Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region. We envision San Luis Obispo County as an inclusive haven where everyone, regardless of background, feels free to fully participate. In collaboration with our community partners and donors, we seek to foster a safe, respectful environment with ample opportunity for all to reach their potential and contribute to the success of our community.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Program was established in 2000 by generous individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to ensure students can pursue their educational dreams. We administer a variety of scholarships for high school seniors and college students. The program awards more than 65 scholarships totaling over $420,000. All scholarships have individual criteria, deadline and requirements.

Vineyard and Farm Worker's Scholarship

The Vineyard and Farm Worker’s Scholarship was established by Brian and Johnine Talley and supports higher education for the children of vineyard and farm workers.

Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region. We envision San Luis Obispo County as an inclusive haven where everyone, regardless of background, feels free to fully participate. In collaboration with our community partners and donors, we seek to foster a safe, respectful environment with ample opportunity for all to reach their potential and contribute to the success of our community.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Program was established in 2000 by generous individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to ensure students can pursue their educational dreams. We administer a variety of scholarships for high school seniors and college students. The program awards more than 65 scholarships totaling over $420,000. All scholarships have individual criteria, deadline and requirements.

Travel Paso Scholarship

This scholarship supports students in the Paso Robles region and/or children of local tourism/hospitality workers.

The Chun Foundation Grant Program supports medical research and care for children under 15 in Hawaii. Established in 1994, the foundation honors the legacy of its founder's family by providing financial assistance to community organizations that help children with diseases. Eligible recipients must be local children in need, and funds are allocated for medical expenses not covered by insurance, including transportation costs for treatment. This initiative aims to alleviate the healthcare burden on families.

The Light Awards provide funding up to $30,000 over two years for professional learning projects designed by teachers. Targeting teams of educators, the program aims to enhance teaching effectiveness and student inspiration. Eligible projects must demonstrate potential for widespread impact and foster a community of practice. Applicants must be full-time teachers in California, and the program supports innovative training, tool development, and collaboration while ensuring adherence to specific guidelines regarding team composition and project funding restrictions.

The PLTW Computer Science program, in partnership with Emerson NI, aims to inspire students through hands-on STEM learning experiences. This initiative is designed to support public and charter schools in Texas, providing grant funding for the 2026-2027 academic year. With a total award of $10,000, the program encourages schools to implement PLTW Computer Science courses, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for future engineers and problem solvers.

Jacob L. and Ella C. Loose Foundation Grant 

The Jacob L. and Ella C. Loose Foundation supports organizations working to strengthen the lives of children and families across Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri.

Grant Focus:

In 2026, the Loose Foundation’s Board will be considering local nonprofits for the Empower Together event. This special gathering creates space for connection—bringing the Loose Foundation together with organizations to learn more about their work and to celebrate a shared commitment to helping children and families thrive in Kansas City.

Eligibility Requirements: Eligible applicants include organizations that focus on serving children and families within Kansas City, Missouri and/or Jackson County, Missouri.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion, in partnership with Emerson NI, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grant support to schools looking to expand their PLTW Engineering programs starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a total award of $10,000, this initiative focuses on inspiring students through hands-on learning experiences. Schools in specific Texas counties, particularly those with high female and minority enrollment, are encouraged to apply, fostering diversity and innovation in engineering education.

The PLTW Engineering New Program, in partnership with Emerson NI, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grant support of $10,000 to schools implementing PLTW Engineering courses in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative focuses on engaging students through hands-on learning experiences and promoting diversity in engineering. Eligible public and charter schools in select Texas counties are encouraged to apply, especially those with high female and underrepresented minority enrollment.

The Yellow Springs Endowment for Education Grants supports innovative educational initiatives within the Yellow Springs Exempted Village Schools. By funding programs that foster creativity, excellence, and diversity, the grants aim to enhance educational experiences for students. Applications require endorsement from the school superintendent and are open to faculty, staff, and students, promoting collaborative efforts for impactful projects. This initiative reflects the commitment of the Yellow Springs Community Foundation to strengthen local education.

The Darryl and Susanne Shoff Fund, managed by the Berks County Community Foundation, offers vital veterinary care for animals in life-threatening situations. This fund specifically assists pet owners in Berks County who are unable to afford necessary life-saving treatments for their beloved pets. Through this initiative, the fund aims to alleviate the financial burden on families, ensuring that no animal suffers due to lack of resources.

The BISA Attendance Improvement Fund, managed by the Berks County Community Foundation, offers grants of up to $1,000 to enhance school attendance in Berks County. This initiative supports programs that encourage regular school attendance, leading to better academic performance and overall student well-being. Schools are invited to apply for funding to implement specific attendance improvement initiatives within designated time frames, fostering collaboration among educational institutions.

The Penny Jar Fund, established by Dorothy Lehman Hoerr, provides essential financial assistance to undergraduate students in Berks County, Pennsylvania, facing unexpected crises. Grants support non-tuition needs such as living expenses, books, and transportation. This initiative honors Earl Lehman, who helped his daughter through college during a challenging time by saving pennies. The fund aims to alleviate financial burdens and ensure students can focus on their education without the stress of unforeseen expenses.

The Scientific Achievement Award in Drug Discovery and Development honors exceptional researchers who have significantly advanced the fields of drug discovery and development. This award recognizes contributions across various therapeutic modalities and invites nominations from ASPET members in good standing. Awardees will present at the ASPET Annual Meeting, receive travel reimbursement, complimentary registration, and a commemorative plaque, celebrating their impactful work in enhancing drug development processes.

The Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical provides a unique opportunity for exceptional New Hampshire public school teachers to take a year-long leave of absence. This award allows teachers to engage in a self-designed project that fosters new ideas and enhances classroom teaching. Funded by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, this sabbatical aims to inspire educators and improve educational practices through innovative exploration and professional growth.

