Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

Impact100 Nashville's Transformation and Innovation Grant supports nonprofits that drive social change in Middle Tennessee. With a focus on innovative programs addressing issues like homelessness and poverty, this grant offers $100,000 for transformative projects. Organizations must have a solid history, a sustainable plan, and the capacity to implement impactful solutions within 24 months. The initiative empowers women philanthropists to collectively invest in community improvement, fostering a vibrant network dedicated to social transformation.

The Brinson Foundation Grant supports organizations in the greater Chicago area and focuses on education and scientific research. It encourages personal initiative and individual freedoms, aiming to enhance self-worth and dignity. The Foundation prioritizes programs that provide quality education and basic scientific research, particularly in underfunded areas. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, while inquiries from those that discriminate or focus on religious activities are not accepted.

The Lockhart Vaughan Foundation, established in 1990, provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in Baltimore, focusing on education, environment, and community development. New applicants must submit a Letter of Intent to outline their goals. The Foundation emphasizes childhood literacy, environmental improvements, and vibrant neighborhoods while prioritizing programs that foster high expectations and prevent summer learning loss. Eligible organizations should align with these strategic goals to secure funding.

The Wildhorse Foundation offers grants to support the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and surrounding areas in Oregon and Washington. With a commitment to community welfare, the foundation donates over $1 million annually to various projects, including arts, education, and environmental protection. Organizations must operate within the designated areas and adhere to specific eligibility criteria. The foundation emphasizes charitable giving and aims to enhance the quality of life for tribal members and their communities.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Overdose Response aims to enhance healthcare access in rural areas by addressing urgent needs related to substance use disorder services. This initiative focuses on reducing overdose risks through targeted interventions and support, ensuring that rural communities receive necessary assistance. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, this program is crucial for mitigating the opioid crisis in underserved regions, improving health outcomes, and promoting overall community well-being.

The TDECU Cares Foundation Grant supports local organizations that enhance community well-being by focusing on education, employment pathways, and essential human needs. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) non-profits and governmental entities within TDECU's service areas. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its strategic focus and provide volunteer opportunities for TDECU employees. By investing in impactful initiatives, the foundation aims to foster meaningful change in the communities it serves.

The Fund for Community Advancement Grant Program, established by Franklin Savings Bank in 1997, aims to enhance community life by supporting diverse projects. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, focusing on areas such as affordable housing, healthcare, and social services, particularly for low to moderate income families. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities or government subdivisions. The program encourages impactful initiatives within Franklin and surrounding communities.

The Adams County Community Foundation Grants aim to support nonprofits serving vulnerable residents in Adams County through capacity building, program, and collaboration grants. Each grant type has specific funding limits, with a focus on affordable housing initiatives. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and adhere to nondiscrimination policies. The foundation provides special consideration to those addressing housing issues, ensuring impactful community development and self-sufficiency for low-income residents.

The Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Idaho by supporting tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. With a focus on rural healthcare, educational programs, and underserved communities, the Foundation prioritizes effective and impactful initiatives. Over the years, it has funded a variety of projects, showcasing dedication to community improvement. By maintaining a simple and open application process, the Foundation empowers local organizations to express their needs and contribute to the state's growth.

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund offers matching support grants to nonprofit organizations in central Oklahoma, focusing on endowment funds. Organizations can apply for grants to match their fundraising efforts, with varying amounts based on the type of endowment established. The fund emphasizes the importance of building endowments to ensure financial sustainability and supports initiatives across various areas including arts, education, and community enhancement. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the fund's interests.

The Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation Grant supports projects in the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed, focusing on environmental stewardship, economic vitality, sustainable farming, and community pride. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, and local government units within the watershed area. This grant aims to enhance water quality, promote green spaces, and foster community engagement through various initiatives.

The Local Cultural Council Grant Program, funded by the Mass Cultural Council, supports arts, humanities, and science projects through local councils across Massachusetts. With 329 councils serving all 351 communities, this program emphasizes local decision-making to address community needs. Grants typically range from $250 to $750, with competitive applications due to limited funds. Councils can choose between reimbursement and direct grants, ensuring funds effectively support local initiatives.

