Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Five Wings Arts Council offers Small Grants for Community Arts Projects to support local artists and organizations in Cass, Crow Wing, Todd, Morrison, and Wadena counties. Grants up to $1000 are available for first-time arts producers or presenters. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, fostering community engagement through enriching arts and cultural activities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public schools, and governmental units. It aims to promote artistic expression and community involvement throughout the region.

The Honolulu Grants-In-Aid program aims to support services for economically and socially disadvantaged populations, focusing on public benefits in arts, culture, economic development, and the environment. Grants are available in two tiers, with amounts ranging from $5,000 to $150,000. The funds will be allocated to projects that enhance community well-being, promote cultural awareness, and support vulnerable groups, such as seniors and victims of domestic violence, thereby fostering sustainable improvements in quality of life.

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation that serves as the primary administrator of federal housing programs for the state of Kansas. KHRC delivers solutions to those who are working to end the housing crisis in Kansas. The corporation’s vision can only be achieved when all Kansans have the support and resources they need to achieve their goals, no matter where they are in their housing journey.

CSBG Discretionary Grant

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) establishes guidelines for the awarding of discretionary grants as authorized by the Kansas Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). The primary intended use of the grant funds awarded to Kansas and to subgrantees is “to provide assistance to local communities in Kansas, working through a network of Community Action Agencies and other neighborhood-based organizations, for the reduction of poverty, the revitalization of low-income communities, and the empowerment of low-income families and individuals in rural and urban areas to become fully self-sufficient.”

CSBG Purpose and Goals

• Promoting maximum participation of people and communities with low-income
• Leveraging resources of other anti-poverty programs
• Strengthening community capabilities for planning or coordinating resources for local needs and conditions of poverty
• Using innovative approaches to address causes and conditions of poverty
• Measuring impact to ensure accountability and ongoing data-driven quality improvement 

As outlined with the FFY 2025-2026 CSBG State Plan, this RFP seeks proposals for: 1) Innovative Programs/Activities or 2) Training/Technical Assistance

Applicants are advised that direct services funded by CSBG are restricted to Kansas residents. with household incomes that fall at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

Innovative Projects

For the purposes of this funding opportunity, proposals will be considered “innovative” if they:

• Support a project that is new to the agency and/or
• Support a modification to an existing project to make it more effective or efficient and/or
• Address an unmet need of the agency or community and/or
• Support a collaboration that addresses poverty in their communities.

Applicants should describe how the proposed project is an effective approach to ameliorate the causes and effects of poverty. Project descriptions should include the applicant’s plan to sustain the proposed project. CSBG programs often include addressing employment, education, income management, housing, nutrition, emergency services and/or health to combat the central causes of poverty.

Community Investment Fund - Grant County (NM)

Community Investment Funds (CIFs) have been established in communities near our operations in Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. The CIFs engage community leaders in cultivating and assessing community projects that address identified community priorities (developed at Community Partnership Panels), and allow them to allocate Freeport-McMoRan Foundation funds to programs and projects that encourage a strong focus on local capacity-building, community development and sustainability.

Each CIF is governed by a committee of 7 to 10 community representatives as well as two company representatives. The committee reviews all proposals and determines which projects best address the community’s priorities.

Applications must align with one of the established Community Priorities and Focus Area for your community. In addition, they must deliver one of the identified Community Outcomes for your community. 

Focus Areas

Education and Workforce Development:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Education & Workforce Development priority and goals.

• PK-12:
  • Professional development programs for teachers and/or school administrators
  • Student preparation, incentive or other programs that drive achievement /performance and matriculation (including early childhood)
  • Classroom equipment or supplies that are proven to drive achievement /performance and are tied to a program or training/professional development
  • Programs that remove barriers or address problems related to lack of performance
  • Programs that engage parents in supporting their student’s achievement in reading, math or the pursuit of graduation and/or enrollment in higher education
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs
• Higher Education:
  • Student counseling or advising services that help students navigate the process of enrollment in a higher ed program
  • Programs that increase access / remove barriers to enrollment or the pursuit of higher ed
  • Teacher/school administrator or counselor training needed to fully understand the higher education landscape, what is available to students and how to access it
  • Student preparation, awareness, incentive or other campaigns or efforts that drive enrollment and attainment
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs

Economic Opportunity:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Economic Opportunity priority and goals.

