Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The SBM Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Hartford, Tolland, and Windham Counties through funding programs in health, education, human services, housing, and the arts. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt or municipalities, focusing on community benefit. The Foundation prioritizes educational scholarships and health programs, emphasizing direct services and broad-based community projects. Applications are accepted annually, promoting accessibility and support for local initiatives.

The IMPLICIT Grant, funded by the Minnesota Department of Health, aims to enhance maternal and perinatal care by implementing the IMPLICIT model in at least five clinics over three years. This initiative addresses critical factors such as smoking and maternal depression to reduce birth defects. A total funding of $130,000 is available, providing annual stipends of $18,000 to participating clinics, which will also receive essential training and support to ensure sustainable healthcare improvements.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

The Louisville Water Foundation aims to enhance community health by ensuring access to safe water through various initiatives. Grants are available to 501c3 organizations within the Louisville service areas for projects that provide drinking water solutions, educational programs, and watershed protection efforts. The application deadline for the water access projects is September 15, encouraging impactful contributions to local water-related challenges.

The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund Grant, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, aims to enhance the waterways of the Chicago and Calumet region. This initiative focuses on reducing stormwater runoff through nature-based infrastructure, improving fish and wildlife habitats, and promoting community engagement. The program supports projects under three main categories: habitat quality improvement, stormwater solution expansion, and activation of restored natural areas, encouraging strategic investments for ecological resilience.

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.

The ARF Competitive Grants Program aims to enhance Oregon's agricultural productivity and resource management through research funding at Oregon State University. It supports both emerging and established scientists in launching new research initiatives. By providing catalytic grants, the program encourages innovative approaches in agriculture and natural resource studies. Faculty members at OSU with relevant research interests are invited to apply, contributing to the advancement of sustainable practices in Oregon's agriculture.

The Weston Family Boreal Research Fellowship, supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, offers financial assistance to graduate students conducting field-based research in the Ontario Northern Boreal and Northern Boreal Mountains. This fellowship encourages projects that align with WCS Canada's conservation objectives and that collaborate with Indigenous communities. Successful applicants will benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities, while contributing to significant conservation efforts in North America's boreal regions.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company empowers employees to support local communities through charitable contributions. This program allows Boeing employees and retirees to pool their donations, ensuring that 100% of funds go directly to community projects. The High Desert Chapter specifically focuses on aiding veterans, the homeless, and at-risk children. Applications for grants are by invitation only, ensuring targeted support where it is needed most.

The Anschutz Family Foundation Grant supports programs that enhance self-sufficiency and community development for economically disadvantaged individuals in Colorado. With a focus on helping families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, the foundation provides grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charities or government entities. The foundation encourages alignment with its mission and requires demonstrated financial need and a solid track record of success.

The Yellow Springs Community Foundation offers General Discretionary Grants to enhance community life in Yellow Springs and Miami Township. These grants support projects, programs, and events that address community needs. Applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines at the end of March, June, September, and October. The Foundation prioritizes one-time projects, collaborations, and reasonable compensation. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofits, while individuals and ongoing operational support are typically not funded.

About MassCEC

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is a quasi-state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. MassCEC works to increase the adoption of clean energy while driving down costs and delivering financial, environmental, and economic development benefits to energy users and utility customers across the state.

Our Mission

MassCEC’s mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climate solution innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader while growing the state’s clean energy economy. MassCEC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization where everyone is welcomed, supported, respected, and valued.

2030 Fund

About the 2030 Fund

The $50M 2030 Fund is a signal to the market that Massachusetts is committed to the commercialization of climate technologies. MassCEC invests impactfully and countercyclically in Massachusetts’ most promising climate technology innovators. Our investments support climatetech companies as they de-risk their technology, reach early commercial milestones, and attract private funding for growth.  

Climatetech encompasses a wide range of tech solutions across sectors that further mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Portfolio companies work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change, and/or serve as enabling solutions to achieve the Commonwealth’s climate goals. We invest across seven major sectors: energy; industry and manufacturing; transportation; buildings; agriculture, food and nature; carbon management; and adaptation and resilience.

The 2030 Fund invests in a variety of financial instruments, including SAFEs, convertible notes, equity, and venture debt. Investments typically range from $100k-$600k per check and may total $1.5M cumulatively. MassCEC is able to provide more patient capital than a typical private investor. Deploying strategic state capital, with no artificial pressures of fund lifetimes, the 2030 Fund can invest counter-cyclically, back founders through challenging market conditions, and work for successful long-term exits. 

MassCEC considers new investments on a rolling basis. The timeline from pitch to close of investment is typically three to five months.

The Dwight Stuart Youth Fund Grant supports organizations providing essential services to underserved youth in Los Angeles County. Established in 2001, it aims to empower children through educational enrichment, arts, and leadership programs. The fund emphasizes capacity building, allowing organizations to enhance their impact. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and focus on direct services for marginalized communities. The grant excludes funding for individuals, political activities, and projects outside the specified geographic area.

The Rotary Service Partnership Grants, established by the Rotary Club of Frederick, offer funding between $2,000 and $10,000 to nonprofit organizations in Frederick County. These grants support projects that enhance community welfare in areas such as Veteran Services, Education, and Disease Prevention. Eligible applicants include 501c3 organizations, government entities, faith-based groups, and civic organizations focusing on non-sectarian activities. This initiative aims to foster impactful partnerships that benefit local communities.

The FNBO Impact Grant Program aims to empower nonprofit organizations that eliminate barriers to economic and social opportunities. Focusing on Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy, this initiative supports projects that enhance community well-being and promote personal economic self-sufficiency. While the 2025 grant cycle is closed, interested applicants should check back in early 2026 for updates on future funding opportunities.

