Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Carolyn Foundation in Minneapolis, MN, is dedicated to improving the lives of low-income middle school students by funding programs that help them succeed academically. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that provide access to high-quality education and support during and after school, ensuring these students are well-prepared for their futures. Emphasizing equity, inclusion, and community partnerships, the foundation aims to create lasting positive change for families and the community at large.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) supports farmers and ranchers in integrating conservation practices into their operations. It provides financial assistance and resources to enhance agricultural productivity while protecting natural resources. The program particularly focuses on historically underserved groups, ensuring equitable access to USDA services. State priorities include addressing livestock production limitations, soil quality issues, and managing fire risks. Through EQIP, Utah aims to foster sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.

The Centers for Structural Biology of HIV and Other Infectious Diseases aims to support innovative frontier science research that establishes new technologies and methodologies to provide insight into the mechanisms of hostpathogen interactions, as well as translational research to inform the development of novel and/or improved preventive interventions, therapeutics, diagnostics, and curative interventions across a broad spectrum of infectious diseases. These Centers focus on understanding the dynamics of molecular complexes, with the intention of informing mechanistically based discovery and/or design of interventions for the prevention, treatment, and cure of HIV and other infectious diseases. The goal is to facilitate the discovery of new therapeutic targets, new classes of interventions ranging from diagnostics, to small molecules and protein therapeutics, to neutralizing antibodies, and novel vaccine candidates, including nanoparticle vaccines, elucidate the mechanisms of action of interventions, and to determine the structural basis for interventional failures, but not support end-to-end preclinical development.

Of particular interest are the components of infectious agents and/or hosts for which sufficiently complete structureshave yet to be determined, including macromolecular complexes of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipid membranes, and/or small molecules. The Centers will be responsible for the validation of structural data using biological, biochemical, and computational methods and artificial intelligence (AI) models to help understand the biological mechanisms and structure-function relationships of these complexes.

The Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program invites proposals for funding to tackle aquatic invasive species (AIS) challenges. Key priorities include research on AIS management, innovative control methods, and educational outreach. Eligible applicants range from individuals in government agencies to non-profit organizations. The program seeks to support initiatives that align with the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force standards and aims to enhance regional AIS management strategies.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

The Adams County Fund for the Environment Grant, established by the Adams County Community Foundation, aims to foster environmental stewardship within the community. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for projects that educate the public on environmental issues and support local initiatives such as tree planting and recycling. This fund underscores the importance of community involvement in addressing ecological challenges.

The Sacramento Audubon Society offers Conservation Grants aimed at supporting community-based projects that protect and restore habitats and wildlife. With a mission to promote the enjoyment and scientific study of birds, the Society encourages initiatives within 50 miles of Sacramento. This funding is designed to foster environmental education and advocate for open space conservation, making a positive impact on local ecosystems and communities.

The PTES Worldwide Conservation Insight Grants support scientific research and practical conservation efforts aimed at preserving endangered species. Grants range from £3,000 to £10,000 annually, up to a total of £20,000 over two years. Eligible applicants include researchers and conservationists working on critical conservation questions or local actions. The fund prioritizes projects with clear, sustainable outcomes that benefit endangered species and their habitats, particularly in low-income countries.

Nassau County has launched the Septic Environmental Program to Improve Cleanliness (SEPTIC) Grant, aimed at replacing outdated septic systems with innovative nitrogen-reducing technologies. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for eligible homeowners and small businesses, addressing nitrogen pollution—an urgent concern for Long Island's water quality. This initiative supports public health and environmental sustainability, significantly reducing nitrogen discharge while ensuring effective wastewater treatment.

The California Wildlands Grassroots Fund Grant supports grassroots activists working to preserve California's wildlands and natural habitats. With a maximum award of $10,000, the fund prioritizes projects focused on conservation, environmental advocacy, and community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and fiscally sponsored individuals with annual incomes of $200,000 or less. The grant aims to empower communities, particularly in rural areas, to advocate for wildlands protection and biodiversity conservation.

The Con Alma Annual Grant offers funding to nonprofits in New Mexico focused on improving health equity and access to healthcare for underserved populations. Prioritizing community impact over individual services, the grant supports initiatives in culturally appropriate services, health promotion, evaluation, and workforce development. Eligible organizations include those with a 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, aiming to uplift marginalized communities and address health disparities in the region.

The Northern New Mexico Health Grant, funded by Con Alma Health Foundation, aims to enhance healthcare access for underserved communities in New Mexico. With grants up to $20,000, it supports initiatives that focus on health equity, culturally appropriate services, and workforce development. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a commitment to improving health outcomes for marginalized populations, particularly in rural and tribal areas. This grant prioritizes collective benefits over individual services, fostering community-wide health improvements.

The Confluence Grant Program, initiated by the Conservation Alliance in 2021, aims to strengthen partnerships with historically racially excluded groups. It awards four grants of $100,000 over two years to support projects that protect or restore natural places. The program emphasizes building meaningful relationships and sharing resources, ensuring that funded projects center on solutions led by impacted communities. By fostering collaboration and addressing funding gaps, the program enhances the conservation landscape for diverse voices.

The Department awards grants from State appropriations, federal awards, and other funding sources. Since the award and appropriation of these funds do not always conform to the State Fiscal Year, the information included in this directory is based on anticipated grant awards that will begin in the period from July 1 through June 30 of each State Fiscal Year. The ability of the Department to make grant awards is expressly dependent upon the availability of funds appropriated by the State Legislature from State and/or federal revenue or such other funding sources as may be applicable.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention NOFA

To develop regional projects to prevent alcohol and drug use before, during, and after pregnancy. To increase the number of pregnant women screened for risk of substance use/abuse and refer them to appropriate services. Provide state wide education and leadership training for CHWs, doulas and peer mentors (frontline staff) specifically related to working with vulnerable birthing people.

