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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

GF Scholarship Programs: The Daniel Gerber, Sr. Medallion Scholarship

Gerber Foundation
Private
Newaygo County, Michigan
US $11,500
The Daniel Gerber, Sr. Medallion Scholarship, provided by the Gerber Foundation, supports students graduating from select school districts in Newaygo County, Michigan. Eligible students must maintain a GPA of 3.71 or higher and plan to attend accredited post-secondary programs. The scholarship awards $11,500 for educational expenses, including tuition and books. Selection criteria include academic achievements, recommendations, and community involvement. This initiative aims to enhance the educational opportunities for local youth, aligning with the Foundation's mission to improve children's health and well-being.
Academic Scholarship Programs

21st Century California School Leadership Academy

California Department of Education
State/Local Government
California
Up to US $2,000,000

21st Century California School Leadership Academy, Cohort 3

California Education Code Section 44690(c)(1) directs the California Department of Education (CDE), the State Board of Education (SBE) and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) to select providers of professional learning for administrators and other school leaders. The professional learning through the 21CSLA will be free of charge to local educational agencies that receive federal Title II funds.

Description:

The CDE, SBE, and CCEE will select one awardee to serve as the 21CSLA Center and up to seven awardees to serve as 21CSLA Regional Academies. Please note that the Center application is a renewal. Only the current 21CSLA Center may apply. Awardees, supported by the CDE, CCEE, and SBE, will work collaboratively within the Statewide System of Support (SOS) to build the capacity of educational leaders statewide through professional learning aligned to the California Professional Standards for Education Leaders (CPSEL) and the Quality Professional Learning Standards (QPLS). A goal of this program is to have a Regional Academy located in each of the seven Geographic Lead Agency boundaries. 

Teacher Development & Training

Rich Meiers Health Administration Fund

Hawai'i Community Foundation
Private
Hawaii
Unspecified amount
The Rich Meiers Health Administration Fund, established in 2009, offers scholarships to college juniors, seniors, or graduate students pursuing degrees in hospital or health care administration. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.7, demonstrate financial need, and be residents of Hawaii attending a local college or university. Preference is given to recipients who were awarded in the previous year and continue to meet eligibility criteria. This fund supports future leaders in health care.
Medical Education & Professional Training

GF Scholarship Programs: Merit Scholarship

Gerber Foundation
Private
Muskegon County, Michigan, Newaygo County, Michigan +1 more
Unspecified amount
The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship supports students graduating from select high schools in Newaygo, Muskegon, and Oceana Counties, with a GPA between 2.00 and 3.70. The scholarship provides $2,800 for post-secondary education, covering tuition, books, and required fees. Selection is based on academic achievements and community involvement. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for local youth, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Youth Empowered Philanthropy Grants

Community Foundation Of Greater Fort Wayne Inc
Private
Allen County, Indiana
US $1,000 - US $5,000
Youth Empowered Philanthropy (YEP) is a transformative program offered by the Community Foundation that teaches students in grades 10-12 about charitable giving. By empowering youth to make impactful decisions with real funding, YEP fosters a vibrant community in Allen County. Participants learn about nonprofit organizations, grantmaking, and develop essential skills like public speaking and critical thinking. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, and applications are reviewed by YEP members, ensuring youth engagement in philanthropy.
Youth Services

GF Scholarship Programs: The Gerber Foundation Career –Tech Scholarship

Gerber Foundation
Private
Newaygo County, Michigan
More than US $1,000
The Gerber Foundation offers the Career-Tech Scholarship for students graduating from Newaygo County Career-Technical Center. The scholarship aims to support students in pursuing education beyond high school, whether in traditional colleges, universities, or trade schools. Applicants must be seniors at the time of application. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life for young children and their families, focusing on essential areas such as health, nutrition, and educational development.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Career-Focused Vocational Education (CFVE) Scholarship Program

Bristol Bay Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Career-Focused Vocational Education (CFVE) Scholarship Program supports Bristol Bay Native Corporation shareholders and their descendants in pursuing vocational training for careers such as piloting, maritime, and cosmetology. This initiative emphasizes cultural heritage and aims to enhance long-term employment opportunities in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska. Eligible applicants must have a high school diploma and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 while enrolled in an approved program.
Vocational & Trade Education

Artist Catalyst Grants

Virginia Commission for the Arts
State/Local Government
Virginia
Up to US $500

Artist Catalyst Grants

Projects that support Virginia artists in advancing their creative practice.

Description

The Artist Catalyst Grant offers one-time support of up to $500 to help artists reach a new point in their development, either by enhancing their craft, accessing a unique opportunity, engaging with the public, or completing a significant project. As a guiding principle, the funded activity should serve as a catalyst, helping to enhance the artist’s practice or career trajectory. Requests most likely to be awarded will clearly articulate compelling before-and-after impact, demonstrating how this investment enables new skills, opportunities, visibility, or momentum that would not occur without the grant.