The Make/Shift Pitch Haus Competition, hosted by CultureSource, aims to celebrate Michigan's vibrant creative community by awarding four grants of $25,000 each. This initiative supports artists, makers, and cultural entrepreneurs who contribute to the state's identity and economic growth. Participants will utilize a versatile shipping container for various artistic activations, fostering collaboration and innovation. By investing in creative talents, Pitch Haus not only enhances cultural expression but also aids in talent retention and community development across Michigan.

The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students, established by the 2011 North Carolina General Assembly, provides financial assistance to residents attending private colleges in North Carolina. Eligible students must be undergraduates enrolled in at least 6 credit hours, demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA, and not hold a previous bachelor’s degree. This program aims to support those with a Student Aid Index of 15,000 or less, ensuring access to higher education.

The Arts Education Community Impact Grant, provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to enhance arts education through sustainable, community-driven initiatives. This three-year funding opportunity encourages partnerships among K-12 public schools, nonprofit arts organizations, and local agencies to address gaps in arts education. By emphasizing collaborative efforts and shared leadership, the grant seeks to create lasting systemic change, ensuring high-quality arts learning for all Tennessee K-12 students while supporting innovative projects and community engagement.

The Beyond Print Grant Program by The Lenfest Institute aims to support independent local newspapers in transitioning from print to digital formats. With funding of up to $400,000, the program encourages innovative strategies to enhance digital sustainability and engage younger audiences. Eligible applicants must demonstrate leadership commitment and focus on specified areas like communications, customer service, and digital revenue. This initiative is vital for fostering new revenue models and ensuring access to local journalism in the digital age.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, offers substantial support for journalism education through competitive scholarships totaling up to $700,000. This prestigious program includes various competitions covering writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia, allowing students from ACEJMC-accredited institutions to showcase their talents. Additionally, the Hearst Foundation promotes educational and charitable initiatives across the country, contributing over a billion dollars to various fields. This program encourages the next generation of journalists to excel in their craft.

The Terry and Deborah Mitchel Scholarship provides a $1,000 scholarship to undergraduate students entering their second, third, or fourth year at a Missouri college or university. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and submit a transcript along with an essay. This scholarship is offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, which aims to enhance the quality of life in the region through resource development and community engagement.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports college journalism education by awarding scholarships and grants for excellence in journalism. The 2024-2025 program offers $700,000 across various competitions in writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia, allowing each university to submit two entries per competition. Open to undergraduate journalism majors and minors, this program aims to encourage student participation and recognizes outstanding journalistic work in diverse formats.

The South Arts State Fellowship offers a $5,000 grant to artists reflecting the rich visual arts culture of the Southern U.S. It aims to support individual artists or collaborative teams creating original works. Each state will select one awardee based on artistic excellence. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and provide proof of residency. The application deadline is December 10, 2025, and awardees must attend an awards ceremony in summer 2026.

Seattle Foundation

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship

These $5,000 college scholarships are awarded annually to female-identifying students in the graduating senior class at Mercer Island High School (MIHS), Chief Sealth International High School (CSIHS), and Rainier Beach High School (RBHS). Students should demonstrate commitment to the values and goals embodied in the life and work of Dr. Stanley Ann Dunham, a 1960 Mercer Island High School graduate, anthropologist, and mother of the 44th President of the United States, Barack H. Obama, and Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng.

National Association for Plant Breeding

We are the culmination of a grass roots effort by plant breeders from around the USA to engender support for the work of plant breeders and to raise public awareness for the important work of plant breeders. We are led by an all-volunteer team nominated and elected by the membership.

The NAPB has a diverse membership of public and private sector scientists working to improve a wide variety of plants and graduate students working towards advanced degrees in plant breeding. We meet annually during the summer months enabling field tours to walk among the plants that our hosts are working to improve.

The National Association for Plant Breeding was formed as an organization to advance excellence in research, education and outreach in the field of plant improvement. 

NAPB Borlaug Graduate Scholars

The Borlaug Scholars program for graduate students was established by the National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) and funded through the Agronomic Science Foundation (ASF). Our aim is to develop the next generation of plant breeding leaders. Students attending U.S. universities looking to enter the workforce in less than two years are encouraged to apply. Self-nominations are encouraged. Borlaug Scholars will be paired with volunteer mentors who are professional NAPB members committeed to the professional development of the recipients. Each recipient will receive financial support for travel, lodging, and meals to participate in the NAPB Annual Meeting (or similar, if virtual meetings). Gratis meeting registration and student membership in NAPB, for non-members, is included.

The James R. Gillette Award recognizes two exceptional papers published in Drug Metabolism and Disposition each year, one in Drug Metabolism and the other in Disposition and Pharmacokinetics. The award includes an invitation for the first author to present at the annual meeting, travel support, complimentary registration, and a cash prize of $250. Selections are made based on manuscript reviews, with winners announced in January or February.

The Teacher Grants for Innovation program, funded by the Georgia Department of Education, supports public school teachers in Georgia with innovative projects aimed at enhancing student learning. Grants range from $500 to $2,500 and are awarded on a rolling basis, with applications due by the 15th of each month. This initiative encourages teachers to implement creative ideas that can significantly impact their students' educational experiences.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

The Maria Gomez Dream Scholarship

Sponsored by the MG Dream Foundation, the Maria Gomez Dream Scholarship was established in memory of a friend and daughter who lost her battle with cancer in 2014. Maria cared about her community, giving her time and talents to make the world a better place. Through this scholarship, the MG Dream Foundation honors Maria by supporting college-bound youth in pursuit of higher education. Our vision is to set forth a ripple effect and create a positive generational change in students' lives.