Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Republic County Community Action Fund

The Republic County Community Action Fund is an unrestricted community grant fund. The Fund was created by the generosity of individuals who have contributed money to the Foundation for charitable use to address the present and future needs of Republic County.

From this endowed fund, the Foundation Board annually determines and designates the amount of available funding in the form of community grants.

The applications are open to a variety of issues and target populations. However, successful applications are those that will help fulfill the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life for Republic County.

All non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply as well as groups and individuals working on a charitable community project. For-profit organizations will not be considered unless the request is for a charitable project. Grants will be limited to projects within Republic County.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

The Gene Haas Foundation offers the Secondary Level Program Scholarship to promote education in CNC machining. This initiative aims to enhance manufacturing education and support local organizations improving community quality of life. The foundation has contributed over $225 million since 1999, focusing on scholarships and training programs for students. It also sponsors robotics and racing teams, ensuring hands-on experience for participants. Grants are awarded exclusively to tax-exempt entities, facilitating educational growth and community engagement.

About RE-VEEP

With federal funds from the United States Department of Energy and using the VEEP framework, AEA will execute RE-VEEP

Renewable Energy-Village Energy Efficiency Program (RE-VEEP)

The Renewable Energy-Village Energy Efficiency Program (RE-VEEP) expands on the Alaska Energy Authority’s (AEA) Village Energy Efficiency Program (VEEP), which was established to reduce per capita consumption through energy efficiency. RE-VEEP will award grants to eligible entities within Alaska to finance building-scale renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation projects in public buildings and facilities located in rural Alaska. Through these types of projects, communities can reduce their energy consumption and costs.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Smith County Action Fund

Smith County Action Fund is an unrestricted community grant fund. The Fund was created by the generosity of individuals who have contributed money to the Foundation for charitable use to address the present and future needs of Smith County.

From this endowed fund, the Foundation Board annually determines and designates the amount of available funding in the form of community grants.

The applications are open to a variety of issues and target populations. However, successful applications are those that will help fulfill the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life for Smith County.

All non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply as well as groups and individuals working on a charitable community project. For-profit organizations will not be considered unless the request is for a charitable project. Grants will be limited to projects within Smith County.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Washington County Opportunity Fund

The Washington County Opportunity Fund is an unrestricted community grant fund. The Fund was created by the generosity of individuals who have contributed money to the Foundation for charitable use to address the present and future needs of Washington County.

From this endowed fund, the Foundation Board annually determines and designates the amount of available funding in the form of community grants.

The Foundation’s Washington County Opportunity Fund accepts applications once a year in the spring. Applications received outside of the grant cycle are not accepted.

The applications are open to a variety of issues and target populations. However, successful applications are those that will help fulfill the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life for Washington County.

All non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply as well as groups and individuals working on a charitable community project. For-profit organizations will not be considered unless the request is for a charitable project. Grants will be limited to projects within Washington County.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Hanover Community Fund

The Hanover Community Fund is an unrestricted community grant fund that supports the Hanover, KS community. The Fund was created by the generosity of individuals who have contributed money for the charitable use to address the present and future needs of Hanover, KS.

From this endowed fund, the advisory committee annually determines and designates the amount of available funding in the form of community grants.

The Foundation’s Hanover Community Fund accepts applications once a year. Applications received outside of the grant cycle are not accepted.

All non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply as well as groups and individuals working on a charitable community project. For-profit organizations will not be considered unless the request is for a charitable project. Grants will be limited to projects within Hanover, KS.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Clifton Community Fund

The Clifton Community Fund is an unrestricted community grant fund that supports the Clifton, KS community. The Fund was created by the generosity of individuals who have contributed money for the charitable use to address the present and future needs of Clifton, KS.

From this endowed fund, the advisory committee annually determines and designates the amount of available funding in the form of community grants.

The Foundation’s Clifton Community Fund accepts applications once a year. Applications received outside of the grant cycle are not accepted.

