Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

The Schrafft Charitable Trust focuses on the growth of underserved youth (ages 6-21) through neighborhood-based education and economic independence programs in Boston and New Bedford. Eligible nonprofits can apply for Program or General Operating Grants, emphasizing community representation and impactful youth development initiatives. Returning grantees from the past three years may submit a full proposal directly. The Trust does not fund capital expenditures or scholarships, ensuring resources are directed towards meaningful educational opportunities.

The Youth Endowment Fund Grant, managed by the East Tennessee Foundation, supports innovative solutions to challenges faced by youth within a 25-county service area. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for projects focusing on early childhood education, health drivers, and the prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to serving youth and adhere to non-discrimination policies. This initiative aims to foster stronger, healthier communities through impactful youth programming.

About Us

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) was established by the Florida Legislature in 1996, however public health has its roots in Florida dating back to 1888 with the creation of the Florida State Board of Health.

In 2007, the first-ever State Surgeon General was established to spearhead the efforts of DOH, thereby designating a health officer to oversee all matters of public health. The Surgeon General’s role is to be the state’s leading advocate for wellness and disease prevention.

The State Surgeon General, who serves as the state health officer and is directly appointed by Florida’s Governor, and confirmed by the Florida Senate.

James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program

The biomedical research program works to improve the health of Floridians by researching better prevention, diagnoses, treatments, and cures for cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease.

Program goals

• Improve the health of Floridians by researching better prevention, diagnoses, treatments, and cures for cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease.
• Expand the foundation of biomedical knowledge relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of diseases related to tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease.
• Improve the quality of the state’s academic health centers by bringing the advances of biomedical research into the training of physicians and other health care providers.
• Increase the state’s per capita funding for research by undertaking new initiatives in public health and biomedical research that will attract additional funding from outside the state.
• Stimulate economic activity in the state in areas related to biomedical research, such as the research and production of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices.

The Municipal Waste Reduction Grant in St. Louis County supports innovative projects aimed at improving waste diversion and recycling. Eligible municipalities can apply for funding to implement programs that prevent waste from entering landfills. Past successful initiatives include backyard composting, electronics recycling, and community festival outreach. Applications must be submitted three months prior to the project start date, with a resolution from the city council required for funding consideration.

New York State Office of Cannabis Management

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) was established upon passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) in March 2021 to implement a regulatory framework for medical and adult-use cannabis and hemp in the state of New York. This includes, but is not limited to production, licensing, packaging, marketing and the sale of cannabis.

Community Grants Reinvestment Fund

Purpose

The Community Grants Reinvestment Fund (“CGRF”) was established under New York’s Cannabis Law to reinvest in communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies. Decades of criminalization, disproportionate enforcement, and incarceration have left lasting impacts on the social, economic, and health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities across the state.

Through the Community Reinvestment Program, the Office of Cannabis Management (“OCM”) and the Cannabis Advisory Board (“CAB”) aim to promote restorative justice, strengthen community institutions, and invest in organizations that have supported resilience and healing despite the challenges of past drug laws.

For the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year grant cycle, the CAB will award grants to 501(c)(3) communitybased organizations serving youth, defined as individuals aged 0–24, in communities disproportionally affected by prior drug policies. This year’s funding focuses on five (5) program areas:

• Mental Health
• Harm Reduction
• Substance Use Disorder
• Housing
• Workforce Development

The goal is to create equitable, positive, and lasting impacts by investing in community-based programs that offer youth-focused initiatives and wraparound services tailored to local needs in communities disproportionally harmed by prior federal and state drug policies.

Funding 

The applicant pool for the Community Grants Reinvestment Fund will be bifurcated into two tiers: Tier 1 Organizations and Tier 2 Organizations. Tier 1 and Tier 2 Organizations will be determined by the applicant organization’s total expenditures as reflected on their most current IRS tax filing.

• Tier 1: Organizations with total expenditures between $50,000 and $2,499,999.99.
• Tier 2: Organizations with total expenditures equal to or greater than $2,500,000. 

Tier 2 Organizations

For Tier 2 Organizations, award amounts will be $200,000. Tier 2 Applicants must submit a budget request exactly equal to $200,000. 

