Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Wabanaki Grant, offered by the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, aims to support Wabanaki communities through flexible funding for initiatives that prioritize sovereignty, self-determination, and community well-being. With a total of $1.8 million available for 2025, grants range from $10,000 to $200,000, catering to both individual organizations and collaborative efforts. The foundation is dedicated to fostering Indigenous perspectives and ensuring that all funded projects align with the needs and goals of Wabanaki people.

The Bobby Owen Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports students in Prince George County pursuing careers as firefighters, police officers, or emergency medical providers. Established in 2003 in memory of Bobby Owen, the scholarship aims to assist those who have volunteered in these roles or wish to pursue related training. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. All documents must be submitted online by the deadline to be considered.

A funding opportunity designed to support food security, refugee services, licensed free healthcare clinics and community development organizations in the United States.

Turkey Distribution 2026

IRUSA facilitates annual Turkey Distributions in cities across the United States during Thanksgiving. IRUSA will procure and deliver turkeys to partners that will deliver them onto people in need. Along with turkeys, partner organizations may distribute other Thanksgiving goods to assist individuals and families who may not have access to these food items. The distribution may occur with regular food pantry distribution dates or as its own event. The goal of this event is to not only address food insecurity in local communities but to also embody the season of giving by bringing the holiday festivities to those who would otherwise not be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal in their homes.

The Focused In-Stream Habitat (FISH) project aims to enhance in-stream habitats in Maine through a collaborative effort by the Department of Marine Resources and NRCS. This initiative seeks to improve habitat diversity and connectivity for various fish species, particularly Atlantic salmon and brook trout. With funding from the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, the project will implement restoration practices including streambank stabilization and habitat complexity restoration, ultimately benefiting local ecosystems and fisheries.

The La Plaza Scholarship, established in 1997 by the leaders of the Latinx and Hispanic community in Indiana, aims to support Latinx and Hispanic youth in their educational pursuits. Managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes financial need, determination, and a minimum GPA of 2.7. Preference is given to students identifying as Latinx or Hispanic, ensuring that the program nurtures a diverse and inclusive academic environment for future generations.

The Joseph O. & Geraldine C. Waymire Nursing Scholarship, established by the Waymire family, supports students pursuing nursing careers. It is open to high school seniors from accredited Marion County institutions and those enrolled in nursing programs at various educational levels. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. The scholarship aims to foster a diverse nursing workforce, reflecting the mission of the Central Indiana Community Foundation to enhance community opportunities.

A funding opportunity designed to support food security, refugee services, licensed free healthcare clinics and community development organizations in the United States.

Summer Food Service Program (SUN) program 2026

The Summer Food Service Program (SUN), created and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), currently provides organizations with limited funding opportunities to purchase and provide meals to their local communities in the form of reimbursements. Starting in 2011, IRUSA began to supplement and support the USDA in this effort. SUN recipient, organizations are able to start a USDA-approved site, increase the capacity of their current USDA-approved site(s) or develop their role as the meal-providing sponsor to subgrantees. Grants are provided to further enable and encourage wider participation in this program as well as increase food access and support to food-insecure children throughout the summer months. 

The INTESOL Wendy Wildman Long Scholarship, established by Indiana Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, supports current or former English learners from Indiana. It aims to provide educational funding for college or vocational training, with preference given to students of color. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need, ensuring access to opportunities for historically marginalized communities in Central Indiana.

The KWEF Overseas Research Grant Program supports Asian scientists conducting water-related Environmental Science and Technology research in their home countries. This grant is available for applicants from countries excluding Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Eligible candidates must be under 40 years old, conduct research at a recognized institution, and submit a recommendation letter from a Japanese professor. The funding period is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

The Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Pumpout/Dump Station Installation Grant FY25 aims to reduce pollution from vessel sewage in U.S. waters. Funded by the Clean Vessel Act, the grant provides up to 75% reimbursement for pumpout and dump station installation costs. Recipients must ensure that facilities remain accessible to all recreational vessels and properly maintain signage regarding usage. This initiative supports California's commitment to clean and safe boating.

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation offers the Sustainable Pest Management Grants Program to support innovative projects that enhance sustainable pest management practices. The program aims to reduce pesticide impacts on human health and the environment, focusing on priority areas such as weed management, rodenticide use, and the use of high-interest pesticides. Projects should align with integrated pest management strategies and contribute to the three sustainability pillars of human health, environmental protection, and economic vitality.

The HIV Care Grant Program aims to enhance access to comprehensive, high-quality HIV care and treatment for low-income individuals in Pacific Island territories. Funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), this initiative supports states and territories in developing effective systems of care, ensuring that those affected by HIV receive the necessary treatment and support to improve health outcomes.

Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency

OHFA offers housing assistance to low and moderate income families in all 77 Oklahoma counties. Every day, we help families pay their rent or purchase homes so they can begin making memories and growing roots. We work with nonprofit organizations, developers and municipalities to bring quality housing opportunities to communities across the state.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

OHFA provides grants to non-profit organizations, Public Housing Authorities, Community Housing Development Organizations, local or tribal governments, and private developers to assist low-income households with housing needs.