• Small Business Development:
  • Programs that provide training or skill-building to entrepreneurs on start-up or growth
  • Access to capital programs
  • Other support services that drive start-up, expansion or retention
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs among small business owners
• Affordable Housing:
  • Loan funds or other resource programs that help families access housing options or make housing more affordable for them
  • Housing improvement programs that allow families to stay in safe, quality housing
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps, needs or viable models
• Other Economic Opportunity:
  • Programs that provide transportation to health, education, recreation or other critical activities
  • Programs that increase the availability of and access to quality healthcare facilities and services
  • Projects that create or improve parks or other recreational activities
  • Projects that improve or eliminate blight or beautify high traffic areas in the community
  • Restoration of lands for habitat or public use
  • Projects that improve river or waterway health

Capacity and Leadership:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Resiliency, Capacity and Leadership priority and goals.

• Programs that provide leadership or other skills for staff, board, volunteers or other community constituents to improve organizational or community performance.
• Organizational self-assessment or diagnoses activities to determine gaps and needs.
• Efforts to develop leadership succession plans that protect and prolong organizational effectiveness.
• Planning initiatives to evaluate, identify and/or consider supports needed to weather future economic disruptions (commodities market or global economy downturns, health pandemics, technological disruptors to the future of jobs/economies, etc.)
• Programs, training or other efforts that aid organizations in understanding the broader social context of which they are part and how they can collectively mobilize to address community needs and create resiliency.
• The development of leadership networks as a tool for transformative social change and amplifying impact across social systems or issues.
• Projects to increase citizen engagement in solving or addressing community challenges or opportunities.

This philosophy includes securing and maintaining our social license to operate and delivering transformation through robust stakeholder engagement and consultation, social investment, and impact evaluation. 

The Boyd Evison Graduate Research Fellowship, sponsored by Grand Teton Association, promotes scientific and conservation research in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Honoring Boyd Evison's legacy, this fellowship supports graduate students pursuing biosciences, geosciences, or social sciences with $15,000. It encourages projects that enhance understanding of natural resources and sustainable management, particularly those addressing lesser-known ecosystem elements. The fellowship seeks innovative proposals that make significant contributions to the scientific community and resource management.

About Us

The Department connects businesses with the site locations, workforce and infrastructure they need to succeed in one of the nation's top states for business. We also connect local communities with the grants and funding they need to attract new business and ensure future prosperity.

Additionally, our executive branch agency administers the state’s economic incentives program and publishes data, statistics, information and reports for those interested in our state’s economy.

Marketing North Carolina as a business and visitor destination is another function of the Department, and to handle this work we contract services from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), a public-private organization established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2014.

North Carolina Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) - Demolition Program

Local governments can apply for funding to support demolition projects that result in industrial or commercial sites, using grant funds under the Community Development Block Grant program's Economic Development (ED) category.

Our department holds administrative responsibility for the CDBG program in North Carolina. Our Rural Economic Development Division (REDD) administers the CDBG-ED funds. State rules related to the CDBG program can be found in the North Carolina Administrative Code 4 NCAC 19L and specific ED rules are found at 4 NCAC 1K. Federal funds are made available annually through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Purpose

Under the authority of Title I of the U. S. Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (as amended), the CDBG demolition program in North Carolina is designed to demolish vacant dilapidated industrial buildings and properties under the elimination of slums and blight national objective. The demolition activity is expected to create a site at which it can reasonably be expected new jobs and private sector investment will locate. Since the demolition activity is qualified under the slums and blight national objective, new job creation with a private employer does not require a legally binding contract. Jobs creation during the demolition phase of the grant should be collected for CDBG reporting purposes.

