Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation, established in 2006, aims to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged students in the Greater Cincinnati area. With a focus on innovative programs and scholarships, the foundation supports initiatives in primary, secondary, and adult education. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 annually, promoting sustainability and collaboration with other donors. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, prioritizing local community impact.

The Fund for Greater Hartford offers grants up to $25,000 to support nonprofit organizations that enhance children's academic and social skills in Hartford, New Britain, and Middletown. Emphasizing collaboration, measurable outcomes, and diverse funding, the Fund seeks applicants committed to community engagement and effective data tracking. Organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and equity. This initiative aims to foster a strong educational foundation for children in the region.

The Field-of-Interest Grant Program - Economic Development supports local nonprofits in Mendocino County with grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,500. This program prioritizes initiatives that enhance economic sustainability through technical assistance, financial literacy, and innovative projects. Established in 2016, it aims to foster a healthy and equitable local economy, encouraging collaborative efforts to secure sustainable funding for various community sectors.

2026 Veterans and Nature Grant

Supporting the health, well-being, and community connection of America's veterans

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce grant funding supported by the American Medical Association (AMA) to expand access to nature-based experiences that support the health, well-being, and community connection of America's veterans. AMA has partnered with NEEF to bring an evidence-based health perspective to this effort, underscoring the growing body of research linking time in nature to improved physical and mental health outcomes.

Background

A Pew Research Center survey found that roughly one in four veterans say the transition back to civilian life was at least somewhat difficult. This is especially true for those who return home with stress or trauma. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates 11-20% of veterans are believed to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) each year.

Nature offers profound restorative benefits for veterans navigating the challenges of post-service life. Time spent outdoors — whether hiking, fishing, camping, or simply sitting among trees — has been shown by numerous studies to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, conditions that affect veterans at disproportionately high rates.

Quieting hypervigilance, allowing space for reflection, fostering camaraderie, and reducing isolation are all mental and physical benefits that be found through outdoor recreation. Using America’s public lands to do so provides a powerful and accessible path forward.

Overview

Through the 2026 Veterans and Nature grant, NEEF aims to expand access to nature-based experiences that support veteran health, well-being, and community connection by

• Providing opportunities for outdoor activities on public land that improve the physical and mental health of veterans
• Increasing veterans’ understanding of the physical and mental health benefits of time in nature

The grant will provide up to $10,000 per grantee for projects on federal, state, local, or nonprofit public lands that address physical and mental health in veteran communities.

Examples of project types include outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, climbing, or fishing; wellness activities, such as forest bathing or meditation; environmental education, such as community science; adaptive programming; and conservation volunteering. Projects are not limited to those listed here.

The June & Julian Foss Foundation, established in 1997, prioritizes support for children and young adults, especially those facing mental illness or physical disabilities. With a mission to foster healthy, responsible adults and promote family philanthropy, the Foundation emphasizes family strength, diversity, and self-worth. Grants typically do not exceed $5,000 and are directed towards programs that enhance self-sufficiency and recognize individual capabilities, while upholding values of integrity and respect.

The Wellness Within Reach initiative aims to bring high-quality, face-to-face healthcare directly to rural South Carolina communities through mobile units, crisis response teams, and community-based care sites This grant opportunity seeks proposals from eligible organizations to strengthen South Carolina’s mobile crisis response and expand community care sites.

The Bower Foundation Grant supports innovative strategies to enhance the health of Mississippians through various initiatives. Organizations seeking funding must submit a Grant Concept Summary for consideration. The foundation focuses on improving healthcare access, promoting healthy lifestyles among children, developing innovative health policies, and addressing End Stage Renal Disease. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and those committed to enhancing health in Mississippi.

The Georgia Making the Shade Program Grant aims to enhance elementary school campuses by funding the planting of trees in playground areas. With grants up to $10,000, eligible applicants include schools, PTAs, and community groups. The program promotes healthier environments by reducing UV exposure, improving air quality, and creating shaded spaces for children. It encourages community involvement through local partnerships and aims to foster educational activities around tree planting and maintenance.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions and costs, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure.

Green Communities Grants

The Green Communities Division provides funding opportunities to reduce municipal energy use and costs by way of clean energy projects in municipal buildings, facilities, and schools; guidance, technical assistance, and local support from Regional Coordinators. In addition, the Division provides education on the benefits of clean, affordable, resilient energy, and renewable energy projects.

Program Details

The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program helps municipalities navigate and meet the five criteria required to become a Green Community, in turn qualifying them for grants that finance additional energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at the local level.

Green Communities Grants: Municipal Energy Technical Assistance (META) Grant

Program Opportunity Notice Funding Objectives

The Municipal Energy Technical Assistance (META) grant provides funding for municipalities, regional school districts, and water/wastewater districts to retain independent third parties for technical services, like the study, negotiation, development, and/or management of clean energy projects.

Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources

As the State Energy Office, DOER is the primary energy policy agency for the Commonwealth. DOER supports the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals as part of a comprehensive Administration-wide response to the threat of climate change. DOER focuses on transitioning our energy supply to lower emissions and costs, reducing and shaping energy demand, and improving our energy system infrastructure.

Green Communities Grants

The Green Communities Division provides funding opportunities to reduce municipal energy use and costs by way of clean energy projects in municipal buildings, facilities, and schools; guidance, technical assistance, and local support from Regional Coordinators. In addition, the Division provides education on the benefits of clean, affordable, resilient energy, and renewable energy projects.

Program Details

The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program helps municipalities navigate and meet the five criteria required to become a Green Community, in turn qualifying them for grants that finance additional energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at the local level.

Green Communities Competitive Grant Program

Bi-annual funding for designated Green Communities in good standing. Applicants must complete the Annual Report and close prior grants with final reports and site inspections before applying. Supports energy‑saving municipal projects under the Green Communities Program.

Three Pathways

This Program Opportunity Notice (PON) is offering funding through three pathways: Prescriptive Measures, Traditional Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs), and Building Decarbonization; which are further defined in subsequent sections.

Eligible Green Communities may submit a grant application to fund all, or a portion, of the costs of constructing and implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Traditional Energy Conservation Measures

Energy Conservation Measures (ECMS) in Existing Buildings

Eligible Green Communities can apply for one or more ECMs for buildings included in their Baseline and Energy Reduction Plan. ECMs that are commonly applied for in Green Community Competitive Grants:  a) Building Envelope Improvements; b) Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Equipment; c) Water Heaters; d) Building Controls Systems; e) Retro-commissioning; f) Pumps, Motors, and Drives; g) Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS); h) Repairs to Existing Renewable Energy Systems; i) Commercial Refrigeration; j) Other Energy Efficiency Projects

Please check with your DOER Green Communities Regional Coordinator for questions on the project categories.

The Muckleshoot Charity Fund supports community organizations in Washington, offering grants between $1,500 and $5,000. Priorities include education, health services, culture, and advocacy for communities of color and Native American programs. Applications are accepted year-round, reviewed quarterly, and funds are sourced from Muckleshoot Casino profits. Eligible applicants must be non-profits or government agencies addressing identified community needs, ensuring impactful contributions without exceeding one grant per year.

The Building Hope: Future Forward Schools Prize & Fellowship Program aims to enhance career exploration for middle and high school students. This initiative, launched by Building Hope in partnership with American Student Assistance, recognizes schools that excel in career-connected learning. Awardees receive funding, mentorship, and resources to empower students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they develop essential skills for future success. With $50,000 available for five schools, this program fosters innovation and prepares students for a changing economy.

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

Ohio Rural Health Workforce Pipeline; Pathways, Upskilling, and Retention

Summary

Ohio recognizes the need to develop long-lasting pipelines that engage students at the earliest stages of career planning to educate them about the numerous opportunities that exist in healthcare. This is vitally important in rural areas where the need for workforce is great and we have the opportunity to create pathways for Ohio’s students in K-12 education settings to explore rural health careers, initiate learning in high school, continue training close to home (in technical/trade schools, community colleges, or universities with significant rural engagement), and secure careers in health provider settings within the rural communities that are most familiar to them. Our activities in this initiative will place high priority on integrating pipelines, recruitment and retention activities for 5-year work commitments, and upskilling and workforce development in RHTP sites. Projects will be implemented in partnership with academic institutions, other training facilities, and professional and paraprofessional associations to:

• In conjunction with the ODH and other state agencies, identify and prioritize rural healthcare workforce needs in Ohio’s 73 identified rural counties.
• Coordinate workforce pipeline activities between high schools, universities, community colleges, career technical schools, and healthcare employers. Activities include career awareness/exploration, pathways education awareness, and career awareness programs in K-12 education, secondary education programs, rural work-based learning/apprenticeships, career placement agreements with employers, and coordinating all Federal and State workforce development and financial resources. This could also include a multi-state approach for educational and healthcare systems that transcend state lines. A focus is placed on placements in RHTP facilities and partner programs funded through Ohio’s RHTP
• Provide rural recruitment and retention incentives and 6-month housing stipends for those who relocate to serve in rural communities for a minimum of 5-year commitments. This project will support filling workforce needs for various healthcare capacities, e.g., MD/DO, nurses, pharmacists, therapy providers, dietitians, behavioral health, oral health, optometry, audiology, Community Healthcare Workers (CHW)/navigators, etc. This could also include a multi-state approach for educational and healthcare systems that transcend state lines.
• Identify and promote continuing education opportunities for Ohio’s healthcare workforce.
• Collaborate with ODH, other state agencies, and vendors who are operationalizing RHT initiatives to support the workforce needs of those projects.

