Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Menorah Heritage Foundation offers the Jewish Community Grant Cycle to support organizations that serve the Greater Kansas City area. Focus areas include health-related programs and initiatives to foster a vibrant Jewish community. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within specified geographic parameters. The foundation prioritizes programs that adapt to community needs while ensuring non-discrimination in service provision. Grants may be requested for core operating support or specific programs, with a maximum request of $10,000.

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation

Recognizing the growing importance of outdoor recreation to Utah’s economy and quality of life, the Utah State Legislature established the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation in 2022. As part of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, the division unites the nation’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation with key state programs, including Utah’s Boating Program, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program, and outdoor recreation grants and planning. We also work collaboratively with DNR's Division of Law Enforcement Rangers.

Dedicated to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for all Utahns, the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation focuses on four key areas: expanding recreational access, promoting safety and education, ensuring responsible stewardship and sustainable visitation, and driving economic growth through outdoor recreation.

Youth Engagement Grants

The Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education (UCORE) and Outdoor Classroom Grants provide high-quality, outdoor-focused learning experiences to youth ages 6-18 in Utah. This funding aims to teach youth the physical skills that can make outdoor recreation part of a healthy and active lifestyle. UCORE complements the state’s Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) Initiative and hopes to provide more opportunities so no child is left inside.

The Youth Engagement Grants include the Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education (UCORE) Grants and the Outdoor Classroom Grants. These two grants provide much needed funding for schools, cities, counties, tribes and non-profits to fund programing as well as outdoor learning spaces.The goals of the grants are to:

• Empower Youth
• Connect Students with Nature
• Teach New Skills
• Foster Stewardship

Projects applying for UCORE or Outdoor Classroom funds should tie into one or more activities included in the Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) Adventure Challenge, which is a year-long effort to provide free, outdoor opportunities to families, schools and after-school programs.  

UCORE and The Outdoor Classroom grant will have two unique applications.

Outdoor Classroom Grants

The Utah Outdoor Classroom Grant funding is dedicated to permanent, built infrastructure that can support student learning and is limited to between $500-$15,000. Eligible entities include nonprofits, public K-12 schools, and tribal organizations. Examples include, but are not limited to, amphitheaters, pergolas, picnic tables, pollinator gardens and other landscaping. Funds from this grant will not support the purchase of materials that may only last one season, including pop-up tents, camp chairs, etc

Iowa Economic Development Authority

Mission

Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency. 

CDBG Water/Sewer/Storm Water

Approximately $13 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available on an annual basis to cities and counties through the state of Iowa’s Water & Sewer Fund.

This competitive program offers grants to assist communities for a variety of projects including drinking water sources, water distribution, waste water collection and treatment and related public critical infrastructure projects.

CFR 200 Audit Requirements

CDBG contracts may be subject to audit. Federal Code (2 CFR 200) requires that recipients that expend $750,000 or more in federal funds within a fiscal year must have a single or program specific audit. When budgeting for CDBG funds, applicants should be aware of these audit requirements:

• For recipients of $750,000 or more in federal funds received from more than one source of federal funding, an organization-wide audit must be conducted in accordance with federal requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200.514
• For recipients of $750,000 or more in federal funds received from a single source, a project audit, targeting only transactions dealing specifically with the project, may be performed in lieu of an organization-wide audit.

Communities should consult with their accountants regarding the applicability of an audit and audit requirements.

Audit costs are a CDBG-eligible expense. Organization-wide audits can be paid with CDBG funds proportional to the amount of all other funds included in the audit. The total cost of a project audit can be paid with CDBG funds.

Davis Bacon and Related Acts

Projects that include construction may be subject to the requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act and related laws and regulations. The Davis-Bacon Act applies to all contracts for construction, alteration and/or repairs in excess of $2,000 that involve CDBG funds. Cost estimates for the proposed project should reflect compliance with these requirements.

Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act

For projects that include acquisition and relocation, all recipients given the authority to acquire property are required to follow the guidelines in HUD Handbook 1378 – Tenant Assistance, Relocation and Real Property Acquisition. Cost estimates for the proposed project should reflect compliance with these requirements.

Historic Preservation Review Requirements

Federally funded activities are subject to the review requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The goal of the review process is to identify historic properties, both above and below the ground potentially affected by the undertaking, assess the effects of the undertaking and seek ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate any adverse effects on historic properties.

The review process involves review by IEDA and possible consultation with various agencies, groups and individuals, including the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO), located in the Department of Cultural Affairs. Although consultation is not required prior to a CDBG award, if the project includes a property that may have historical significance, it is a good idea to contact IEDA early in the project development.

