Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Safe Passage, Safe Blocks RFA aims to enhance student safety during their commutes by funding community-based organizations to provide a visible adult presence along designated routes. This initiative seeks to reduce violence and disruptions while fostering positive youth engagement, creating a supportive environment for students, families, and school communities in priority areas. The program utilizes trained Safe Passage Ambassadors to identify and intervene in potential threats, ensuring safer travel for all.

The Burg-Coleman Iowa State 77 ACI Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in civil engineering focused on concrete structures or materials. Recipients receive a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses, recognition in Concrete International magazine, and coverage of travel costs for two ACI conventions. Open to international students attending institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, this fellowship fosters the next generation of leaders in the concrete industry.

The ASPCA National Shelter Grants Initiative offers up to $2.5 million in grants to support U.S. shelters and their communities. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $95,000 aim to enhance animal outcomes, psychological health, and access to veterinary care. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations or municipal agencies with facilities for adoptable animals, while foster-based rescue organizations are excluded. This initiative is crucial in assisting shelters during challenging times.

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

Delphos Community Fund

This is an unrestricted community grant fund that supports the Delphos, 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

About the Community Foundation of Washington County

The Community Foundation of Washington County serves as vehicle for philanthropy and a powerful force in improving the quality of life in Washington County. We partner with individuals, families and businesses to create or donate to funds that meet their charitable goals and provide for the causes they care about the most. 

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. Artist of Change Scholarship

Provides scholarships to deserving students in Washington County, MD whose art, charitable work, or intended career path promotes equity, diversity, inclusion, and/or justice for communities that have faced historical oppression.

About the Community Foundation of Washington County

The Community Foundation of Washington County serves as vehicle for philanthropy and a powerful force in improving the quality of life in Washington County. We partner with individuals, families and businesses to create or donate to funds that meet their charitable goals and provide for the causes they care about the most. 

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. Barry W. McAllister Scholarship Fund

Created in memory of Barry W. McAllister to celebrate his lifelong love of farming and agriculture, this scholarship is available to participants in Washington County 4-H programs. Please see your 4-H advisor for more information.

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

Minneapolis Community Impact Fund

This is an unrestricted community grant fund for charitable projects that benefit the Minneapolis, 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 Operational & Culturally Specific Grants provide essential support to San Antonio-based arts and culture nonprofits, enabling them to deliver outstanding programming for the community. These grants are awarded every three years, with new applicants eligible for funding based on specific criteria. Funded by the Hotel Occupancy Tax, the program aims to enhance cultural engagement among residents and visitors, ensuring a vibrant arts scene in San Antonio.

Alaska State Libraries, Archives & Museums

The mission of the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums is to promote lifelong learning for all Alaskans through Alaska’s diverse history, art, and culture.

Congress passed an act establishing the Alaska Historical Library and Museum for the District of Alaska on June 6, 1900. The purpose of the Museum and Historical Library was to collect, preserve and provide access to objects, laws, and papers from the Territory. The Legislature established the Alaska State Library in 1955 to provide reference library service to Territorial and other public officials and to cooperate with other libraries to increase effectiveness and reduce duplication. The Legislature established the Alaska State Archives in 1970, which opened its doors to the public in 1972. The Sheldon Jackson Museum, founded in 1888 to house an exceptional collection of Alaska Native ethnographic material gathered by Presbyterian missionary Rev. Dr. Sheldon Jackson, was purchased by the State of Alaska in 1985.

Regional Library Services Grant

The Regional Library Services (RLS) Grant is an annual non-competitive grant opportunity to provide reasonable access to library materials where there are no library facilities, or to provide training or technical support to Alaskan libraries.

Applicants and proposals need to meet requirements according to Alaska Library Law. RLS Grants are awarded according to an agreement between the Alaska State Library and the applicant library.

Federal and/or State Funding Source

The Alaska State Library uses federal Grants to States funds under the Library Services and Technology Act funds (CFDA 45.310) and/or State of Alaska grant funds for Library Assistance Grants. If awarded, the pass-through funding source will be indicated in the grant agreement.

Statutes & Regulations

Visit Alaska Library Law for specific statutes and regulations for the Regional Library Services Grant under Library Assistance Grants.

• Alaska Statutes: Article 03 Library Assistance Grants Sec. 14.56.300. - 14.56.340.
• Alaska Administrative Code: Article 2: Library Assistance Grants 4 AAC 57.050. - 57.099.

4 AAC 57.050. Purpose

b.3. regional library services grants, as authorized by AS 14.46.310 (a)(3), to assist libraries in providing regional library services to areas of the state in which there are no library facilities.

