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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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32,483 Results based on applied filters

Weekly Community Conversations

Maddie's Fund
Private
United States
Up to US $10,000
Join Maddie's Fund every Monday at 11am PT for the Weekly Community Conversations, a supportive platform for animal well-being professionals. Engage in discussions about innovative programs and share valuable insights with peers. Each month, attendees have the chance to win up to $10,000 in grants by participating in the calls or watching on-demand. This initiative fosters collaboration and addresses crucial topics in the field.
Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

Community Wellbeing Grant (formerly Here to Be)

Lululemon Centre for Social Impact
Corporate
Australia, Canada +23 more
Up to US $50,000
The Community Wellbeing Grant, offered by the Lululemon Centre for Social Impact, aims to enhance wellbeing through movement, mindfulness, and connection. This grant supports community-led non-profits working to address systemic inequities, helping to build access to wellness resources. Applications are encouraged from organizations that prioritize diverse leadership and serve populations facing barriers to wellbeing. The goal is to impact 10 million individuals positively by 2025, fostering equity and resilience in communities worldwide.
Wellness & Healthy Living

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

Community Foundation Of Northwest Missouri
Private
Andrew County, Missouri, Buchanan County, Missouri +2 more
Up to US $1,000

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. 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
Education - Higher Education

St Joseph School District Foundation Smith, Dr Melody Scholarship

Community Foundation Of Northwest Missouri
Private
United States
Up to US $2,000

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. 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.

Education - Higher Education

The Genetics Society: Junior Scientist Conference Grant Award (Scheme A)

The Genetics Society UK
Association/Society
United Kingdom
Up to £200
The Genetics Society offers the Junior Scientist Conference Grant Award (Scheme A) to support junior scientist members in attending genetics conferences. Grants of up to £200 cover travel and accommodation costs for eligible undergraduate, Master’s, PhD students, and postdoctoral scientists. Applicants must present a poster or talk at the conference. The society, founded in 1919, plays a vital role in advancing genetic research and education, benefiting over 2,000 members in the UK.
Genetics & Genomics

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

Community Foundation Of Northwest Missouri
Private
United States
US $500

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
Education - Higher Education

MAC Underserved Initiative Grant Program

Mississippi Arts Commission
Private
Amite County, Mississippi, Clarke County, Mississippi +4 more
Unspecified amount
The MAC Underserved Initiative Grant Program aims to enhance access to quality arts programming across all 82 counties in Mississippi. By identifying underserved areas that lack recent grants or services, the Mississippi Arts Commission facilitates outreach and support for local arts initiatives. This program not only promotes cultural engagement but also fosters community development and collaboration among various organizations, ensuring that all citizens can participate in diverse artistic experiences.
Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Ruth Luka Kaaiahua Prince Scholarship Fund

Hawai'i Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

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.

Education - Higher Education

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Rural Ready Grant Program

Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc.
Private
Arizona, Arkansas +13 more
Up to US $7,000

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Rural Ready Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company is proud to offer the Rural Ready grant program. It is designed to give rural schools the flexibility to address the needs and opportunities that matter most in their communities. Rural Ready grants will support projects that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and relationships they need to thrive in our ever-changing world while strengthening the communities they call home. 

Funding

  • Total amount to award is $185,000.00. 
  • Applicants may apply for up to $7,000 in funding for this grant cycle.
Academic Success & Enrichment

Goldfarb Family Fellowship for Creative Nonfiction

Virginia Center for the Creative Arts
Private
Amherst County, Virginia
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
The Goldfarb Family Fellowship for Creative Nonfiction, offered by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, provides a two-week fully-funded residency at Mt. San Angelo for writers of creative nonfiction. Established in 2000, this fellowship supports both emerging and established artists, encouraging diverse perspectives in various disciplines. The residency includes private accommodations, studio space, and meals, fostering a vibrant community of cross-disciplinary artists.
Writing & Literature

Jacques and Natasha Gelman Fellowship

Virginia Center for the Creative Arts
Private
Amherst County, Virginia
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Fellowship, hosted by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, offers fully-funded two-week or one-month residencies for African American and Latin American visual artists. This opportunity provides artists with personal studios, private accommodations, and meals in a collaborative environment. The fellowship aims to support diverse perspectives in the arts, encouraging applications from both emerging and established artists across various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
Visual Arts

OVAC Community/Artist Partnership Grant

Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition
Private
Oklahoma
Up to US $1,500
The OVAC Community/Artist Partnership Grant supports Oklahoma artists in creating visual art for public engagement and community projects. With funding up to $1500, eligible artists must be over 21, Oklahoma residents, and not currently enrolled in a BFA or MFA program. The grant evaluates applications based on artistic quality, community impact, and project feasibility, fostering collaboration between artists and the community to promote local visual arts.
Arts / Culture Access & Participation

St Joseph Construction Association Scholarship

Community Foundation Of Northwest Missouri
Private
Missouri
US $1,000

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. 

St Joseph Construction Association Scholarship

This fund was established by the St Joseph Construction Association to provide academic scholarships to students pursuing a degree in a Construction related field.

Education - Higher Education

Paul, Thomas M Memorial Scholarship

Community Foundation Of Northwest Missouri
Private
Missouri
US $1,500

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. 