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The NJ Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program, administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, supports agricultural producers in managing financial risks through practices like resource conservation and diversification. Participants can receive up to 75% cost assistance for installing conservation practices, with a maximum of $50,000 in payments per year. Eligible producers must control land for the contract term and comply with income limitations. NRCS accepts applications year-round, ensuring support for sustainable agriculture.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

The Hendricks Family Foundation offers capital grants exceeding $100,000 aimed at fostering local impact in Beloit, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate strong community partnerships and measurable program outcomes. The application process includes passing an eligibility quiz and, for those invited, submitting a full proposal. This grant supports initiatives in key areas such as workforce development, education, public safety, and community enrichment.

The Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation Grant supports projects that enhance the lives of vulnerable community members in and around Venice. Grant amounts typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with a focus on areas such as youth initiatives, education, arts, and health. This foundation aims to mobilize community goodwill to address pressing needs and foster positive change, inviting new applicants to engage with their mission.

Intermountain Community Care Foundation

Our mission: Helping people live the healthiest lives possible.

Intermountain Health is the largest nonprofit health system in the Intermountain West. We’re dedicated to creating healthier communities and helping our patients thrive.

Intermountain Health was established in 1975, but our legacy of compassion and care extends well beyond that, going back to the late 1800s and the early 1900s in Colorado and Utah respectively. We have since become a 60,000+ person strong nonprofit health system, with operations in six states across the interior West with a shared vision to be a model health system that inspires the future of health.

Intermountain Healthcare, SCL Health, and HealthCare Partners Nevada have now come together to serve communities in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

Grants

The Intermountain Community Care Foundation awards grants to organizations whose programs align with Intermountain Health’s mission, our national community health areas of focus, and priorities identified through our Community Health Needs Assessment. By supporting evidence-based programs and services that strengthen communities, the Foundation is dedicated to helping people live the healthiest lives possible.

What We Fund

We provide grants to organizations whose programs align with Intermountain Health’s mission, our national community health areas of focus, and priorities identified through our Community Health Needs Assessment.

• Healthcare Access Grants
• Social Drivers of Health Grants
• Child & Family Mental Well-Being Grants
• Utah Education Innovation Grants

Child & Family Mental Well-Being Grants

To qualify for Child and Family Mental Well-Being funding, your program or service must focus on families with children. Funding priority areas include:

• Mental well-being for children, including: reducing suicide deaths; reducing frequent mental distress, anxiety, and depression; decreasing substance misuse
• Advance prevention and early intervention addressing risk and protective factors
• Expand comprehensive, family-centered, mental well-being programs
• Build trauma-informed systems for young children including evidence-based prevention, behavioral health treatment, or related interventions or programs
• Strengthen community behavioral health capacity and collaborations through coalition-building

Requirements

• A full and complete financial audit conducted within the last two years. Submission must include the entire audit, including any findings and the auditor's letter
• A copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) designation letter or a comparable government designation
• A completed W9
• A completed Supplier Form (a blank copy will be provided in the application)

Additional information

• In Utah and Idaho, applicants can request a total grant award between $5,000 to $100,000 per year for 3 years (up to $300,000 total) for the entire project period. Projects can last between 12 and 36 months and must begin upon receipt of funding.
• In Colorado, Montana, and Nevada, applicants can request a total grant award between $5,000 to $50,000 per year for 2 years (up to $100,000 total) for the entire project period. Projects can last between 12 and 36 months and must begin upon receipt of funding.
• A funding request may not exceed 20 percent of an organization’s annual operating budget, e.g., to be eligible for a $50,000 grant, your organization’s annual operating budget must be at least $250,000.
• In general, small equipment and materials are eligible at no more than a total $5,000 cost, but large equipment, construction, and capital costs are not eligible. Consideration will be given if computer equipment is necessary and vital to the success of the project.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The Access to Health Care Grant Program, initiated by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, aims to enhance healthcare access for uninsured and medically underserved individuals in central Oklahoma. This program supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing essential healthcare services, including primary care, early detection, and hospice services. Preference is given to collaborative programs demonstrating proven success. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an informational meeting to learn more about eligibility and application requirements.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, founded in 2006, is the newest community foundation in South Carolina. We have a permanent endowment to meet the changing needs of the Pee Dee.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our area of South Carolina through inspired philanthropy and innovative community programs. We serve Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg Counties.

