Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Rewarding Responders Grant, offered by the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, supports emergency response agencies in their safety initiatives. Since 2014, over $500,000 has been awarded to enhance public safety through equipment purchases and professional development. Each project can receive up to $2,000, with applications open to local, county, and volunteer fire, law enforcement, and rescue agencies within the service area. Grants should be utilized within two years to ensure impactful and sustainable safety efforts.

The Uplift Grants program by the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa offers one-year discretionary grants aimed at enhancing life in Black Hawk County. With a minimum request of $5,000 and a maximum of $18,236 for projects focused on beautifying Waterloo's downtown and residential areas, these grants support nonprofits and government entities in fostering community well-being. The initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to create positive community change and improve the quality of life for local residents.

Alan and Debby Fuhrman Hilleman Scholarship

Pursuing a degree in a STEM curricula.

Award

• Varies

The Edinburgh Botanic Garden (Sibbald) Trust Fellowships support taxonomic research and related activities that benefit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. The Trust prioritizes smaller projects in spring and fellowships in autumn. Funding is available for various research and illustration projects, as well as for botanists seeking to utilize the Garden's extensive resources. Applications must include a report from any previous projects completed within the last year to be considered.

The K-5 STEM Grant Program, initiated by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology, aims to enhance STEM education in elementary schools. With funding up to $25,000 for schools and $2,000 for individual educators, the program focuses on increasing hands-on, evidence-based STEM learning. The initiative seeks to address the low engagement in science among young students, ultimately preparing them for future STEM careers and improving overall educational outcomes in Nevada.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Harman Family Scholarship Fund

Graduating high school senior residing in Palm Beach County or Martin County.

The Joan Cahalin Robinson Prize, established in 1980 by Dr. Eric Robinson, is awarded annually for the best paper presented by a first-time presenter at the SHOT annual meeting. The prize encourages professional growth, emphasizing both historical research quality and presentation effectiveness. Candidates must be graduate students or recent Ph.D. recipients and submit their papers in advance. The award includes a monetary prize and a certificate, fostering excellence in the field of history and technology.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Harrington Scholarship Fund for Martin County

For Students in Martin County.

Arts DuPage Seed Grants, offered by the DuPage Foundation, support emerging arts organizations in DuPage County. Eligible applicants, with less than three years of 501(c)(3) designation, can receive a $5,000 matching grant. These funds aim to help new organizations cultivate individual donor support and host fundraising events. By securing matching funds during the grant period, organizations can enhance their capacity to enrich local arts and cultural experiences, fostering community engagement and growth.

The Arts DuPage Sustain Grants, offered by the DuPage Foundation, support local arts initiatives that enhance cultural experiences in DuPage County. Eligible organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation for over three years can apply for funding, with streamlined applications for requests of $5,000 or less. These grants aim to provide broad access and outreach, fostering collaboration and sustainability in the arts community, thus generating social and economic benefits for residents.

CFGB Grants: LGBTQ Fund

The mission of this Fund is to cultivate one community that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning individuals and families with the belief that all people should be treated with equal respect and dignity in a welcoming and affirming community.

Empowering Equality at the LGBTQ Fund

The LGBTQ Fund is a charitable endowment at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham that supports programs in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount, and Walker counties :

• Strengthen the infrastructure of organizations led by or serving LGBTQ persons
• Support the provision of services to LGBTQ youth, individuals and families
• Provide educational opportunities that highlight the needs of the LGBTQ community
• Advance collaboration between LGBTQ organizations and other community organizations
• Support nonprofit partners working on public policy and social justice issues that intersect with LGBTQ concerns

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

George and Arlene F. Lepeska Scholarship Fund

• Student should demonstrate strong extracurricular activities, academic excellence.
• Must show financial need.

The Onyx & Breezy Foundation Grant provides financial support to animal welfare organizations in need. By leveraging funds from generous donors, the foundation aims to help various initiatives, including medical treatment, spay and neuter services, and providing pet food. Eligible applicants must demonstrate non-profit status, while capital improvements and previously covered medical care are excluded from funding. For more details, please refer to the FAQs on their website.

William and Eleanor Cleveland Scholarship

The scholarship provides assistance to dependent children of members of Columbus Division of Fire.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $1,000

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Harry and Bertha Bronstein Memorial Scholarship Fund

For Students in Martin County.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

H. David Faust Memorial Scholarship Fund

A native of Philadelphia, David made his home in West Palm Beach for more than 20 years. He was the administrative partner of Steel, Hector, Davis, Burns & Middleton (now Steel Hector & Davis), as well as attorney for the towns of Ocean Ridge and South Palm Beach. Additionally, he taught law courses at Palm Beach Community College. David was extremely active in his church, and served as a board member of the Community Foundation for six years. He was instrumental in starting the scholarship program.

