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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

Cultivating Potential Scholarship Fund

Innovia Foundation
Private
United States
US $500 - US $10,000

Innovia Foundation

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Cultivating Potential Scholarship Fund

This program provides assistance to individuals in Innovia service region in Eastern Washington who, through uncertain circumstances, have struggled and want a better life, but lack the resources to get started. Students must be nominated in order to apply and will receive a scholarship to their accredited school and program of choice to help offset tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, housing and other related costs associated with supporting their educational endeavors. Program requires a mentor and mentor/applicant participation in a cohort of scholarship recipients.

Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply. 

Education - Higher Education

Three-year NOMIS–STRI Postdoctoral Fellowships in Sociality in the Tropics

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Federal Government
Panama
Up to US $225,000
The Three-year NOMIS–STRI Postdoctoral Fellowships in Sociality in the Tropics offer a unique opportunity for outstanding behavioral biologists to conduct research on sociality in Panama's diverse ecosystems. Funded by the NOMIS Foundation and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, these fellowships provide a yearly stipend of $62,000 and up to $13,000 for research and travel. Successful candidates will explore essential questions related to group living and social diversity, enhancing our understanding of animal societies.
Marine Biology

Colorado Masons Benevolent Fund Association: Matching Grant

Colorado Masons Benevolent Fund Association
Private
Colorado
Up to US $500
The Colorado Masons Benevolent Fund Association offers a Matching Grant program for graduating public high school seniors attending Colorado institutions. Established in 1984, this initiative matches up to $500 of grant money presented by local lodges to students. Over $536,000 has been invested in this program, benefiting many students. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors, with a focus on leadership, maturity, and need, ensuring a diverse range of candidates can access educational opportunities.
Education - Higher Education

Colorado Masons Benevolent Fund Association: Scholarships Program

Colorado Masons Benevolent Fund Association
Private
Colorado
Up to US $28,000
The Colorado Masons Benevolent Fund Association provides scholarships to graduating seniors from Colorado public high schools, aiming to support their pursuit of higher education. Established in 1966, the program has awarded over $15 million in scholarships, typically amounting to $7,000 per year for up to four years. Eligible students must demonstrate leadership and academic ability, while the selection process is overseen by a knowledgeable committee. The fund also offers vocational grants for education at Colorado institutions.
Education - Higher Education

The Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging (K76)

American Federation for Aging Research
Private
United States
Up to US $225,000

The Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging (K76)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), The John A. Hartford Foundation, and the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) are collaborating on this initiative to develop of a cadre of talented scientists prepared and willing to take an active leadership role in transformative change that will lead to improved health care outcomes.

Emerging leaders are clinically trained (primarily physician) early-stage investigators who have begun to establish research careers and have shown signs of leadership potential who will use this award to further develop the tools, skills and resources to have a significant impact in their field of expertise. 

The National Institute on Aging is pursuing this initiative to recruit talented new investigators who have begun to establish research programs and through this award will be ready to assume leadership roles in their field of expertise and well poised to change theory, practice and health outcomes related to the health of older individuals. Unlike other mentored K awards candidates for this award must have received competitively awarded research support as a PD/PI at the faculty level and have had prior leadership responsibilities in the clinical or research domain.

It is anticipated that seven to ten awards will be granted in 2017, up to 5 years of funding limited to $225,000 in direct costs per year. 

Aging / Gerontology

2026-2028 Humanities Texas

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
US $1,000,000

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

Humanities Texas

Program Description

The 89th Texas Legislature funds the Humanities Texas Teacher Institute Program to provide training and support to teachers in their first or second year of service in geographic areas with low student achievement on state assessments.

Teacher Development & Training

Katherine "Trinka" Davis Rhynne Grant

Community Foundation Of West Georgia Inc
Private
Carroll County, Georgia
Unspecified amount
The Katherine 'Trinka' Davis Rhynne Grant, established in 2009, honors the legacy of Ms. Davis, a successful businesswoman dedicated to helping veterans and their families. This fund supports nonprofit organizations providing direct assistance to veterans in Carroll County, Georgia. Grants are limited to unique projects per cycle, ensuring fair distribution of resources. Ms. Davis's commitment to her community and her efforts to rebuild her company after a devastating fire serve as an inspiring example of resilience and dedication.
Military & Veterans Services

Discretionary Grant: Leclair Elder Services

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Inc
Private
Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Up to US $10,000

Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Founded in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Greater Lowell and Merrimack Valley.