Paul, Thomas M Memorial Scholarship

This fund was established to provide academic scholarships to men and women pursuing higher education in attendance at the St. Joseph Junior College (Now Missouri Western State University) or other institutions of higher learning.

Education - Higher Education

McLaughlin, Delbert & Mary Teaching Scholarship

Community Foundation Of Northwest Missouri
Private
United States
US $1,500
The McLaughlin, Delbert & Mary Teaching Scholarship, established by Bill McLaughlin in memory of his parents, supports graduating seniors from the St. Joseph School District pursuing degrees in Education. This fund aids students with a commitment to teaching, weighing financial need alongside academic ability. Managed by the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri, the scholarship aims to empower future educators and strengthen the community through dedicated teaching professionals.
Education - Higher Education

Alison Lurie Memorial Fellowship for Female-Identifying Fiction Writers

Virginia Center for the Creative Arts
Private
Amherst County, Virginia
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
The Alison Lurie Memorial Fellowship for Female-Identifying Fiction Writers, offered by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, provides a two-week residency for a female-identifying fiction writer. This fully-funded opportunity includes a private bedroom, individual studio, and meals in a creative community. Supported by Edward Hower in memory of his wife Alison Lurie, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, this fellowship aims to foster artistic growth and diverse perspectives in writing.
Writing & Literature

McGlothlan, Arthur and Anna Scholarship

Community Foundation Of Northwest Missouri
Private
Missouri
More than US $1,500

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. 

McGlothlan, Arthur and Anna Scholarship

This fund was established to provide academic scholarships to young men and women attending accredited colleges, universities or graduate schools operated or formed under the auspices of or closely related to some established church.

Education - Higher Education

St Joseph School District Foundation Knepper, Betty Scholarship

Community Foundation Of Northwest Missouri
Private
Missouri
US $200

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 Knepper, Betty Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Betty Knepper by her son, Dr. Paul A. Knepper to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District who plan to major in the medical field.

Education - Higher Education

St Joseph School District Foundation Euler, Earl E and Elmyra J Leininger Memorial Scholarship

Community Foundation Of Northwest Missouri
Private
Missouri
US $1,000

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. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Euler, Earl E and Elmyra J Leininger Memorial Scholarship

For any Central High School senior with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Education - Higher Education

St Joseph School District Foundation Cornett, Jim Scholarship

Community Foundation Of Northwest Missouri
Private
Missouri
US $500

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 Cornett, Jim Scholarship

This fund was established in recognition of Dr. Cornett’s dedication to Hillyard Technical Center and his life-long contribution to education. The fund provides academic scholarships to Hillyard Technical Center students.

Education - Higher Education

St Joseph School District Foundation Cooper, Jerre Scholarship

Community Foundation Of Northwest Missouri
Private
Missouri
US $100

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 Cooper, Jerre Scholarship

This fund was established to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District who plan to major in education. Scholarships are awarded on a one-time basis and disbursed in August.

Education - Higher Education

St Joseph School District Foundation Coleman Scholarship

Community Foundation Of Northwest Missouri
Private
Missouri
US $100

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.

Education - Higher Education

Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant

Jeffris Family Foundation Ltd
Private
Illinois, Indiana +6 more
US $5,000 - US $50,000
The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.
Historic Preservation

Richard S. and Julia Louise Reynolds Poetry Fellowship

Virginia Center for the Creative Arts
Private
Amherst County, Virginia
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
The Richard S. and Julia Louise Reynolds Poetry Fellowship, offered by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA), provides fully-funded three-week writing residencies for poets. This fellowship supports both emerging and established artists, fostering creativity in a vibrant community. Poets enjoy private accommodations, meals, and dedicated studio space at the picturesque Mt. San Angelo. Applications are encouraged from diverse backgrounds, enhancing the fellowship's commitment to artistic expression and collaboration.
Poetry

Swami Vivekananda Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
DeKalb County, Illinois, DuPage County, Illinois +5 more
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Swami Vivekananda Scholarship Fund

This fund was created by the City of Aurora’s Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board (IACOAB).

IACOAB’s mission is to embrace, preserve and promote the heritage and contributions of Indian American’s while promoting civic engagement and encouraging Indian Americans to increase their involvement in Aurora’s growth.

The IACOAB created the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship Fund to support college-bound high school seniors to further their education in a field of their choice. Applicants must have demonstrated exemplary community service. 

Education - Higher Education

CNYCF: Madison County Rural Poverty Fund

Central New York Community Foundation Inc
Private
Madison County, New York
Unspecified amount
The Madison County Rural Poverty Fund, managed by the Central New York Community Foundation, aims to address poverty in Madison County, where 10% of residents lived below the federal poverty line in 2018. This fund supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits and organizations serving local communities through capital and program grants, promoting innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life and tackle critical issues related to poverty.
Poverty Alleviation & Services

John L. & Alice M. Holden Education Endowment Fund

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Private
United States
US $1,000

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

John L. & Alice M. Holden Education Endowment Fund

The Holden Endowment Fund was established in 1997 upon the transfer of three trusts administered by Merchants National Bank of Aurora in the name of the couple.

The resulting fund provides income for the educational needs of Aurora students.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

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.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 2026.

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.