Environmental Review and project initiation

No HUD Funds or non-HUD funds may be committed to the project until the applicant has secured environmental approval from the State, as provided in HUD regulation 24 CFR Part 58. In addition, pending environmental approval and pursuant to 24 CFR Part 58.22(a), no grant recipient or participant in the development process, including contractors or sub-contractors, may undertake an activity that may limit the choice of reasonable alternatives. Such choice limiting actions include real property acquisition, conducting a competitive sealed bid process for the project, leasing, rehabilitation, repair, demolition, conversion, and new construction.

The Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities supports local organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children in Southern Nevada. With a focus on critical needs, education, and medical services, the charity has distributed over $65 million since 1982. In 2022 alone, it provided $500,000 in grants to 63 child-related organizations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) non-profits serving children in the area, while requests for capital projects or religious purposes are not accepted.

About Us

The Recycling Partnership is a team of experts, practitioners, and thought leaders who are deeply invested in protecting our natural resources, creating more sustainable communities, and delivering on our mission of building a better recycling system. We work alongside communities, companies, and policymakers to enact meaningful change across the entire recycling industry.

We firmly believe that if you want to recycle, you should be able to recycle. A robust and accessible recycling system is how we achieve this goal. A better system will deliver the true economic and environmental benefits that our people, our communities, and our entire recycling industry deserve.

This is our mission. This is our purpose. This is who we are. 

Grants for Processors/Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF)

Designed to help equipment manufacturers and MRFs boost throughput and increase capacity. 

Mississippi Maternal Health Project

The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi is now accepting grant proposals for the Mississippi Maternal Health Project. We are seeking community-based, equity-centered strategies from nonprofit organizations that have a proven track record in maternal and infant health. These organizations will lead interventions in East Biloxi, Jackson, and Sunflower County, Mississippi. 

Funding Opportunity

WFM intends to award grants ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 each year for projects that will operate over three years. This request for proposals is open to nonprofit organizations located in Mississippi that provide services in East Biloxi, Jackson, and Sunflower County, Mississippi.

Submission Requirements

The Mississippi Maternal Health Project’s goal is to improve maternal and infant health by reducing maternal mortality, infant mortality, and preterm births through expanded access to comprehensive maternal health services and early interventions. 

We are prioritizing projects that clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes in maternal and infant health. These projects should be deeply rooted in the three service areas and trusted by women and families. We aim to serve populations with the greatest racial and geographic disparities. Additionally, we are committed to learning, data collection, and continuous improvement to inform statewide system changes. 

Proposals must address at least one or two of the following outcomes during the three-year grant cycle for consideration: 

• Expanded equitable access to quality care for 1,500 low-income and at-risk women, with at least 75% enrolled in health or support services during the first trimester. 
• Enhanced local capacity with 150 trained providers and sustained collaboration networks among healthcare and community partners. 
• Embed community voice and data-driven learning into statewide systems, culminating in a maternal health sustainability policy plan by 2028

The Recycling Partnership offers grants for community recycling programs, providing nearly $50 million to support 370 communities since 2014. Their mission is to create a robust and accessible recycling system that benefits people and the environment. Eligible applicants include publicly, privately, and non-profit owned MRFs in the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance curbside, drop-off, and multifamily recycling, ensuring that everyone can participate in sustainable practices.

The Arctic Slope Community Foundation offers grants to enhance the quality of life in Arctic Slope communities. With a focus on food security, education, and cultural preservation, these grants support 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and tribes. The application process requires a pre-interview and aims for projects that address community needs. Funds are allocated based on structured models, ensuring sustainability and meaningful impact in the region. Applications are accepted year-round, promoting ongoing community development.

To promote its mission of protecting Mississippi’s environment, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) offers assistance grants for projects involving certain solid waste management and recycling activities and provides other assistance for abatement of certain solid waste problems. The Solid Waste Policy, Planning, & Grants Branch administers several solid waste assistance programs that provide grant funding to support a variety of solid waste management activities. These programs include the following:

• The local governments solid waste assistance grants program
• The local governments waste tire collection and clean up grants program
• The waste tire incentive recycling and research grants program
• The solid waste planning grants program

Each county in Mississippi may apply for a solid waste assistance grant amount allocated by Stateaid Road Mileage formula.