The Michigan Professional Insurance Agents Scholarship (MIPIA) is offered by the Four County Community Foundation to seniors and recent graduates in Michigan planning to major in Insurance/Risk Management. This scholarship provides up to four awards and aims to foster education in the insurance field. Award recipients will be honored at the Foundation Scholarship Celebration in May, ensuring recognition of their achievements and contributions to the community.

The 2026-2027 Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) Planning and Expansion Grant, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance rural students' access to quality college and career pathways. By fostering multi-district partnerships, this initiative promotes regional collaboration among school systems and workforce entities to design and implement effective educational pathways. The program focuses on successful student transitions beyond high school, ensuring long-term capacity and accountability in education.

Low Threshold Buprenorphine Induction at Harm Reduction Centers NOFA

To support the State Opioid Response (SOR) by conducting Low Threshold Buprenorphine Induction at Harm Reduction  Centers (HRCs) that provide access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), reduce unmet treatment need, and reducing  opioid overdose related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment and recovery activities for opioid use  disorder. 

Arts for All

Support for arts projects that focus on increasing participation in the arts for all Tennesseans.

Engaging in the arts can serve as a powerful tool to improve many aspects of a person’s life including health and well-being, social connectedness, positive aging, increased learning and self-improvement, to name a few. Research shows that the benefits of participating in the arts goes beyond aesthetic enjoyment and is a valid, sustainable way of improving a person’s life.

Many people cannot participate or have limited access to the arts for several reasons. Their opportunity to experience or participate in the arts has been limited due to some type of barrier. Receiving the full benefits of the arts should be available to everyone regardless of economic condition, geographic location, or societal factors, just to name a few.

This grants category encourages applicants to use innovative ways to engage people with limited exposure to the arts in arts programming while reducing those barriers. Applicants in this category must fully explain the population they intend to reach, the limitations that are faced within this population of accessing the arts, and how their proposed arts program intervention will overcome these barriers.

Due to compliance with federal and state laws/policies, proposed programs in this category must be broadly open to the public, not give preferential treatment to any population, nor exclude any individuals from participating. Populations proposed to be reached must also be in compliance with federal and state nondiscriminatory policies and laws.

Application Guidelines

Proposed arts projects must involve one or more of these recognized art forms: visual, craft, media, design, music, theater, dance, folk or literary arts.

The Centre Gives Program is an annual 36-hour online giving event hosted by the Centre Foundation, taking place on May 14-15, 2025. This initiative encourages community donations, allowing donors to support local nonprofits while amplifying their contributions through matching funds and prizes. Since its launch in 2012, over $12.5 million has been raised for more than 190 organizations in various sectors, including education and health, fostering community engagement and support.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.

The Field Hall Foundation Small Grants program supports not-for-profits and local governments in Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester Counties, NY, aiming to enhance the lives of older adults and caregivers. Grants are awarded three times a year through a Letter of Inquiry process. Focus areas include food insecurity, home-based care, and transportation. Priority is given to new projects addressing basic needs, with eligibility criteria including a $1 million budget and a commitment to direct services.

The Wayne Rush Scholarship, established in memory of Wayne Rush, supports North Montgomery High School graduates pursuing agriculture studies at Purdue University. This scholarship reflects Wayne's commitment to community service and agriculture, offering financial assistance to eligible students who demonstrate need. Priority is given to those involved in 4-H. The scholarship is available annually, contingent on funding, ensuring that future generations can benefit from Wayne's legacy of education and community engagement.

The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ offers Israel Restricted Grants aimed at supporting specific community needs. These one-year grants focus on initiatives such as aiding Israeli individuals with developmental disabilities, promoting cultural engagement in Ofakim and Merchavim, providing resettlement assistance for Olim, and offering scholarships for Ethiopian Jews in Israel. With a preference for partnership communities, this initiative honors legacy donors through Restricted Endowment Funds.

The Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids Minority Scholarship, funded by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports full-time undergraduate students of color from Kent County, Michigan. With a minimum GPA of 2.5, applicants pursuing Visual or Performing Arts are encouraged to apply. This scholarship aims to eliminate barriers to education and empower local students to achieve their academic and career goals while contributing to a vibrant, inclusive community.

The NBA Foundation Grants aim to empower Black youth by providing economic opportunities through skills training, mentorship, and career advancement programs. Established by all 30 NBA teams, the foundation focuses on organizations aligned with its mission, specifically those serving Black youth in NBA markets. Applications for 2024 grants are now open, with a review process taking 12-14 weeks. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable economic and racial justice in communities.

The Community Partnership Grants program by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation supports Louisiana's arts community by providing funding for music and arts education, cultural events, and new artistic works. Established in 1979, the program has distributed over $15 million to local nonprofits, schools, and artists, fostering job opportunities for Louisiana-based performers at public festivals and cultural events. Grants up to $7,500 are available to eligible organizations to further the Foundation’s mission.