Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

National Assoc. of Insurance and Financial Advisors Scholarship Fund

To support graduating high school seniors from Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties who have a parent who is deceased or have a parent who receives Social Security disability benefits.

The Theodore P. (Ted) Minor Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, supports graduating seniors from Chicopee high schools. This fund is part of a broader scholarship program that provides financial assistance to eligible students from multiple counties, helping to offset costs associated with attending accredited post-secondary institutions. By promoting accessibility to education, the scholarship aims to enrich the lives of students in the community.

The Bernard B. Brodie Award in Drug Metabolism and Disposition honors significant contributions in drug metabolism, recognizing outstanding research that impacts future studies. Presented biennially, it includes a $2,000 honorarium, a medal, and an invitation to present at the Annual Meeting. Candidates from all sectors are eligible, and nominations may highlight lifetime achievements or promising mid-career scientists. The award aims to celebrate innovation in this critical field.

The BICA Microgrant, offered by the Buffalo Institute for Contemporary Art, provides a $300 no-strings-attached grant for artists and curators in the greater Buffalo area. This initiative aims to support creative projects that include public events and take place within a three-month timeframe. By offsetting costs associated with exhibitions and performances, the grant empowers underrepresented artists, fostering a vibrant cultural scene in Buffalo.

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.

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.

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.

The PLTW Gateway Program Expansion, in collaboration with Emerson NI, aims to enhance STEM education by providing middle schools in select Texas counties with grants to expand their PLTW Gateway programs. This initiative focuses on hands-on learning experiences that empower students to explore their passions through engineering, computer science, and biomedical science. With a total grant award of $10,000 available for the 2026-2027 academic year, this partnership seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators.

The PLTW Gateway program in partnership with Emerson NI aims to enhance STEM education for middle school students. By providing hands-on learning experiences, this initiative empowers students to discover their passions and explore future career paths in engineering and technology. With a grant of $10,000 available for the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible public and charter schools in select Texas counties can implement PLTW Gateway units, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes diversity in STEM fields.

The Interlace Grant Fund offers Project Grants between $5,000 and $6,000 to support Providence-area artists in creating and presenting new work. This initiative particularly values innovative visual art that enhances public engagement and understanding. The grants aim to spotlight underrepresented artistic endeavors and foster community connections through collaborative projects. Eligible applicants must be practicing visual artists living within a 10-mile radius of Providence, Rhode Island, and meet specific criteria, ensuring meaningful contributions to the local art scene.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Raymond E. Carr Scholarship Fund

Supporting students attending American International College, Elms College, Springfield College, Western New England University or Westfield State University

The Murray Watson, Jr. Scholarship offers a $5,000 award each month to Texas students. Funded by Brazos Higher Education, this scholarship aims to support students in achieving their college dreams, whether they are high school seniors or current college attendees. Eligibility includes being a Texas resident with a minimum GPA of 3.3. This initiative is part of Brazos' commitment to making education more accessible and affordable for Texas families.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Ronald A. Copes Scholarship Fund

Supporting graduating high school seniors from Springfield, MA or Hartford, CT who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and who indicate participation in extracurricular activities.

The Innovative Traffic Safety Enforcement (ITSE) Grant Program aims to develop effective traffic safety enforcement initiatives to reduce motor vehicle crashes caused by risky driving behaviors. It encompasses three evaluation phases, with deadlines from September 2026 to September 2027. This program seeks to fund scalable and repeatable projects that align with the Department of Transportation's mission and executive priorities, enhancing safety across the United States.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Douglas & Elaine Waring Memorial Scholarship

The Douglas & Elaine Waring Memorial Scholarship Fund honors engineer Doug Waring and his wife of 49 years, Elaine. 

Created in 2002, the Waring scholarship supports the education of any Marion County high school student who scored in the upper 50th percentile of the ACT, SAT, or other national standardized test.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Donald S. & Beulah Mae Williams Scholarship

Created by the late Don Williams in 2016, this scholarship fund initially honored his beloved Beulah Mae, devoted farmer, loving housewife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. It now memorializes this Prospect farming couple.

The Williams Scholarship supports Marion County students who participated in either FFA or 4-H for three or more years.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

David G. Wilhelm Memorial Scholarship

The David G. Wilhelm Memorial Fund was created in honor of its namesake in 2020. It supports college students pursuing careers in mental and behavioral health services.  

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Ruth L. Brocklebank Memorial Scholarship Fund

Supporting African American graduates of Springfield high schools.

The Traverse City Track Club Endowment Grants support initiatives that promote health, fitness, and community engagement through running and walking. Open to 501(c)3 nonprofits, educational institutions, and governmental entities in the Grand Traverse area, these grants aim to foster fellowship and enhance recreational opportunities for all ages. However, individuals and event sponsorships are ineligible for funding. Projects must align with the mission of encouraging active lifestyles and community service.