The AHRQ Small Health Services Research Grant Program (R03) invites applications for health services research focused on enhancing healthcare quality and patient safety. This funding opportunity supports diverse research settings, including hospitals and home healthcare. Projects may involve collaboration with various stakeholders such as patients, clinicians, and policymakers. By addressing AHRQ research priorities, this initiative aims to improve healthcare delivery and practice while promoting effective partnerships across the healthcare spectrum.

The Virginia Appalachian Regional Commission Funding aims to foster economic development across Virginia's Appalachian region, which includes 25 counties and eight independent cities. With approximately $8 million available, this funding supports projects that enhance water and sewer services, workforce training, and cultural tourism. Eligible applicants must demonstrate project feasibility, capacity for implementation, and sustainability. This initiative aligns with Virginia's Four-Year Development Plan, focusing on building a robust, asset-based economy while preserving community character.

The Lindsborg David Nutt Regular Grant, offered by the McPherson County Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in the McPherson area. With a maximum grant of $10,000, the foundation funds various programs focused on arts, basic human needs, education, and health care. Applications are accepted six times a year, providing opportunities for local organizations to secure funding for impactful projects that benefit the community.

The Louisiana Project Grants, managed by the Louisiana Division of the Arts, aim to enhance community engagement through diverse artistic initiatives. The program supports various art forms, including dance, music, and visual arts, focusing on innovation and collaboration. By prioritizing equity and inclusion, the grants foster artistic growth while ensuring access for all residents. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and educational institutions within Louisiana, emphasizing projects that benefit the community and promote cultural diversity.

The Gadomski Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations primarily in the Lehigh Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Atlantic City, and Chicago. With a focus on education, under-served children, health, and the arts, this private foundation has a history of impactful giving since 2007. Currently, new grants are limited to organizations not previously funded, emphasizing significant contributions and matching grants. The foundation remains committed to its mission despite prior commitments through multi-year pledges.

The NAILBA Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support small, well-managed U.S. charities that assist those in need, particularly children. Grants are available to organizations with backing from a NAILBA member and that meet specific criteria, such as nonsectarian operation and appropriate fiscal accountability. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has invested in community transformation by funding initiatives that directly engage in beneficial services, thereby enhancing the welfare of underprivileged groups.

The Anderson Children's Foundation, established in 1970 by Irene W. Anderson, aims to address the unmet needs of children of diverse backgrounds in the Coachella Valley, California. The foundation encourages nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to support initiatives in health, education, recreation, and the arts. With a commitment to nurturing young people, ACF welcomes proposals that align with its mission to inspire and uplift the youth in the community.

Gove County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The goal of the Gove County Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in Gove County through philanthropy, to increase economic and community development opportunities. We are driven by a mission to create a prosperous future for our community by supporting collaborative and innovative initiatives that address today’s needs while paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Through grants, scholarships, and community programs, we support a wide range of initiatives that contribute to the economic, social, and cultural vitality of Gove County. Whether it's enhancing educational opportunities, supporting local businesses, or preserving our rich heritage, we are here to help our community grow and prosper.

GCCF Community Grant

Providing charitable funding is at the heart of our mission. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Gove County Community Foundation awards grants to organizations across Gove County, supporting initiatives in arts and culture, community development, education, environment, health, human services, recreation, and youth development. Through these grants, we help strengthen our community today and build a brighter future for tomorrow. 

Grantmaking Criteria

Grants can address:

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

The Impact 100 Indian River Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Indian River County by pooling individual donations to award substantial grants of $100,000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare through projects in various focus areas, including arts, education, health, and the environment. Eligible organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt and based in Indian River County, ensuring that funds directly benefit local residents. The grant fosters innovation and collaboration among nonprofits to achieve impactful community results.

The Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) offers the Impact Grant, a $5,000 funding opportunity designed to significantly address critical issues in mid-Missouri. This grant focuses on human capacity development for disadvantaged individuals or arts initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations based in central Missouri and operational for at least five years. Projects may target equal opportunity, education, and senior services, among others, adapting to community needs over time.

