Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) offers Small Education and Outreach Project Grants to enhance community awareness about critical issues affecting the Lake Champlain Basin. With funding up to $15,000, these grants aim to foster knowledge and skills among individuals, encouraging hands-on stewardship activities. Projects should align with the strategies in the management plan, Opportunities for Action, to promote informed decision-making and constructive actions that benefit the Basin.

The Bennett Memorial Student Travel Grant, established by the Optica Foundation, honors the legacy of Jean Bennett, a pioneering physicist. This grant awards two student members with $1,000 each to support their travel for presenting research at the Frontiers in Optics conference. Eligible applicants must be current members and the presenters of accepted papers or posters. This initiative aims to foster the next generation of leaders in optics and related fields.

The Stouder Memorial Foundation Grant, managed by the Troy Foundation, supports charitable organizations providing health care services in Miami County. Established in 1974, it transitioned to a donor advised fund in 1998 after the closure of Stouder Memorial Hospital. Grant requests are reviewed quarterly, with applicants notified within ten working days of the review meeting. This fund aims to enhance healthcare accessibility in the region, ensuring vital support for local medical services.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

DNP Registration Reimbursement Grants Available for the APS Global Physics Summit

DNP is pleased to offer a limited number of registration reimbursement grants to encourage graduate student participation in the annual APS Global Physics Summit. This APS meeting provides an excellent opportunity for students in nuclear physics to present their research, interact with potential employers, and hear about advances in a broad range of physics topics.

If the nominee's application is accepted, the award will cover the early registration fee for students presenting in-person. Students will need to register prior to confirmation of receiving the award.

The Community Improvement Grant by the City of Santa Rosa supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing local neighborhoods and fostering community connections. With grants up to $2,500, this program encourages inclusive, accessible initiatives that are free for participants. Open to nonprofits, community groups, and even informal neighborhood associations, it aims to empower residents to improve their living environment. Applications are reviewed by the Community Advisory Board, which makes the final funding decisions.

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 National Facilities program, funded by the National Science Foundation, provides essential research capabilities through specialized user facilities across various scientific disciplines including biology, chemistry, and physics. These facilities offer advanced instrumentation and resources for research in high magnetic fields and nanofabrication. They not only support scientists and engineers but also engage students and teachers through educational initiatives, enhancing public awareness and contributing to curriculum development.

Project Lead The Way Inc is offering a grant of $14,000 to schools looking to implement the PLTW Computer Science program for the first time. Schools must commit to offering PLTW Computer Science courses over the next three years, ensuring that at least one course is available in the first year. This funding will support program implementation costs, with awards distributed directly to PLTW accounts for eligible schools.

The Episcopal Health Foundation of Dallas provides annual grants to support parishes, schools, and non-profit organizations within the Diocese of Dallas. Focus areas include food insecurity, homelessness, poverty alleviation, and health services. Eligible organizations must operate within the diocese's geographic boundaries and align with its Christian mission. Grants aim to strengthen communities through innovative programs that address basic human needs and improve lives. Applications must meet specific criteria and deadlines to be considered.

The Ed Leo Scholarship supports graduating members of the Cedar Falls High School First Robotics Competition Team who meet specific criteria. If the team disbands, the fund will assist Cedar Falls High School students engaged in STEM activities or provide grants for personal finance education. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of B+ and a composite ACT score of 26, demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to academic excellence.

Dwight Nicholson Medal for Outreach

This award recognizes the humanitarian aspect of physics and physicists created through public lectures and public media, teaching, research, or science related activities. Recognition consists of a stipend of $3,000, Nicholson medal, and a certificate which includes the citation for which the recipient has been recognized. Up to $1,500 will be available for the recipient's travel expenses to the meeting at which the Medal is presented. It will be presented annually.

The Charlotte Mangum Student Support Program provides financial assistance for housing or registration at annual meetings for graduate and undergraduate SICB student members. Recipients must contribute time as assistants during sessions and can receive support for up to three years, given they are the presenting author on their abstract. This initiative honors SICB President Charlotte Preston Mangum and encourages student participation in scientific discourse.

