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Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

Explore private grants for nonprofits funding programs in education, health, community development, and the arts.

32,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,305 Results based on applied filters

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Florida

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Florida
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Florida provides essential funding for the development of clean drinking water and effective waste disposal systems in rural areas. It supports the construction and improvement of drinking water and sewage systems, solid waste management, and stormwater drainage. Eligible applicants include local governments, private nonprofits, and tribes, ensuring access to vital services for communities with limited commercial credit options.
Waste Management Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management

Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program in Delaware

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Delaware
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Delaware and Maryland provides essential funding to ensure access to clean drinking water and effective waste management in rural areas. Eligible applicants, including local governments and nonprofits, can use the funds for various infrastructure projects such as drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and stormwater management. This program aims to enhance public health and environmental quality in underserved communities.
Waste Management Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management

Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program in Connecticut

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Connecticut
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Connecticut offers essential funding for the development of clean drinking water and sanitary waste management systems in rural areas. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and tribes who cannot access commercial credit. This program supports various projects, including water sourcing, sewage treatment, and stormwater management, ensuring safe and sustainable environmental practices for communities in need.
Waste Management Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in California

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
California
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in California provides essential funding for rural areas to enhance clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, waste management, and storm drainage. Eligible applicants, including local governments and nonprofits, can use the funds for construction, improvements, and related activities like legal fees and land acquisition. This program aims to ensure access to reliable water services and promote public health in underserved communities.
Waste Management Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Arkansas

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Arkansas
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Arkansas offers essential funding for rural areas to establish and improve drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and storm water drainage. Eligible applicants, including state and local governments and nonprofits, can utilize funds for various projects including construction, legal fees, and maintenance. This initiative aims to ensure access to clean water and effective waste management in underserved communities.
Waste Management Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management

AllOne Charities Grant

Allone Charities
Private
Bedford County, Pennsylvania, Carbon County, Pennsylvania +11 more
US $5,000 - US $25,000
The AllOne Charities Grant aims to enhance healthcare delivery in Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania by funding innovative and collaborative projects. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 and prioritize programs that address pressing health challenges, improve access to care, and support vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the under-insured. Organizations must demonstrate tax-exempt status and employ at least one staff member to be eligible for funding.
Senior Services Food Access & Hunger Diseases & Conditions +8 more

Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program in Arizona

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Arizona
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Arizona provides essential funding for clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water drainage in eligible rural areas. It supports local governments, non-profits, and tribes with financing for projects that ensure reliable services. Funds can cover construction, engineering costs, and necessary equipment, promoting healthier communities and sustainable development in rural settings.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management Waste Management

SFC Charitable Foundation Grant

Singing For Change Charitable Foundation
Private
United States
US $1,000 - US $10,000

Singing for Change Grant Program

Singing for Change empowers people to become more self-sufficient.

Singing for Change supports nonprofit organizations that inspire, empower, and equip people to become more self-sufficient.

Our grantees encourage personal growth among people who are marginalized. They care about the community as a whole, as well as promote the belief that collectively, people can bring about positive change and sustainable self-sufficiency through connected, diverse communities.

Most likely to be considered are organizations that keep their overhead low and collaborate with other groups in their community to find innovative ways of solving a common problem.

Singing for Change (aka SFC Charitable Foundation, Inc.) was created by Jimmy Buffett in 1995, and receives one dollar from each ticket Jimmy sells at his shows. We envision a world where nonprofit organizations, large and small, provide compelling opportunities for individuals to discover their power to make a difference. The foundation promotes work on the forefront of social change - helping people and communities become smarter, safer, stronger, healthier, and whole. 

Singing for Change (SFC) partners with progressive, community-based organizations addressing the root causes of social or environmental problems. We recently narrowed our focus to projects designed to promote self-sufficiency. 

Specifically, we look for groups that are: 

  • Working to engage individuals in their communities 
  • Helping people realize their full potential
  • Creating lasting change in the communities they serve

We will fund operating expenses for those organizations that we feel are accomplishing these goals.