The Melba Bayers Meyer Charitable Trust, established in 1995, supports various charitable causes in Pensacola, Florida, and Alabama. The trust prioritizes organizations that assist children, indigent Native Americans, and neglected animals. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations focusing on religious, charitable, scientific, or educational purposes. The trust aims to make a positive impact in the community by addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

The Recycling Grant Funding for K-12 Schools, provided by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, supports school districts in establishing waste reduction, recycling, and composting programs. This initiative not only conserves resources and bolsters the state's recycling efforts but also instills sustainability lessons in students. Through grant funding and technical assistance, schools can enhance their recycling programs, promote awareness of solid waste issues, and encourage responsible consumer behavior among students. Annual applications are encouraged.

Minnesota's Coastal Program Grants offer funding for projects aimed at enhancing the management of Lake Superior's coastal areas. Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, these small grants (up to $10,000) support short-term initiatives that promote planning, outreach, technology advancement, and youth education. Eligible projects include developing plans, hosting conferences, and creating educational resources for youth. The program prioritizes sustainability and community engagement in coastal management efforts.

Oregon Health Authority

The Oregon Health Authority is at the forefront of lowering and containing costs, improving quality and increasing access to health care in order to improve the lifelong health of people in Oregon.

Mission: Ensuring all people and communities can achieve optimum physical, mental, and social well-being through partnerships, prevention, and access to quality, affordable health care. OHA will transform the health care system in Oregon by: improving the lifelong health of people in Oregon, increasing the quality, reliability, and availability of care for all people in Oregon and lowering or containing the cost of care so it's affordable to everyone.

Regional Source Water Collaborative Project Grant

The Drinking Water Source Protection Fund (DWSPF) is designed for the protection of drinking water sources. Drinking water sources include watersheds above a public water supply surface water intake and/or the delineated portion of the aquifer supplying water to public water supply wells or springs. 

Regional Source Water Collaborative Project grants are being piloted by the agencies to strengthen public water system regional ties and cooperation on source water protection and therefore improve source water resiliency across Oregon. The grants are intended to support projects that reduce risks and foster coordination among public water systems using groundwater and surface water sources. Each grant must dedicate funds to projects within source areas serving smaller water systems (serving fewer than 3,300) that are located inside a larger water system’s (or collaborative’s) drinking water source area(s). Eligible projects must involve at least three smaller water system partners and provide protection benefits to multiple water systems involved in the project. The expectation is that roughly half of the project expenses will be directed at the smaller water systems’ drinking water source areas that are Official Partners to the project. This initiative aims to foster regional coordination and improve source water protection for underserved communities. 

May Family Foundation

Eleanor Jean May established the May Family Foundation in 2000, as a gesture of gratitude to the communities that shaped her life. The May Family Foundation is dedicated to identifying programs that strongly resonate with our mission and values as we work together to empower and uplift lives within our communities.

Our foundation provides resources and opportunities that empower young individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a brighter future for under-resourced youth in our local communities.

May Family Foundation Mental Health & Counseling Grant

Our foundation strives to be engaged in our local communities beyond grant funding. We support select programs that align with our goals and form a connection through potential volunteering opportunities, site visits, and recognition of successes.

We welcome grant applications for financial support in mental health and counseling:

• Programs and services that improve life for those with physical and mental challenges.
• We support programs that help students deal with a mental health diagnosis and life stressors, to help navigate the changes that occur during early childhood development through college.

Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants (OSG) Program

The DWQ has obtained grant funding for select stormwater projects through the Federal Sewer Overflow & Stormwater Grant Program (OSG). Applicants in financially distressed or rural communities (see Prioritization) will be prioritized. Projects must be stormwater projects which manage, reduce, treat, or recapture water through the use of green infrastructure. This money may not be used for any operation and maintenance expenses.

Project Type

Projects must use green infrastructure to manage, reduce, treat, or recapture stormwater and the funded portion of the project must meet Green Project Reserve requirements.

Texas Health Community Impact

A Department of Community Health Improvement

We invest in community health and well-being through grantmaking and strategic collaborations. From data-driven, home-grown regional strategies to technical assistance, Texas Health Community Impact collaborates with community leaders to offer creative grant opportunities to North Texas organizations with a mutual desire to transform health and well-being in innovative ways.

Texas Health Community Impact Grants (Request for Proposals)

Texas Health Community Impact requests proposals to fund local organizations collaborating on innovative solutions that address barriers to community health and wellbeing. Up to $5 million is available across nine counties for the 2027-2028 grant cycle.

These community health improvement grants are made possible by Texas Health Resources—a faith‑based, nonprofit health system that cares for more patients in North Texas than any other provider.

Key Requirements

Applications must fulfill four key requirements: 1. Propose an innovative approach. 2. Demonstrate a collaborative effort between two or more organizations. 3. Align with strategic priorities. 4. Promote sustainability. Read Grant Key Requirements.