The James R. Gillette Award recognizes two exceptional papers published in Drug Metabolism and Disposition each year, one in Drug Metabolism and the other in Disposition and Pharmacokinetics. The award includes an invitation for the first author to present at the annual meeting, travel support, complimentary registration, and a cash prize of $250. Selections are made based on manuscript reviews, with winners announced in January or February.

The Greater Texas Foundation's Aggie Scholars Program aims to support graduates of early college high schools in achieving their degrees from Texas A&M University. This initiative focuses on underserved and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, offering a three-year scholarship awarded in six stipends. To qualify, applicants must complete the FAFSA or TASFA by April 15 and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 while living on campus during their first year. The program encourages academic persistence and community involvement.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Stanley Ciejek, Sr. Scholarship Fund

Supporting residents of Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties

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.

National Council of Jewish Women Scholarship

The National Council of Jewish Women Scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray college or university expenses of female students who are of Jewish faith.

The Teacher Grants for Innovation program, funded by the Georgia Department of Education, supports public school teachers in Georgia with innovative projects aimed at enhancing student learning. Grants range from $500 to $2,500 and are awarded on a rolling basis, with applications due by the 15th of each month. This initiative encourages teachers to implement creative ideas that can significantly impact their students' educational experiences.

Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program - Simulation Training Initiative

Funding is intended to support the implementation of Simulation Training Initiative projects that advance program goals related to workforce development, access to care, and improved healthcare quality. Depending on the proposed project, funding may support activities such as the development and expansion  of specialty-based simulation training programs, acquisition of simulation equipment, and implementation of training environments designed to improve provider skills and readiness in rural areas.

All funding under this opportunity is expected to be distributed through a competitive subaward process. Selected applicants will be treated as subrecipients and will be required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and programmatic requirements associated with the award. 

Funding Availability

ADECA anticipates making approximately $1,000,000 available under this NOFO, consistent with the CMS-approved Simulation Training Initiative budget. ADECA intends to make awards under the strategy category described in Section I. The number, size, and distribution of awards will depend on application quality, applicant readiness, geographic distribution, and other factors identified in this NOFO. 

27-3786-01 Illinois Cycle Rider Safety Training Program

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT or “Department”) is seeking Cycle Rider Safety Training Course Providers (“Providers”) to administer Cycle Rider Safety Training Courses to individuals interested in taking a motorcycle safety course. The Cycle Rider Safety Training Program (CRSTP or “Program”) began in 1976 through Public Act 82-649. Since its inception and through partnerships with grantees, the program has trained over 400,000 students in Illinois.

To aid in reducing fatalities and serious injuries on Illinois roads, the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering (BSPE) administers the CRSTP. Through grantees, the CRSTP offers various levels of motorcycle safety training courses for Illinois residents to reduce motorcycle crashes. Motorcycle users are vulnerable road users and providing training to the community is essential to saving lives. As a benefit, students that pass Entry- or Intermediate-level training will be eligible to receive a course completion card that waives the motorcycle licensing test requirement when presented at the Illinois Secretary of State.

Motorcycle training is a vital component in IDOT’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) ; it focuses on the reduction of motorcyclists’ vulnerabilities while riding. Course content includes how to choose proper safety gear and improve riding techniques. These strategies can help reduce motorcyclist fatalities on Illinois roadways.

The goal of this program is to provide motorcycle training to current and potential motorcycle riders of all skill and experience levels. Courses are available to Illinois residents 16 or older who hold a valid automobile or motorcycle driver’s license. Residents younger than 18 must have written consent from a legal guardian. Program courses shall address safe motorcycling principles, enhancing the knowledge and skills of riders from novice to advanced.

Opportunity Funding

• $6,000,000.00

Nebraska Blue Foundation

For more than 85 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) has been a champion for the health and well-being of our members and the communities we serve. Founded in 2024, the Nebraska Blue Foundation now allows us to concentrate our efforts into pockets of our community that need to be uplifted the most.

The foundation has four priority areas:

• Serving Seniors – Addressing the needs of Nebraska’s aging population
• Increasing Access to Preventive Healthcare – Proactive measures to prevent illness, detect health issues early and reduce the risk of chronic disease
• Economic Vitality – Investing in job creation and civic programs to promote a vibrant economy
• Third Places – Building and strengthening the social fabric of communities across the state

The Nebraska Blue Foundation is particularly interested in supporting innovation and pilot projects. As a new foundation, our approach is to be catalytic with our grants – primarily investing in new ideas or programs that could meet a specific need with a one-time investment.

Serving Seniors

The spring cycle focuses on Serving Seniors and Preventive Healthcare. 

This funding addresses the needs of Nebraska’s aging population.