Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The FY26 US DOT Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grants (DIIG) Program aims to enhance the use of drones for critical infrastructure inspections by eligible government entities. With $9 million available, the program supports innovative drone technologies and prioritizes projects that improve safety and operational efficiency. Grant funds can be used for purchasing drone systems and contracting services. The federal share may reach up to 75% in certain cases, fostering collaboration and technological advancement in infrastructure management.

The Minnesota Power Foundation Grant Program provides support to organizations focused on enhancing community health and vitality in service areas. Grants over $5,000 are reviewed quarterly by the Foundation's board. Eligible recipients include tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) and accredited schools, which must operate within the Foundation's designated service area.

The Louise R. Lester Foundation Grant aims to foster positive change in communities by supporting nonprofit organizations in Virginia. It prioritizes areas of need often overlooked by local charities, ensuring resources are allocated effectively. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, demonstrating sound financial management. Ineligible entities include individuals and political organizations. The Foundation seeks to build strong relationships with grantees through communication and understanding of their challenges, focusing on impactful contributions to society.

The Lincoln County Community Foundation Grant Cycle aims to enhance local initiatives by funding projects in key areas such as child services, education, food insecurity, housing, mental health, and utility assistance. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that serve Lincoln County residents. The foundation prioritizes measurable results and effective use of funds, while ineligible projects include capital campaigns and direct support of individuals. This grant cycle reflects a commitment to community improvement and innovative solutions.

The Union County Foundation’s main purpose is to grow and distribute the donated charitable assets and thus improve and enrich the quality of life in Union County. The Foundation is proud and thankful for being able to periodically award Community Grants and Scholarships.

Large Grants

This application will allow local non-profits a chance to request for a larger scale grant- $10,000 or more!

It is the general policy of the Foundation to operate without discrimination as to age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or national origin in overall administration and in consideration of grant requests from agencies and organizations.

Marlborough Community Fund

The Marlborough Community Fund welcomes proposals requesting up to $7,000 for this grant cycle. The committee will award up to a total of $50,000 during this grant cycle, with the number and size of awards dependent on available funds and the pool of applications received.

All grants are one year, project-based awards and may include reasonable administrative or overhead costs. Funded organizations are required to complete a final report at the completion of the project or within 13 months of the award date (whichever is sooner).

When resources are limited, the committee may issue partial awards

The Kenosha Community Foundation offers Unrestricted Grants sourced from a dedicated investment pool, allowing for flexible funding that meets the evolving needs of the community. These grants support a variety of projects, including educational, arts, and infrastructure initiatives. By encouraging diverse organizations to apply, KCF aims to bolster community development and responsiveness. This funding opportunity reflects the foresight of legacy donors who prioritized unrestricted endowment funds, ensuring ongoing support for impactful projects.

The Republic Philanthropic Society Grantmaking Program aims to enhance the quality of life in Republic through targeted grants. Governed by knowledgeable local leaders, this initiative supports 501(c)(3) organizations and IRS-approved entities in addressing community needs. With a maximum request of $3,700, the program encourages collaboration and innovation, focusing on expanding existing services and developing new initiatives. The foundation is committed to inclusivity, ensuring no discrimination in the use of grant funds.

Washington Trust Charitable Foundation offers community event sponsorships to support local initiatives such as road races, concerts, and festivals. However, requests must be made in writing at least 90 days prior to the event. It is important to note that the foundation does not contribute to organizations outside its defined market area, individuals, religious organizations, political campaigns, and certain other categories. This ensures focused support for community-driven activities.

The Rotary Club of Clearwater Grant supports local charities to enhance community well-being. Established in 1925, it has an endowment exceeding $1.5 million, which funds essential programs and capital campaigns. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The grant process is competitive, focusing on specific community needs. Importantly, funds are not allocated for operating expenses or salaries, ensuring that donations directly benefit local initiatives and projects.

The Benton County Philanthropic Society Grantmaking Program, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to enhance community well-being through strategic grantmaking. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations serving Benton County, focusing on innovative solutions to priority needs. In 2025, the program offers a total grant budget of $50,000, with a maximum request of $25,000. Collaboration among applicants is encouraged, fostering a spirit of community engagement and leadership.

The Ash Grove Affiliate Grantmaking Program, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to improve the quality of life in Ash Grove through targeted funding. A total of $8,448 is available, with individual grant requests starting at $500. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities serving the area. The program prioritizes projects that directly benefit the Ash Grove community, promoting inclusivity and collaboration among local leaders.

The Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to bolster engineering research capacity by supporting new academic investigators. This initiative is designed for those who have not yet received significant federal funding and are affiliated with institutions below the 'very high research activity' level. By fostering innovation and mentorship, the program seeks to broaden participation in engineering research across the nation.

The Breakaway Fund, initiated by the Samueli Foundation, aims to empower nonprofits in Orange County by providing unrestricted funding between $50,000 and $100,000. This innovative financial support is designed to overcome barriers in staffing, leadership development, and infrastructure enhancement. By focusing on key areas such as talent, systems, and expertise, the fund facilitates growth and collaboration among organizations, ensuring a thriving community that prioritizes well-being and opportunity for all residents.