Artist Training & Development

Stephen H. Wilder Foundation Grant

Stephen H. Wilder Foundation
Private
Hamilton County, Ohio
US $5,000 - US $10,000
The Stephen H. Wilder Foundation Grant supports innovative public policy projects in Cincinnati, focusing on political discourse and informed policy. Established in the 1940s, the foundation allocates funding primarily for studies affecting civic issues in the region. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, aimed at fostering initiatives that engage the community in meaningful discussions on civic matters.
Public Policy

KAC | Kansas Touring Roster Visiting Artists Program Grant

Kansas Department of Commerce
State/Local Government
Kansas
US $1,000 - US $10,000

Kansas Touring Roster Visiting Artists Program

Bringing the arts to every corner of Kansas

Kansas Touring Roster Visiting Artists grants provide funding for eligible organizations to engage and deepen the impact of arts programming on local and underserved audiences through exposure to and interaction with professional visiting artists from the Kansas Touring Roster. Presenters may book artists in any discipline, not just in performing arts. Projects should strive to integrate an arts discipline into non-arts content areas, help interpret an exhibition, performance or presentation, and support community development goals and objectives.

Please visit the Kansas Touring Roster page for information about available artists.

Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Riverside Hospital Foundation: Innovation Grants

Riverside Hospital Foundation
Private
Baker County, Florida, Clay County, Florida +3 more
Unspecified amount
The Riverside Hospital Foundation offers Innovation Grants to support new healthcare initiatives in Northeast Florida. Established in 1991, the Foundation aims to enhance access to quality healthcare across five counties: Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofits, as well as faith-based organizations. Grants focus on projects with measurable outcomes, self-sustaining funding, and the potential for replication, all aimed at improving healthcare delivery and effectiveness in the region.
Health Care Access & Delivery

Maine Poet Laureate Grant

Maine Arts Commission
State/Local Government
Maine
US $5,000
The Maine Arts Commission is seeking applicants for the role of Maine State Poet Laureate, a five-year appointment starting July 1, 2026. This prestigious program, established in 1995, aims to honor a distinguished Maine poet and promote poetry statewide. The selected laureate will engage the community through various initiatives and receive an annual honorarium of $5,000. Eligible candidates must be full-time Maine residents with a notable body of poetic work.
Poetry

NC Dental Foundation: Dental Public Health Award

North Carolina Dental Society Foundation
Association/Society
North Carolina
US $1,500
The N.C. Dental Society Foundation announces the Dental Public Health Award, offering $1,500 to deserving organizations at the Fall 2023 Education Conference. Eligible nominees include tax-exempt nonprofits or government agencies committed to improving oral health outcomes, access to dental services, and public education on preventative practices. Self-nominations are encouraged. Note that past recipients from 2022 must wait until 2024 to apply.
Dental Health

NC Dental Foundation: Endowment Grant Program

North Carolina Dental Society Foundation
Association/Society
North Carolina
Up to US $5,000
The North Carolina Dental Society Foundation is launching its Endowment Grant Program to support oral health initiatives across North Carolina. Up to four qualifying nonprofit organizations will receive $5,000 each to enhance dental care accessibility and improve health outcomes for both children and adults. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and government agencies dedicated to fostering oral health education and services.
Dental Health

Alice Kane Dahl Nursing Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Alice Kane Dahl Nursing Scholarship at Montana State University supports full-time students pursuing a degree from the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. Established in 1893, MSU is committed to providing access to transformative education. This scholarship is part of the university's broader initiative to offer financial assistance to incoming students, ensuring that aspiring nurses can fulfill their educational goals and contribute to the healthcare field.
Education - Higher Education

James C. Gaither Junior Fellowships at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (2025-10-10)

Harvard University
Private
United States
US $47,000
The James C. Gaither Junior Fellowships at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace offer approximately fourteen 10-12 month fellowships annually to graduating seniors or recent graduates. These fellowships enable Junior Fellows to assist senior associates with research, co-author publications, and engage with policymakers. To be eligible, applicants must be nominated by participating universities and must not have enrolled in graduate studies. This program aims to cultivate a new generation of policy experts committed to global peace.
Education - Higher Education

Alice J. Jones LRES Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Alice J. Jones LRES Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences. Eligible applicants must be juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5, though a 3.0 GPA is preferred. This scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to providing transformative educational opportunities, fostering academic excellence and supporting future leaders in agriculture and environmental sciences.
Education - Higher Education

Indiana Youth Institute: Professional Development Grants

Indiana Youth Institute
Private
Indiana
Up to US $750
The Indiana Youth Institute offers Professional Development Grants to support youth-serving professionals in Indiana. These grants provide funding for conferences, workshops, and training to enhance skills and improve student success. Eligible applicants include staff and volunteers from tax-exempt organizations that serve Indiana youth. The program aims to strengthen professional practices, ensuring that applicants can effectively support the needs of children and youth in their communities.
Youth Services Nonprofit Growth & Development

SMAC: Quick Support for Artists

Southwest Minnesota Arts Council
Private
Big Stone County, Minnesota, Chippewa County, Minnesota +16 more
Up to US $1,000

Quick Support for Artists

Provides artists with up to $1,000 for activities such as purchasing supplies, attending classes, and small artist-led community projects. All arts disciplines are accepted, and artists at any stage of their career may apply.