Areas Of Interest:

Children and families: Grants are awarded to programs fostering self-sufficiency and stability. Individual therapy is not funded, nor are therapeutic or recreational camps or wish-fulfillment programs.

Disenfranchised groups: SFC defines these groups as people who have been marginalized in society because of their low levels of skill, education or income, people with disabilities, and people who are homeless. 

Grants range in size from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00.

Academic Success & Enrichment Family Services Child Welfare Services +6 more

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Alaska

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Alaska
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Alaska provides essential funding for rural areas to develop clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and storm water management. This program supports local governments, nonprofits, and tribes lacking commercial credit options. Eligible projects include the construction and improvement of water treatment facilities, sewer systems, and solid waste management. The initiative aims to enhance public health and environmental quality while ensuring access to vital resources for communities.
Waste Management Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Water Resource Management

Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program in Alabama

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Alabama
Unspecified amount
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Alabama aims to provide essential funding for clean drinking water systems and sanitary waste management in eligible rural areas. This initiative supports the construction and improvement of water sourcing, sewer systems, and stormwater drainage, ensuring reliable services for households and businesses. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes, promoting access to crucial resources in underserved regions.
Waste Management Water Resource Management Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water

NC Sea Grant-Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership Fellowship

North Carolina Sea Grant
State/Local Government
Beaufort County, North Carolina, Bertie County, North Carolina +34 more
US $10,000
The NC Sea Grant-Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership Fellowship offers funding for graduate students in North Carolina to conduct applied research in estuarine management. Supporting focus areas include estuary spatial planning, submerged aquatic vegetation, coastal water quality, ecological flows, and wetlands. The program encourages proposals from students at Historically Black Colleges, Minority Serving Institutions, and those who can demonstrate outreach benefits to underserved communities, aligning with the goals of the North Carolina Sea Grant and APNEP.
Invasive Species Control Phycology Limnology +1 more

Competitive Community Grant- Health & Human Services- Spring Cycle

Santa Fe Community Foundation
Private
Mora County, New Mexico, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico +2 more
US $5,000 - US $20,000

Competitive Community Grant- Health & Human Services- Spring Cycle

All people are healthy and safe.

We will support organizations that work to improve the following outcomes in our communities:

  • Access to affordable housing
  • Food security
  • Safety
  • Access to health care
  • Mental health services
  • Healthy neighborhood living conditions
  • Senior services

Through direct service, policy advocacy, and/or collaboration efforts, priority strategies will address:

  • Affordable housing and shelter for homeless, rent-burdened, and at-risk populations, including eviction prevention
  • Access to affordable and high-quality food, including food banks, pantries, and community centers that distribute food and promote healthy eating and work to address “food deserts”
  • Efforts to address safety for vulnerable populations, including domestic violence and child abuse prevention, bullying prevention in schools, safety issues specific to immigrant populations, low wage workers and communities of color
  • Access to health care, including programs providing un- and under-insured populations with culturally appropriate and equitable access to quality health and wellness programs services. Priority will be given to efforts applying social determinants of health lens to the work
  • Mental health services, including school-based services, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation programs targeting marginalized communities, and groups working on cultural and generational trauma
  • Building healthy communities, including built environment and infrastructure, environmental quality (toxins and air/water quality), affordable and reliable transportation, and parks and recreation
  • Providing services targeted at senior well-being, including memory care, depression, audiology, dementia, exercise, home care, hospice, and medication guidance.
  • Systems change, including public policy, civic engagement, community organizing or public information to improve health and wellbeing of local residents

Grant Sizes

We offer $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 general operating support depending on your annual budget:

