Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Whittenberger Foundation supports innovative projects in Southwest Idaho that enhance the lives of children and young people. Focused on areas such as education, health, and arts, the Foundation aims to create measurable impacts through its funding. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate potential for long-term sustainability and effective use of resources. Grants are typically awarded to nonprofits that align with these values, ensuring a legacy of community support and development.

About Us

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky (FHKY) is a nonprofit organization funded by an endowment that aims to transform our state so that every Kentuckian has what they need to live a healthy life. Since it opened its doors in 2001, the Foundation has invested millions in health policy advocacy, research, and demonstration projects across the Commonwealth.

Partnerships for Success Grants

Partnerships for Success (PFS) provides funding to enhance and support Kentucky community-based organizations that serve communities with limited opportunities. Applicants should focus on reducing alcohol, nicotine (including vaping), and cannabis use/misuse and related consequences by implementing evidence-based prevention programs, practices, and policies that are trauma and resilience informed, and responsive to local and community context. The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky (FHKY) is facilitating this funding opportunity as one of its pass-through grant programs. The project is supported by the Kentucky PFS 2023 Grant via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grant H79SP083680.

Grants will provide up to $50,000 in funding for 12 months. 

Goal

To provide funding that enhances and supports evidence-based strategies to prevent alcohol, nicotine (including vaping), and cannabis use/misuse in communities that are at higher risk in Kentucky.

Overview

This funding opportunity allows potential grantees to creatively address localized behavioral health-related issues. Funding is intended to support solutions that address the issues, identified by those who live and work locally, as most relevant to communities that are at higher risk in Kentucky.

Proposed projects should:

• Focus on communities with limited opportunities as the primary focus of a proposed or existing project or program, including leadership and decision-making power.
• Make communities that are at higher risk the primary beneficiaries of the project or program's outcomes.
• Address a substance use challenge identified by the community.
• Plan, develop, implement, and/or sustain a prevention initiative.

Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with Indiana communities to build relevant and economically thriving places where people want to live, work and grow.

Mission: The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.

CDBG Planning Grant - Utility Studies

The Planning Grant Program leverages Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to encourage communities to plan for long-term, holistic improvement. The Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) seeks applications from local units of government for programs funded through the State CDBG program. Eligible local units of government are counties, cities, or incorporated towns not located within an entitlement community. Unincorporated areas must apply through the county in which they are located. Eligible planning activities consist of all costs associated with data gathering, study, analysis, and preparation of plans and the identification of actions to implement such plans.

• Single Utility Study ($30,000)
  • A single utility study evaluates the condition, needs, alternatives, costs, and implementation steps for one utility system to determine the most viable, fundable solutions and guide immediate planning and investment decisions.
• Two Utility Study ($60,000) 
  • A Two Utility Study examines two water systems (typically drinking water plus wastewater or stormwater) together to identify conditions, needs, and service gaps and sustainability measures; and deliver prioritized, fundable action steps to operationalize and finance the recommended improvements.
• Master or Three Utility Study ($90,000)
  • A Master Utility Study provides an integrated assessment of all community-controlled water systems (drinking water, wastewater, stormwater), identifies needs and service gaps, evaluates coordinated alternatives with lifecycle and environmental analyses, and delivers prioritized designs, cost estimates, operating budgets, permitting and financing options, and a implementation plan.

The Nevada State Bank Grant supports community development initiatives aimed at benefiting low and moderate-income individuals and areas. With over a million dollars donated annually, the Bank encourages financial literacy, economic development, and various community services. It invites applications from non-profit organizations recognized under section 501(c)3 of the IRS tax code, focusing on projects that enhance education, health, and overall community livability.

The Sincere Foundation Grant offers up to $25,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations in the USA that provide essential services in Massachusetts, focusing on food security, housing stability, and safe spaces. The Foundation prioritizes programs that address the basic needs of vulnerable populations, supporting initiatives that foster community well-being and resilience. Eligible organizations must have an operating budget of $25 million or less and align with the Foundation's mission to create thriving communities.

The Liberty Mutual Foundation is launching its Climate Resiliency RFP to enhance climate resilience in low-income and underrepresented neighborhoods in Boston. This initiative aims to support nature-based solutions, training for green jobs, and the development of sustainable infrastructure. By funding innovative programs, the foundation seeks to tackle climate challenges while empowering vulnerable communities. Eligible organizations can apply for planning or implementation grants, focusing on measurable outcomes that create lasting impact.

About Oklahoma CareerTech

For more than 100 years, Oklahoma’s system of career and technology education has focused on improving Oklahoma’s economy by offering individuals the training and skills necessary to be successful in the workplace and providing companies with the workforce necessary to compete globally.

