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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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32,241 Results based on applied filters

Helen and Mario Garbin Scholarship

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation
Private
United States
Approximately US $500
The Helen and Mario Garbin Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students from NCCF's 20-town service area pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. With an average award of $500, this scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering education and community engagement. The foundation emphasizes attentive grant-making and collaboration to address local needs, ensuring that donors and organizations effectively work together for impactful results.
Academic Scholarship Programs

The Genung Scholarship

Arizona Community Foundation
Private
Arizona
Unspecified amount

The Genung Scholarship

The Genung Scholarship Fund was established as a generous lasting legacy of Normal & Eleanor Genung. The scholarship is intended to support first-generation college students with gaps between their cost of attendance and financial aid package, while attending any public Arizona post-secondary institution. Recipients may be eligible to renew their awards for up to 4 years, if good academic standing is maintained.

Education - Higher Education

VAF: Resident Grant Program

ACVO Vision for Animals Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Up to US $7,500
The ACVO Vision for Animals Foundation provides research grants of up to $7,500 annually to residents in ABVO-approved veterinary ophthalmology programs. Funding covers research supplies, publication costs, and limited travel expenses. Eligibility requires mentorship by an ABVO-approved faculty member and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval for animal-related experiments. Funded research results must be presented at the Annual ACVO Conference. Note that salaries and major equipment costs are not supported.
Veterinary Science & Services

Foundations in Industry Training (FIT) Grant Program

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
State/Local Government
Pennsylvania
US $9,000
The Foundations in Industry Training (FIT) Grant Program aims to enhance apprenticeship opportunities in Pennsylvania by supporting registered programs. It provides funding for eligible applicants to cover instructional costs that complement on-the-job training. The program allows sponsors to request up to $3,000 per apprentice annually for a maximum of three years, enabling employers to recruit and develop talent effectively. For detailed guidelines, refer to the FAQs provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Apprenticeship & Internship Programs

Taylor Family Scholarship

Delaware Community Foundation
Private
Kent County, Delaware, New Castle County, Delaware
US $6,000

Taylor Family Scholarship

Award:

One time award of $6,000. Student may re-apply if awarded their Junior year

Education - Higher Education

Sharon Orloski Scholarship

The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain
Private
Connecticut
US $500 - US $30,000
The Sharon Orloski Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports students at Central Connecticut State University pursuing degrees in life sciences. This scholarship particularly favors women demonstrating commitment and potential in scientific fields, aiming to enhance academic achievement and promote women's representation in the life sciences. With a focus on fostering future leaders, it reflects the Foundation's mission to inspire philanthropy and address community challenges through education.
Education - Higher Education

Marjorie and Robert Schaumleffel Rotary Scholarship

Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Marjorie and Robert Schaumleffel Rotary Scholarship

This scholarship, in memory of Robert and Marjorie Schaumleffel, is for a graduating senior of Olean, Portville, Archbishop Walsh, or Allegany-Limestone who is an active member of of the Rotary Interact Club and displays a value in "service above self."

Education - Higher Education

Philip L. Bartlett Scholarship

Delaware Community Foundation
Private
New Castle County, Delaware
US $5,000

Philip L. Bartlett Scholarship

Award:

One time award of $5,000. 

Education - Higher Education

Nellie G. Allen Curiosity Shop Scholarship

Delaware Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000

Nellie G. Allen Curiosity Shop Scholarship

Award:

  • One-time award of $1,000.
Education - Higher Education

Eastern Star, Vesper Chapter, Scholarship

Beatrice Educational Foundation
Association/Society
Gage County, Nebraska
US $500
The Eastern Star, Vesper Chapter, Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 award to a Beatrice High School senior who exemplifies good citizenship and moral character, regardless of academic performance or financial status. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District, managing a $3.8 million endowment and distributing over $55,000 in scholarships annually.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Champion At Large Scholarship

Cherokee Nation Foundation
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The Champion At Large Scholarship, offered by the Cherokee Nation Foundation, supports Cherokee Nation citizens who are full-time students or graduating high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This one-year scholarship is specifically for those residing outside the Cherokee Nation jurisdiction and accepted into a two-year or four-year higher education institution. It aims to alleviate student debt and enhance educational opportunities for Cherokee students.
Education - Higher Education