All non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply as well as groups and individuals working on a charitable community project. For-profit organizations will not be considered unless the request is for a charitable project. Grants will be limited to projects within Clifton, KS.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

The GMED Student Travel Award, sponsored by the American Physical Society (APS), aims to enhance student participation in the APS Global Physics Summit. Up to three awards, each providing $450 for travel reimbursement, will support students presenting their research. Awardees will be recognized during the GMED business meeting at the summit, with opportunities to engage with the Executive Committee and promote scientific outreach. This initiative fosters a community dedicated to advancing physics and supporting student involvement.

The Braslau Family Travel Grant supports degree-seeking students and early career physicists in the US to attend APS March or April Meetings. Established in 2016, it honors the Braslau brothers, both distinguished scientists. Grants, ranging from $500 to $1,000, prioritize applicants lacking financial support, particularly underrepresented minorities and women. Funds are disbursed post-meeting, contingent on required documentation. This initiative fosters professional and academic interactions crucial for emerging physicists.

The Community Improvement Project Request for Proposal by the Junior League of the City of New York aims to partner with an organization to enhance community impact through capital improvements. This initiative provides skilled volunteers, funding between $5,000 and $70,000, and support for projects involving up to three interior rooms and one outdoor space in Manhattan, ensuring a collaborative approach to community development over the course of one year.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

About Us

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to providing leadership in support of anthropology and anthropologists worldwide.

Our Mission

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is committed to playing a leadership role in anthropology. We help anthropologists advance anthropological knowledge, build sustainable careers, and amplify the impact of anthropology within the wider world. We dedicate ourselves to broadening the conversation in anthropology to reflect the full diversity of the field.

Global Initiatives Grant

General

Since the program’s launch in 2020, the Wenner-Gren Foundation has funded a small number of initiatives that meet a need not already addressed by our other programs. Global Initiatives Grants help support innovative projects that benefit the discipline as a whole by creating the conditions for anthropologists to do better work. Over the years we have awarded initiatives in which a small amount of money has had a wide and lasting impact, building capacity for the discipline to thrive.

We are eager to receive applications from individuals based in countries, regions, and communities where anthropology is disadvantaged or under threat. Our total budget for this program is modest, so the competition is fierce.

In the past, we prioritized projects aimed at building capacity by addressing specific themes, including the impact of Covid-19 on anthropology, the struggle for racial justice in the discipline, the ethical treatment of human remains, and supporting paleoanthropology in East Africa.

From 2026–2030, Global Initiative Grants will be making a single award giving priority to innovative projects in public anthropology that are designed to reach broad, general audiences. Applicants may draw on any combination of anthropological tools, theories, and methods to share disciplinary knowledge in ways that are accessible, pioneering, and socially consequential.

Successful projects will push public anthropology in new directions. Initiatives may take the form of targeted, high-impact interventions responding to emerging crises and opportunities, or longer-term efforts to create the infrastructure needed to sustain public engagement beyond the grant period. Proposals seeking to establish enduring programs must provide a detailed and realistic plan for ongoing financial, technical, and administrative support.

Award Money

One grant of up to $80,000 will be awarded each year. Funding is nonrenewable. There is no limit to the duration of the grant.

The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque offers the Grants for Tech program, partnering with the University of Dubuque to assist small nonprofits in the area. Organizations without IT staff can apply for technology assessments and improvements, with grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. This initiative aims to enhance nonprofits' effectiveness and sustainability by providing essential technological support.

The Scaling and Assessing Developmental Education Reform - PCC grant, offered by the Illinois Community College Board, aims to enhance equitable, evidence-based developmental education across Illinois. With a history spanning over 50 years, the Illinois Community College System serves over 500,000 residents annually. This initiative seeks to support educational organizations in their efforts to assess and scale impactful reform strategies, ensuring accessible education for all.

The Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation offers Human Services Grants to organizations in Lancaster and Platte Counties, Nebraska. These grants aim to support programs that assist vulnerable populations, especially older adults, fostering self-sufficiency and empowerment. Applications are accepted in two cycles each year, with a structured process that includes a Letter of Intent and possible site visits. Grants are reviewed by the Board in April and October, ensuring community-focused initiatives are funded effectively.