Project Implementation

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to begin implementing activities within four months of the execution of the MOU. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Prior Applicants

Organizations that applied for a previous Texas Health Community Impact grant cycle and were not awarded are eligible to apply. 

Request for Proposals by Region

The Texas Health Community Impact Grant requests proposals by regions: 1) Collin Region; 2) Dallas and Kaufman Region; 3) Denton, Wise and Parker Region; 4) Southern Region; and 5) Tarrant Region.

Texas Health is investing a total of $5 million in grants across its five regions, which spans nine counties. Groups seeking to work collaboratively on innovative upstream approaches to address priorities identified in each region are encouraged to apply for this competitive funding opportunity.

Collin-Specific Content

Problem Statement

Based on extensive community feedback and analysis of data in the 2025 CHNA, as well as input from the Collin Leadership Council, the following non-medical drivers of health (NMODH) have been identified as top concerns in Collin County: Healthcare Access, Navigation & Literacy and Connectedness. Therefore, the Collin Leadership Council will seek innovative proposals to reduce barriers related to NMDOH in Healthcare Access, Literacy & Navigation, as well as Connectedness, through enhanced access to nutrition, chronic disease management, primary care, and social connectedness in 4 high need zip codes: East McKinney (75069), Farmersville (75442), Princeton (75407), and Blue Ridge (75424).

The Amelia Peabody Foundation Grant aims to enhance educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Massachusetts. This private foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on projects that promote leadership and community engagement. Grants can apply to new or existing programs, capital acquisitions, and facility improvements. The Foundation particularly favors initiatives outside Boston, encouraging replication of successful programs in other areas, and prioritizes organizations that employ community members.

The Cleveland Foundation

The Cleveland Foundation is the community's trust—a collective savings account dedicated to making the lives of Greater Clevelanders better.

The Cleveland Foundation is the world's first community foundation and one of the largest today. The foundation was established in 1914 by Frederick Harris Goff, a well-known lawyer and banker at the Cleveland Trust Company. Goff sought a solution for people who wanted to give back to their community in a lasting and impactful way. Unlike a one-time donation to a specific cause or organization, a gift to the Cleveland Foundation is invested to grow over time and meet the changing needs in the community across generations.  

Black Philanthropy Fund

The Cleveland Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Fund is an endowed affinity fund dedicated to advancing healthy communities and long‑term prosperity for Greater Cleveland’s Black community.

Harnessing the strength of collective giving, the fund convenes bold voices and sparks joyful collaboration to drive systemic change. Through strategic grantmaking and community partnerships, the fund invests in organizations creating pathways to opportunity, building wealth and advancing holistic well‑being.

Impact Areas

• Opportunity Access: Grants support organizations leading initiatives that open doors to meaningful careers, entrepreneurial ventures and civic leadership, creating inclusive pathways for Black communities to thrive and lead boldly. 

• Economic Investment & Wealth Building: Grants support organizations equipping individuals with the tools, knowledge and resources to build financial security and generational wealth through education, collaborative investment opportunities and innovative strategies for personal growth.

• Physical & Mental Health: Grants support organizations advancing holistic well‑being by strengthening mental resilience, promoting physical health and creating joyful spaces for connection and community care. 

Anacostia River Watershed Trash Trap Maintenance RFA

DOEE seeks eligible entities to propose ways to monitor and maintain trash traps, provide environmental workforce development, and educate District residents about pollution that impairs the District’s waterbodies. A successful applicant will propose ways to design and implement a trash trap maintenance program for eight (8) trash traps in the Anacostia Watershed for one (1) year: to collect the trash; to collect data on the amount and types of trash being captured; to recruit, train, and employ District residents to assist; and to coordinate opportunities for volunteers to assist with maintenance and learn about the need for trash reduction in District waters and watersheds The amount available for the 12-month project is $160,000.

The Adams County Fund for the Environment Grant, established by the Adams County Community Foundation, aims to foster environmental stewardship within the community. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for projects that educate the public on environmental issues and support local initiatives such as tree planting and recycling. This fund underscores the importance of community involvement in addressing ecological challenges.

The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage offers Creative Project Grants to support distinctive and impactful projects by cultural organizations in the Philadelphia region. These grants target performances, exhibitions, and public interpretations that engage diverse audiences. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a minimum annual budget of $150,000, located in the five-county area of Philadelphia. Individual artists are not eligible, and projects should demonstrate artistic excellence and community engagement.