  • Organizations with an annual budget up to $50,000 may apply for a $5,000 grant;
  • Organizations with an annual budget between $50,001 - $150,000 may apply for a $10,000 grant;
  • Organizations with an annual budget between $150,001 - $500,000 may apply for a $15,000 grant; and
  • Organizations with an annual budget of $500,001 or more may apply for a $20,000 grant.
Senior Services Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases Civic Engagement & Education +5 more

Save the Redwoods League Research Grant

Save the Redwoods League
Association/Society
California, Oregon +1 more
US $30,000 - US $50,000
The Save the Redwoods League Research Grant supports innovative research aimed at protecting redwood forests amidst environmental changes. Proposals that contribute to conservation or restoration science for coast redwood and giant sequoia forests are encouraged, particularly those led by Indigenous communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and public agencies. The League prioritizes projects that demonstrate matching funds and has a strict policy against funding indirect costs.
Forestry Habitat & Ecosystem Restoration Ecology +1 more

WSRCO: Community Forests Grant Program

Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
State/Local Government
Washington
Up to US $3,000,000
The WSRCO Community Forests Grant Program empowers Washington communities to safeguard their working forest heritage. It balances ecological preservation with recreational opportunities, ensuring that forestlands remain resilient against development pressures. Eligible applicants include cities, tribes, and nonprofit organizations, enabling diverse groups to engage in vital conservation projects. Typical initiatives include purchasing land for forest conservation and enhancing habitat health. This program plays a crucial role in maintaining the environmental and cultural integrity of Washington's forests for future generations.
Land / Habitat Conservation Habitat & Ecosystem Restoration Forestry

DEEP Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grants

State of Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
State/Local Government
Connecticut
Unspecified amount
The DEEP Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grants program invites proposals for FY25 to combat nonpoint source water pollution. Funded by the EPA, these grants support projects aimed at improving water quality through community engagement and environmental justice initiatives. A 40% match from non-federal sources is required. Priority is given to projects benefiting environmental justice communities in Connecticut, addressing critical environmental issues and fostering equity.
Freshwater Conservation Water Resource Management Environmental Justice & Advocacy

Stillbirth Awareness Campaign NOFA

State of New Jersey Department of Health
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Unspecified amount

The Department awards grants from State appropriations, federal awards, and other funding sources. Since the award and appropriation of these funds do not always conform to the State Fiscal Year, the information included in this directory is based on anticipated grant awards that will begin in the period from July 1 through June 30 of each State Fiscal Year. The ability of the Department to make grant awards is expressly dependent upon the availability of funds appropriated by the State Legislature from State and/or federal revenue or such other funding sources as may be applicable.

Stillbirth Awareness Campaign NOFA

The grant will be used to develop and maintain a state-wide, evidence-based, stillbirth prevention public health campaign that increases awareness of stillbirth prevention measures and decrease New Jersey's high stillborn rate.

Estimate amount of money in the grant program

  • $99,700
Obstetrics & Neonatal Care Maternal And Perinatal Health Reproductive Education

Specific Cultural Projects (SCP) Grant

Florida Department of State: Arts and Culture
State/Local Government
Florida
Up to US $25,000
The Specific Cultural Projects (SCP) Grant, funded by the Florida Department of State: Arts and Culture, aims to support cultural projects, programs, and exhibitions that align with the state's cultural objectives. This grant is available to both organizations and individual Florida artists to promote arts education, community development, and enhance cultural partnerships. Eligible entities include public entities and non-profit corporations. The application period runs from July 1 to June 30.
Art Education Artist Residencies Visual Arts +7 more

United Way of Story County: Community Impact Grants

United Way of Story County Inc.
Private
Story County, Iowa
Unspecified amount

About Us

Who We Are

We unite people, ideas, and resources to transform lives across Story County, working toward our vision of a connected and thriving community.

Making a Difference since 1953

Since 1953, United Way of Story County (UWSC) has been a trusted leader and convener, mobilizing our community to create lasting change. We believe transformation happens when neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers unite around shared goals.

A connected and thriving Story County.

Unite people, ideas, and resources to transform lives in Story County.

