality of life.

The Genetics Society offers the Heredity Fieldwork Grant, providing up to £2,000 for travel and accommodation costs associated with field-based genetic research in the UK. Open to all Genetics Society members, including students, this grant supports projects expected to yield results suitable for publication in the Society's journal, Heredity. The Society promotes equality and diversity, welcoming applications from all community sectors. This initiative aims to advance genetic research while ensuring accessibility for all qualified applicants.

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. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Steffen, Awalt & Helen Memorial Scholarship

Amount:

• $500.00

Number of Scholarships Available:

• 3

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. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Smith, Dr Melody Scholarship

This fund was established in recognition of Dr. Melody Smith by the St. Joseph School District Foundation to provide academic scholarships to graduates of the St. Joseph School District pursuing a degree in education.

Guidelines:

The scholarship is recurring for up to two years, payable in August and January. Before processing the payments, the following information will need to be sent to the Community Foundation during the sophomore year of college:

• Verification of acceptance into the Education Program from the Program Director (or a copy of the education major/minor form signed by the student and academic advisor)
• Letter from the University verifying your enrollment for the upcoming semester including the student ID number
• Verification from  the university that the student is maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Amount:

Minimum of $1,000 annually, for up to two years payable in August and January. The second installment will be released upon proof of good academic progress (transcript required as proof) and enrollment in the declared education program.

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. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Robaska, Phil (Teacher) Scholarship

Amount:

• Up to $1000.00 (not less than $250 or more than $500 each)

Number of Scholarships Available:

• 2 to 4 per year

The EGLS Student Travel Scholarship, offered by the American Physical Society, provides financial support for eligible undergraduate students attending APS EGLS meetings. Limited to one scholarship per institution, it covers up to $100 of travel costs for students traveling from outside the local area. Applications are reviewed by the Executive Committee based on need, encouraging collaboration among attendees for travel and lodging. Awards are presented in person at the meeting.

The NAMA Memorial Fellowship, awarded by the Mycological Society of America, recognizes promising graduate students in mycology. Two fellowships are granted annually based on academic merit and research potential. Recipients must be student members of MSA and can use the funds to enhance their studies. Additionally, they are encouraged to contribute to McIlvainea and attend the annual meeting, fostering connections within the mycological community. This initiative supports diversity and inclusion in the field.

The George H. Nettleton Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults in the Greater Kansas City area by funding unmet basic needs. The foundation envisions a healthy senior population and invites both new and existing programs to apply. Grants typically average under $100,000 and can extend for a maximum of two years. Agencies must be licensed 501C3 and serve specific counties in Missouri and Kansas.

The MSA Travel Awards, previously known as the Mentor Student Travel Award, recognize outstanding achievements in mycology by supporting students presenting their research at the Mycological Society of America annual meeting. These awards honor renowned mycologists, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for future leaders in the field. Eligible candidates include current MSA student members and those presenting their work, ensuring a rewarding experience for all participants.

The MSA Graduate Fellowship, awarded by the Mycological Society of America, recognizes outstanding graduate students in mycology. Annually, two fellowships are granted based on academic merit and research potential. These funds serve as supplementary support for graduate studies, and recipients are encouraged to attend the annual meeting to engage with the mycological community. The fellowship aims to promote diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunity for emerging mycologists.

The International MSA Travel Award, offered by the Mycological Society of America, supports current student members and postdocs presenting at the annual meeting. This award recognizes outstanding contributions in mycology and encourages diversity among applicants. It allows recipients to attend and engage with fellow researchers, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field. Previous award winners may reapply, with preference given to those who have not received the award more than twice.

The Chintimini Fund, managed by the Oregon Community Foundation, provides grants between $3,000 and $7,000 to support enrichment programs for high-potential students in specific Oregon counties. Eligible applicants include schools, public agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The fund aims to engage talented and gifted students through innovative program strategies, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary to thrive academically and personally.

The C.J. Alexopoulos Prize, awarded by the Mycological Society of America, recognizes outstanding early-career mycologists. Candidates must be MSA members and hold a degree obtained within the last ten years. Self-nominations are permitted, and nominees not selected may be reconsidered for two additional years. The award includes a plaque and monetary prize, with a formal presentation at the MSA annual meeting. The prize promotes inclusivity across diverse backgrounds in the mycology field.