The Foundation is deeply committed to our local nonprofit community and our grant-making program is focused on assisting nonprofits by fostering collaboration and supporting direct services. The goal of the Foundation is to help our nonprofit partners fulfill their mission more effectively and efficiently. We strive to fund projects that touch many lives and enrich the overall quality of life in our region.

Discretionary Grants Program

The Discretionary Grants Program’s purpose is to improve the quality of life for residents in GLCF’s 21 communities: Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Westford and Wilmington.

Grant funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Discretionary Grants Program includes the following strategic funding categories: Leclair Elder Services, Children’s Services, LGBTQ+.

Please Note: To encourage partnerships between our nonprofits, a nonprofit can apply for a grant category AND be a partner on other grant proposals but not be the lead applicant. Agencies with multiple service sites should submit only one application for all sites.

Leclair Elder Services

The Foundation will award multiple grants of up to $10,000 each to organizations that support services to seniors (55 years+) in our service area. Grant decisions and amounts will be determined based on a variety of factors, including:

  • Organization size - understanding the impact of a grant of this size on your organization
  • Location(s) of impact - demonstrating commitment to Greater Lowell and role in the region’s social services ecosystem, including strong & established local collaborations and partnerships
  • Organization impact and reach - including population served, # of households served, type(s) of programming oKered, etc.
  • Organization’s leadership and financial health

Senior Services

Discretionary Grant: Children’s Services

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Inc
Private
Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Up to US $10,000

Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Founded in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Greater Lowell and Merrimack Valley.

The Foundation is deeply committed to our local nonprofit community and our grant-making program is focused on assisting nonprofits by fostering collaboration and supporting direct services. The goal of the Foundation is to help our nonprofit partners fulfill their mission more effectively and efficiently. We strive to fund projects that touch many lives and enrich the overall quality of life in our region.

Discretionary Grants Program

The Discretionary Grants Program’s purpose is to improve the quality of life for residents in GLCF’s 21 communities: Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Westford and Wilmington.

Grant funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Discretionary Grants Program includes the following strategic funding categories: Leclair Elder Services, Children’s Services, LGBTQ+.

Please Note: To encourage partnerships between our nonprofits, a nonprofit can apply for a grant category AND be a partner on other grant proposals but not be the lead applicant. Agencies with multiple service sites should submit only one application for all sites.

Children’s Services

GLCF will award multiple grants of up to $10,000 each to projects that support services for children. The Foundation welcomes proposals that improve the quality of life for children and young adults (birth to age 22.)

Grant decisions and amounts will be determined based on a variety of factors, including:

  • Organization size - understanding the impact of a grant of this size on your organization
  • Location(s) of impact - demonstrating commitment to Greater Lowell and role in the region’s social services ecosystem, including strong & established local collaborations and partnerships
  • Organization impact and reach - including population served, # of households served, type(s) of programming oKered, etc.
  • Organization’s leadership and financial health

Youth Services

Meeting Organizer Grants

Federation of European Microbiological Societies
Association/Society
Europe
Up to €15,000
The Meeting Organizer Grants by the Federation of European Microbiological Societies support both virtual and in-person meetings, offering up to €15,000. Designed for members of FEMS Member Societies, these grants prioritize funding for Early Career Scientists' attendance. Eligible events include scientific conferences, workshops, and training courses within Europe, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing in the microbiological community.
Microbiology

Discretionary Grant: LGBTQ+

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Inc
Private
Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Up to US $10,000

Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Founded in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Greater Lowell and Merrimack Valley.

The Foundation is deeply committed to our local nonprofit community and our grant-making program is focused on assisting nonprofits by fostering collaboration and supporting direct services. The goal of the Foundation is to help our nonprofit partners fulfill their mission more effectively and efficiently. We strive to fund projects that touch many lives and enrich the overall quality of life in our region.

Discretionary Grants Program

The Discretionary Grants Program’s purpose is to improve the quality of life for residents in GLCF’s 21 communities: Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Westford and Wilmington.