OHFA is the HUD designated State HOME Participating Jurisdiction. The cities of Oklahoma City, Lawton, Norman, and the Tulsa Consortium also administer HOME funds. Therefore, OHFA does not provide HOME funding in these areas.

Eligible Activities

• Development Costs for New Construction or Acquisition/Rehabilitation
• Rental or Homeownership
• Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance for Homebuyers
• Rental Assistance

Innovations in Low-Cost and Simplified Pathogen Sequencing Workflows

Catalyzing Innovation through Partnerships

At its core, Grand Challenges catalyzes bold innovation through partnership - bringing together funders, researchers, implementers, and public health leaders to solve complex global challenges. This multi-partner initiative reflects the Grand Challenges ethos, leveraging complementary expertise and investments to accelerate accessible genomic sequencing solutions for low- and middle-income Countries.

About this Challenge

This Grand Challenge is co-funded by the Gates Foundation, and the Temasek Foundation, and will be managed by the United Nations Foundation. This Grand Challenge is implemented in collaboration with a network of global and regional partners, including International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), hosted by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), and the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Asia PGI) as regional technical and public-health partners. This RFP aims to accelerate the development of affordable, scalable, and operationally simple sequencing solutions, enabling routine use of genomics for public health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Award Structure and Funding Level

To accommodate different stages of innovation maturity, this RFP supports a tiered award structure, with funding levels and expectations aligned to the readiness and scope of the proposed work. Indicative award categories are:

For more mature concepts aimed at workflow refinement, performance optimization, and generation of proof-of-concept and validation data in relevant public-health use cases in LMICs.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is an initiative by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service aimed at enhancing conservation efforts on working lands. It provides technical and financial assistance to help producers improve soil health, increase crop resilience, and develop wildlife habitats. Participants can receive annual payments for implementing conservation practices and can opt for bundles to achieve higher payment rates. By fostering sustainable agriculture, CSP promotes environmental benefits and economic viability for farmers.

The Special Education - EI Child & Family Connections program, managed by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to provide essential services for families with children under three years old facing challenges like child abuse or neglect. This initiative ensures equitable access to early intervention services throughout Illinois, enhancing the welfare of vulnerable children and promoting their developmental needs effectively.

The Florida's Future Forests Program Grant supports landowners in establishing and maintaining healthy forests in Florida. Through cost-share payments, the program encourages approved forest management practices, including site preparation, seedling purchase, and planting. Administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, it aims to enhance forest acreage while ensuring sustainable ecosystem management. The grant funding, capped at $118,387.50 per agreement, is crucial for promoting effective tree establishment practices to combat environmental challenges.

STI and HIV Prevention Grant Program

The Minnesota Department of Health aims to identify organizations across the state to implement HIV prevention initiatives centered on HIV testing and PrEP. These programs are designed to reduce HIV transmission by prioritizing populations most affected by the epidemic, ensuring that available state funding achieves the greatest possible impact.

MDH is seeking applications through this RFP to support the development and implementation of innovative program activities that increase people’s knowledge of their HIV status, reduce HIV transmission, prevent new HIV infections, strengthen linkage to care, and improve viral suppression. 

Program Goals

MDH is seeking applications through this request for proposals (RFP) to support the development and implementation of innovative program activities that increase people’s knowledge of their HIV status, reduce HIV transmission, prevent new HIV infections, strengthen linkage to care and improve viral suppression. Collectively, these activities advance the goals of the National HIV/AIDS strategy for the United States (NHAS), Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative – (diagnose, treat, prevent and respond), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s high impact HIV prevention (HIP) approach, which emphasizes a comprehensive whole-person approach, and the legislatively mandated END HIV Minnesota (MN) initiative. The End HIV MN initiative aims to eliminate new HIV infections and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV in Minnesota, with a goal to reduce new HIV infections in Minnesota by at least 75% in 2035 by prioritizing communities most affected by HIV. 

The Bark Beetle Mitigation Fund Grant aims to support family forestland owners in Oregon by providing financial assistance for prevention and restoration projects related to bark beetle infestations. The program focuses on enhancing forest resilience, with a 50% cost-share available for qualified projects. Priority is given to areas at immediate risk of outbreaks. This initiative aligns with the Oregon Department of Forestry's mission to promote sustainable forest management and protect valuable natural resources.

The Cannon Foundation Grants support capital and equipment projects in North Carolina, focusing on healthcare, higher education, human services, and community initiatives. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes established organizations and encourages collaboration with other funding sources. Grants are not available for operational expenses or start-up funding, and applicants must demonstrate a clear funding plan for ongoing operations. This foundation seeks to empower communities while avoiding dependency on funding.

