Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Valley Water Standard Grants - Stewardship Grants program provides $1.87 million in funding for projects aimed at enhancing safe, clean drinking water, water conservation, and environmental stewardship in Santa Clara County. This initiative supports diverse community efforts including pollution cleanups, habitat restoration, and educational programs, requiring a 15% matching contribution. Open to public agencies and nonprofit organizations, it empowers local communities to tackle pressing water and environmental challenges effectively.

The Foundation for Health Enhancement Grant aims to improve healthcare delivery in the U.S., focusing on preventive services and support for smaller organizations near Chicago. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, with biannual deadlines on April 1 and September 1. Eligible tax-exempt organizations will be considered, while those seeking general operating support will not qualify. Most grants last one year, and applicants can expect decisions within 3 to 4 months after submission.

The Montana DNRC Hazardous Fuels Reduction Grant Program aims to mitigate the risk of wildland fires and protect communities in high-priority areas adjacent to National Forest System lands. Funded by USFS resources, this program supports projects that reduce hazardous fuels through various methods like thinning and burning. Eligible applicants include non-profits, local governments, and tribal entities. Projects must align geographically and be initiated within three years of planned USFS treatments, ensuring community safety and environmental stewardship.

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)

Safe Routes to School Infrastructure (SRTS) Program Grant Solicitation

The Minnesota Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Infrastructure Program was established by the Minnesota Legislature in 2012 and is defined in Minnesota Statute 174.40. MnDOT State Aid for Local Transportation (SALT) and the Office of Transit and Active Transportation (OTAT) share responsibilities for the administration and oversight of the SRTS program. SALT administers the SRTS infrastructure funds on local roads (county, city, township, and Tribal owned roadways), and OTAT administers the non-infrastructure SRTS funds. Up to $8,500,000.00 in grant funds are available for this 2024 SRTS infrastructure solicitation.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) State Aid for Local Transportation (SALT) administers the state SRTS infrastructure program with guidance from the Infrastructure Work Group (IWG) of the Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC). The process, criteria, and prioritization for the solicitation are required by statute to establish a geographic equity-based project evaluation and selection process that is competitive, criteria-based, and objective. Projects are selected and approved by the Infrastructure Work Group of the Active Transportation Advisory Committee to provide financial assistance to eligible recipients to construct capital improvement of transportation infrastructure that improves safety and encourages non-motorized transportation to and from schools.

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 2

Fund projects identified as VOCA Assistance ineligible, for a period beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. Projects must meet ACJC victim assistance grant program eligibility requirements.

The Knight Fund Grant Program, managed by the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, aims to enhance connections between the University of North Dakota and the Downtown area through the University Avenue Corridor. This initiative focuses on improving community engagement, enhancing public spaces, and building on local assets to foster economic mobility and entrepreneurship. The fund specifically targets projects that unite diverse communities and support civic infrastructure, while excluding certain non-program expenses and individual applications.

About OJP

The Office of Justice Programs provides leadership and resources to reduce crime, improve the functioning of the criminal justice system and assist crime victims.

Crime victim services grants

Description of the program

Crime victim services are crucial, life-saving resources for victims and a key element of public safety. The Office of Justice Programs’ Crime Victim Services Grants Unit distributes approximately $60 million in state and federal funds annually to 170 agencies throughout Minnesota to provide direct advocacy services to victims of crime. Federal funding in the program includes Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and Family Violence Prevention and Service Act (FVPSA).

2027 Crime Victim Services

Request for proposals (RFP)

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit applications for funding to provide direct services to crime victims in Minnesota. Funded grantees are expected to be a resource in their community and provide crime victim services as detailed in the Program Standards under which they are funded.

Private Well Protection Grant

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) received funding from the Clean Water Fund to provide testing and outreach to private well users. A portion of this funding is available through grants aimed at increasing private drinking water well testing among households that rely on private wells for drinking water. Eligible entities may apply for funding to support activities that promote and provide well water testing within their communities.

Over 1.1 million Minnesotans across Minnesota have fewer safeguards because they use a private well. Unlike their peers connected to public water, private well users are responsible for voluntarily protecting and testing their well and addressing water quality issues. MDH received funding from the Clean Water Fund to ensure safe drinking water for private well users. A portion of this funding is being offered as grants to promote private well testing among private well users. Each entity will have the opportunity to apply for up to a predetermined amount of funds to promote well testing for households that rely on private well water for drinking water that will include testing for five common contaminants (arsenic, coliform bacteria, lead, manganese, and nitrate). This will be an iterative and communicative process in which grantees will work with MDH to carry out the grant goals. Entities can submit a shared proposal that adds each entity’s predetermined amount together.

Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (the “Department” or “IDOA”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grants through the Local Food and Infrastructure Grant Act [505 ILCS 92] and Administrative Code Title 8: Agriculture and Animals Chapter I: Department of Agriculture Subchapter m: Marketing Programs Part 340 Local Food Infrastructure Grant. The purpose of this program is for the development of local food processing, aggregation and distribution.

