Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The BCF Stronger Schools Grants aim to enhance student mental health and improve school climate in Baltimore City and County. This initiative focuses on funding programs that support kindergarten readiness, behavioral interventions, restorative practices, and wellness initiatives. Collaborating with schools is essential, ensuring alignment with educational leaders' goals. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, addressing diverse needs, including targeted programs for English language learners and students with disabilities.

The Hawkins Family Foundation Grant supports diverse non-profit initiatives including healthcare, education, and community development. Primarily funding organizations in Chattanooga, Dublin/Columbus, and Tampa Bay, it requires applicants to be 501(c)(3) public charities or have fiscal sponsors with this status. This grant aims to uplift local communities and enhance the quality of life through various supportive programs.

Workforce Pilot

The Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan provides $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Maine Department of Transportation to support local, regional, and state workforce transportation pilot projects, especially in rural areas. Administered by MaineDOT’s Bureau of Planning, the department’s Workforce Transportation Pilot program is a competitive grant program that provides funds to support other workforce transportation pilot projects around the state. Funds may be used for capital and operating costs, including program start-up costs.

The Bureau of Planning anticipates a $750,000 award cap; however, that award cap is subject to change based on need and volume of applications. MaineDOT reserves the right to negotiate project scope and deliverables prior to finalizing awards. There is no minimum or maximum number of awards. Projects will be selected based on merit and the availability of funding.

While there is no application deadline, applicants are encouraged to submit projects as soon as possible. The Bureau of Planning will accept, evaluate, and make decisions on grant applications on an ongoing, rolling basis until all funds have been disbursed. In its evaluation process and awarding of funds, MaineDOT will consider that some applicants will be able to apply for funds sooner than others. In general, awarded projects should begin within four months of contract execution. This requirement can be waived based on circumstances as described by the applicant.

While projects may support transportation of workers from rural areas to more urban areas or centers of employment, the focus is on workforce transportation in rural areas. As such, some funds will be targeted specifically to connecting workers in rural areas to employment opportunities in rural areas.

Federal guidance provides that funds may be used to respond to COVID-19’s negative economic impacts on the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries. Other identified industries suffering comparable economic impacts include healthcare and social assistance; construction, trade, and logistics; manufacturing; education; agriculture, fishing, and forestry; information; and clean energy. Applicants must demonstrate that they are addressing challenges in these industries. Proposed initiatives must focus on workers and potential workers in these key industry sectors. MaineDOT staff will work with potential applicants to ensure that any proposals meet these requirements.

Applications may be submitted by employers or groups of employers, municipalities, non-profit organizations, human service organizations, and public/private transportation providers. Applicants are encouraged to engage with potential partners including, but not limited to, regional planning organizations, chambers of commerce and other business groups, county governments, workforce boards, and community action programs.

New Mexico Health Care Authority

The New Mexico Health Care Authority is a new agency that launched on July 1, 2024. This groundbreaking development is the result of merging the New Mexico Human Services Department, the State Employee Benefits team from the General Services Department, and the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division and Division of Health Improvement from the New Mexico Department of Health, and the Health Care Affordability Fund from the Office of Superintendent of Insurance.

This marks a significant milestone for the people of New Mexico as this new agency will work toward our vision of providing health care and safety net services to all New Mexicans.

The New Mexico Health Care Authority will leverage purchasing power, partnerships and data analytics to create innovative policies and models of comprehensive coverage for New Mexicans.

Graduate Medical Expansion Grant

The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) will award $1 million in grant funding to establish or expand residency programs and support primary care workforce beginning July 1, 2026. Award amounts will depend upon the number of applications received, overall funding, and availability of funds.

Funding will be awarded to applications that align with three key strategies:

• Establish new or expanding existing primary care GME residency programs by creating new first-year residency positions;
• Sustain existing primary care residency programs that maintain access to care in underserved areas or with underserved populations; and
• Develop new primary care workforce training pathways (nursing, physician assistant, or dental residency programs).

This funding opportunity is supported through the Primary Care Physician Training Expansion as authorized in House Bill 480.

The NIHCM Foundation is seeking innovative research proposals that address critical issues in U.S. health care, particularly focusing on drug pricing, provider consolidation, health care delivery, chronic disease management, and the role of artificial intelligence. Projects should aim to improve affordability and quality of care. We welcome submissions from a variety of researchers and organizations, with a preference for studies that can be completed within one year.

