Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Glenn Foundation Grants support federally tax-exempt institutions and nonprofits serving Gaston County in areas such as health, education, and the arts. Emphasizing integrity and community impact, the Foundation awards grants for up to five years, focusing on projects that promote self-reliance and equity. They do not fund planning grants, scholarships, or private schools, ensuring that contributions directly benefit the community. This commitment helps preserve the legacy of the Glenn sisters while addressing vital local needs.

The Petit Family Foundation offers General Project Support Grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to support local communities. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate programmatic capacity and leadership. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and sustainability, focusing on projects that have a clear impact. Preference is given to local New England-based non-profits, while ineligible requests include funding for individuals, endowments, and political organizations. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and community alignment.

New Hanover County offers financial assistance through its Non-County Agency Funding program to support nonprofit organizations that align with its strategic objectives outlined in the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. This annual funding, with a maximum allotment of $50,000, focuses on key areas such as economic development, community safety, and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status and governmental entities, fostering transparency and accountability in the funding process.

The Mathew A. and Mildred Hunter Charitable Trust Grant, established in 1997, aims to support religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. Priority is given to organizations assisting abused children and the mentally handicapped, as well as educational institutions providing scholarships. The average grant size ranges from $2,500 to $20,000. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under specific IRS codes and operate primarily in Lake County, Florida.

The NIAID aims to support four Clinical Trials Networks (CTNs) by funding Statistical and Data Management Centers (SDMCs) to enhance HIV research. These SDMCs will oversee study designs, data collection, and compliance with regulatory standards while ensuring data quality and integration. This initiative is a crucial step toward ending the HIV epidemic, fostering innovative methods, and adhering to NIH data sharing policies. Applications for the SDMCs are now being solicited.

The Richard Hayes "Career Technical Education" Grant, offered by the Gilroy Foundation, supports transformative educational initiatives in technology, design, and vocational training. With over 40 years of impactful grantmaking, the foundation allocates 5% of year-end balances to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. This grant specifically aims to enhance skills in technical drawing, graphic technology, engineering studies, and film production, thereby empowering the community through education.

The McLean Foundation provides funding for projects that enhance wellbeing in communities and the environment, focusing on areas like Arts, Environment, Education, Social Welfare, and Health. Eligible applicants include Canadian registered charities and qualified donees. Grants typically reach up to $15,000, with possibilities for larger or multi-year funding for promising projects. The Foundation aims to support initiatives that may lack broad public appeal, ensuring social benefit is prioritized.

The Western Lane Community Foundation Grant supports local non-profit organizations in western Lane County, Oregon, focusing on education, medicine, the arts, and civic services. Grants typically range from $100 to $5,000, depending on project needs and available funds. Preference is given to projects that provide essential services not funded by public means, aiming to address major community issues. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that significantly impact community well-being and betterment.

The Plato George Eliades Law Scholarship Endowment, established in 2007, supports continuing education in legal and law enforcement fields. With a $1,000 scholarship, it is awarded to eligible seniors from local high schools who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and a commitment to their education. Applicants must submit a complete online application with necessary documentation. The John Randolph Foundation prioritizes confidentiality and reserves the right to revise scholarship criteria as needed.

The LCCF Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant Program, funded by the La Crosse Community Foundation, aims to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in La Crosse County. With $300,000 available, grants of $50,000 to $90,000 will support infrastructure investments, especially for those addressing disparities in historically marginalized communities. This program emphasizes ongoing technical assistance, fostering partnerships, and sharing best practices among grantees to build a more equitable community.

Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc. was established in 1998 as a Section 501(c)(3) organization. Initially endowed with a $2 million dollar donation from Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation has awarded over $8.1 million in grants to non-profit organizations in the Bank’s Connecticut and Rhode Island market areas.The Foundation’s mission is to support the ongoing commitment in partnership to the long-term growth of our community. Along with Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation is committed to belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring an ongoing sense of belonging for all, today and in the future.

About

The McLean Foundation is led by the passion and commitment of its volunteer directors, officers and a small staff team.

The McLean Foundation supports charitable organizations in Canada that help make life more fulfilling, communities more vibrant and our environment more durable.

Impact Areas

People: enhancing social and economic wellbeing

Places: building vibrant and creative local communites

Planet: contributing to more durable and resilient environments

We are committed to supporting work that is not as easily funded by others, but that can make a positive difference. We look for projects that show promise of increasing the wellbeing of people, communities, and our environment but may initially lack broad public appeal.

What We Fund

How We Work

We look for projects and partners who understand challenges and opportunities facing their communities, sectors and/or fields and are known for promising approaches to making life more fulfilling, communities more vibrant and/or our environment more durable. We are flexible and responsive to our partners' priorities, and we defer to each organization to share where funding can make the biggest difference in their work.  

We look for charitable organizations that address needs and gaps in the communities they work in, demonstrate strong community buy-in, and centre the experiences and priorities of communities most impacted by injustice in their work. These are generally smaller, local organizations. 