The General Assembly finds that the following conditions exist in this State:

• Small fruit, vegetable, and livestock farmers are vital to the health and wealth of Illinois communities, yet Illinois does not currently have infrastructure in place to support local food farmers or to feed Illinois communities.
• An estimated 95% of the food consumed in Illinois is purchased from outside of our borders, resulting in the export of billions of food dollars outside our State rather than the enhancement of our local food economies.
• A shift of just 10% toward local food purchasing by Illinois individuals, families, schools, institutions, and State agencies could generate billions in economic growth for our State.
• For Illinois families, businesses, schools, and institutions to shift their purchasing practices, Illinois must invest in supporting critical local food infrastructure needed to bolster processing, aggregation, and distribution of local food.

The General Assembly determines and declares that there exist conditions in the State that require the Department to issue grants on behalf of the State for the development of local food processing, aggregation, and distribution. (505 ILCS 92/10) Sec. 10 (a) and (b).

All grant funding provided under this Act must be used for purchasing, leasing to own, renting, building, or installing infrastructure related to the processing, storage, aggregation, or distribution of value-added agricultural products.

Opportunity Funding

• $3,600,000.00

Funding Sources

• State

Funding Source Description 

• This grant program is utilizing state funds appropriated by Public Act 104-0003, Section 205 and Section 210. Total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $3,600,000. Awards will range from $1,000 to $250,000.

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 3

Fund all other victim service projects that meet ACJC victim assistance grant program eligibility requirements, for a period beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027. Projects demonstrating the lowest percentage of funding support from DPS-VOCA Assistance grant funds during the grant period will be prioritized.

Maine Office of Community Affairs

The Maine Office of Community Affairs (MOCA) was established by the Maine State Legislature in 2024 as a one-stop-shop to assist municipalities, Tribal governments and regional planning organizations in building a more resilient future.

In spring 2025, MOCA introduced a newly established State Resilience Office and staff to lead cross-agency efforts to enhance climate resilience across the state, especially in communities with significant climate vulnerabilities impacting residents, infrastructure, and the environment.

Shore and Harbor Planning Grants

The Maine Office of Community Affairs’ Maine Coastal Program (MCP) and Municipal Planning Assistance Program (MPAP) are seeking applications for coastal planning grants totaling approximately $550,000. The two grants covered by this announcement are the Shore and Harbor Planning Grant and the Coastal Community Grant. Funding for these planning grants comes from the Maine Coastal Program’s annual grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

Program Goals

The Shore and Harbor Planning Grant program provides resources on a competitive basis for shoreline access planning, waterfront and harbor planning, identification and resolution of waterfront use conflicts, and planning, feasibility, and design efforts for resilient waterfront infrastructure. Shore and Harbor Planning Grant projects are often well prepared to compete for construction funding through other sources.  

The Topfer Family Foundation Grant aims to empower individuals by providing essential resources and support in various program areas, including child abuse prevention, youth enrichment, job training, children's health, and aging in place. This grant is focused on fostering self-sufficiency through initiatives that promote education, practical life skills, and access to healthcare. The foundation prioritizes organizations in the greater Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Broward County areas, ensuring that funds directly benefit local communities.

The DCLA Art Fund Grants, offered by Staten Island Arts, support individual artists and collectives in creating culturally significant work. Open to all artistic disciplines, projects must include a public component. Emphasizing community engagement, the grants prioritize under-resourced disciplines and communities. With funding from the Greater New York Arts Development Fund, these grants aim to enhance cultural programming and education, fostering a vibrant arts scene on Staten Island.

The Crawford Impact Initiative Grants support non-profit organizations in Crawford County, providing a redesigned grant program that offers impactful funding opportunities. Organizations can apply for funding from both restricted and unrestricted funds, with a single application. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits, governmental bodies, municipalities, and schools. The initiative emphasizes preventive and impactful projects addressing community needs, with a focus on collaboration and measurable outcomes.

About Us

Overview

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives. ACF also manages the Pick.Click.Give. program.

Mission

Inspiring the spirit of giving and connecting people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever.

Vision

ACF envisions an Alaska where communities come together and have resources to thrive.

Stassel Education Scholarship Fund

The Stassel Fund was established in memory of Fred L. and Jean N. Stassel who came to Alaska on their honeymoon in 1949, making Anchorage their home for over 60 years until they passed away in 2017 and 2011 respectively. Here they raised 6 children, celebrated Alaska's statehood in 1959, survived the 1964 earthquake, and became active in the community and state. The Fund honors their dedication to education and service to others focusing on creating opportunities for all Alaskans, especially the vulnerable and most in need. Fred and Jean valued education, hard work, integrity, justice, respect, and care for all people. They were both educators, commercial fishers, and very active in social services through the United Methodist Church and other organizations. Fred was very influential in establishing the now-named Credit Union 1, and Jean was active with The League of Women Voters. They would be honored to know that deserving Alaskans were able to pursue their educational goals with the help of scholarships from the Stassel Education Fund.