The Bristol Female Charitable Society Fund, established in 2003 by 88 influential women, supports charitable programs in the East Bay community of Rhode Island, particularly Bristol. Grant amounts typically range from $500 to $5,000, and organizations can apply once per year. This fund emphasizes benevolence and offers assistance to those in need, while allowing simultaneous applications to other Rhode Island Foundation funds.

The Edgerton Community Fund Grant, established in 2001, serves as a permanent financial resource for the Edgerton community. Each year, this fund distributes grants to local non-profits, schools, and government agencies, aligning philanthropy with community needs. Managed by a volunteer board, it emphasizes supporting charitable programs that enhance the community's welfare and development.

The Warehime Project Grant, offered by the J. William Warehime Foundation, supports time-limited, project-specific expenses for charitable organizations, educational bodies, and government agencies. It particularly favors initiatives that promise a significant, lasting impact, foster new partnerships, and leverage resources to meet community needs. However, grants are not available for unrelated projects, budget shortfalls, or organizations with discriminatory practices, ensuring funding aligns with the Foundation's mission of enhancing public well-being.

The Miriam Knoll Grant, offered by the Middletown Community Foundation, supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits and other not-for-profit entities. Applications focus on community needs, aiming to create safe living environments and promote family support and development. With a history of significant community investment, the foundation encourages proposals that align with their mission to enhance the quality of life for residents in the Middletown area, fostering sustainable growth and community resilience.

Office of Children and Family Services

OCFS is dedicated to improving the integration of services for New York’s children, youth, families and vulnerable populations; to promoting their development; and to protecting them from violence, neglect, abuse and abandonment. The agency provides a system of family support, juvenile justice, youth development, child care and child welfare services that promote the safety and well-being of children and adults. Among the operating principles across all program areas are that services should be developmentally appropriate, family-centered and family-driven, community-based, locally responsive, and evidence and outcome based.

AmeriCorps New York FY 2026 Competitive Funding

On behalf of the New York State Commission on National and Community Service (the Commission), the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) seeks applicants for AmeriCorps New York FY 2026 competitive grant funding.

Application Overview

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges.

AmeriCorps State and National funding is intended to support a wide range of community service initiatives that encourage individuals to engage with others, to address local challenges, and to improve the quality of life in our communities.

An awardee of AmeriCorps funding recruits and enrolls individuals as AmeriCorps members, who may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. After successful completion of their service terms, AmeriCorps members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that they can use to pay for higher education expenses or qualified student loans.

AmeriCorps State and National Funding Priorities

For this funding opportunity, AmeriCorps will prioritize consideration from organizations that: Are Faith-Based; Serve Communities; Benefit AmeriCorps Members; Use Evidence

The Community Improvement Initiative Grant Program, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, aims to fund impactful projects with grants of up to $40,000. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, community groups, and individuals, provided they have a fiscal sponsor. This program prioritizes initiatives that enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Saginaw County community, fostering collaboration and sustainable improvements.

The Link Foundation offers a prestigious Energy Fellowship aimed at supporting Ph.D. candidates focused on energy innovation. Each fellowship provides $35,000 per year for two years, totaling $70,000. Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian institution and demonstrate satisfactory academic progress. The second-year funding requires an endorsement from the research advisor. This opportunity is ideal for those with a clear thesis direction who need additional support to complete their doctoral studies.

The Janesville Generations Fund Grant, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, aims to support the Janesville community through various charitable funds. Established to create a lasting legacy, it invites donations of any amount, allowing community members to contribute to vital projects. The grant oversees distribution from five family funds, ensuring that the community's needs are met for generations to come. This initiative fosters local engagement and empowers donors to make impactful contributions.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The CRCF Community Impact Grants support nonprofits and organizations in Southern Chautauqua County, fostering significant community development. With over $1.5 million awarded annually, these grants focus on programming and capital improvement projects that address local needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and faith-based entities, encouraging diverse initiatives that benefit the broader community. This partnership aims to ignite positive change and create a lasting legacy of impact within the region.

The AmeriCorps Competitive Traditional program, managed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to engage members in impactful community service initiatives. Participants can earn a living allowance and the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for further education. This funding opportunity is available to new and existing applicants in Illinois, encouraging civic engagement and volunteerism to tackle pressing community challenges. Each applicant is limited to one application, with awards varying based on project needs.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation offers Geographic Fund Grants to support emerging needs and one-time costs for organizations in Falconer, Kennedy, Ellington, and Randolph, NY. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipalities, school districts, and faith-based organizations. Grants aim to enhance program delivery and support modest capital improvements. The foundation awards over $1.5 million annually, fostering positive change in the community through competitive grantmaking.

The Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MSPRF) aim to support emerging leaders in mathematics and statistics. These fellowships enhance participants' research environments, ensuring significant scientific development. Awardees can choose between a Research Fellowship or a Research Instructorship, with funding available for research across various mathematical and statistical disciplines. Proposals are submitted directly to the NSF, and fellows must affiliate with eligible institutions or organizations.