Reiter Family Foundation Grant

The Reiter Family Foundation seeks to support organizations that are doing meaningful work to shape and sustain Colorado communities. Our areas of focus are housing and food security, education and youth programming, and environment and conservation, but we do welcome inquiries from non-profits who do not necessarily fit neatly into our focus areas. In terms of geographic location, we tend to focus our giving in the Denver Metro and Grand County areas of Colorado.

Environment and Conservation

Environment/Conservation: With our family roots in this beautiful state, we want to support the protection and conservation of our Colorado’s lands and waterways as well as help to cut down on the pollution that threatens the health and longevity of our planet as a whole. 

Grants typically range from $2,000 - $15,000, but additional funding may be available.

Applicants can only submit one grant proposal each calendar year (January - December), but may apply again the following year unless otherwise advised. 

The Aquatic Invasive Species Control Research & Demonstration program, supported by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance water quality and protect ecosystems through collaborative initiatives. By providing cost-sharing funding for various activities, this program empowers eligible applicants, including local governments and educational institutions, to engage in effective water management practices. The initiative emphasizes sustainable stewardship of surface water resources, fostering partnerships to ensure long-term ecological health and community resilience in Wisconsin.

The County Forest Sustainable Grant, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to support short-term projects that enhance sustainable forestry practices in counties with lands enrolled under the County Forest Law. Priority is given to urgent needs such as storm recovery and temporary staffing to address immediate workloads. This funding initiative seeks to improve forest management and ensure the long-term sustainability of Wisconsin's county forest resources.

The Mumford & Keller Grant and Scholarship Program, initiated by Indiana Audubon in 2010, offers financial support for projects focusing on natural resources and Indiana's birdlife. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, it aims to promote conservation, research, and education. Priority is given to initiatives targeting key species and habitats within Indiana. This program honors the legacy of Russell Mumford and Charles Keller, enhancing bird conservation efforts for future generations.

Indiana Department of Health

The Indiana State Department of Health became the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) in July 2021 after the Governor signed legislation updating the agency's statute. That same year the Department was also awarded accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board, joining the ranks of 36 other states and territories.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers.

MCH Strategic Inititatives Funding

The Indiana Department of Health Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Division is accepting applications to fund organizations to implement MCH programs focused on reducing infant mortality and improving outcomes for maternal, child, and adolescent health.

Purpose of MCH Strategic Initiatives Funding

This funding opportunity’s purpose is to support Indiana’s goal of improving Maternal and Child Health outcomes by funding competitive grants for community-driven projects that address their unique needs and the MCH Strategic Initiatives Priorities. This opportunity is a two-year, performancebased grant. At the end of the first two project years, a performance award opportunity (up to the original awarded amount) will be available for those recipients that demonstrate improvement in their selected outcomes. 

MCH Strategic Initiatives Priorities

• Reduce Preventable Deaths and Advance Quality of Life
• Focus on Upstream Opportunities and Strategies
• Improve physical health and strengthen mental, social, and emotional well-being
• Promote protective factors and uplift Hoosiers families
• Foster Reciprocal Communication and Strategic and Sustainable Collaboration
• Address Community Health Factors and Systems that Influence Health Status and Behaviors
• Enhance Approaches to Operations, Data, and Evaluation

Applicants must submit a proposal for programs that aim to address infant mortality, birth outcomes, or other MCH priorities. This proposal must also identify the population and area they plan to impact. 

ADECA Healthy Food Financing Program

The Healthy Food Financing Program was approved in 2015 by the Alabama Legislature with the intent of ensuring that healthy foods at affordable prices are available to Alabamians. The grants are designed to help businesses and non-profit organizations with projects that can supply fresh fruits, vegetables and other grocery items to neighborhoods and communities with limited access to grocery stores.

ADECA awards projects annually based on competition to food banks, food pantries, farmers markets, schools, and grocery stores.

The Fry Foundation's Employment Grant aims to support organizations with 501(c)(3) status that focus on job training programs for low-income individuals in Chicago. The foundation prioritizes proposals that enhance program effectiveness and foster innovative approaches to workforce development. By addressing urban poverty and promoting access to living-wage jobs, the foundation seeks to empower underserved communities and improve their overall quality of life.

The Housing and Urban Development Competitive Grant from the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government aims to support non-profit organizations in their efforts to reduce homelessness. Funded through federal sources such as CDBG, ESG, and HOPWA, this initiative has allocated over $3 million in the past year to enhance services for individuals facing homelessness or living with HIV/AIDS. Organizations are encouraged to propose funding solutions that align with these critical community needs.

