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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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32,499 Results based on applied filters

Pharmacia-ASPET Award for Experimental Therapeutics

American Society For Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics Inc
Private
Multnomah County, Oregon
US $2,500
The Pharmacia-ASPET Award for Experimental Therapeutics recognizes groundbreaking research in pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. Established in 1969 and renamed in 2002, it honors research that significantly impacts disease treatment. The recipient receives a $2,500 honorarium, a commemorative plaque, and coverage for travel to the ASPET Annual Meeting. Nominations are welcomed from ASPET members, particularly those from underrepresented communities, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in the field.
Pharmacology

Serena Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
Private
United States
Up to US $3,000
The Serena Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, supports graduating high school seniors from Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton, Amherst, or Greenfield, with a preference for those pursuing careers in addiction and recovery. Students complete one online application, and the Foundation matches them to various scholarships based on their eligibility. Scholarships can cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, promoting educational access for students in the region.
Education - Higher Education

H.L. Lyons III Memorial Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Louisville
Private
Kentucky
US $14,000

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

H.L. Lyons III Memorial Scholarship

The H.L. Lyons III Memorial Scholarship was established to provide assistance to help defray expenses for vocational and/or technical post-secondary educational courses or other such training that would help the recipient attain, sustain, or expand their employability by learning new technical skills or trades. Applicants must have experience working in a technical trade, vocation, or manufacturing job, or demonstrate an aptitude for a technical trade and/or vocation.

Vocational & Trade Education

Markus J. Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
Private
United States
Up to US $3,000

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Markus J. Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund

Graduates of Springfield public high schools. Markus Johnson was the first Springfield resident to die while serving in Iraq.

Additional Guidelines

  • Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
  • Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
  • Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.
Education - Higher Education

MacIntyre Family Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
Private
United States
Up to US $3,000

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

MacIntyre Family Scholarship Fund

To support residents of Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties

Additional Guidelines

  • Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
  • Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
  • Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.
Education - Higher Education

Shaffer Family Scholarship

Brown County Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

Shaffer Family Scholarship

Purpose

To provide educational scholarships for students who are accepted into and attending accredited two or four year public or private intuitions of higher learning.

Education - Higher Education

Cathryn "Kate" George Frechen Scholarship

Community Foundation of North Central Washington
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Cathryn "Kate" George Frechen Scholarship

The Cathryn “Kate” Goerge Frechen Scholarship Fund was established in 1999 by Kay Sparks, niece of Cathryn “Kate” Goerge Frechen in her aunt’s memory. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Pewamo-Westphalia Community Schools seeking further education in an accredited educational program in the US. The committee seeks to award a promising student who demonstrates financial need and potential scholastic ability (not necessarily demonstrated solely by grades).

Education - Higher Education

Bob and Nita Paine Scholarship

Community Foundation of North Central Washington
Private
Whitman County, Washington
Unspecified amount

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Bob and Nita Paine Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Paine Family in 2012 to support graduating seniors from Wenatchee or Eastmont High Schools who plan to attend Washington State University. The ideal candidate is an engaging individual with capable communication skills who has been, and continues to be, involved in school activities and the community, and who demonstrates financial need..

Education - Higher Education

Booz Allen Hamilton Vision Scholarship Fund

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
Private
United States
Up to US $12,000

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

Founded in 1978, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is a tax-exempt trusted public charity that advances equity through philanthropy and community leadership. Its work is guided by a strategic plan that advances four key priorities for the region:

  • Social and Economic Mobility
  • Opportunities for All
  • Inclusive Systems of Economic Growth
  • Community Resilience

Booz Allen Hamilton Vision Scholarship Fund

In keeping with its commitment to contribute to the excellence of the future work force, Booz Allen Hamilton has established the Vision Scholarship Program. Under this program, legal dependent children of Booz Allen Hamilton employees located anywhere around the world who are pursuing an undergraduate college degree can apply for a scholarship to help defray their tuition expenses. Historically, the Vision Scholarship has been awarded to students who are at the top of their class academically and have a high level of engagement in extracurricular and community activities.

 The scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate education.