4 AAC 57.069. Regional library services grants

The division shall make a regional library services grant to a library that enters into an agreement with the state library to act on behalf of the state library to:

• furnish library materials to areas of the state in which there is not sufficient population or local revenue to support operation of a public library facility; or
• provide services, training, or technical support to other libraries

The NSF Rapid Response Grants support grassroots organizations in New York City and the Hudson Valley that are led by people directly impacted by injustice. These grants enable activists to respond to urgent threats or opportunities, aiming for specific outcomes within three to six months. Emphasizing systemic change, the fund prioritizes organizations that are democratically structured and focus on social justice, particularly those with limited access to traditional funding sources.

The EGLS Howard Maxwell Award recognizes outstanding service to the Eastern Great Lakes Section of the American Physical Society (APS). Established in 1938, the section fosters collaboration among physicists and scientists from various fields through biannual symposia. Named after Howard Maxwell, this award honors dedicated contributions to the APS community, encouraging participation from students and educators in the greater Ohio region.

The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) in Texas aims to revitalize downtown areas by funding infrastructure improvements that promote economic activity. This program prioritizes projects that benefit low-to-moderate income individuals while addressing issues of slum and blight. With a funding limit of $1,000,000 and a minimum matching requirement of $20,000, it seeks to enhance public facilities and housing conditions, ultimately fostering viable communities and supporting workforce development.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been advancing energy solutions and working to protect the environment since 1975.

Green Jobs - Green New York Energy Studies

Through Green Jobs - Green New York (GJGNY), energy studies are available for small commercial and not-for-profits to identify and analyze opportunities to make buildings more efficient, which lowers associated energy costs. Small commercial with 100 or fewer full-time equivalent employees or not-for-profit organizations of any size are eligible for this offering, in facilities 50,000 sq ft or less.

Studies include:

• A comprehensive walk through of the facility
• Site staff interviews
• Utility bill analysis
• Fuel-neutral, unbiased evaluation of potential low-cost/no-cost and capital improvement energy efficiency upgrades
• Energy study report that outlines potential energy and cost savings opportunities for your facility.

The NYSCA Support for Organizations Grant provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations in New York State, fostering arts, culture, and creativity. Prequalification is mandatory for eligibility, ensuring that applicants are prepared for the funding process. The grant supports general operations and arts programming, enabling organizations to thrive and enhance their community impact. Interested parties should begin the prequalification process promptly, as it must be completed before applying for the grant.

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.

The Overlook Foundation, established in 1976, is a private charity dedicated to enhancing healthcare through philanthropic efforts. Recognized as a High Performer by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, it primarily supports the Overlook Medical Center and local nonprofits with health-related initiatives. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations serving the health needs of the community, particularly in Union County and surrounding areas, focusing on innovative projects that improve community health.

MSDE Grant Programs

MSDE operates many formula and non-formula grants. All active grant programs are listed below and link directly to the grant program's dedicated webpage. MSDE will continue to add to and expand this page as the Department's new Office of Grants Administration and Compliance rolls out. 

Maggie McIntosh School Arts Fund FY27

The Maggie McIntosh School Arts Fund supports the expansion of arts programs for students in Baltimore City Public Schools.

Funding is used to expand arts curriculum by providing grants to schools for classroom art supplies and student arts experiences through partnerships led by Arts Every Day.

The Native Plant and Wildflower Education Grant offers up to $500 for educational programs focused on native plants and wildflowers. State Garden Clubs and similar organizations can co-sponsor symposia aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge about native flora, including endangered species and habitat management. Programs should be scheduled to coincide with wildflower blooming periods, promoting public planting initiatives and the design of native gardens.

Our Mission is to foster the creative capacity and vibrancy of the capital region through advocacy, resources, teaching & training.

Louisiana Project Grants

Louisiana Project Grants (LPG), formerly the Decentralized Arts Funding program (DAF), solely funds project assistance for innovative, community-based arts projects that will have a lasting community impact. LPG is administered jointly by the Louisiana Division of the Arts (LDOA) and the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.

LPG grants are available to eligible applicants domiciled in one of the ten parishes represented by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. Grant amounts range from $2,500 to $7,500.

Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records

Arizona Revised Statutes Title 41; Article 2.1 establishes the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, referred to as "the State Library", in the Office of the Secretary of State. The State Library was founded in 1915 to collect, preserve, and provide access to materials relating to law, political science, economics, sociology, subjects pertaining to the theory and practice of government, genealogy, and Arizona history. The format of materials may vary, but the majority of the collections contain unique and original materials or historic published texts, newspapers, and maps that can be found nowhere else.