Community Impact Grants

Grantmaking at Eastern Carolina Community Foundation promotes partnerships with communities – its nonprofits, workers, families, and leaders – to cultivate thriving communities.

An annual community impact grant cycle exists to advance the missions of local nonprofits through a competitive grant process. Relying on a trust-based philanthropy model, ECCF intentionally focuses on receiving applications to support capacity building and operational support to assist nonprofit organizations in strengthening operations and infrastructure, enhancing organizational stability, planning for strategic growth, and/or making critical improvements to their facilities.

Proposals to be considered might include (but are not limited to):

• Staff training and development
• Operational support
• Facilities expansion or improvement
• Equipment
• Technology expenses
• Strategic planning

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, assists private landowners in restoring and protecting vital habitats for fish and wildlife. Since its inception in 1987, the program has provided technical assistance and financial support to enhance conservation efforts across the United States. By collaborating with local stakeholders, the program establishes habitat goals and directs resources effectively to conserve important ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and the American people.

The California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) is committed to enhancing California's health care system, particularly for low-income individuals. CHCF focuses on improving access to coverage and care, advancing people-centered approaches, and laying the foundation for meaningful change. Grants are awarded for projects that align with these goals, emphasizing relevance to California's health care challenges. While unsolicited proposals are welcomed, most grants result from competitive requests, supporting innovative solutions to enhance health care delivery.

The Jubitz Family Foundation's Forest and Freshwater Habitat Preservation grant program focuses on the conservation and restoration of natural forests and freshwater habitats in the Mount Hood region of Oregon. Through creative environmental initiatives, the program aims to ensure resilient ecosystems that benefit both current and future generations. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based nonprofits with missions aligned to the foundation's goals, committed to sustainable practices and quantifiable outcomes.

The Commonwealth Foundation's Open Grants Call invites proposals from registered not-for-profit civil society organizations (CSOs) in eligible Commonwealth member countries. This initiative supports projects that engage civil society in governance, focusing on three priority themes: Health Justice, Freedom of Expression, and Climate Justice. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches that integrate gender considerations and promote partnerships, particularly involving young people and small, vulnerable states. Grants range from £15,000 to £30,000 per year for a maximum of two years.

The Carls Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing children's welfare in Michigan and preserving natural areas. It supports non-profit organizations that are innovative and effective in their missions. Grant types include capital grants and seed money for multi-year projects. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status. The foundation prioritizes health care programs, recreational opportunities for disadvantaged children, and environmental education, while excluding funding for individuals, endowments, or special events.

Wake County Solid Waste Management offers Waste Prevention Grants to schools, nonprofits, and businesses aiming to reduce landfill waste. Since 2004, grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 have supported innovative projects such as recycling, composting, and repair events. Eligible applicants must operate in Wake County and complete projects within 12 months, with possible extensions. This program emphasizes measurable impacts and educational strategies, excluding projects solely focused on awareness.

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is calling for proposals to support projects in Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands that focus on ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) to climate change. Eligible projects should concentrate on developing climate-resilient livelihoods or eradicating invasive species. The deadline for submitting Letters of Inquiry (LOI) is August 29, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance biodiversity conservation in one of the world's most threatened ecosystems.

The Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation (IFWF) Grant Program aims to support projects that enhance the state’s rich biodiversity. By focusing on habitat conservation, fish and wildlife management, and conservation education, the program provides competitive funding to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and other tax-exempt organizations. Eligible applicants must address specific priorities, ensuring the preservation of Idaho's unique ecosystems and wildlife heritage.

The Hillman Foundation, established in 1951, aims to enhance the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania. It focuses on strategic grantmaking for economic development, health, education, human services, the arts, and the environment. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster community growth, support arts and culture, and address social determinants of health. It primarily funds tax-exempt organizations serving the ten counties of southwestern Pennsylvania.