Education - Higher Education

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

MN PGA Military Grant

Professional Golfers Association Of America
Private
Minnesota
Unspecified amount
The MN PGA Military Grant, provided by the Professional Golfers Association of America, aims to enhance the mental, social, physical, and emotional well-being of veterans and active military members through golf. Funded by the 100 Holes for Hope initiative, this grant supports PGA Professionals in introducing the game to service members and their families, fostering a sense of community and wellness through golf participation.
Military & Veterans Services Golf

Tompkins Scholarship Endowment (Grand Traverse County - TCAPS only)

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Private
Michigan
Unspecified amount
The Tompkins Scholarship Endowment supports graduates from Traverse City Area Public Schools, emphasizing academic achievement over financial need. Established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities for local students attending public, in-state colleges or universities. The foundation, active since 1992, works to enhance the community by providing significant, potentially renewable scholarships, reflecting its commitment to positive change across the Grand Traverse region.
Education - Higher Education

Traverse City Tourism Hospitality Scholarship Fund (Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties)

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Private
Michigan, United States
Unspecified amount

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Traverse City Tourism Hospitality Scholarship Fund (Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties)

Available to graduating high school seniors from Benzie or Grand Traverse Counties, or current NMC students pursuing degrees, industry certifications, or careers in hospitality or tourism-related studies. Preference given to those who are active in school and extracurricular activities, who have demonstrated community responsibility through volunteer efforts, and who have held jobs in the hospitality industry and are excited to continue. Financial need will be considered.

Education - Higher Education

WMU Seita Scholars Program

Western Michigan University
Private
Kalamazoo County, Michigan
Unspecified amount
The WMU Seita Scholars Program offers scholarships to Western Michigan University students who have experienced foster care during their teenage years. Named in honor of Dr. John Seita, the scholarship supports eligible students by providing renewable funding each semester if they maintain full-time status and academic progress. Recipients are required to reside on campus, engage in program activities, and attend a seminar course, ensuring a supportive community as they pursue their education.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Traverse City Administrators’ Association Scholarship Fund (Central, West, TC High)

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $500

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of scholarships designated to benefit a graduating senior from Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). 

Traverse City Administrators’ Association Scholarship Fund (Central, West, TC High)

Available to a worthy senior who is pursuing a career in education.

One scholarship is awarded annually at each Central, West, and Traverse City High School.

Education - Higher Education

Tompkins Scholarship Endowment (Central, West, TC High)

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Private
Michigan
Unspecified amount

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of scholarships designated to benefit a graduating senior from Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). .

Tompkins Scholarship Endowment (Central, West, TC High)

The Tompkins Scholarship Endowment was established to provide scholarship awards to benefit graduates from Traverse City Area Public Schools. Awards will be based primarily on academic achievement without consideration of financial need. Individual scholarship awards are intended to be significant in nature and may be renewable for future years. To qualify, students must be attending a public, in-state college/university.

Education - Higher Education

HFPG: Resident Engagement Grants

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Private
Hartford County, Connecticut, Tolland County, Connecticut
US $1,000 - US $25,000
The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving offers Resident Engagement Grants aimed at nonprofits and community groups to enhance civic participation and trust within communities. This program supports projects that foster social issue awareness and allyship with marginalized populations through activities like community meetings and workshops. Grants range from $1,000 to $25,000 and are available for initiatives addressing various social justice issues, including housing and education.
Civic Engagement & Education

Historic Preservation Grants

State of Vermont
State/Local Government
Vermont
Up to US $20,000
The Historic Preservation Grant Program, established in 1986 by the State of Vermont, supports municipalities and non-profits in rehabilitating historic buildings essential to local communities. Offering competitive 50/50 matching grants up to $20,000, this program aims to preserve structures over 50 years old that are on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The initiative fosters the revitalization of town halls, museums, and theaters, ensuring Vermont's unique heritage is maintained.
Historic Preservation

Jacobs Research Funds Grant Program

Whatcom Museum Foundation
Private
Americas
Up to US $9,000
The Jacobs Research Funds (JRF) provide grants for research on aboriginal peoples of the Americas, supporting projects that focus on endangered cultures and languages, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Grants range from $3,000 to $9,000, and applicants must submit all required documents, including support letters, by February 15. JRF prioritizes new data collection and does not fund proprietary or non-aboriginal research. Eligible researchers must typically hold a Master's degree or have a designated Sponsor.
Anthropology & Cultural Studies Linguistics

Traverse City Track Club Scholarship Endowment (Regional)

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Traverse City Track Club Scholarship Endowment (Regional)

Available to graduating high school seniors or current college students from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska or Leelanau County. Eligible students will have demonstrated involvement with running, as a high school or college athlete or through participation in organized running events.