Estimated Amount of money in the grant program

• $ 886,400

The Butler Foundation Charity Grant aims to alleviate poverty in Northern Kentucky by funding programs that emphasize individual dignity, employment, self-sufficiency, and education. With over $1.9 million invested in 2024 alone, the Foundation seeks to create long-term, positive outcomes through catalytic and impactful grants. Priorities include support for local charities addressing basic needs such as shelter, food, and education. The Foundation encourages collaborative efforts and challenge grants to maximize community resources.

The Nantucket Fund Grants, offered by the Community Foundation for Nantucket, aim to enhance the quality of life for island residents through targeted community projects. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, and religious entities addressing critical needs such as mental health, housing, and senior well-being. The initiative encourages innovative, sustainable solutions that leverage additional support while fostering collaboration among local nonprofits to maximize impact and minimize service duplication.

The Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust provides approximately $423 million to California for reducing excess nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions from VW diesel vehicles. This initiative includes funding for various projects aimed at replacing older, polluting vehicles with cleaner alternatives, particularly in low-income communities. Key categories for funding include zero-emission buses, freight trucks, and marine projects, all aimed at improving air quality and public health.

The Patterson Family Foundation offers Chronic Disease Prevention, Screening, and Education Grants aimed at community initiatives that enhance health management. This funding supports programs that increase awareness of chronic conditions, promote healthy behaviors, and provide access to screening and education in rural areas. Projects must demonstrate community impact and readiness for implementation, focusing on early detection and long-term health improvement for residents in Kansas and western Missouri.

The Fanwood Community Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that address critical needs within the Fanwood community. Established by dedicated local donors, the Foundation has awarded over $30,000 in grants since 1998. Key areas of focus include food insecurity, wellness promotion, emergency responder support, and crisis hotline training. Grants typically do not exceed $1,000, although larger requests may be considered for multi-year funding, ensuring impactful community initiatives are sustained.

The Dr. Richard W. Adams Charitable Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations and governmental units in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. It particularly emphasizes education in medical science, scholarships for employees of Davis Regional Medical Center, agriculture, conservation, and wildlife preservation. Grants are administered by Wells Fargo Bank and are available through a year-round application process, focusing on enhancing local medical practice and community well-being.

The ANR Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship offers financial support to researchers focusing on arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders in the field by providing fellowships that foster innovative research and exceptional training opportunities. Open to various research areas, including osteoarthritis and lupus, the fellowship seeks to empower physicians to advance their work and make impactful contributions to understanding these conditions.

Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Grants Program delivered in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports efforts to improve the condition and connectivity of habitats for at risk and federally listed species.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is committed to operating in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders. We continuously monitor legal and regulatory developments to ensure our policies, procedures, and operations align with current federal directives. We encourage all applicants to do the same.  

The ability and extent to which NFWF is able to make awards is contingent upon receipt of funds from federal agencies and/or other funding partners. Final funding decisions will be made based on the applications received and the level and timing of funding received by NFWF.

The WILD Program Pillars are:

• Pillar 1: Restore, conserve, and connect fish and wildlife habitat
• Pillar 2: Improve water quality for fish, wildlife and people
• Pillar 3: Align the power of nature to adapt to changing landscapes
• Pillar 4: Expand access to nature and outdoor recreation for all Americans
• Pillar 5: Build partnership capacity to collaborate and coordinate actions

The Chesapeake WILD Grants Program has three distinct tracks:

• Collaborative Conservation
  • Grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded for projects that support and enhance the capacity of partnerships, networks, and other collaborative models working collaboratively to advance place-based, landscape-scale, and crossjurisdictional habitat restoration, conservation, and connectivity outcomes.
• Planning and Technical Assistance
• Implementation

The William Penn Foundation aims to enhance caregiver support for 15,000 pregnant and parenting families in Philadelphia by 2035. The initiative recognizes the critical link between caregivers' well-being and children's development. It seeks to empower families through community-based programs that promote early learning and parenting skills. The focus includes vulnerable populations such as grandparents and immigrant families, ensuring access to resources that enable children to thrive. Progress will be measured through comprehensive grantee reporting.

The Ontario Wildlife Foundation Grant supports initiatives aimed at conserving and enhancing Ontario's natural resources. It focuses on projects that promote conservation education, outdoor recreation, and scientific research related to wildlife and their habitats. Eligible projects must benefit local communities, while ineligible projects include those that primarily benefit private properties or involve travel expenses for conferences. This grant encourages collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable environmental practices.

The Old National Bank Foundation provides sponsorships to enhance community initiatives in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their mission focuses on social responsibility, supporting underrepresented groups, and aligning with the Community Reinvestment Act. Sponsorships cover events such as fundraisers and sporting events, emphasizing active engagement and measurable impact. The Foundation aims to improve quality of life through strategic partnerships and meaningful contributions.

The Columbus REALTORS® Foundation, established in 1991, provides essential emergency financial assistance to members of the Columbus Association of REALTORS® and their families facing extreme circumstances. With a commitment to improving the housing environment in central Ohio, the Foundation has invested over $600,000 in the community. This benevolence fund aims to support those in urgent need where other resources fall short, reinforcing its role as a key partner in affordable housing initiatives.