Oklahoma CareerTech is often used as a model for programs across the United States and around the world. The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 62 campuses, 394 PK-12 school districts, 20 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 49 Adult Education and Family Literacy service providers.

Perkins Innovative Grants

Things to know:

• All grants will be on a two-year award cycle (except CTE New Program Grant) to match the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment timeline. To be eligible for awards, recipients will be required to complete and submit their Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment.

• Grant recipients will have to show progress towards goal completion by the end of the first year of funding to receive 2nd year funding. These Benchmarks will be developed in collaboration with the Program area innovative grant leads and the recipients.

• Districts can apply for multiple grants. 

There are 8 Innovative Grants that all eligible recipients can apply for: 1) Career Development and Programs of Study; 2) Career Pathways, Workforce, and Industry Partnerships; 3) Supporting CTE Special Populations; 4) High Growth and Emerging Technologies; 5) Innovation in Career Exploration; 6) Innovative Strategies to Recruit and Retain CTE Instructors - High Schools/Tech Centers That Work & Other; 7) CTE New Program; 8) Improving Academic Proficiency

Career Development and Programs of Study

Career development is an educational program designed to assure students know how to make career choices and create full Carl Perkins Programs of Study individual career plans to prepare themselves for those careers. The program ensures individuals make informed career decisions based on facts. Career development, based upon the tenet that individuals who have career maturity make better career choices and have a better sense of the education plans needed to reach their career goals, including entrepreneurship. Career maturity is when an individual has personal insight into the process of and readiness for making career choices. It is NOT the process of choosing a specific career or job. Career Development programs assist students in defining career pathways that prepare them for high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand occupations.

Indian Affairs Department

The Indian Affairs Department (IAD) is a Cabinet Level agency within the Executive Branch of the State of New Mexico.

The Indian Affairs Department (IAD) is a cabinetlevel agency within the Executive Branch of the State of New Mexico, leading change through a variety of programs and administration of funding opportunities. IAD investigates and addresses the health, economy, education and legislative impacts affecting Indian conditions and relations in New Mexico.

IAD collaborates with other state agencies, promotes public participation and serves as the clearinghouse for all state programs impacting Indian communities.

The department may hold hearings, conduct meetings, investigate issues and partner with tribal, local, state and federal entities to promote the welfare of New Mexico’s Indian people.

It also contracts with tribal governments, public agencies or private entities to provide services and facilities for Indian communities.

IAD also focuses on matters such as Behavioral Health & Suicide Prevention, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP), Environmental Justice, Policy & Legislation and more.

Tribal Community Garden

Tribal Community Gardens is intended to support projects that promote community gardens through community-led initiatives that provide education, hands-on gardening experience, home garden resources, and long-term sustainability through seed saving and community capacity building.

Purpose

The purpose of this funding is to strengthen food sovereignty, community wellness, environmental stewardship, and cultural knowledge through community-led gardening initiatives. Funding will support Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes in establishing or expanding community gardens that provide education, hands-on gardening experience, gardening resources, and longterm sustainability.

Projects should increase access to healthy foods by encouraging community members to engage in gardening while preserving traditional agricultural knowledge, encouraging intergenerational learning, and building local systems that continue beyond the grant period.

About Oklahoma CareerTech

For more than 100 years, Oklahoma’s system of career and technology education has focused on improving Oklahoma’s economy by offering individuals the training and skills necessary to be successful in the workplace and providing companies with the workforce necessary to compete globally.

Oklahoma CareerTech is often used as a model for programs across the United States and around the world. The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 62 campuses, 394 PK-12 school districts, 20 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 49 Adult Education and Family Literacy service providers.

Perkins Innovative Grants

Things to know:

• All grants will be on a two-year award cycle (except CTE New Program Grant) to match the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment timeline. To be eligible for awards, recipients will be required to complete and submit their Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment.

• Grant recipients will have to show progress towards goal completion by the end of the first year of funding to receive 2nd year funding. These Benchmarks will be developed in collaboration with the Program area innovative grant leads and the recipients.

• Districts can apply for multiple grants. 

There are 8 Innovative Grants that all eligible recipients can apply for: 1) Career Development and Programs of Study; 2) Career Pathways, Workforce, and Industry Partnerships; 3) Supporting CTE Special Populations; 4) High Growth and Emerging Technologies; 5) Innovation in Career Exploration; 6) Innovative Strategies to Recruit and Retain CTE Instructors - High Schools/Tech Centers That Work & Other; 7) CTE New Program; 8) Improving Academic Proficiency

Supporting CTE Special Populations

This grant can be used to help support Oklahoma career and technology education students who belong to a special population to explore career options and for transition support into postsecondary education/training levels as well as employment.