Investing in You

We provide grants to local nonprofits that are dedicated to serving Story County in our focus areas of health, education, and financial security. These grants aim to empower organizations that are making a difference in our community, helping them to enhance their programs and reach more individuals in need.

Community Impact Grants

These grants support unanticipated, emerging, or other distinct under-funded needs that further the mission of UWSC.

Basic Human Needs Mental Health & Psychiatric Diseases Literacy +5 more

Community Forestry Grant (SD)

South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources
State/Local Government
South Dakota
Up to US $5,000
The Community Forestry Grant (SD) aims to enhance urban tree cover and forest maintenance through educational programs, financial assistance, and technical support. Awarded by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources, grants up to $5,000 are available for local governments and eligible nonprofits. This initiative promotes awareness of tree benefits, encourages sustainable practices, and implements tree planting programs to improve air quality and combat climate change.
Forestry Green Infrastructure Greening & Beautification +1 more

Habitat Conservation Projects-Washington Wildlife and Recreation Grant Program

Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
State/Local Government
Washington
Unspecified amount
The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) offers funding for diverse land conservation projects, from urban habitat protection to the preservation of rare plant species. Established in 1990, the WWRP aims to acquire and develop recreation and habitat lands to serve a growing population. Grants require a 50% match from local agencies and nonprofits, with specific funding caps based on project type, ensuring that vital ecosystems and recreational spaces are preserved for future generations.
Habitat & Ecosystem Restoration Land / Habitat Conservation Freshwater Conservation +3 more

North Central Michigan CF: NCMCF Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Grants

Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan
Private
Crawford County, Michigan, Ogemaw County, Michigan +1 more
Up to US $2,500
The North Central Michigan CF: NCMCF Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Grants empower local youth from Crawford, Ogemaw, and Oscoda Counties to promote philanthropy by awarding grants to non-profit organizations benefiting individuals under 18. Prioritizing projects addressing pressing youth issues such as mental health, substance use, and bullying, the YAC fosters community improvement while enhancing members' understanding of grant-making. This initiative, supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, ensures impactful contributions to youth-centric programs.
Youth Services Children’s Mental Health Suicide Prevention +1 more

Intermountain Community Care Foundation: Healthcare Access Grants

Intermountain Community Care Foundation Inc
Private
Colorado, Idaho +3 more
US $5,000 - US $50,000
The Intermountain Community Care Foundation aims to enhance healthcare access and promote healthy behaviors among low-income and underrepresented populations in Utah and Southeast Idaho. It funds innovative projects that yield measurable results, focusing on significant and lasting changes in community health. Successful applicants must demonstrate a clear need, include a financial audit, and adhere to specific eligibility criteria. The foundation specifically excludes funding for political campaigns, operational deficits, and large equipment purchases.
Health Care Access & Delivery Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health Suicide Prevention +2 more

Habitat, Research & Management (HRM) Funding

Nevada Department of Wildlife
State/Local Government
Nevada
Unspecified amount

Nevada Department of Wildlife

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is the state agency responsible for the restoration and management of fish and wildlife resources, and the promotion of boating safety on Nevada’s waters. NDOW is organized into seven divisions (Conservation Education, Habitat, Game, Data and Technology Services, Law Enforcement, Biodiversity and Fisheries) that develop programs and projects, and three regions (eastern, southern and western) that implement these programs.

Habitat, Research & Management (HRM) Funding

As of the June 28, 2024 Board of Wildlife Commissioners meeting, pursuant to changes made to NRS 502.253(1)(b) during the 82nd session of the Nevada State Legislature, NDOW is authorized to expend funds from the $3 fee charged for processing game tag applications directed for the use of “improvement of wildlife habitat and research or management activities beneficial to nonpredatory game species”. Changes to this statute also included the removal of the 80% minimum spending requirement for the management and control of predatory wildlife (lethal removal). All awards shall be made in the form of grant awards through the Wildlife Heritage Committee following the same process as prescribed by NDOW’s Heritage Program Grant Manual.