Margaret A. Stafford Nursing Scholarship

Delaware Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $2,000

Margaret A. Stafford Nursing Scholarship

Award:

  • One time award of $2,000. 
Education - Higher Education

Michael J. & Hannah George Koziski College Scholarship

Delaware Community Foundation
Private
Henrico County, Virginia, Kent County, Delaware +2 more
Up to US $4,000

Michael J. & Hannah George Koziski College Scholarship

Awards:

4-year award of $10,000 each year, renewable if GPA of 3.0 is maintained

Education - Higher Education

Julie H. Shenk Memorial Scholarship

Delaware Community Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000

Julie H. Shenk Memorial Scholarship

Award:

  • One time award of $1,000.
Education - Higher Education

PDCED: Flood Mitigation Grant Program

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
State/Local Government
Pennsylvania
Up to US $500,000
The PDCED Flood Mitigation Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, supports projects aimed at reducing flood risks across the state. It allocates funds from the Marcellus Legacy Fund to eligible applicants for projects costing $50,000 or more. This initiative is crucial for communities facing flood challenges, ensuring they receive the necessary resources to implement effective mitigation strategies.
Disaster Preparedness

Artist Support Grants - Edgecombe, Greene, Nash, Pitt, Wayne and Wilson Counties

North Carolina Arts Council
State/Local Government
Edgecombe County, North Carolina, Greene County, North Carolina +4 more
US $500 - US $1,000

About

What are Artist Support Grants?

Artist Support Grants is a program funded by the N.C. Arts Council to provide the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions.

Application Information

  • Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge 
    • Primary Contact: Holly Garriott
    • Phone: 252-551-6947
    • Email: holly@pittcountyarts.org
    • Web: https://www.pittcountyarts.org/
Artist Training & Development

Spinoso Masters Scholarship

Dekalb County Community Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $10,000

Spinoso Masters Scholarship

Created through the generosity of John and Vivian Spinoso, this Pass Through Fund provides scholarship support for up to $10,000 to deserving students to cover tuition costs of post-undergraduate studies. Eligible applicants must have graduated from a DeKalb County high school but do not need to currently live in DeKalb County, IL.

Education - Higher Education

PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion (PPG Industries)

Project Lead The Way Inc
Private
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Guilford County, North Carolina +2 more
US $5,000
The PLTW Gateway program expansion grant, funded by PPG Industries, aims to support public and charter schools in enhancing their existing PLTW Gateway programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible schools must be located within 25 miles of specified cities and demonstrate a commitment to program growth through activities such as adding new units or training additional teachers. This opportunity fosters STEM education by enabling schools to improve their resources and instructional capabilities.
STEM / STEAM Education

JLB Academic Scholarship

Junior League Of Birmingham Inc
Private
Jefferson County, Alabama, Shelby County, Alabama
US $1,000 - US $2,500
The JLB Academic Scholarship, provided by the Junior League of Birmingham, supports women in their pursuit of higher education. Established in 2012, this annual non-renewable scholarship awards between $1,000 and $2,500 to deserving candidates based on financial need and leadership potential. Eligibility includes residency in Jefferson or Shelby County, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and active community involvement. The scholarship fosters the development of future leaders in Birmingham, emphasizing the importance of women’s leadership.
Education - Higher Education

Nan Riekse Scholarship

Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Nan Riekse Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Nan Riekse, who established the Nan Riekse Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Nan Riekse has a lofty dream; it is her desire to inspire. By establishing the Nan Riekse Scholarship and the Nan Riekse Donor Advised Funds, she has taken an important step toward realizing her dream. Her Scholarship will support non-traditional students attending Muskegon Community College who have financial need. Her scholarships will target adult women who may be attending school after raising their children or perhaps rebuilding their lives following a divorce. The Donor Advised Fund will be used to benefit local churches and a senior care center. Nan is an outstanding example of the "Power of One".