: Individuals with Disabilities, Individuals from Economically Disadvantaged Families, Individuals Preparing for Non-Traditional Fields, Single Parents, Including Single Pregnant Women, Out Of Workforce Individuals, English Learners, Homeless Individuals, Youth In or Aged Out of Foster Care System, and Youth with a Parent who is a member of the Armed Forces and on Active Duty.

This grant can help schools implement transition programs and/or other support strategies to assist in the provision of transferable skill sets to students regarding the attainment of meaningful employment and becoming productive members of society. 

The Natural History Research Experiences (NHRE) is a prestigious 10-week summer internship program at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. It offers undergraduates the chance to engage in independent research across various disciplines including Earth Science and Anthropology. Participants receive a stipend of $8250, travel support, and free housing, while benefiting from mentorship by leading scientists. This program aims to cultivate future leaders in natural history research.

The Conservation Practitioner Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes dedicated professionals at any career stage who address avian conservation issues at local or regional levels. This award includes a certificate and a $1,000 honorarium, acknowledging the critical work of individuals or groups in government or non-government organizations. The AOS aims to promote ethical standards and support a diverse community of ornithologists committed to bird conservation.

About Oklahoma CareerTech

For more than 100 years, Oklahoma’s system of career and technology education has focused on improving Oklahoma’s economy by offering individuals the training and skills necessary to be successful in the workplace and providing companies with the workforce necessary to compete globally.

Oklahoma CareerTech is often used as a model for programs across the United States and around the world. The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 62 campuses, 394 PK-12 school districts, 20 Skills Centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 49 Adult Education and Family Literacy service providers.

Perkins Innovative Grants

Things to know:

• All grants will be on a two-year award cycle (except CTE New Program Grant) to match the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment timeline. To be eligible for awards, recipients will be required to complete and submit their Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment.

• Grant recipients will have to show progress towards goal completion by the end of the first year of funding to receive 2nd year funding. These Benchmarks will be developed in collaboration with the Program area innovative grant leads and the recipients.

• Districts can apply for multiple grants. 

There are 8 Innovative Grants that all eligible recipients can apply for: 1) Career Development and Programs of Study; 2) Career Pathways, Workforce, and Industry Partnerships; 3) Supporting CTE Special Populations; 4) High Growth and Emerging Technologies; 5) Innovation in Career Exploration; 6) Innovative Strategies to Recruit and Retain CTE Instructors - High Schools/Tech Centers That Work & Other; 7) CTE New Program; 8) Improving Academic Proficiency

Innovation in Career Exploration

Oklahoma Career and Technology Education supports innovative school improvement efforts to develop middle school STEM exploration programs that lead to increasing academic rigor and student achievement. STEM curriculum should provide project-based learning for the full range of students in grades seven and eight classrooms as well as career awareness and exploration activities for students in grades five, and six.

The Anne Brossman Sweigart Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting local nonprofits in the Greater Denver and Ephrata areas. With a commitment to empowering the community, this foundation honors a legacy of over 90 years by providing financial assistance to various sectors including food banks, education, arts, and historical preservation. By uplifting these organizations, the foundation aims to create a lasting positive impact for future generations.

The CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund, established by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, supports local communities in Oak Ridge, TN and Amarillo, TX. Since its inception in 2015, it has awarded over 205 grants to more than 120 nonprofits. With grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 for one-year terms, organizations are encouraged to address funding priorities such as mental health support and early learning. The fund reflects a commitment to enhancing community welfare through strategic resource allocation.

Farmington Bank Community Foundation

The Farmington Bank Community Foundation, which continues the legacy of the former Farmington Bank, provides financial support to non-profit organizations and community programs improve economic viability and well-being of residents and communities. The Foundation’s average grant size is generally around $8,000 with a maximum grant size of $20,000. The Foundation may make larger grants in special circumstances. The Foundation awards grants over a one-year period and generally an organization is eligible to receive one grant each calendar year. The Foundation generally awards flexible grants for organizations and programs that are aligned with our mission and priorities. This may take the form of ongoing program support, or one-time start-up costs (including capital). In some circumstances, the Foundation may consider general support for an organization’s core work. This is reserved for nonprofits with a proven track record of impact and a history of Foundation support.

Cycle One

The Foundation accepts applications from organizations working in the SURVIVING part of the economic mobility continuum to provide a social safety net and stability to individuals and families. This includes access to food, housing, health, mental health and other basic human needs. Grants are made across our geographic focus.

The Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana Grant supports 501c3 nonprofit organizations in specific counties of Kentucky and Indiana, with a focus on improving health and advancing social justice for vulnerable populations. They offer funding ranging from $25,000 to $500,000, encouraging impactful proposals while engaging in relational philanthropy. Interested organizations must submit a Letter of Interest, with cycles in May and December, to explore potential alignment and funding opportunities.

Georgia Department of Community Health

The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) is one of Georgia’s four health agencies serving the state’s growing population of over 10 million people.