The Pathways Out of Poverty Grant, established by the Herb Block Foundation, aims to empower disadvantaged youth and adults in the greater Washington, DC area through education and vocational training. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 will support projects that enhance student achievement, provide literacy and GED preparation, and promote job placement. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting the underserved and improving community outcomes.

The Hope For Our Future Scholarships, funded by Adena Health System, support high school students in their pursuit of careers in healthcare fields such as nursing and radiology. Eligible applicants must reside in the service area and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. These scholarships aim to enhance educational opportunities for students while addressing workforce needs in the healthcare sector across southern Ohio.

Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC)

Overview

The Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC), located within the South Carolina Department on Aging, was established by state legislation in 1994. The Center’s goal is to serve as a statewide focal point for coordination, service development, information, and education to assist persons with ADRD and their families. The ARCC is guided by a Governor-appointed advisory council composed of representatives from state agencies, organizations, and caregivers who have a special interest in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The advisory council aids the ARCC in meeting its goals of:  

• Initiating the development of systems which coordinate the delivery of programs and services
• Facilitating the coordination and integration of research, program development, planning, and quality assurance
• Identifying potential users of services and gaps in the service delivery system and expanding methods and resources to enhance statewide services
• Serving as a resource for education, research, and training and providing information and referral services
• Providing technical assistance for the development of support groups and other local initiatives to serve individuals, families, and caregivers
• Recommending public policy concerning Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to state policymakers
• Facilitating the coordination and integration of educational initiatives for healthcare providers on the importance and value of early detection and timely diagnosis of cognitive impairment, validated cognitive assessment tools, and increasing understanding and awareness of early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia and how to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

The ARCC is staffed by the Dementia Coordinator whose role is to monitor the state’s service delivery system and work closely with the ARCC Advisory Council to develop a coordinated state-wide delivery system that caters to the needs of persons with ADRD, their families, caregivers, and communities. Additionally, the Dementia Coordinator is responsible for submitting an annual report to the Chairman of the Medical Affairs Committee of the Senate and the Chairman of the Medical, Military, Public, and Municipal Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives on the activities of the ARCC.

ARCC Grants

Each year, the ARCC receives $150,000 to award dementia-specific grants to community organizations to support respite, education, and innovative programs for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, their families, caregivers, and communities. Grants are awarded on a 2-year cycle through a competitive selection process. 

Since its establishment in 1995, the ARCC Grants Program has awarded over 388 grants to community organizations that provide services to individuals, families, and communities affected by dementia. These services include dementia-specific respite, adult day programs, and educational programs that support the medical community, colleges and universities, first responders, and the general public. The ARCC grants have enabled more than 7,717 individuals living with ADRD to access respite care services and provided education services to over 78,117 participants. Moreover, since 2021, ARCC grants have supported the implementation of 17 innovative programs. These programs include virtual training for family caregivers, in-home activities that promote sustainability and independence in daily living for those with dementia, and technology that helps locate and safely return those with dementia who may have wandered from home.

During the FY25 grant period (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025), a total of 10 ARCC grants were awarded, providing services across 14 counties. 

Ohio Department of Transportation

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. The department constructs and maintains state and federal highways outside of municipalities, in addition to all interstate routes, to ensure Ohio's highway system meets the needs of Ohio's traveling public and growing economy. With a mission to provide a transportation system that is safe, accessible, well maintained, and positioned for the future, the ODOT supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide. As a more than $3 billion per year enterprise, ODOT invests the bulk of its resources in system preservation through maintenance, construction, and snow and ice operations.

Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program

The OWMP Program was reestablished in Section 620.10 of Ohio House Bill 54. Through this act, $13.5 million is made available each State Fiscal Year for 2026-2027 to support projects in the rural and urban areas of Ohio that easily and efficiently transport resident workforce members to economically significant employment centers or to places of employment outside of their resident community. Through the authority granted in Section 620.10 of Ohio House Bill 54, the ODOT is authorized to administer the OWMP Program through the creation and oversight of grant applications, evaluation of applications received, and overall award processes. 

Vehicle Projects

Goal: To provide financial support for new and/or replacement vehicles that will enhance or increase current services with a focus on workforce connectivity. Examples of eligible technology projects include but are not limited to new vehicles to increase capacity of services and replacement vehicles that demonstrate an increase in program efficiency.

The Tennant Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations in the Minneapolis area, focusing on environmental programs, social services, workforce readiness, and cultural initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations without religious or political affiliations, demonstrating significant community impact and sound fiscal practices. Priority is given to projects involving Tennant employees and those with a history of prior funding. The Foundation aims to create a cleaner, safer, and healthier world through intentional giving.

The ODFW Fish Screening Cost-Share Program provides funding and tax credits for water users to install fish screening devices, by-pass devices, and fish ways. Eligible applicants include individual users, irrigation districts, and municipal suppliers. The program prioritizes projects that enhance fish passage while excluding certain ineligible project types, such as hydropower generation projects. For assistance, applicants can contact their regional field coordinator or refer to the Statewide Fish Passage Priority List.