Rules and regulations governing the Wildlife Heritage Account have evolved since its establishment; however, the original concept remains the same: to award grant money to projects “for the protection, propagation, restoration, transplantation, introduction, and management of any game fish, game mammal, game bird or fur-bearing mammal and the management and control of predatory wildlife in this state.” (NRS 501.3575)

Funding priority will be given to applicants who have obtained outside funding sources as partial support for the project. Additional priority will be given for projects of habitat restoration and improvement of a long term or permanent nature and projects that demonstrate in writing a need for money to fund the project. 

Wildlife Management Environmental Conservation Habitat & Ecosystem Restoration +2 more

Cooperative Agreement to Support Activities Related to Analgesics, Anesthetics, and Addiction (U01) Clinical Trials Allowed

US Department of Health & Human Services: Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Federal Government
United States
US $2,000,000
The Cooperative Agreement to Support Activities Related to Analgesics, Anesthetics, and Addiction (U01) aims to enhance research in Anesthesia, Addiction Medicine, and Pain Medicine. It focuses on critical areas such as clinical trial endpoints for chronic pain, outcome measures in stimulant use disorders, and neurodevelopmental assessments in pediatric patients. The initiative encourages applicants to propose comprehensive, evidence-based plans to improve the prescribing of analgesic and anesthetic drug products, with multiple awards available.
Pharmacology Chronic / Acute Pain Anesthesia and Pain Medicine +3 more

RI Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program

Rhode Island Department of Public Safety
State/Local Government
Rhode Island
Unspecified amount

The Rhode Island Public Safety Grant Administration Office (PSGAO), formerly the Rhode Island Justice Commission, is the agency within the Central Management of the Department of Public Safety charged with planning, coordination, data collection, statistical analysis and grant administration and distribution for the adult criminal and juvenile justice systems. Through these efforts the PSGAO develops comprehensive programming for the purpose of improving the state's overall response to crime issues.

RI Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program

The RI Department of Public Safety Grant Administration Office is pleased to announce the availability of a total of $1,091,901.00 of the BJA FY 2022-2023 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Formula Grant. With funding provided by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety Grants Administration Office seeks applications to fund projects under the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (Byrne SCIP). The State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) in Rhode Island represents a critical initiative to address gun violence and suicide prevention in the nation's smallest state. Despite its size, Rhode Island faces unique challenges related to firearms, mental health, and public safety across its 5 counties and 39 municipalities.

Proposals should focus on developing a comprehensive training program for law enforcement officers (LEOs), local solicitors, prosecutors, advocates, and other community group/members on ERPO implementation. This program will include:

  • Develop and help with the implementation of a model ERPO policy
  • Detailed instructions on the ERPO process, from petition filing to firearm retrieval
  • Guidance on identifying high-risk individuals and gathering credible evidence
  • Role-playing exercises to practice ERPO-related interactions
  • Legal updates and case studies to enhance understanding

Suicide Prevention Gun Violence Prevention Crisis Intervention

Ameren Illinois Grants

Ameren Corporation
Corporate
Adams County, Illinois, Alexander County, Illinois +81 more
Unspecified amount
Ameren Illinois Grants aim to enhance community quality of life through funding in areas like arts, civic engagement, environmental preservation, health services, and youth education. Organizations within the Ameren Illinois service area are eligible, provided they are tax-exempt and do not discriminate unlawfully. Applications are accepted year-round, but those submitted after December 1 may be reviewed the following year. This initiative supports diverse community enrichment and resource provision for vulnerable populations.
Art & Culture Education - K through 12 Natural Resources +8 more

Greater Carlisle Community Foundation Grants

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Private
Polk County, Iowa, Warren County, Iowa
US $250 - US $500

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines improves quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors with causes they care about and providing leadership on important community issues…we’re simply better together. 