DCH serves as the lead agency for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids®, and also oversees the State Health Benefit Plan, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division and State Office of Rural Health, impacting one in four Georgians.

Through effective planning, purchasing and oversight, DCH provides access to affordable, quality health care to millions of Georgians, including some of the state’s most vulnerable and underserved populations.

Initiative 3: Connecting to Care to Improve Healthcare Access Strategy: Point-of-Care Telepods 

Description and Purpose of Funding

A Care to Consumer Point-of-Care Telepod (POC Telepod) is a self-contained, soundproof healthcare station with live audio, video and technology to assess vital signs, health history and current health issues and evaluate physical and mental conditions.

Through real-time connectivity, licensed clinicians will provide non-emergent telehealth services for the purpose of prescribing medication or instructing other appropriate medical care.

These stations will serve as a new service line allowing patients to connect with licensed clinicians for primary care services without needing an appointment.

Funding is approved to support the acquisition and placement of POC Telepods in rural communities intended to provide increased access to primary healthcare services.

Specifically, the placement of POC Telepods should increase access to care in areas of the community with limited accessibility and reduce inappropriate utilization of emergency departments for non-urgent, non-emergent patients.

This funding opportunity is available to rural hospitals in Georgia serving the 126 rural/partial rural counties defined as the eligible rural area under the GREAT Health Program. Hospitals previously submitting a signed Letter of Intent for Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design (AHEAD) model pre-implementation to the Georgia Department of Community Health will receive priority in the application process.

The Monterey Peninsula Foundation Grants support local nonprofits and K-12 schools in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties. With a responsive grantmaking strategy, the foundation prioritizes applications that address pressing community needs across various focus areas, including arts, education, and health. This initiative has awarded over $200 million in lifetime funding, aiming to strengthen community services and promote sustainable development. Organizations applying must demonstrate effective management, collaboration, and a clear plan for achieving measurable outcomes.

The Reynolds and Reynolds Associate Foundation, established in 1956, is a prominent associate-run charitable organization in the U.S. that supports various community-focused initiatives. With a commitment to health services, youth support, and education, the Foundation empowers local charities through financial assistance and volunteer efforts. It prioritizes grant requests that align with its mission, particularly favoring projects with associate involvement. The Foundation exemplifies a legacy of community service and innovation, enhancing the lives of those in need across eight counties surrounding Dayton.

The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded by the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, supports future leaders in environmental, tribal public policy, and health care fields. With 55 scholarships of $7,000 each expected in 2025, this highly competitive program requires students to participate in their schools' internal competitions. Scholars benefit from networking opportunities and access to the Udall Alumni Network, fostering collaboration and growth in their respective fields.

The Native Plant Society of Texas offers the Kate Hillhouse Scholarship, a one-time $2,500 award for undergraduates majoring in biology, ecology, or related fields at Texas colleges. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to Texas native plants and align their future plans with the Society's mission of conservation and education. This scholarship honors a former president and is funded through donations and auctions, supporting students pursuing careers in native plant conservation.

The Connected Communities Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in the Midlands by funding innovative projects that foster community attachment and satisfaction. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered and located in specified counties. Grants range from $10,000 to $60,000, requiring a challenge match of funds raised. Priority is given to projects promoting equity and community involvement, making it vital for applicants to present novel ideas that strengthen local connections and address community needs.

The Cole Center Family YMCA Restricted Fund, established in 1997, supports the YMCA's mission to foster community through diverse programs and services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. With a commitment to youth development, healthy living, and community engagement, this fund plays a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of Noble County residents. The YMCA seeks to provide inclusive opportunities that reflect the values of Christian principles while promoting health and fitness.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

The Sadie Jones Fund Grant, managed by the Emporia Community Foundation, supports vision and hearing needs for children in Lyon and Chase counties. It also funds public health and safety projects aimed at benefiting local children. Applications are accepted twice a year, with a strict limit of one application per organization annually. This initiative seeks to enhance the well-being and safety of the community's youth.

The Allan and Margot Blank Foundation Grant supports musical and artistic organizations, focusing on chamber groups, choral groups, and soloists performing contemporary music, particularly in the Richmond, Virginia area. The foundation provides funding for music rental, recording support, and administrative expenses, with average grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and located in Virginia. Applications are accepted year-round for funding consideration.

The Astros Foundation Grant Program supports youth sports and education initiatives, aiming to uplift communities by addressing issues like childhood cancer and domestic violence. As the official charity of the Houston Astros, it aids local 501(c)3 nonprofits that focus on youth baseball/softball, literacy, and military recognition. With a commitment to reducing homelessness, the foundation engages fans to drive positive change in the community, ensuring all programs align with its mission of quality of life enhancement.