The Lend A Hand Society offers the Book Mission Grant to assist low-income individuals and families by funding the acquisition of books for educational institutions and libraries. This initiative supports various programs focused on emergency assistance and camperships for children. Non-profit organizations across the United States can apply, with grants aimed at enhancing literacy and education. Grantees must provide reports detailing the use of funds and project progress, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The SLCAC Project Support Grants offer financial assistance to arts projects in Salt Lake City. With a focus on community engagement, these grants prioritize initiatives like concerts, workshops, and murals that benefit the public. The program allocates approximately $70,000 annually, with grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000. All projects must be arts-based, open to the community, and occur within specified funding cycles. Applicants may submit one proposal per year, promoting adherence to evaluation criteria for success.

The SLCAC General Operating Support Grants provide essential funding to arts nonprofits in Salt Lake City, assisting with operational costs and promoting artistic programming. Eligible organizations, which must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in the city, can apply for grants that support projects within city limits. The program aims to distribute approximately $200,000 annually, fostering artistic vibrancy and community impact. Applicants can only submit one application per year to ensure a fair distribution of funds.

The Russell County Area Community Foundation offers the Community Impact Grant to support local entities such as 501c3 nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies. Established in 2001, the foundation aims to enhance community welfare by managing endowment funds and addressing charitable needs. Grants must be completed within one year, and final reports are mandatory. Projects outside their funding scope include general operating expenses and routine improvements, ensuring that funds are utilized for significant community impact.

The NYSHF Special Projects Fund Grant offers one-time funding to support innovative health projects that address pressing community needs in New York. This initiative seeks to empower organizations that can enhance health outcomes for marginalized populations, while fostering systemic change. Competitive applications should demonstrate potential for replication and sustainability beyond the grant period. This fund represents a unique opportunity for organizations committed to improving public health through impactful projects.

The General Operating Support (GOS) Grants offer three years of unrestricted funding to arts organizations in South Carolina. These grants aim to strengthen organizations that provide ongoing arts experiences and services. Eligible applicants include various arts organizations focused on producing, presenting, or education. Funding is contingent upon factors like panel review and the size of the applicant's budget, with awards varying annually based on available funds.

The Community Garden Grants aim to strengthen Central Ohio's neighborhoods by providing financial support for the creation and expansion of community gardens and greenspaces. With funding up to $3,000 and in-kind donations, the program focuses on enhancing local food access, education, and the environmental benefits of gardening. Eligible projects must benefit community groups and be completed within a year, helping connect residents to healthier lifestyles and community building opportunities.

The Land & Building Acquisition Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, aims to enhance the quality of life for Illinois residents through funding for land acquisition and capital improvements. With a total grant amount of $1,000,000, applicants are required to submit detailed project narratives and budgets, demonstrating the scope of their projects and the anticipated impact on the community. This initiative supports the goals outlined in Public Act 103-0589.

The Land & Building Acquisition Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers $550,000 to enhance the quality of life for Illinois residents. This initiative supports land acquisition, infrastructure improvements, and site renovations within the 103rd House District. Grantees must provide detailed project narratives and report on fund expenditures to ensure accountability and alignment with the program's goals, thereby fostering community development and economic growth.

The Garden Grant Program by Whole Kids Foundation offers $3,000 to schools and non-profits to create or enhance edible educational gardens. This initiative connects children with food, fostering curiosity and healthy eating habits. Eligible applicants include K-12 schools and organizations that regularly engage at least ten children in gardening activities. The program emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning about food and gardening, aiming to inspire a new generation of healthy eaters.

The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund Dash Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in New Hampshire, particularly Coös County, by supporting nonprofit initiatives focused on health, education, and community development. Grants range from $250 to $2,000 for projects lasting up to one year. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt entities and governmental bodies, promoting sustainable practices and collaboration within the community. This funding opportunity encourages innovative solutions to pressing local needs.

The Arts Industry Operating Support grants provide two years of unrestricted funding to strengthen small arts organizations in South Carolina. This support is aimed at enhancing their operational capacity to deliver ongoing arts experiences and services to communities. Eligible organizations must have a primary mission focused on the arts and demonstrate a commitment to providing quality programming. A 1:1 cash match is required, ensuring a sustainable investment in the arts sector.