Greater Carlisle Community Foundation

Mission of the Greater Carlisle Community Foundation:

The mission of the Greater Carlisle Community Foundation is to educate citizens about opportunities for philanthropy and create partnerships to provide a better quality of life for individuals and families.

The Greater Carlisle Community Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life throughout Carlisle by investing in area nonprofits through our grant programs and by providing individuals, families and area businesses who love our community with a way to give back.  

Greater Carlisle Community Foundation Grants

The Greater Carlisle Community Foundation makes grants to IRS section 501(c)(3) ‘tax exempt’ organizations and IRS section 170(b) ‘unit of government’ organizations to assist in fulfilling the foundation’s mission to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the conditions of the Greater Carlisle School Area. 

Project Area of Focus

  • Arts/Culture/Humanities – Museums, Historic Preservation, Exhibits, etc.
  • Education – Schools (all ages), Adult Learning Programs, etc.
  • Environment/Animals – Environmental Protection, Beautification, Animal-Related Issues
  • Health – General, Rehabilitative, Mental, etc.
  • Human Services – Public Protection/Safety, Recreation, Youth Development, Social Support, General Human Services
  • Public/Society Benefit – Community Improvement/Development, Philanthropy/Volunteerism, Capacity Building, Civil Rights, etc.

Project Type

  • A capital-based request refers to the building of or the physical improvement of something.
  • A program-based request refers to activity or general programmatic support.
Community Development & Revitalization Arts / Culture Access & Participation Historic Preservation +8 more

Private Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Private grants for nonprofits provide funding from foundations, corporations, and individual donors to support programs and operations. The following grants empower organizations to achieve their missions, scale their impact, and address critical community needs effectively.


Search Instrumentl's Private Grants Database


Discover 8,000+ funding opportunities for nonprofits, with $3.43B available. Instrumentl connects nonprofits to tailored grants from private funders, offering tools for tracking deadlines, customized searches, and insights to maximize impact.

Grant Insights : Private Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.

8,000+ Private grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

3,000+ Private grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

3,000+ Private grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

1,000+ Private grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

7,000+ Private grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Community Development & Revitalization

3,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Private grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
29.8%
Q2
23.8%
Q3
23.9%
Q4
22.6%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Private Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $34,887.

$0 $0 Min.
$34,887 $34.9 K Median
$655,609 $655.6 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Nonprofits working in education, healthcare, arts, social services, and the environment may be eligible for private grants. To be considered, organizations need to align with the mission and values of the donor or foundation offering the grant. Funders look for nonprofits that have strong evidence of making a positive impact on their communities and match their values.

Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for private grants, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 29.8% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.

The goal of private grants is for individual donors and foundations to support nonprofits who align with their goals. Some grants support specific projects, while others provide general operating funds to help organizations maintain stability and grow. Funders want to back creative projects with positive impact, ensuring their long-term success.

Funding for private grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $34,887, while the average grant awarded is $655,609. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.

Private grants usually come from independent foundations, family foundations, corporate foundations, and individual donors. Well-known funders include the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and Walton Family Foundation, which support a wide range of causes. Some private grants come from smaller, locally focused foundations. Individual donors, including wealthy philanthropists, also fund private grants to causes they are passionate about.

To improve the chances of being awarded private grants, nonprofits should:

  • Research funders carefully – Get to know private funders by learning about their mission, past grant recipients, and funding priorities.
  • Be clear about your goals and expected results – Outline measurable outcomes, how the funds will be used, and what you hope to achieve. Having a history of success can also make your application more convincing.
  • Show financial responsibility – Prove you have good money management and a plan for long-term financial sustainability beyond the grant.
  • Build connections – Meet with grantmakers through networking events, email introductions, or funder Q&As.

Want to improve your private grant prospecting strategy? Master the process with our guide to private grant research.

Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for private grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.

Streamline your grant management process with our workflow automation tools.