Funding Streams

Partnership Grants support organizations with a strong track record of taking risks, meeting needs and implementing promising approaches in their communities, fields and/or sectors through multi-year operating grants. These grants provide core funding to an organization so they can be adaptable and stable as they continue to innovate and do critical work in their communities.  

We anticipate making 6-8 Partnership Grants a year.

This is a two-step process, starting with an Expression of Interest(EOI).  

Organizations that submit an EOI before March 30th, 2026, may be invited to submit full proposals for consideration at the Foundation’s spring board meeting.  

EOIs received between April- July 31st, 2026 may be invited to submit full proposals for consideration at the Foundation’s fall board meeting.  

The Partnership Grant Stream will close for 2026 on July 31st.

The John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting effective organizations that enhance opportunities for low-income youth, particularly in Atlanta and DeKalb County, Georgia. The foundation prioritizes programs in arts education, community services, and child development. Grants are available to public charities with a minimum two-year operational history. Applications are accepted annually, and only by invitation for arts education programs, ensuring a concentrated impact on community needs.

About Us

The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) is the leading professional membership organization for ob-gyns. ACOG champions ob-gyns in providing equitable, evidence-based care for patients today and into the future.

ACOG comprises more than 62,000 members across 12 Districts, representing regions in the United States, Canada, and Central and South America. These members maintain the highest professional standards and are united in their delivery of exceptional, respectful, science-backed care for patients. ACOG members include medical students, residents, practicing and retired physicians, and health professionals in related fields.

For nearly 75 years, ACOG has strengthened members with comprehensive, expert-reviewed practice guidelines; management tools; career development resources; and lifelong learning opportunities.

Pete and Weesie Hollis Community Service Award

The Pete and Weesie Hollis Community Service Award (formerly the President’s Community Service Award) was established by then President Richard “Pete” Hollis. The award was an outgrowth of Dr. Hollis’ presidential theme of caring for patients. Dr. Hollis felt strongly that many of the Fellows of ACOG gave hours of care and support within their community to underserved or poorly served patient populations, often with little or no remuneration or recognition.

The award is not to be given as a recognition of activities related to service to ACOG or activities that are based on support of the specialty in legislative or regulatory decisions. Recipients of the award will receive a $1,000 honorarium plus complimentary registration to the Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting where the award is presented.

The Mary E. Kwiatkowski Social Services Scholarship Fund, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports female and LGBTQIA+ students pursuing social sciences and public service careers. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students for post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for diverse talents in Erie County's social services sector, requiring applicants to submit an essay on their public service aspirations and challenges in the Erie region.

Borsheims

Few other stores have a history like Borsheims. From our humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska to becoming a Berkshire Hathaway company with worldwide clientele, our past helps propel us into the future. For more than 150 years, we've been honored to help our customers celebrate their special moments, and we look forward to celebrating many more.

Borsheims Gives

As an Omaha institution for more than 155 years, Borsheims is proud to give back to the community that has given us so much. Corporate citizenship and social responsibility are values that are intrinsic to our business. Borsheims is honored to support local non-profits every year with our Big Impact Grant donations, team member volunteerism, social responsibility, and through our Borsheims Gives program.

Borsheims Gives Big Impact Grant Program

Our Big Impact Grant program allows us to create new partnerships and expand our community giving to benefit a multitude of organizations across the Omaha area. Our focus areas for giving:

• Women's Initiatives
  • As a female-led company, Borsheims is committed to empowering women and creating opportunities for them to thrive. Through partnerships with non-profit organizations that support safety, education, career development, and personal growth, we champion programs and initiatives that help strengthen and uplift women to build brighter futures for themselves and for our community.
• Children's Support
  • Supporting children has long been at the heart of Borsheims’ philanthropic efforts. By providing essential resources and mentorship to local organizations dedicated to children’s well-being, we are committed to helping young people reach their full potential. By investing in the next generation, we help create stronger communities for years to come.
• Community Interests
  • We support the organizations, initiatives, and community leaders who help make our city vibrant, welcoming, and strong. Whether partnering with long-standing institutions or emerging non-profits, we are dedicated to investing in the people and causes that shape Omaha’s future.

The Boo Grigsby Foundation, established in 2007, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Baton Rouge and across Louisiana, focusing on education, health services, arts, human services, community initiatives, and conservation. With over $2,500,000 donated, the foundation aims to enhance community welfare through diverse programs and initiatives, ensuring all residents have access to vital resources and opportunities for growth.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships

Dissertation Mini-Grant

The Mensa Foundation empowers the next generation of researchers through its Dissertation Mini-Grant program.

Designed to support advanced doctoral students, this grant funds innovative studies that broaden our understanding of intelligence, creativity, gifted education, and related fields.

Details

The Mensa Foundation Dissertation Mini-Grant provides $2,500 to advanced doctoral students conducting research on intelligence and gifted education. By funding innovative studies, the grant promotes research that addresses the complexities of intelligence, creativity, and related fields.

