Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Small Arts Grants Program, supported by The Francis Family Foundation, is dedicated to fostering arts and culture in the greater Kansas City area. Organizations eligible for funding include tax-exempt public charities and community-based arts programs. The Foundation aims to enhance creative participation and ensure diverse cultural expressions are accessible to all. With a focus on supporting local initiatives, this program seeks to make a significant impact on the region's artistic landscape.

The Comunidad Grants, offered by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, aim to empower local grassroots nonprofits addressing pressing community issues. Since 1980, CFSA has connected donors with impactful organizations in Pima, Santa Cruz, and neighboring counties, fostering inclusion and dignity. By prioritizing rural organizations and those serving historically marginalized communities, the program ensures that funding is allocated where it is most needed, allowing nonprofits the autonomy to effectively pursue their missions.

The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant, offered by the Mars Wrigley Foundation, supports projects that explore and share chocolate's rich cultural history. Launched in 2013, this grant aims to educate the public about chocolate's global significance and its impact on heritage. Projects can include research, immersive experiences, and publications. Awardees must present their findings at Heritage Chocolate Society meetings, emphasizing educational impact, equity, and inclusion in their proposals.

The Boston Scientific Foundation Inc. offers charitable donations to U.S. Health Care Providers (HCPs) and National Associations supporting legitimate charitable efforts. These include funding for public health education, community health research, and charitable sponsorships. Eligible applicants are encouraged to reach out to the division Grant Coordinators for inquiries or submission guidance. This initiative aims to foster community well-being and enhance health outcomes through various charitable activities.

The San José Creative Economy Fund provides up to $8,000 in project grants to arts and creative businesses in San José. With a total of $40,000 available for the 2024 round, the fund aims to enhance the city’s cultural vibrancy and support projects that demonstrate economic impact and community engagement. Eligible businesses must be commercial enterprises, primarily offering arts-related services, and in good standing with the city. This initiative is a collaboration between the City of San José and the Center for Cultural Innovation.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides significant funding to urban counties like St. Louis. This grant supports initiatives aimed at benefiting low and moderate-income individuals, addressing urgent community needs, and preventing blight. St. Louis County directs CDBG funds to municipalities and nonprofits to undertake vital community development projects, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and national objectives.

The Gus Poesch Research Fund, established in honor of innovator Gus Poesch, offers approximately $40,000 annually to support floriculture-related projects at The Ohio State University. This fund prioritizes projects that recruit high-quality graduate students, advance research, and improve industry practices. Emphasizing relevance to current industry needs, funded projects may cover pest management, production techniques, and postharvest quality. The fund encourages collaboration and aims to enhance the profitability and sustainability of the floral industry.

SEP Energy-Efficient Retrofits Grant

The State Energy Program’s (SEP) purpose is to provide funding and technical assistance to enhance energy security, advance state-led energy initiatives, maximize the benefits of decreasing energy waste, and increase energy affordability. It also helps prepare for natural disasters and improve the security of the State’s energy infrastructure. Specifically, it assists states in meeting federal requirements to prepare for an energy emergency and develop an individual state energy security plan.

SEP is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Congress appropriates funds annually to support program activities, which includes funding for formula grants, competitive awards, and technical assistance.

Additional funds can be appropriated for related energy efficiency programs managed by the Energy Efficiency Unit in ADECA’s Energy Division. The funding is utilized to plan and implement energy programs in Alabama that are designed to achieve national energy goals such as lowering energy costs and consumption, decreasing reliance on imported energy, reducing impacts of energy production and use on the environment, and to increase energy security and reliability.

The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program supports early-career faculty in research and education, fostering academic leadership. It encourages proposals from diverse candidates, enhancing STEM equity. Awardees may be nominated for the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), recognizing innovative research and community service. These awards underscore the importance of science and technology for the nation's future, aiming to connect fundamental research with national goals.

The SEMAC: General Operating Support Grants invite nonprofit arts organizations in the SEMAC region, with operating expenses under $174,000, to apply for funding aimed at enhancing their stability through administrative support. Grants of up to $5,000 annually (totaling $10,000 over two years) are available, with recipients required to submit an interim report after the first year. Applications are accepted until funds are depleted, with specific deadlines for notifications.