Artist Training & Development

SMAC: Artist Growth Grants

Southwest Minnesota Arts Council
Private
Big Stone County, Minnesota, Chippewa County, Minnesota +16 more
Up to US $4,000
The SMAC Artist Growth Grants support artists at any career stage in the SW MN region, promoting artistic development and audience expansion. Grants of up to $4,000 cover costs such as supplies, mentorship, workshops, and studio rentals. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of the area, at least 18 years old, and may have only one pending application at a time. Ineligible projects include those lacking an art focus or tied to for-profit activities.
Artist Training & Development

Philip & Louise Wang Scholarship Fund

Hawai'i Community Foundation
Private
Hawaii, United States
Unspecified amount
The Philip & Louise Wang Scholarship Fund, established by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation in 2022, aims to support U.S. residents who demonstrate financial need, academic merit, and good character while attending accredited post-high school institutions. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to first-generation college students and previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This initiative embodies our vision of a thriving and equitable Hawai‘i.
Academic Success & Enrichment

Ottawa Valley Chapter Scholarship

American Society Of Heating Refrigerating & A C Engineers
Private
Canada
US $3,000
The Ottawa Valley Chapter Scholarship, sponsored by the American Society of Heating Refrigerating & A C Engineers, supports full-time undergraduate students in mechanical, architectural, sustainability, or building science engineering. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific criteria such as being enrolled at institutions with recognized ASHRAE student branches or accredited programs. This scholarship encourages those aiming for careers in the HVAC&R profession, promoting a sustainable built environment.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Kansas Nonprofit Apprenticeship Grant Program

Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship
State/Local Government
Kansas
Up to US $2,750

Office of Registered Apprenticeship

Our Mission: To meet the needs of the Kansas economy and its citizens, the office of Apprenticeship will actively grow a robust system that supports our apprenticeship stakeholders, sponsors, intermediaries and apprentices. We do this by strategically empowering partnerships that serve a diverse and inclusive workforce through occupational proficiency, for generations to come.

Apprenticeship Grant for Nonprofits and Healthcare Institutions

Kansas Nonprofit Apprenticeship Grant Program

This grant program is open to eligible nonprofit employers (having 501(c)3 status) and nonprofit health care employers that employ an apprentice pursuant to a registered apprenticeship agreement. The amount of the grant is up to $2,750 for each employed apprentice, not to exceed 20 such grants in any taxable year per eligible employer and up to 4 years per apprentice.

Kansas Apprenticeship Tax and Grant Act

Effective July 1, 2023, Governor Kelly signed into law the Kansas Apprenticeship Act (Act), which establishes a tax credit and grant incentive programs for apprenticeships and creates a matching grant program. This act establishes an incentive fund for businesses and non-profits hiring registered apprentices. It is separated into 3 specific areas including $7.5 million in tax credits to for-profit businesses, $2.5 million for non-profits and healthcare, and $3 million for K-12 Education. The incentive fund is a use it or lose it fund as it does not allow for carry over funding nor building value. It also does not have a sunset clause

Apprenticeship & Internship Programs

Event Sponsorship

Pfund Foundation
Private
Iowa, Minnesota +3 more
US $250 - US $1,000
PFund Foundation supports LGBTQ+ communities in the Upper Midwest by providing event sponsorship funding for various gatherings, including fundraisers and pride festivals. Organizations eligible for funding must align with the foundation's mission, serve LGBTQ+ individuals, and be registered as 501c3 nonprofit entities. Events must be located within the foundation's service area and be scheduled at least 60 days in advance. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and support.
LGBTQIA+ Services

Tuition Aid Program

McInerny Foundation
Private
Hawaii
Unspecified amount
The Tuition Aid Program offers grants to educational institutions in Hawaii serving children from preschool to 12th grade, excluding church schools. The program encourages schools to seek multiple funding sources and allows for one request per organization annually. Notably, schools must be accredited or actively pursuing accreditation to qualify. The program aims to support educational access while maintaining fiscal responsibility and inclusivity.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Family Power Fund : Planning/New Partner Grants

Headwaters Foundation Inc
Private
Beaverhead County, Montana, Deer Lodge County, Montana +13 more
Up to US $75,000
The Family Power Fund, managed by the Headwaters Foundation, empowers youth, parents, and caregivers to influence health-related policies through leadership development and advocacy. With grants of up to $75,000, it supports organizations that engage with families facing significant health barriers, including low-income, Indigenous, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities. The fund emphasizes building family leadership, fostering coalitions, and changing narratives to improve public health outcomes in Western Montana.
Family Services

Family Power Fund : General Operating Grants

Headwaters Foundation Inc
Private
Beaverhead County, Montana, Deer Lodge County, Montana +13 more
Up to US $150,000
The Family Power Fund, established by the Headwaters Foundation, empowers youth, parents, and caregivers to influence health-related policies and systems. By supporting nonprofits that foster leadership, advocacy, and storytelling, the fund aims to address health disparities impacting families, particularly those facing significant barriers. With grants of up to $150,000, it prioritizes organizations that engage these communities and promote their voices in decision-making. This initiative is critical for driving health equity across Western Montana.
Family Services

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.