The State Park and Forest Heritage Trust Fund, established by the Wisconsin Legislature, provides grants to Friends Groups for maintaining state parks and forests. Eligible groups must be nonprofit organizations with an endowment fund. Grants cover operation, maintenance, and project costs that align with DNR-approved plans, promoting outdoor recreation and accessibility. Priority is given to projects enhancing interpretive programs and native plant restoration, with funding capped at $30,000 per year per property.

The Arkansas Audubon Society Trust Grants support conservation, research, and education projects focused on Arkansas bird species and their habitats. Established in 1972, the trust offers grants ranging from $100 to $1200, prioritizing projects within the state but considering broader initiatives as well. Eligible applicants include individuals, students, educators, and nonprofits. Proposals are accepted biannually, with meetings held to discuss funding decisions, fostering a community dedicated to avian conservation.

The Polk County Community Foundation offers grants for free community events aimed at fostering social interactions among residents. Grants of up to $3,000 are available for single events, while larger gatherings can receive up to $8,000. All events must be free and open to the public, encouraging local residents to connect and engage. Previous events funded include family-friendly activities, concerts, and educational workshops, promoting community building and inclusion.

The Hilles Fund Grant supports programs that serve vulnerable populations in Philadelphia and Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. With grants ranging from $4,000 to $10,000, it prioritizes initiatives that provide children, youth, and women with pathways to economic independence, including educational opportunities and social services. The fund also values advocacy efforts aligned with its mission and gives preference to organizations with operating budgets under $2 million.

The Fremont Area Community Foundation's Community Development Grants aim to enhance local economies and natural resources through collaboration. The foundation prioritizes reducing unemployment, supporting housing development, conserving natural resources, fostering small businesses, and encouraging community engagement in the arts. By addressing these focus areas, the foundation seeks to create a vibrant and sustainable community that thrives on the contributions of its residents and local organizations.

The Franklin County Community Foundation Grant supports innovative nonprofit projects in Franklin County, focusing on arts, education, community development, environment, and health services. It seeks applications that demonstrate sustainability and impactful outcomes for local individuals and families. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofits or those with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs, particularly in music, health, and early childhood education, while not funding advertising or new staff positions without sustainability plans.

The Palm Beach Community Trust Fund Grant aims to support charitable initiatives in Palm Beach County and surrounding areas. Established in 1955, the fund focuses on education, health, arts, environment, and human services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of April 15 for annual reviews. This initiative fosters community welfare through financial assistance to various nonprofit organizations.

The ECRAC Resiliency Grant for Arts Organizations provides funding of up to $600 for artists and organizations to support their projects affected by the pandemic and racial disparities. This grant is available until June 30, 2026, or until funds are depleted, and is open to past, current, or new grantees. Eligible projects can include various art forms such as performance, dance, photography, and more, as long as they comply with public health guidelines.

The Covington Education Foundation Grant supports educational enrichment projects in Covington, Ohio. Non-profit organizations and Covington Exempted Village Schools can apply quarterly for funding to enhance academic achievement, performing and fine arts, athletics, and general enrichment programs. Applications are reviewed in January, April, July, and October, with deadlines on the 15th of the preceding month. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and improve educational opportunities for local residents.

The MCCF General Grant supports nonprofit organizations in McPherson County, focusing on various sectors including arts, education, health care, and community development. Applications are accepted continuously, with specific deadlines throughout the year. However, the foundation does not grant funds to individuals or for purposes such as lobbying or support for discriminatory organizations. This grant aims to enhance community programs that benefit residents.

The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust offers small grants for charitable work in Sussex, focusing on areas such as wildlife conservation, youth enterprise, and care for the elderly. Applications are accepted year-round from registered charities that align with the Trust's mission. Funding is available for start-up costs, core costs, and specific projects, emphasizing support for local initiatives. The Trust aims to enhance community welfare while promoting environmental conservation in its home county.