The Alliance for Health Equity

The Alliance for Health Equity pursues its mission through grantmaking, providing scholarships, building partnerships and being catalytic to spark new initiatives where they are needed the most. Our ultimate goal is to improve the health, social, emotional, economic conditions among children, teens, and families in the Coatesville Area School District.

The Seed-And-Scale Match Fund

The Seed-And-Scale Match Fund is a signature funding initiative of The Alliance for Health Equity (AHE) that supports community-based organizations working to address key social determinants of health in Greater Coatesville. Seed-And-Scale is designed to help organizations launch new ideas, strengthen existing programs, and scale solutions rooted in community need and lived experience.

The Seed-And-Scale Match Fund supports both emerging initiatives and established models that reduce systemic barriers, expand access to essential resources, and strengthen pathways to long-term community impact. 

Focus on Social Determinents of Health (SDoH)

• Healthcare Access and Quality: Access to affordable, culturally responsive healthcare services including physical, behavioral, and preventive care that support wellness across the lifespan. 
• Education Access and Quality: Access to high-quality learning environments, academic support, and enrichment opportunities which enable children and youth to thrive. 
• Neighborhood and Built Environment: Safe, stable physical environments including housing and food access that support healthy living and community stability. 
• Social and Community Context: Strong relationships, supportive networks, and community engagement that foster belonging, resilience, and collective well-being. 
• Economic Stability: Strong relationships, supportive networks, and community engagement that foster belonging, resilience, and collective well-being. 

Wild and Scenic Rivers Fund

In 2009, the Colorado General Assembly created the Wild and Scenic Rivers Fund to foster cooperative and collaborative processes aimed at the development of protections for river-dependent outstandingly remarkable values (“ORVs”). These protections would be intended as an alternative to wild and scenic river designation under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, while also protecting Colorado’s ability to fully use its compact and decree entitlements.

The Colorado General Assembly established the Colorado Water Conservation Board’s (CWCB’s) Wild and Scenic Rivers Fund (“the Fund”) in 20091. The legislature:

• Provided that the Fund would be refreshed annually up to $400,000;
• Stated that the Fund should be used to “work with stakeholders within the state of Colorado to develop protection of riverdependent resources as an alternative to wild and scenic river designation under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act”; and,
• Provided that the Board may adopt terms and conditions here called “guidelines” for fund disbursements.

The Fund is used for two primary purposes: 

• To support local resource protection groups (“stakeholder groups”) that form to develop protection of river-dependent resources as an alternative to wild and scenic river designation under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, exploring different approaches that will most benefit the resource and the community, and 
• For CWCB Staff operational expenses related to participation in such stakeholder groups.

These guidelines are designed to assure that the Fund is used to support the efforts of these various stakeholder groups in an equitable and efficient manner. It is the goal of the CWCB to ensure wise and effective use of monies from the Fund. The CWCB strongly encourages the use of this Fund for projects that result in the compilation of the best available data at the earliest stages of the federal agencies’ plan revisions and processes to evaluate streams and rivers for eligibility and suitability for Wild and Scenic designation. Colorado's Instream Flow Program offers a means to protect flow-related Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) without a Wild and Scenic designation; thus, stakeholder groups are encouraged to consider instream flows as a primary tool in the effort to protect such ORVs

The Community Arts Program supports vibrant artistic expression and inclusivity in the Bay Area, awarding approximately $1 million in grants to individuals and organizations each year. Open to 501c3 nonprofits and fiscally sponsored artists, the program prioritizes projects that engage diverse communities and promote underrepresented voices. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, providing essential operating support to adapt to unique project needs while fostering cultural diversity and community engagement.

The Confluence Grant Program, initiated by the Conservation Alliance in 2021, aims to strengthen partnerships with historically racially excluded groups. It awards four grants of $100,000 over two years to support projects that protect or restore natural places. The program emphasizes building meaningful relationships and sharing resources, ensuring that funded projects center on solutions led by impacted communities. By fostering collaboration and addressing funding gaps, the program enhances the conservation landscape for diverse voices.

The FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) Idea Development Award aims to fund innovative research that enhances understanding and treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The program encourages creative approaches that challenge existing paradigms and fosters impactful discoveries. A special career development option is available for early-career investigators, offering mentorship and a tailored review process to support significant research advancements.

The FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) Therapeutic/Diagnostic Research Award aims to foster innovative therapeutic and diagnostic research for Lyme disease and other tick-borne conditions. This award supports early-stage drug discovery and evaluation studies, as well as novel diagnostic methods that can be seamlessly implemented in clinical environments, ultimately enhancing patient care and quality of life.