The QC River Connections Grant, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports projects addressing environmental challenges faced by the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities. It promotes inclusive community engagement and nature-based solutions to enhance relationships between communities and the river. Eligible projects include restoration, education, and access initiatives. The grant aims to uplift underrepresented communities impacted by environmental issues, ensuring equitable participation in environmental stewardship.

The NIH R25 program aims to enhance inclusivity in research education by supporting activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in substance use and addiction sciences. This initiative focuses on skills development courses and research experiences, particularly targeting underrepresented groups in biomedical and behavioral sciences. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to the full proposal deadline.

The United Company Foundation, established in 1986, provides grants to support charitable organizations in Bristol, VA, Bristol, TN, and Southwest Virginia. This private non-profit focuses on areas such as food, shelter, education, the arts, health, and youth services, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and innovative approaches. By prioritizing accountability and measurable outcomes, the Foundation aims to foster long-term improvements in the community it serves.

The Fehr Graham Scholarship provides financial support for students pursuing careers in engineering, landscape architecture, land surveying, geology, hydrogeology, assessment and remediation, and environmental health and safety. Applicants must reside within fifty miles of a Fehr Graham office and intend to enroll in their first year of post-secondary education. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, contingent upon maintaining a 2.8 GPA. It aims to enhance educational opportunities in the communities served by Fehr Graham.

The Centerville-Washington Foundation offers the Community Impact Grant to support projects that enhance community engagement and resource efficiency. Grants are available for arts, education, health, and social services, among others. They prioritize initiatives that demonstrate innovative solutions to community challenges, promote volunteerism, and strengthen local nonprofits. Important deadlines include March 1st for Community Support Grants and September 1st for the $10,000 Impact Grant. This funding fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community.

The Walter J. Miller Trust Grant provides financial support to numerous charitable organizations in Pennsylvania. Established to honor the legacy of Mr. Miller and his sisters, the Trust emphasizes funding for education, health services, arts, and social welfare. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant, with a focus on projects that address community needs not met by others. The Trust aims to ensure lasting impact through its generous contributions, fostering community development and support.

The Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation offers unrestricted funds to support various projects aimed at enhancing the community's welfare. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities that serve Blair County and meet specific criteria, such as promoting education, arts, or health services. This grant process encourages impactful proposals, ensuring that resources are allocated to initiatives that genuinely benefit the region. Applications are accepted annually, with a focus on sustainable community development.

Agency-specific Content for the Notice of Funding Opportunity Future Energy Jobs Act: Multi-Cultural Jobs Program

A. Program Description

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the "Department" or "DCEO") is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity ("NOFO" to support the Future Energy Jobs Act Multi-Cultural Jobs Program ("Program") authorized under 220 ILCS 5/16-108.12(a)(3). Through this NOFO, DCEO is making $1.5 million available for eligible applicants to provide skill development, supportive, and training services for qualified, traditionally underserved participants seeking employment in the clean energy industry. Please note that DCEO is posting this second FEJA Multi-Cultural Jobs Program NOFO to identify grantees under Categories C, E and F of the Program as outlined on page 6 of this NOFO

Program Description

The Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) were created to stimulate job growth in the clean energy economy with investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy workforce development. The Multi-Cultural Jobs Program provides an opportunity to take action toward providing innovative, employer-driven training approaches that pair education and occupational training with work-based learning and supportive services to individuals in need of self-sustaining employment. It is the goal and objective of the Multi-Cultural Jobs Training program to implement job training programs that:

• Assist in the development of a workforce with the requisite knowledge, skills, training, experience, and competence to work in the clean energy sector.
• Ensure participation of targeted populations and communities
• Identify partnership opportunities within training programs to maximize the societal

The Canadian Home Economics Association (CHEA) Fellowship supports women pursuing graduate studies in Human Ecology, including Family and Consumer Sciences, at Canadian universities. Eligible candidates must be Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or Protected Persons and enrolled in a graduate program. The fellowship emphasizes ethical research practices and requires recipients to remain enrolled throughout the award period. Special consideration is given to those focusing on Education, while multiple awards in a lifetime are limited to three.