The Saratoga Arts: Community Arts Grant, administered by Saratoga Arts since 1993, supports local arts initiatives in Saratoga, Fulton, and Montgomery Counties. With nearly $1.4 million awarded, this program fosters community engagement through artistic projects. Grants of $1,000 to $7,500 are available for projects that are open to the public, ensuring accessibility and direct interaction with art. This funding empowers artists and organizations to enhance cultural experiences in their communities.

The Local Section Member Engagement (LS-MEET) Grant Program, provided by the American Chemical Society, aims to enhance community engagement within local sections. With a funding cap of $2,000, this program supports initiatives that attract new members and strengthen existing communities. Eligible projects may include innovative technology use, targeted events for underrepresented local chemist groups, and activities that promote interaction among members. Applications should align with local section goals and detail specific budgetary needs.

California Library Association

The California Library Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, established in 1895 under the title of "Library Association of Central California," and lead by its first President, J.C. Rowell from the University of California. 

Currently, CLA has over 1,600 Individual, Business, and Institutional members. Individual members include librarians, library employees, library students, friends group members, trustees, retirees as well as members of the general public who wish to support California libraries. CLA Business members represent a wide range of library-supporting businesses, whereas Institutional members include library institutions and systems who support the association's advocacy programs.

Annually, CLA provides professional development and advocacy support for its members and the California library community at large. Additionally, CLA supports the administration of the California Summer Reading Program as well as further summer enrichment programs funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

The California Library Association is committed to helping library staff develop the knowledge and skills needed to work for 21st Century libraries, and to advance in the library field.

USA 250 Semiquincentennial Funding Opportunity for California Public Libraries

What is CLA’s USA 250 Semiquincentennial Funding Opportunity?

In partnership with the California State Library, California Library Association is offering reimbursement funding to California public libraries interested in creating USA 250 Semiquincentennial related programming with their communities, to support learning and enrichment, community connection and engagement. These reimbursement funds can support:

• Programming related to the 250th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, including programming that sheds light on histories, people, stories, and/or social and political movements related to the Declaration of Independence and the long journey towards realizing the document’s guarantees and ideals for all.
• USA 250 Semiquincentennial related programming can focus on adults, intergenerational groups, children, teens, and/or families.

California public libraries may apply for up to $3,500 in reimbursement funds to plan and support summer USA 250 programming that resonates with their communities. Funds can be used for:

• Materials and supplies for interactive learning and/or enrichment programming such as film screenings, local history activities, musical programming, art and crafting activities, cooking programming, etc.
• Facilitator/educational presenter fees 

Community-Centered Programming

As part of the USA 250 application, libraries are asked to include information on community interests and aspirations that the programming will reflect; and to discuss how the project will engage with, and collaborate with, community voices.

Guidelines & Requirements

• Awardees must collaborate with at least one community connection or partner.
• Please review the list of LSTA allowable and unallowable costs. 
• Jurisdictions may apply for up to two outlets. A separate application should be submitted for each library location. (Due to limited funding, grant staff will award funds to accommodate the greatest number of library jurisdictions.)
• A reimbursement request form must be accompanied by scanned/digital receipts and received within 2 weeks of the program’s conclusion.

The Biffa Award's Main Grants Scheme supports community projects near landfill sites, focusing on enhancing community buildings such as village halls and community centers. The funding can cover renovations, refurbishments, and essential improvements to create inviting spaces for various community activities. Eligible organizations must be charitable or not-for-profit, ensuring that the funding serves the wider community benefit. Priority is given to projects demonstrating significant communal use and engagement across diverse demographics.

The Gus Poesch Research Fund - Student Travel Grant supports floriculture graduate students from The Ohio State University in presenting their research. Grants up to $1,500 are available for educational travel and require submission of an abstract. Successful applicants must report on their trip and acknowledge funding in all publications. This initiative enhances research dissemination and fosters professional development in the floral industry, which faces ongoing challenges in pest management and production efficiency.

The Leyerle-CARA Prize, established by the Medieval Academy of America, offers an annual award of $1,000 to support doctoral research for members needing access to Toronto's extensive collections. This initiative honors John Leyerle for his significant contributions to medieval studies and CARA. The prize primarily aids graduate students from the Medieval Academy who require resources from institutions like the University of Toronto's Robarts Library and the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies.

Mission Statement

Benefiting organizations and individuals who positively impact their local communities.

Donation Request

The Duffy’s Foundation was created in memory of Paul Emmett, the owner and founder of Duffy’s Sports Grill. Today, we are committed to providing community enhancement in the neighborhoods surrounding all of our locations.