Education - Higher Education

Stan and Martha Scarborough Scholarship Endowment (Regional)

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Stan and Martha Scarborough Scholarship Endowment (Regional)

Available to individuals, up to 24, from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau County who have aged out of foster care.

Education - Higher Education

FH: Book Festival Grants

Florida Humanities
State/Local Government
Florida
Up to US $10,000
Florida Humanities' Book Festival Grants support Florida nonprofit organizations in hosting events that celebrate reading and literature. These grants aim to foster interactions between authors and readers, reflecting the human experience through storytelling. Eligible events can be single or multi-day, held virtually or in-person, and should include authors from Florida and beyond. A minimum 1:1 cost share is required, and festivals must be free or have nominal fees with provisions for reduced admission.
Writing & Literature

Anna Marguerite McCann Award for Fieldwork Reports

Archaeological Institute of America
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount

Archaeological Institute of America

The AIA is North America's largest and oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to archaeology. The Institute advances awareness, education, fieldwork, preservation, publication, and research of archaeological sites and cultural heritage throughout the world. 

Grants & Awards

The AIA’s mission includes supporting and promoting archaeological research and its dissemination. To that end, the AIA offers a variety of scholarships, fellowships, and grants for excavation, research, publication, and site preservation.

Each year, the Institute also presents a number of awards to archaeologists, educators, authors, and others whose work has had a positive impact on the field of archaeology.

Anna Marguerite McCann Award for Fieldwork Reports

In keeping with the Code of Ethics of the AIA, which emphasizes the need for archaeologists to publish field research, the Anna Marguerite McCann Award for Fieldwork Reports recognizes an outstanding monograph that presents results from an archaeological field project (e.g. excavation and/or survey), as recommended by the Committee, in time for presentation of the award at the Annual Meeting of the Institute. Authors/editors of successful nominations must join the AIA as a member, if they are not already one, once they receive the award. For multi-authored or multi-edited volumes, this requirement applies only to the primary author/primary editor/principal investigator.

AIA members are encouraged to suggest publications worthy of the award by filling out the Nomination Form. Authors and publishers may also bring their books to the committee’s attention by filling out the Nomination Form and sending an electronic copy (eBook or PDF) for distribution to the committee. Publishers should nominate no more than two (2) books per year and should ensure that the books meet the criteria of the award. Books may be submitted for the award only once, and should not be re-submitted unless specifically requested by the committee.

Archaeology

Kyle Palmieri Foundation Grant

Kyle Palmieri Foundation
Private
Kings County, New York, Nassau County, New York +2 more
Unspecified amount
The Kyle Palmieri Foundation Grant aims to support non-profit organizations dedicated to benefiting Long Island's military community, including veterans, active service members, and their families. Founded by NHL player Kyle Palmieri, this 501(c)(3) charity focuses on raising funds to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by these heroes. Eligible applicants must operate on Long Island and uphold non-discriminatory practices. The foundation awards grants annually to amplify its mission and support those who serve.
Military & Veterans Services

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

Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award

Foellinger Foundation Inc
Private
Allen County, Indiana
Up to US $10,000
The Foellinger Foundation Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award honors exceptional nonprofit executives demonstrating outstanding leadership and impact in Allen County. Awarded to one recipient, the organization will receive a $5,000 grant for professional development activities, including leadership training and coaching. The selection criteria emphasize adaptive leadership, organizational culture, community engagement, and leadership development, ensuring that the award recognizes leaders who exemplify integrity, innovation, and resilience.
Civic Leadership Development Nonprofit Growth & Development

P.E.O Chapter CU Scholarship

Brown County Community Foundation
Private
Canada, United States
Unspecified amount

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

P.E.O Chapter CU Scholarship

Purpose

To provide a scholarship to a female Brown County resident who is graduating from high school or completing a G.E.D. and will be attending an accredited post-secondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada, full-time or part-time, in the fall of the academic year following high school graduation.

Awards winners are chosen by P.E.O using the application process.

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.