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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
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The Pittsburgh Foundation
Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.
As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.
Scholarships
The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.
Broecker Memorial Fund
The Broecker Memorial Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to students working to build a future of usefulness and service.
Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.
As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.
Scholarships
The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.
Bradley “Ace” Schaffner Scholarship Fund
The Bradley “Ace” Schaffner Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation in honor of Ace by his parents to provide scholarships for students living in Southwestern Pennsylvania who are pursing a 4-year liberal arts degree.
Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.
Through partnerships and collaboration, Lincoln Community Foundation facilitates positive change for the common good.
Since 1955, we have been privileged to be part of many wonderful legacies by connecting donor generosity to local needs. LCF serves as a faithful steward for many types of philanthropic gifts and helps donors create lasting legacies of giving. With gifts of all sizes from thousands of donors over the years, the assets of LCF have grown to more than $270 million.
Scholarships
Generous donors to Lincoln Community Foundation have established 90 scholarship funds that benefit students in Lancaster County and across the state of Nebraska. For 2025, there were 299 scholarship recipients who received awards that totaled over $606,000.
Glenn and Dorothy Schnieber Scholarship
The Glenn and Dorothy Schnieber Scholarship was established in 2021 by their family. Glenn and Dorothy graduated from Lincoln High School in 1946. Neither of them was able to afford college. They bought a small business from Glenn’s dad and over the next 30 years they grew it into a successful wholesale food distributor, Schnieber Fine Foods. Education was always important to them. In their memory, the donors hope this scholarship will help recipients in Nebraska achieve their educational goals.
Recipients of this scholarship may renew the scholarship for the following year if they maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or above, for a total of two years.
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
Louis F. Oldershaw and Virginia W. Oldershaw Scholarship Fund
To support students in western Massachusetts who are pursuing post secondary studies at a two- or four-year college.
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
Kimber Richter Family Scholarship Fund
To support graduating high school seniors of the Baha’i faith from western Massachusetts.
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
Kenneth C. Robinson/Springfield Accountants Scholarship Fund
MA and Hartford County, CT residents who have completed their college sophomore year pursuing accounting or finance
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
John Ptaszek Family Scholarship Fund
To support graduates of Springfield, MA high schools.
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
Cristobal “Chuck” Perez Scholarship Fund
To support individuals from Hampden County Massachusetts pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree; preference for those involved in athletics or other extracurricular activities
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
Anthony A. Renaud Memorial Scholarship Fund
To support graduating high school seniors from Hampden County or students enrolled at Mount Carmel School in Springfield who have a parent who is deceased; preference for those who have had a parent die from heart disease.
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
Alan H. Rifkin Memorial Scholarship Fund
To support students with a preference for those interested in electronics
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.
Vincent S. and Jane A. Korzeniowski Memorial Scholarship Fund
To support residents of Chicopee.
Additional Guidelines
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.
Captain John Maloney Scholarship Fund
To support residents of Hampden County with at least one award to a graduating high school senior from Chicopee High School.
Additional Guidelines
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
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.
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
Miller Fund
To support residents of the Shelburne Falls Fire District in Franklin County.
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
James Z. Naurison Scholarship Fund, Bank of America, Trustee
To support residents of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties, MA and the towns of Enfield and Suffield, CT
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
Christine Mitus Rose Memorial Scholarship Fund
To support students who have a parent who is deceased; preference for those who have had a parent die from cancer.
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
Stanley Ciejek, Sr. Scholarship Fund
Supporting residents of Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
Ruth L. Brocklebank Memorial Scholarship Fund
Supporting African American graduates of Springfield high schools.
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
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.
Our Mission
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:
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.
Raymond E. Carr Scholarship Fund
Supporting students attending American International College, Elms College, Springfield College, Western New England University or Westfield State University
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.
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.
How common are grants in this category?
Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Private grants for Nonprofits?
Most grants are due in the first quarter.
What's the typical grant amount funded for Private Grants for Nonprofits?
Grants are most commonly $34,887.
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:
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.