Community Development Block Grant – Public Services

This grant opportunity is intended to connect low and moderate-income (LMI) Boston residents to a continuum of education, workforce development, and economic security programs to increase their capacity to obtain career-oriented employment leading to economic stability.

Grant Program Description:

Each year, the City of Boston receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Mayor’s Office of Housing. The funds are primarily used for affordable housing and economic development activities. However, up to 15% of the funds can be used for “public services” related to economic development. As the City’s workforce development agency, the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) manages this portion of the funding on behalf of the Mayor’s Office of Housing. 

The public services component of the CDBG funds provides services for low-income individuals and families with the goal of moving them out of poverty towards economic security. In anticipation of this RFGA, OWD released a set of policy principles. For the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, OWD will continue to prioritize programs and services that fit within this range of long-term economic stability and growth, including but not limited to: Child Care, Health care, Job Training, Education Programs, Public safety services, Fair Housing Activities, Services for senior citizens, Services for homeless persons, Drug abuse counseling & treatment. 

As a reminder, the policy principles highlight the need to promote economic stability and mobility. These core beliefs shape strong programs:

• Investment in programs that place individuals on a continuum of quality education, training, workforce development, and economic security. This continuum is defined as high school diplomas/HiSET attainment, matriculation into post-secondary education or industry-recognized training programs, placement into jobs with demonstrated career paths, and/or access to income maximization programs that stabilize individuals and families with barriers. 
• A high degree of coordination of wrap-around support services, which address a wide range of individual and family needs. These can include, but are not limited to, financial literacy, ESOL/Adult Basic Education, income and/or benefits maximization, mental health, childcare, transportation, and individual case management. 
• The use of partnerships and collaborations is strongly encouraged to ensure that there are no gaps in a continuum of programs and supportive services to address a wide range of needs.
• The use of work-based training that provides maximum opportunities for participants to gain employment skills that meet employer needs.

Total Amount Available for Grant Program: Approximately $2,100,000.

Grant awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Any oral or written representations, commitments, or assurances made by the Department or any other City representatives are not binding. Recipients should verify funding before beginning performance.

Award Amount per Grant per Organization: OWD anticipates grants ranging in size from $50,000 to $95,000.

The East Arts Grant Program supports BIPOC-centered non-profit organizations in the northeast and southeast quadrants of Washington, DC, providing high-quality arts and humanities experiences. This initiative aims to enhance community identity and elevate the creative excellence of artists through various disciplines, including dance, visual arts, and literature. By fostering access to these experiences, the program enriches the cultural landscape and quality of life for local residents.

The Charles H. Dater Foundation Grants support programs benefiting children in Greater Cincinnati. Established in 1985, the Foundation focuses on arts, education, healthcare, social services, and community needs. Grant applications require a pre-application summary for feedback. Funds are typically awarded within two weeks, following a thorough evaluation process. The Foundation encourages leveraging grants for additional funding and values effective use of volunteer resources, ensuring ongoing support for community enrichment.

The SU-CASA Grant is a 3-month program placing local artists in Staten Island senior centers to engage older adults through creative workshops. Each residency concludes with a public event showcasing the participants' work. Artists receive a stipend of $6,000 and a $2,000 budget for materials. Funded by the NYC Council, this initiative fosters collaboration among various city departments and supports artists passionate about teaching and working with seniors.

Avnet Cares Grants support nonprofit organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that focus on making a positive impact in their communities. Grants are available for initiatives in STEM, environmental sustainability, and assistance for communities in crisis. Eligible nonprofits must have been operational for at least three years. The program prioritizes organizations that serve areas where Avnet has significant operations, fostering community growth and development.