The C. Homer and Charlotte L. Miel Endowment Grant Program, managed by the Central Montcalm Community Foundation, aims to enhance the educational experience for teachers and administrators of Central Montcalm Public Schools. By providing discretionary grants for approved projects, this initiative supports innovative educational endeavors that benefit the local community. With a commitment to sustainability, the foundation utilizes annual earnings from permanent endowments to fund these impactful educational opportunities.

The Local Accountability Systems is a district-wide initiative through which districts and open-enrollment charter schools develop a plan to evaluate the performance of their campuses locally. Local Accountability Systems seek to engage the community and district in establishing locally relevant accountability measures, provide parents, families, and communities with detail information about local school performance and progress over time, and continuously improve student performance and preparedness for post-secondary success. 

OnPoint Community Credit Union, founded in 1932, is committed to supporting schools through funding for educational programs and direct contributions to public schools, PTAs, and alumni associations. With a focus on Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality, they prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in their funding initiatives. Grants typically range from $250 to $2,500, supporting organizations that align with their core values within Oregon and SW Washington.

The Ann Arbor Farm & Garden Grants, supported by the Women's National Farm and Garden Association, aim to promote local gardens and environmental stewardship through financial support for nonprofits in Washtenaw County. Eligible applicants must align with the mission of AAF&G, provide volunteers for community events, and present their projects. This initiative fosters community engagement, educational opportunities, and enhances the beauty of local spaces, contributing to a strong network of environmental advocates.

The State-Local Partners (SLP) Grant Program offers essential operating support and technical assistance to county-designated local arts agencies in California. Through a collaborative effort between the State and counties, this program aims to promote cultural development at the local level. It encourages partnerships that enrich the arts across diverse communities, fostering creative expression and enhancing the quality of life for Californians. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government units.

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 Ames Tools Grant, initiated by the National Garden Club, Inc. in partnership with The Ames Companies, provides NGC member clubs the opportunity to select tools valued up to $250 for community gardening projects. Eligible projects must be conducted by NGC clubs between March 1 and September 30, 2025, and may involve collaboration with other organizations. Selection criteria include community impact, member involvement, tool necessity, and project uniqueness.

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 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.

The Wagner Family Fund supports libraries in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, providing grants between $100 and $2,000 for educational programming and activities for youth and adults. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and governmental units, with a focus on community service. The fund prioritizes projects that build organizational capacity and address community needs, while generally excluding for-profit organizations and those with discriminatory practices.

The PLTW Computer Science Program Expansion grant, funded by Pentair, aims to support schools in enhancing their existing PLTW Computer Science courses for the 2026-2027 school year. Grantees can utilize the $10,000 funding for activities such as adding new courses, increasing class periods, or training additional educators. Eligible schools are primarily public and charter institutions located in specific cities, while certain expenses like salaries and infrastructure improvements are ineligible for funding.

The Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOP) aims to enhance digital equity by providing matching funds to organizations in Austin. This initiative focuses on increasing access to technology, improving digital skills, and ensuring that all citizens can participate fully in the digital age. Eligible applicants include incorporated, tax-exempt organizations, and projects must align with GTOP goals. With a mission to foster innovation, this grant supports initiatives that bridge the digital divide in the community.

The City Gardens Club of New York offers annual grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for projects that promote environmental beauty and education in New York City's five boroughs. Since 1981, these grants have helped schools engage students in hands-on horticulture, fostering a love for gardening and farming among diverse communities. The program highlights the importance of nature in education, benefiting both children and adults while adhering to the club's mission of public benefit through education.

The H. G. Barsumian, M.D. Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations engaged in medical research, primarily benefiting the Lancaster, Pennsylvania community. Established in 1998, this fund reflects the commitment of Jane Barsumian and Mary Lyons to enhance medical advancements. Grants average $25,000, with around five grants awarded annually. Eligibility requires organizations to be 501(c)(3) exempt. Although there are no geographic limitations, preference is given to local entities to foster community development.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Polymer Physics Prize

To recognize outstanding accomplishment and excellence of contributions in polymer physics research. The prize consists of $10,000, up to $1,500 in travel reimbursement, and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. It is presented annually.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.