Grant funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Discretionary Grants Program includes the following strategic funding categories: Leclair Elder Services, Children’s Services, LGBTQ+.

Please Note: To encourage partnerships between our nonprofits, a nonprofit can apply for a grant category AND be a partner on other grant proposals but not be the lead applicant. Agencies with multiple service sites should submit only one application for all sites.

 LGBTQ+

The LGBTQ Fund Grants, of up to $10,000, to support nonprofit programs and projects that improve the quality of life for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & queer (LGBTQ) community in Greater Lowell by providing legal, health, education, advocacy, or other high-demand services/program.

Grant decisions and amounts will be determined based on a variety of factors, including:

  • Organization size - understanding the impact of a grant of this size on your organization
  • Location(s) of impact - demonstrating commitment to Greater Lowell and role in the region’s social services ecosystem, including strong & established local collaborations and partnerships
  • Organization impact and reach - including population served, # of households served, type(s) of programming oKered, etc.
  • Organization’s leadership and financial health

LGBTQIA+ Services

Carol Strip Whitney Scholarship

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
US $2,000

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Carol Strip Whitney Scholarship

The Carol Strip Whitney Scholarship represents a life of passion, as she has taught gifted children for 45 years. Dr. Carol believes in the abilities of gifted children to make this world a better place. These children will be our leaders, our researchers, our inventors. It is her belief that an investment in their futures can only serve to awaken the important aspects of learning for the world of tomorrow. 

Applicants to the scholarship intend to be among the leaders of the next generation.

Education - Higher Education

Alice Huffard Richards Fund: Leadership/Civic Engagement

Community Foundation Of West Georgia Inc
Private
Carroll County, Georgia, Haralson County, Georgia +1 more
Unspecified amount
The Alice Huffard Richards Fund offers Civic & Community Leadership Grants aimed at enhancing life in Carroll, Haralson, and Heard Counties in Georgia. Established in 2004, the fund supports nonprofits that engage communities and strengthen leadership. Eligible applicants include 501c3 organizations operating within these counties, focusing on initiatives that promote civic education and community involvement.
Civic Leadership Development All fields of work

Bank of America Minority Student Scholarship

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Private
Palm Beach County, Florida
Unspecified amount

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.

Bank of America Minority Student Scholarship

Scholarship Eligibility

  • Graduating minority high school senior
  • Intends to major in business or finance
  • Palm Beach County resident

Education - Higher Education

Donald Franklin and Marilyn Good Holdren Scholarship

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Donald Franklin and Marilyn Good Holdren Scholarship

Marilyn Good Holdren was born in 1938 in Chillicothe, OH. She received her formal education at Huntington High School and Franklin School of Science and Arts. She served as a medical transcriptionist at Chillicothe Hospital for eight years, and spent the remainder of her life dedicated wo her work and friends at Battelle Memorial Institute. In 1963, she met the love of her life, Donald Franklin Holdren, and in 1975, they were married.

Education - Higher Education

Medical Contributions

Sanofi Corporate Giving
Corporate
United States
Unspecified amount
Sanofi Genzyme offers support for medical contributions aimed at Health Care Professionals and Scientific Experts, ensuring no direct benefits to the company. The program includes financial contributions for independent medical education, scholarships, fellowships, and research projects in therapeutic areas of interest. Sanofi maintains a hands-off approach, emphasizing the autonomy of recipients and the integrity of educational content. For more details, please refer to the Sanofi website.
Medical Education & Professional Training

World Trade Center Scholarship (NJ)

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
State/Local Government
New Jersey, United States
Unspecified amount
The World Trade Center Scholarship in New Jersey provides financial support to dependent children and surviving spouses of residents who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. Administered by HESAA, this scholarship covers tuition, fees, and other educational costs at eligible institutions. Applicants must be full-time students and maintain satisfactory academic progress. The award amount varies each year based on funding and need, ensuring that assistance is available to those who have lost financial support due to these tragic events.
Education - Higher Education

Governor's Urban Scholarship (NJ)