Dave always said that he was content with his life, that it had been a good and satisfying one, and it surely seems to have been – a successful career, a prestigious and challenging practice, a prominence in the community, the bar, his church and his firm, blessed with a healthy and accomplished family, with a wife whose love, strength and enormous depth have been demonstrated so magnificently over this past year – all these were David’s. And perhaps, most important of all to him, was his deep and abiding faith in God. David’s life is an exemplar to all of us – the perfect partner, the great counselor, the outstanding lawyer, the effortlessly skilled leader, the caring father and husband. While he was here, he set a course for all of us in our daily lives which we will be proud to point to and should hope to emulate.”

The Warehime Operational Grant supports non-profits addressing basic human needs through operational expenses. Offered by the J. William Warehime Foundation, grants range from $2,500 to $50,000 and can be applied for annually, with a minimum gap of 12 months between applications. The foundation aims to further Mr. Warehime's legacy of civic commitment. Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 non-profits, educational institutions, and government agencies, with funding capped at 10% of the organization's annual revenue.

Russell A. and Sophia Jean Hall Scholarship Fund

The Russell A. and Sophia “Jean” Hall scholarship was established in 2003. Feeling fortunate and grateful for their own education, Jean and Russell created this scholarship as a way to pay forward and support vulnerable students seeking an education. Recognizing the value in all avenues of education and the financial hardship it creates, these Ohio State graduates created the scholarship to support students pursuing a degree at a state-supported college, university, vocational, or technical school in the state of Ohio.

Award Amount:

• Up to $10,000 payable over four years at $2,500 per year; depending upon the needs of the student.

The Alabama Power Foundation's Champion Grants support teachers by providing funding for professional development and instructional resources aimed at enhancing college and career readiness in math and science. Eligible public schools, where at least 50% of students receive free or reduced-price lunches, can apply. The grants encourage collaboration among teachers and the selection of effective professional development to improve student achievement, fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth.

The AAPD Foundation provides Access to Care Grants aimed at ensuring dental care is accessible for all children. As the largest dentist-led charity, it supports community programs that deliver essential dental services. With a focus on innovative ideas and effective grant utilization, the foundation works tirelessly to promote healthy smiles for every child. By partnering with pediatric dentists, it strives to make a meaningful impact in communities nationwide.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Heather and Patrick Henry Scholarship Fund

• Must demonstrate academic achievement or academic potential.
• Must demonstrate financial need.

Community Foundation of Lorain County

The Community Foundation stays close to the issues that impact our community and responsive to challenges that arrive. Together with our donors and community partners, we inspire impact and action that strengthens our community.

Our Goals

• Cultivate a culture of philanthropy in Lorain County
• Grow organizational capacity, integration and leadership
• Steward and grow assets to ensure financial health and sustainability
• Unite and nurture Lorain County through innovative and responsive grant making, programming, scholarships and collaboration.

Lorain County Rapid Response Fund

Nord Family Foundation, Nordson Corporation Foundation, Stocker Foundation, and the Community Foundation of Lorain County have established the Lorain County Rapid Response Fund to help ease financial pressures on local non‑profit organizations. Grant applications will be reviewed by a panel of program staff from emergency‑assistance nonprofits.

The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust provides funding through its Basic Needs Grant to nonprofits in the Greater Philadelphia area, focusing on food, clothing, and shelter assistance. Priority is given to vulnerable children and seniors. Grants range from $5,000 to $40,000, awarded for a one-year term, with a minimum funding requirement of $5,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) and have a service location in the eligible regions.

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Inc., strengthens our communities by leading philanthropy and solutions through our direct work in partnership with donors, nonprofits and the community. Our 501(c)3 nonprofit Foundation is the foremost resource for convening partners to elevate people, improve lives and make our community a better place to live.

Grants & Scholarships

Grants power our nonprofit partners on the frontlines of pressing local issues, filling the opportunity gaps through direct-to-people programming.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors. 

The Community Foundation offers both need and merit based scholarships.

Barrat Scholarship Fund

This is a need based scholarship with a maximum award of $80K over 4 years.

The Gerber Foundation provides research grants focused on enhancing the health and nutrition of infants and young children, particularly those aged 0-3. The foundation seeks innovative projects that address critical health issues and improve developmental outcomes. Grants support applied research, diagnostic tools, and treatment regimens that promise significant advancements in pediatric health. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations, emphasizing a commitment to projects with a direct impact on children's well-being in the U.S.

The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations that assist individuals with special needs. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations primarily serving Bexar County and nearby areas. The Foundation prioritizes funding programs that improve the lives of individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. Note that the Foundation will not accept applications for the 2022 cycle but will continue to review requests related to its mission throughout the year.

The Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides crucial federal funding for outdoor recreation projects in Iowa, supporting 50% cost share for development and land acquisition. It has facilitated popular projects such as skate parks, playgrounds, and multipurpose trails since its establishment in 1964. Applicants should anticipate a timeline of 12-24 months from application to the start of construction, ensuring thorough planning and execution of their recreational initiatives.