The Backus Award, presented by the Mycological Society of America, honors two promising graduate students in mycology each year. Candidates are assessed based on their academic achievements, research potential, and future contributions to the field. This fellowship supports their graduate studies and encourages attendance at the MSA annual meeting, fostering connections within the mycological community. Eligible applicants must be student members of MSA and currently enrolled in a university in Canada or the United States.

The National PLTW Administrator of the Year award recognizes exemplary leadership in education, highlighting administrators who positively impact PLTW schools or districts. One outstanding administrator will be honored for their commitment to expanding STEM access and empowering students with essential skills. The recipient will receive an engraved award, a $1,000 prize, and $2,000 in myPLTW Store credit for their school, along with travel and registration to the PLTW Summit 2026.

The Aging Research Dissertation Awards aim to enhance diversity in the scientific workforce by funding research on aging and related health conditions. The program encourages applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply for dissertation awards that align with the National Institutes of Health's strategic priorities. Key deadlines for applications include February 16, June 16, and October 16 for the years 2024 through 2026.

The TWDB Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program supports projects that enhance irrigation efficiency and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Texas. Eligible projects include irrigation monitoring, rainwater harvesting, and innovative technologies. Funding aims to improve water conservation strategies, engage agricultural producers through outreach, and demonstrate measurable water savings. This initiative aligns with Texas' water management goals, fostering resilience to climate variability and encouraging the adoption of advanced water-saving practices.

The South Dakota Community Development Block Grants for Urgent Need provide essential funding for local governments to address pressing community issues. This rolling application program, managed by the Governor's Office of Economic Development, focuses on enhancing infrastructure and services that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible projects aim to improve public health and safety, while fostering economic opportunities through job creation. Applications are continually accepted until funds are fully allocated or the year ends.

Ruth Luka Kaaiahua Prince Scholarship Fund

The fund was established in 2025 to provide scholarship grants to graduates of McKinley High School and Farrington High School seeking higher education.

The PLTW Gateway grant, funded by PPG Industries, aims to support schools in implementing PLTW Gateway programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Schools must offer two different PLTW units over two years and complete grant reporting. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions in cities like Huntsville, AL, and Detroit, MI. The total grant amount is $10,000, distributed equally over two years, enabling schools to enhance their STEM education offerings.

The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to animal welfare in the U.S. It aims to maximize the benefit to animals through education, spay and neuter initiatives, and positive advocacy. The foundation focuses on impactful programs, encouraging grants that align with their mission to end animal overpopulation and cruelty. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while individuals and political lobbying efforts are excluded from funding.

The Genetics Society offers Junior Scientist Conference Grants to support PhD students and postdoctoral members in attending genetics conferences. Established in 1919, the Society promotes genetic research and understanding. Grants cover travel, accommodation, and registration costs for eligible members. The program includes three streams: participation in Genetics Society events, non-Society meetings, and virtual conferences. A focus on presenting research through posters or talks is essential, ensuring members contribute to the field's advancement.

The Madison Rotary Foundation's Student Veterans Assistance Fund supports veterans in need of financial aid for urgent living expenses. Established by generous donations, this fund assists eligible veterans, including those enrolled in local colleges, with housing, utilities, medical costs, and textbooks. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including residency and service requirements, to qualify for this one-time grant. This initiative honors the sacrifices of veterans and aims to ease their financial burdens during their educational pursuits.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in collaboration with NOAA, is offering funding to enhance environmental literacy and community resilience across the U.S. Gulf Coast. This initiative supports projects focused on local environmental challenges and solutions through place-based education. With $4M available, applicants can request between $100,000 and $750,000 for projects lasting 12 to 36 months, aimed at engaging community members and fostering future leaders in addressing regional environmental issues.

Missouri Department of Economic Development

We help create greater opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper through the various initiatives of its six divisions: Administration, Business and Community Solutions, Missouri One Start, Regional Engagement, Strategy and Performance, and Tourism.

Missouri Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program

Description

The Missouri Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program aids entities to deploy broadband service to unserved and underserved areas of the state, and to Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) through competitive grants.

The BEAD Program is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and is administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

The Recruitment Assistance Program (RAP) - Dentist (SD) aims to incentivize dentists to practice in rural South Dakota communities. Eligible dentists can receive an incentive payment of $256,204 for three years of service. The funding is shared between the state and the employing facility, varying by community size. To qualify, dentists must be licensed in South Dakota, citizens of the U.S., and agree to serve full-time in an eligible community. Currently, three slots are available.