The Lily Auchincloss Foundation, established in 1997, aims to enhance the quality of life in New York City through grants focused on human services, arts, and environmental initiatives. The foundation supports small to mid-sized organizations across the five boroughs, providing both general operating and program-specific funding. Its Human Services cycle prioritizes organizations dedicated to social change and education, ensuring a positive impact on all residents' lives.

The California Garden Clubs Scholarship offers six $2,000 scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, aimed at students with notable achievements or those who have completed two years of college. This initiative promotes horticulture and environmental conservation while encouraging civic beautification across California. The scholarships reflect the organization's commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of the state through education and community involvement.

What Do We Fund?

HealthFirst funds projects that serve or benefit Clinton County. Projects and program proposals should address one or more of the following areas:

Education: improving individual and community wellness and health awareness through direct outreach and creative communication about nutrition, emergent health issues, disease prevention or management, and similar topics.

Innovation in Community Health: improving care delivery methods and services, including novel outreach methods for at-risk communities.

Promotion of Community Health: improving the good health of community members, including medication assistance, health and wellness screenings, and wellness initiatives (including exercise and vaccination initiatives).

What Do We Look for in a Grant Application?

High Priority Projects

• Proposals that are new, unique, pilot, or address unmet needs in Clinton County
• Projects designed to improve equity with a focus on supporting underserved communities
• Projects designed to take a systemic approach to improving outcomes for underserved communities
• Projects that include alliances, partnerships, and collaboration between providers and organizations that broaden, deepen, and diversify participation in the provision of services

​Lower Priority Projects

• Projects for remodeling, renovation, maintenance, repairs, and site improvement for existing facilities
• Projects that support or meet the basic educational, health, and safety functions of government agencies and/or schools

The Silver Bay Charitable Fund Grant aims to support low-income communities through initiatives in the arts, education, community, and economic development. The fund prioritizes projects that address urgent community needs, promote collaboration, and yield significant results with moderate funding. Eligible organizations must be classified as charitable and serve residents within designated areas. Examples of funded projects include community arts, housing, and job development programs, focusing on improving the quality of life for underserved populations.

The AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation Grant aims to prevent and mitigate adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to promote healthier outcomes for children. With a focus on empowering families, healing behaviors, and access to healthcare, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations that provide comprehensive care and resources. Grants range from $100,000 to $250,000, totaling up to $1.945 million for project-specific initiatives. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in states where AmeriHealth Caritas Medicaid markets exist.

The Women’s Fund Grant seeks to empower women and children in Topeka/Shawnee County by funding innovative programs focused on economic well-being, STEAM education, health services, affordable housing, and access to healthy food. Grants will support one-year projects with awards under $10,000, emphasizing impactful solutions that foster community resilience and promote philanthropy. Proposals from nonprofit organizations demonstrating charitable intent are encouraged, aligning with the Fund's mission to catalyze meaningful change.

The EMSWCD's Partners in Conservation Grant supports community-led projects aimed at enhancing soil health, improving water quality, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative also focuses on education programs related to outdoor and gardening activities, as well as restoration of fish and wildlife habitats. The grant prioritizes communities facing environmental health disparities, ensuring equitable access to conservation benefits.

The Just Born Corporate Giving Grant Program aims to enhance the well-being of children and families in need by supporting initiatives in arts, education, health, and community development. The program focuses on opportunities that benefit underserved populations, emphasizing diverse leadership and community engagement. Grants prioritize projects that promote cultural enrichment, educational access, and essential health services, ultimately fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for all. Through strategic partnerships, Just Born Quality Confections is committed to making a meaningful impact in its local communities.

New Leaf Fund - Spring Cycle

The New Leaf Fund was established in 2025 by a Greenville native with a passion for conservation.

The Foundation encourages grant requests that include the protection of land and waterfront areas, increased tree cover and access to green spaces, and the protection and restoration of historical properties, in the City of Greenville, in Greenville County, and, to a lesser degree, in the Upstate.

Additional Information

• Awards typically range from $20,000 to $100,000
• Applicants may apply for more than one grant annually

Funding opportunities may include

Funding opportunities may include

• Projects including acquisition, development, preservation, or restoration of land
• Projects including acquisition, development, preservation, or restoration of historical and cultural assets
• Planning, survey, appraisal or design fees for implementing such projects

The Chesapeake Human Services Grant aims to support non-profit organizations serving Chesapeake citizens. Applications are now open for the current fiscal year, with funding directed towards programs that align with the Chesapeake Thrives Plan, focusing on areas such as aging, behavioral health, early childhood, health, housing, poverty, economic support, school-age support, and workforce development. For more details, visit the City of Chesapeake's official application page.

Impact 100 Jersey Coast Grants offers substantial funding to nonprofit organizations serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Each year, a minimum of $100,000 is available for one transformational grant, with additional Mission Awards of up to $10,000 given to finalists not receiving the main grant. Proposals should address unmet needs, target underserved populations, and demonstrate high impact. Interested nonprofits must complete an Eligibility Form to confirm their eligibility before applying.

Impact 100 Jersey Coast Grants provide a minimum of $100,000 each year to nonprofit organizations that serve the Monmouth and Ocean County areas. These grants focus on vital community needs such as arts, education, health, and sustainability. Nonprofits must confirm eligibility through an application process, ensuring that proposals align with funding criteria. This initiative encourages diverse participation and aims to make a transformative impact in the community.