The CFGC Community Impact Grants support nonprofit organizations in Chattanooga, providing up to $30,000 in unrestricted funding. Focused on addressing key issues like hunger, affordable housing, mental health, and healthcare access, these grants aim to empower local communities. Organizations serving Hamilton County residents are encouraged to apply, fostering systemic change and stability for vulnerable populations. The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga is committed to enhancing community well-being through strategic grantmaking.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Our mission is to be a diverse and inclusive organization providing programs, services and supports that protect and promote the health and well-being of all Kentuckians and their communities.

Rural Health Transformation Program Funding Opportunity For Public Health Dental Hygiene Teams in Local Health Departments 

About the Program

This project is 100% funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a total of $212.9 million in budget year 1 with 100% by CMS/HHS. The RHTF grant spans five budget periods aligned with federal fiscal years (FY2026–FY2030). Funding is disbursed annually by CMS based on achievement of performance metrics.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has been awarded funding through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health Transformation Fund (RHTF). This investment will empower Kentucky to launch and implement its Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP) — a community-driven strategy to expand access and improve health outcomes for rural residents across the Commonwealth.

Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access

A key component of Kentucky’s Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access initiative involves expansion of the PHDH teams that have been serving multiple counties in Kentucky since 2013. Through this grant opportunity, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is soliciting applications from qualified organizations to establish new or expand current PHDH teams to expand access to rural dental care. The newly created programs must demonstrate commitment to providing services including:

• Preventive dental hygiene services for children and adults
• Dental hygiene-focused oral health services for residents of long-term care settings as defined in Kentucky’s Dental Practice Act KRS 216B
• Teledentistry-enabled preventive care, education, triage, and care coordination

Program Objectives

Funded PHDH programs must demonstrate their willingness and ability to:

• Increase access to school-based preventive dental hygiene services for all students, regardless of ability to pay.
• Deliver dental hygiene services in long term care facilities through teledentistry consultation with university dentists.
• Utilize teledentistry to expand access to care, improve quality and continuity of care, and enable more rural residents to stay in region for dental care and specialty consultations.
• Integrate Community Health Workers (CHWs) and/or social determinants of health (SDOH) screenings to support patient navigation and continuity of care.
• Achieve measurable improvements in oral health outcomes and service utilization.
• Operate in a cost-effective, sustainable, and compliant manner. Compliance is defined as adherence to the provision of hygiene services to the aboveidentified populations within KRS 313. 

The BHACF Community Action Grant provides up to $50,000 to nonprofits with an endowment fund at the Black Hills Area Community Foundation. This grant aims to support innovative projects that leverage community partnerships and sustainable practices. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities and schools within specific counties. However, requests for capital campaigns or activities that discriminate against protected groups are not allowed. The grant fosters diverse proposals in arts, education, social services, and more.

The Competitive Grant - Sunbury Fund, established by the Community Giving Foundation, aims to address various charitable needs in the Sunbury area. Since 2005, it has focused on health-related goals, encouraging nonprofit and governmental organizations to apply for funding. Eligible projects include those targeting children's health, early childhood development, oral health, issues affecting the working poor, and coronary care. All funds must be used within the Sunbury Hospital service area, ensuring local impact.

Wilson Ornithological Society

The earliest stages of the Wilson Ornithological Society’s development began with the formation of the “Young Ornithologists’ Association,” initiated in 1886 under the leadership of L. O. Pindar and J. B. Richards. They began as a corresponding group of naturalists interested in birds, with notes published in The Oölogist.

Soon after, the Society acquired a constitution and established itself in December 1888 as the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the Agassiz Association. The fledgling group was named in honor of Alexander Wilson, considered the Father of American Ornithology. Its original purpose was “the study of birds, their nests, and eggs.”

Over the subsequent decades, the group—eventually becoming known as the Wilson Ornithological Club—published its proceedings and articles under a series of diverse titles, culminating in The Wilson Bulletin after 1894 and, most recently, The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. The Club adopted its Constitution and Bylaws in 1930 and became the Wilson Ornithological Society in 1955.

Early Professional Avian Conservation and Community Impact Award

The Early Professional Avian Conservation and Community Impact Award recognizes outstanding contributions by Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) members working in applied, non-research careers that advance the conservation of birds and their habitats. This award also celebrates professionals whose work fosters a stronger and more inclusive conservation community, through management, education, communication, advocacy, or community engagement.