Village of the Living Dead Kenneth Fulton Memorial Scholarship

Kenneth Fulton was a member of the St. Charles Haunted House since its very beginning in 1985 until his passing at the haunted house in 1998. He volunteered and also brought along with him his kids and brothers to volunteer as well. Ken was a quiet gentle man that loved what the haunted house stood for and who it was all about – the kids. His favorite character to play was Michael Myers. He was tall and quiet and was able to scare the patrons with his eerie silence. He loved the members of the haunted house as his own family. He is greatly missed and would be so proud to be a part of this scholarship.  

Evaluation Criteria

• Community service (50)
• Financial need (25)
• Letters of recommendation from two volunteer organizations (13)
• Extracurricular/school activities (12)

The AGC Education Foundation Scholarship supports full-time students pursuing construction-related degrees at accredited Washington State institutions. Established in 1980, this initiative aims to enhance the construction workforce through educational grants, scholarships, and workforce development programs, benefitting students at community colleges and universities. Eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a commitment to a construction career. Scholarships cover tuition and fees, excluding housing, with various awards available annually.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

R.E.B. Awards Overview

Rudolph Bunzl, retired Chairman and CEO of American Filtrona Corporation, and his wife Esther, a community leader, began working with the Community Foundation in 1987 to develop the R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence as a way to promote and improve public education.  

In 1988, they converted their private foundation into the first supporting organization of the Community Foundation. This partnership was enhanced by the creation of the R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership, which recognizes outstanding public-school principals. In addition to funding the R.E.B. Awards programs, the R.E.B. Foundation makes annual grants to support other educational programs, as well as cultural and social service programs. 

R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership

The R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership recognizes principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment. Four principals will be publicly recognized, one each from local school districts in Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and City of Richmond.

For over 30 years, the R.E.B. Foundation and the Community Foundation have worked in partnership to promote excellence in public education. Through awards programs for public school teachers and principals, we are proud to honor those individuals who work tirelessly to ensure that youth have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

Awards

Each award consists of a $10,000 cash grant to the principal, and an additional $20,000 for a project chosen by the principal to benefit the school. In addition, each runner up received $10,000 to support their proposed school project.

The Pop-Up Libraries at Community Meal Sites grant program enables California public libraries to provide enriching literary resources at community meal sites during summer. Libraries can apply for funds to support outreach, enhance summer reading programs, and offer educational materials and activities for children and teens. This initiative fosters community engagement and promotes literacy, ensuring children have access to books and learning opportunities while enjoying summer meals.

The Stephen J. White Prize, established by the American Philosophical Association, honors the late Dr. Stephen J. White and is awarded biennially to the best published paper by a junior philosopher. It focuses on themes central to Professor White's work, such as moral responsibility and practical reasoning. The winner receives a $1,000 monetary award and a symposium at an APA divisional meeting, recognizing significant contributions in philosophy.

The Georgia Health Foundation Grant, established in 1985, supports nonprofits in Georgia addressing local health issues while encouraging collaboration. Grants are awarded to organizations eligible under IRS guidelines, focusing on charitable, scientific, or educational purposes. Applicants are urged to propose sustainable programs with regional or national health impacts. Note that the application deadline is June 1, with initial reviews in July. The foundation typically does not fund capital projects or campaigns.

Meade County Community Foundation

The idea for Meade County Community Foundation began as a way to keep funds collected by the Sherriff's Department in Meade County instead of sending them onto the state. Since 2019, we have funded several county-wide and individual community projects thanks to these funds and The Patterson Family Foundation.

MCCF is focused on Meade County and all three school districts that serve the youth of our county, extending our reach into Seward County as well. MCCF is a 501(c)3 organization.

Grants

With the generosity of all of our donors and the partnerships we have with the Meade County Sheriff's department and The Patterson Family Foundation, MCCF was able to grant out $16,550 in our Summer 2025 cycle. In 2025 alone, MCCF granted out nearly $30,000. All time grants from MCCF are now over $76,000. 

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

Bennington Community Fund

This is an unrestricted community grant fund that supports the Bennington, KS community.

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 Library-Based Meal Sites program addresses summer food insecurity among low-income families in California by providing nutritious meals and promoting literacy. Libraries can apply for funds to enhance their summer reading programs, purchase operational supplies, and organize enriching activities for children. By leveraging library resources, the program aims to create a supportive environment for children and teens, ensuring they have access to healthy food and educational opportunities during the summer months.