The Upper Bucks Community Foundation Fund of LVCF, managed by the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in the Upper Bucks area, including Palisades, Pennridge, and Quakertown School Districts. It primarily funds projects in visual arts, performing arts, industrial arts, agricultural education, and conservation of rural life. This fund includes the Richard E. Gasser Fund and the Erwin J. and Gertrude K. Neusch Fund, which focus on enhancing community engagement and educational initiatives.

The Craven County Community Foundation Grant, established in 1991, is dedicated to enhancing local philanthropic efforts by supporting diverse nonprofit organizations in Craven County. Grants, typically ranging from $500 to $15,000, aim to address various community needs, including education, social justice, and health-related services. The foundation encourages proposals from tax-exempt public charities and local government units, fostering a collaborative approach to community development and enrichment.

The PCLB Foundation Grant supports organizations in Connecticut and New York that align with its mission of empowering individuals through strategic philanthropy. Founded in 1999, the foundation seeks to provide general operating support and restricted grants in five key areas: education, outdoors, science, medicine, and family projects. By fostering high-quality initiatives, PCLB aims to create systemic change while encouraging innovative solutions to pressing community issues.

The NIAID Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows transitioning to independent research positions, fostering their development into successful biomedical scientists. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to June 2027, including specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grants. This initiative, funded by the NIH, aims to enhance the career trajectory of emerging researchers in clinical and biomedical fields, ensuring a robust pipeline of innovative scientific talent.

The AUKUS Scholarship, part of the Graduate Education Fund, supports American and Australian graduate students in security, technology, and diplomacy fields. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents, with an offer from an accredited institution. The scholarship provides up to $40,000 for tuition, travel, and living expenses. Applications are due in March for Australia to USA and in September for USA to Australia. This initiative strengthens ties and promotes research in critical areas.

The Community Foundation of Henderson County offers grants to support diverse community needs, promoting collaboration among tax-exempt organizations in Henderson County. Their mission is to foster impactful contributions in areas such as health, education, and arts. Emphasizing innovative proposals, the Foundation seeks to address evolving community challenges and encourage sustainable development. With a focus on local impact and collaboration, they aim to enhance the quality of life for residents while addressing pressing social issues.

What is Granite United Way?

Granite United Way is a nonprofit organization that makes strategic investments in our community to help people learn, earn, and be healthy. Our impact covers more than 85% of New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont. With the support of more than 22,000 donors and volunteers, we are working together to provide more than $14 million in support to over 400,000 individuals.

If you are concerned about issues in our community like homelessness, education gaps, and health disparities, you're not alone. Many of us want to make a meaningful difference, but aren't sure where to start.

At Granite United Way, we streamline that process by connecting your support to the most pressing issues in our community. We remove barriers and create opportunities for people to make a positive impact in our community. When you partner with us, you help meet critical needs and create a ripple effect of positive change throughout our community.

Opioid Abatement Community Grants Program (OACGP): Short-Term Responsive Grants

ranite United Way (GUW) administers the Opioid Abatement Community Grants Program (OACGP) on behalf of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. Through this program, $10 million in settlement funds will be invested over two years to support community-based efforts that prevent, reduce, and address the harms of the opioid crisis across New Hampshire. OACGP supports programs, partnerships, and community-led work that strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and long-term wellbeing. Funding is available to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, school districts, and other eligible entities serving New Hampshire communities.

Grant Opportunities

• Short-Term Responsive Grants:
  • Up to $15,000 for timely projects that address emerging needs, fill gaps, or strengthen community capacity.

Granite United Way administers the Opioid Abatement Community Grants Program (OACGP) to combat the opioid crisis in New Hampshire. This initiative allocates $10 million over two years to support community-based prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, municipalities, and governmental entities dedicated to improving community well-being. The program aims to create lasting positive change by addressing critical health and social issues related to opioid abuse.

The Unity for Humanity Grant invites innovative creators to submit impact-driven projects that utilize real-time 3D technology. This annual grant provides funding, technical support, and marketing resources to help bring visionary ideas to life. Projects must align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrate measurable impact. Eligible submissions include prototypes across various genres, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable world. Join us in empowering changemakers to make a positive global difference.

The Mackinac Island Community Foundation Grant, established in 1994, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors of Mackinac Island. It supports various projects focusing on arts, education, environmental conservation, and community enrichment. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and municipal groups. Priority is given to initiatives that foster cooperation, address emerging needs, and benefit a large segment of the community. However, grants are not available for individuals or operational costs.

The NYSCA Encore Grants are designed to support returning Staten Island-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in presenting significant artistic and cultural programming across various disciplines. Eligible projects must focus on cultural expression and be accessible to the community, emphasizing artistic significance and addressing under-resourced disciplines. The grant is funded by the New York State Council on the Arts and aims to enhance local cultural production and community engagement.

The SCCF grants aim to enhance artistic offerings, preserve Steuben County's natural resources, and improve recreational access. These grants support nonprofit organizations in their mission to uplift community quality of life through collaborative projects. Eligible projects include those that foster community gathering and address root causes of local issues. Ineligibility includes projects funded solely by government or those that do not serve the community. This initiative seeks to enrich both the cultural and environmental landscape of the region.