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Unspecified amount
The Governor's Urban Scholarship (NJ) is a merit-based program by HESAA designed to support high-achieving students from designated New Jersey communities. Eligibility is determined by high school rankings, requiring students to be in the top 5% with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. No application is needed; schools submit eligible candidates directly to HESAA. This initiative not only promotes academic excellence but also enhances educational opportunities for students in underserved areas.
Education - Higher Education

NJ STARS Scholarship (NJ)

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Unspecified amount
The NJ STARS Scholarship, managed by HESAA, offers financial support to New Jersey high school graduates who rank in the top 15% of their class. This merit-based scholarship covers tuition for up to 18 credit hours per semester at local community colleges for eligible students. To qualify, students must enroll full-time and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Funding is subject to state appropriations, ensuring that education remains accessible for deserving students.
Education - Higher Education

Edward T. Bedford Foundation Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Private
Martin County, Florida, Palm Beach County, Florida
Unspecified amount

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.

Edward T. Bedford Foundation Scholarship Fund

About the Fund

The Bedford Foundation was established in 1994 by Palm Beach resident E. T. Bedford Davie, and is named in honor of his maternal grandfather, Edward T. Bedford.

Edward was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1849. He worked initially as a salesman for Charles Pratt & Co., selling lubricating and heating oils. Through collaboration with his friend, Robert Chesebrough, he helped develop and market the petroleum byproduct now more commonly known as Vaseline. Edward later became a sales agent for Standard Oil, and was named a director in 1903. He was a personal friend of John D. Rockefeller and his business acumen was highly regarded.

Education - Higher Education

Community Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Private
Martin County, Florida, Palm Beach County, Florida
Unspecified amount

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.

Community Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Eligibility

  • Graduating high school senior from any Palm Beach or Martin County high school

Education - Higher Education

Colonial Bank Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Private
Palm Beach County, Florida
Unspecified amount

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.

Colonial Bank Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Eligibility

  • Graduating high school senior from Palm Beach Lakes or Santaluces High School
  • Must have maintained a 2.5 GPA or better while in high school
  • Preference to minority students
  • Demonstrate financial need

Education - Higher Education

George Family Foundation: Whole-Person Health and Wellbeing

George Family Foundation
Private
Alameda County, California, Contra Costa County, California +9 more
Unspecified amount
The George Family Foundation focuses on Whole-Person Health and Wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of nurturing mind, body, spirit, and community. The foundation seeks to empower individuals and promote healthcare choice by funding community-based initiatives and select medical systems. Their funding priorities include enhancing access to whole-person care for diverse populations and supporting professional training programs for practitioners, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
Integrative & Alternative Health

Student Trauma Notification (TN) Grant Program

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
State/Local Government
California
US $1 - US $214,999
Violence Prevention School Safety

Claire B. Schultz Memorial Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Private
Martin County, Florida, Palm Beach County, Florida
Unspecified amount

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.

Claire B. Schultz Memorial Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Eligibility

  • Graduating high school senior from any Palm Beach or Martin County high school.
  • Funds to be used for tuition only.
  • Preference to those who self-identify as a member of a minority group and those with disabilities.
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA.

Education - Higher Education

Kansas Hero's Scholarship

Kansas Board of Regents
State/Local Government
Kansas
Unspecified amount
The Kansas Hero's Scholarship provides tuition waivers for eligible dependents and spouses of deceased or disabled public safety officers and military personnel attending public postsecondary institutions in Kansas. This scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants should submit their applications early as funding is limited. Waivers only cover tuition and required fees for undergraduate courses, with students responsible for other academic costs.
Education - Higher Education

Ian Adams Van Heyde Memorial Culinary Scholarship at Columbus State Community College

The Columbus Foundation
Private
Franklin County, Ohio
More than US $1,500

Ian Adams Van Heyde Memorial Culinary Scholarship at Columbus State Community College

Ian was the first ever high school student to work on the line at a Cameron Mitchell Restaurant – Martini’s. This work experience, together with the encouragement given to Ian to pursue his culinary dream, had a profound positive influence on Ian. This scholarship is awarded each year by Ian’s parents (a.) to show their appreciation for the opportunity and support given to their son by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, and (b.) to recognize the contributions of Cameron Mitchell to the Columbus community in general, and to the restaurant industry in particular.

Award Amount:

  • Minimum $1,500
Culinary Arts 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.