Purpose

This award highlights the diverse pathways through which people contribute to lasting ornithology and avian conservation beyond academic research. It honors those whose efforts build bridges between science, management, and the public; inspire action for birds; provide mentorship or leadership to build capacity; and promote equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the bird conservation community.

Examples of Qualifying Contributions

• Developing and implementing habitat management or conservation plans.
• Creating tools, educational materials, or outreach programs that promote bird conservation.
• Leading advocacy, communications, or storytelling that inspires conservation action.
• Building partnerships or community engagement initiatives that strengthen conservation impact.
• Advancing conservation policy or planning at local, regional, or national scales.

Award and Presentation

The recipient will be recognized at the 2026 Wilson Ornithological Society Annual Meeting, where they will be invited to share their work with attendees. The award includes:

• A monetary honorarium
• An original piece of artwork from an early-career artist
• Coverage of meeting registration, travel, lodging, and per diem expenses

The NJ Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry Program (NJUCF) Green Communities aims to support local governments in creating a Community Forestry Management Plan (CFMP) and conducting necessary inventories. This initiative, funded by the USDA Forest Service and the New Jersey Shade Tree Fund, offers grants up to $5,000 for a CFMP alone or $20,000 for both the CFMP and inventory. Eligible entities include municipal and county governments.

The Green Acres State Land Acquisition Program, managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, focuses on acquiring land for open space from property owners. It aims to preserve areas designated for recreation and conservation, integrating these lands into state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas. The program collaborates with various DEP divisions to ensure effective land management, and it accepts donations and bequests to enhance public access to natural resources.

The WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects initiative by the Bureau of Reclamation aims to enhance water supply reliability through cooperative funding and support for desalination facilities. This program aligns with federal priorities to improve energy and resource management, encouraging proposals that diversify local water sources. By focusing on innovative solutions to water scarcity, the initiative promotes sustainable water management practices, especially for growing communities facing water shortages.

The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

The Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund (KADF) offers the County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP) to support agricultural producers in enhancing their farm operations. This program provides cost-share assistance up to $5,000 for various agricultural enterprises, including livestock, horticulture, and energy efficiency initiatives. CAIP aims to improve the diversity and sustainability of farming practices across Kentucky, benefiting producers through financial support for innovative agricultural practices.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is inviting proposals for watershed-based planning projects aimed at addressing nonpoint source pollution. This initiative seeks to improve water quality in Illinois by preventing, eliminating, and reducing impairments to surface and groundwater. Funded through federal funds under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act, eligible projects may include the development and updating of watershed plans, technical assistance, and educational outreach efforts.

The Local Arts Support Grant, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, empowers Brooklyn's artists and arts organizations by providing funding for community engagement projects. Designed for nonprofit organizations and artist-nonprofit partnerships, it supports diverse artistic disciplines and does not require matching funds. In 2025, it distributed $265,000 to 63 projects, enhancing local cultural initiatives through performances, exhibitions, and workshops that foster community involvement and enrich the arts landscape.

The Peters Charitable Foundation Grant, established in 2014, aims to support organizations serving Brazos County, Texas, with a focus on education, health, and human services. Applications are accepted year-round, with a July 31 deadline for fall review. The foundation prioritizes funding specific projects rather than general operational needs, with an average annual giving of $50,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and submit applications through the designated online form.

Arizona Criminal Justice Commission

The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission is a statutorily authorized entity mandated to carry out various coordinating, monitoring and reporting functions regarding the administration and management of criminal justice programs in Arizona. In accordance with statutory guidelines, the Commission is comprised of 22 members who represent various elements of the criminal justice system in Arizona. The Commission staff is comprised of up to 25 employees working in seven key program areas. Those program areas are Crime Victim Services, the Statistical Analysis Center, Criminal Justice Systems Improvement, Public Information, Information Technology, Finance, and Drug, Gang, and Violent Crime Control. 

Crime Victim Services Assistance Program

The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-2407, has authorized the distribution of Crime Victim Assistance funds through a competitive grant process. The grant funds must be used to provide victim assistance services or services addressing victimization in Arizona in compliance with Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R10-4-201 through R10-4-204 and Commission guidelines. 

Matching funds of 20 percent of the total grant award are required. 

Special Funding Priorities

For the FY 2027 grant period, the Commission has approved awarding victim assistance funding in accordance with the following tier structure: Tier 1; Tier 2; and Tier 3

Tier 1

Fund crime victim service training projects, for a period beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. Projects must meet current ACJC victim assistance grant program eligibility requirements.