Mission: To provide Arizonans access to information about their government, their state, and their world by offering content in a variety of formats, preserving Arizona's history for future generations, and empowering local institutions to engage their communities in learning.

Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) Funding

Competitive project grants of federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) are offered in support of the State Library’s Five-Year Plan, as approved by IMLS, and to help fulfill the mission of the Library Development branch to “empower Arizona libraries to offer excellent customer service through consulting, grant funding, resources, and training.”

All grants for 2026 fall under two categories: a smaller Express Grants; and a larger General Grants

Express Grants

The smaller Express Grants come with pre-set funding limits, activities, and outcomes:

• Collections and Programming (CAP)
• Staff Development Day
• Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending
• Writers in Residence in Libraries
• AI Training & Tools

The Corporation Associates Local Section & International Chapter Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society (ACS), provides funding up to $1,000 for ACS local sections and international chapters. This grant supports industry-focused events like job fairs, résumé workshops, and networking receptions, aimed at enhancing the professional development of members employed in the chemical industry. By fostering community engagement, ACS helps empower local chapters to champion scientific integrity and advance knowledge.

Dawbarn Education Awards

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge announced its 10 recipients of the 2026 Dawbarn Education Awards with special surprise visits this week. Now in its 32nd year, the Community Foundation honors community members for their significant impact on youth in the three local public school systems, Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro. The award comes with a $10,000 prize and a special banquet to celebrate the recipients in the fall.

Miriam Burrows, the director of educational programs at the Community Foundation, made surprise visits to inform this year’s 10 recipients in person. “Every year, the Dawbarn Education Awards remind us that incredibly important work is bhappening in our schools,” Burrows said. “The nominators and recipients are all so proud of one another, proud of what they do, proud of their students and proud of the schools they work in. “It’s hard not to get choked up. And not one of them is seeking recognition for their work. In fact, they would much rather shine the light on each other than be in the spotlight themselves.

The NYSCA Support for Sponsored Organizations grant provides flexible funding for eligible New York State nonprofit organizations to enhance their arts programming and general operations. Organizations must prequalify with the State Financial System before applying. This initiative aims to support the diverse arts and cultural landscape in New York, ensuring that all communities have access to rich artistic experiences. The grant is intended for organizations that may not yet be incorporated or are part of larger institutions.

Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records

Arizona Revised Statutes Title 41; Article 2.1 establishes the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, referred to as "the State Library", in the Office of the Secretary of State. The State Library was founded in 1915 to collect, preserve, and provide access to materials relating to law, political science, economics, sociology, subjects pertaining to the theory and practice of government, genealogy, and Arizona history. The format of materials may vary, but the majority of the collections contain unique and original materials or historic published texts, newspapers, and maps that can be found nowhere else.

Mission: To provide Arizonans access to information about their government, their state, and their world by offering content in a variety of formats, preserving Arizona's history for future generations, and empowering local institutions to engage their communities in learning.

Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) Funding

Competitive project grants of federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) are offered in support of the State Library’s Five-Year Plan, as approved by IMLS, and to help fulfill the mission of the Library Development branch to “empower Arizona libraries to offer excellent customer service through consulting, grant funding, resources, and training.”

All grants for 2026 fall under two categories: a smaller Express Grants; and a larger General Grants

General Grants

The larger General Grants allow for more creativity in designing projects in the areas of:

• Information Preservation and Access
• Informal Education
• Institutional Improvements
• Inclusive Communities

The SEMAC Rural Arts Grant aims to foster arts initiatives in rural communities of southeastern Minnesota with populations under 7,500. It supports diverse artistic projects including visual arts, music, and performance, encouraging local engagement and collaboration with community partners. Grants range from $3,000 to $6,000, and eligibility includes individual artists and nonprofit organizations within the SEMAC region. This initiative seeks to enhance cultural experiences and strengthen community ties through accessible arts programming.

The Natural Disaster USA Fund, established by National Garden Clubs (NGC) in 1997, supports local and state garden clubs in restoring areas affected by natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for projects that include site location, disaster nature, restoration plans, and cost estimates. Eligible applicants must be sponsored by State Garden Clubs or Member Clubs and can apply for funds to enhance damaged public spaces, including gardens and parks.

The Albemarle Foundation Impact Grants support local 501(c)(3) organizations within 50 miles of Albemarle Corporation locations, offering up to $15,000 in funding for community programs. Open twice a year, these grants aim to enhance workforce development, promote economic vitality, and foster inclusive communities. Eligible applicants can receive funding only once per calendar year. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that do not discriminate based on race, gender, or other protected categories.