Adult Education

Ravenna Community Educational Foundation Scholarship

Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Ravenna Community Educational Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of many people in the Ravenna Community, who established the Ravenna Community Educational Foundation Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Dolores E. (Dee) Swanson gave the initial gift to start this back in December 2006. At that time it was a Build A Fund, but a gift from Rudolph and Ruth Lonnee put it over the top late in 2007. The Ravenna Community Educational Foundation intends to use it to enhance the quality of education through educational opportunities by generating and distributing financial and other resources for the benefit of the students and staff of the Ravenna Community Schools.

Education - Higher Education

Renaissance Education Scholarship Fund

Dekalb County Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Renaissance Education Scholarship Fund

This Fund was created in 2007 by retired Sycamore teacher Yvonne Johnson and provides scholarship support to an individual who has been in the work force and desires to return to the academic world in pursuit of a college degree. The award is renewable up to three consecutive years following the initial award and can be used for tuition at any accredited university or community college for expenses associated with undergraduate study. The recipient can seek a degree in any field of study, but must demonstrate evidence of interest in the chosen field. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.

Education - Higher Education

Reverend Moses J. Jones Scholarship

Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Reverend Moses J. Jones Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Reverend Moses J. Jones, who established the Reverend Moses J. Jones Endowment Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Born in 1898, Reverend Moses J. Jones was one of Muskegon's most beloved ministers. The Pastor of John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church of Muskegon for 36 years, he founded the Urban League of Muskegon and received numerous honors including the Ambassador of Goodwill Award. Reverend Jones committed his life to building racial harmony in Muskegon. He helped establish this Scholarship in 1982 to make awards to deserving youths based on their contributions to their community, school, and church. Through this, Reverend Moses J. Jones continues to support the values of community awareness and harmony by granting the lasting gift of education to Muskegon-area youth. Reverend Jones died in 1989. His legacy lives on through this fund.

Education - Higher Education

Richard and Betty Cawein Scholarship

Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Private
Durham County, North Carolina, Michigan +1 more
Unspecified amount

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Richard and Betty Cawein Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dick and Betty Cawein, who established the Richard and Betty Cawein Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. In nearly 48 years of marriage, Dick and Betty Cawein had 28 different addresses but they found their way back to the place they really loved, their hometown of Muskegon. After a career in the Navy, Dick was a shop teacher at Mona Shores. Betty was involved with St. Jean?s Church and the Muskegon Garden Club, but they both felt very strongly about education. Dick passed away in 1993 and Betty in 2015, but their love for Muskegon and their passion for education lives on in the Richard and Betty Cawein Scholarship Fund, created with a bequest from Betty?s trust. It will help support students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree who are doing two years at MCC and then going on to one of Michigan's public colleges/universities or Notre Dame or Duke.

Education - Higher Education

MRAC Emergency Relief Grant

Metropolitan Regional Arts Council
Private
Anoka County, Minnesota, Carver County, Minnesota +5 more
Up to US $500
The MRAC Emergency Relief Grant offers $500 to artists in the Twin Cities metro area facing unexpected financial hardships due to personal emergencies or natural disasters. This initiative by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council aims to enhance arts access by supporting individuals actively engaged in creative practices. Eligibility requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and residing in one of the seven metro counties for a minimum of six months prior to application.
Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid

PLTW Gateway - New Program (PPG Industries)

Project Lead The Way Inc
Private
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Guilford County, North Carolina +2 more
US $5,000
The PLTW Gateway grant, funded by PPG Industries, aims to support schools in implementing PLTW Gateway programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Schools must offer two different PLTW units over two years and complete grant reporting. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions in cities like Huntsville, AL, and Detroit, MI. The total grant amount is $10,000, distributed equally over two years, enabling schools to enhance their STEM education offerings.
STEM / STEAM Education

Future Leaders Internship (FLI) Grants

Dekalb County Community Foundation
Private
DeKalb County, Illinois
Up to US $500

What is DCNP?

The DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP) exists to help strengthen nonprofit organizations in DeKalb County. Stronger organizations that are effective, well-run, resilient, efficient, and sustainable can enhance the quality of life in DeKalb County – which is our ultimate purpose!

Mission Statement:

The DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership strengthens the nonprofit sector through leadership, professional development, and collaboration.

Future Leaders Internship (FLI) Grants

DCNP members can apply for matching funds (up to $500, dollar for dollar) to support paid internships. Applications are accepted year-round. 

Apprenticeship & Internship Programs

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.

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.