Grant Components

The Marshall and Ellen Peters Family Foundation, established by Ellen Bookman Peters, supports charitable organizations primarily in Brazos County, Texas. With a strong commitment to community service, the Foundation funds initiatives in various program areas, including arts, education, health, and human services. Mrs. Peters, a dedicated Presbyterian and community leader, left a lasting legacy through her philanthropic efforts. The Foundation continues to honor her memory by contributing an average of $50,000 annually to enhance local community well-being.

The Gratiot County Community Foundation offers competitive grants to enhance the quality of life for Gratiot County residents. With three grant cycles each year, funding is available for community development, arts, education, health, and more. Projects must serve the county's citizens and align with the Foundation's mission of addressing community needs creatively. Non-profit organizations within the area are encouraged to apply, ensuring broad benefits across diverse populations.

The Carbon Removal Innovation Support Program (GFO-22-901) aims to fund innovative projects that utilize advanced technologies for the direct capture of atmospheric carbon. This initiative, created under Assembly Bill 209, offers cost-sharing for eligible applicants including those receiving federal awards or follow-on funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. The program prioritizes technology research, development, and demonstration projects that do not benefit fossil fuel production.

The West Central Initiative Grant supports sustainability, equity, and civic engagement projects in a resilient region. Grants range from $3,000 to $25,000, with most awards between $3,000 and $10,000. The funding prioritizes community-led initiatives focusing on sustainable development, support for historically marginalized populations, and nonpartisan civic engagement efforts. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and units of government serving West Central Initiative's nine-county geography.

The Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation provides grants primarily to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that serve Malden and surrounding communities. Established in 1927, the foundation focuses on areas such as culture, education, healthcare, and poverty relief. Grant applications are accepted annually, with a deadline on the second Tuesday in February. The foundation emphasizes support for local initiatives that enhance community welfare and development, excluding certain categories like endowment funds and research grants.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Solomon Valley Community Foundation

Through our grant-making efforts, Solomon Valley Community Foundation supports area nonprofits in their mission to create positive change. From funding essential programs to supporting new initiatives, we're committed to strengthening our communities and helping local organizations thrive. Together, we can make a lasting change.

SVCF Competitive Grants

Solomon Valley Community Foundation's bi-annual grants are available to all nonprofit organizations, government and public entities, educational institutions, and churches located within Mitchell County. Grants are awarded through a competitive application process.

Funding Sources

Funding is made possible by the Dane G. Hansen Community Grant Fund and the SVCF Community Impact Fund.

The Hansen Foundation has partnered with community foundations throughout the Northwest Kansas region to help improve the quality of life for communities in the region. As a result, SVCF is allocated funding from the Hansen Foundation to help support grant-making within Mitchell County. This funding can be used to support projects or programs that address the following:

• Education: Enhances the learning environment and expands opportunities for students. Provides increased self-reliance on personal life skills and workforce capability.
• Health Care: Ensures access to quality health services and promotes healthy life practices.
• Community Social Services & Security: Enhances access to social services needed for individuals of special needs and supports systems to provide community disaster relief and general community emergencies.
• Conservation & Environment: Supports efforts to improve and maintain high air and water quality, appreciation for our natural environment, and enhances economic and social benefits of outdoor resources.
• Arts & Culture: Provides cultural and artistic opportunities to enhance the quality of life for local residents and to encourage tourism and the exchange of ideas.
• Community Beautification: Supports efforts to improve and maintain public spaces to enhance community pride and encourage socialization among residents.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is issuing this announcement for various research and development topic areas. The ERDC consists of the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), the Environmental Laboratory (EL) and the Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire, the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) in Champaign, Illinois, and the Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL) in Alexandria, Virginia.

The ERDC is responsible for conducting research in the broad fields of hydraulics, dredging, coastal engineering, instrumentation, oceanography, remote sensing, geotechnical engineering, earthquake engineering, soil effects, vehicle mobility, self-contained munitions, military engineering, geophysics, pavements, protective structures, aquatic plants, water quality, dredged material, treatment of hazardous waste, wetlands, physical/mechanical/ chemical properties of snow and other frozen precipitation, infrastructure and environmental issues for installations, computer science, telecommunications management, energy, facilities maintenance, materials and structures, engineering processes, environmental processes, land and heritage conservation, and ecological processes.

The Allegheny County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program supports vital community development projects aimed at benefiting low- to moderate-income individuals. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the program encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including housing development, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development. Eligible applicants include local governments, authorities, and both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. All projects must align with HUD’s objectives and contribute to community revitalization efforts.

The Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation offers annual Health and Wellness grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations primarily serving Imperial County. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life through health and wellness, community engagement, and nonprofit capacity building. Focus areas include food security, mental health, and community voice empowerment. The foundation prioritizes vulnerable populations to ensure their needs are addressed, fostering a better living environment for all residents.