Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Allen Foundation Grant supports initiatives that enhance human nutrition through research, education, and training. It prioritizes projects that develop nutritional programs, including mandatory nutrition courses in medical schools and sustainable food systems. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based non-profits or governmental entities with a focus on nutrition education and research. The foundation encourages proposals that include matching funds and has specific criteria for academic research and budgetary self-sufficiency.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Hillcrest Transitional Housing Youth Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide scholarships to current residents or graduates of Hillcrest’s Youth Program who demonstrate a desire and an aptitude to pursue higher education.

In evaluating applicants, the student’s response to an essay question in the scholarship application inviting them to express personally why they are pursuing their education will be a determining factor.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments to the educational institution in August and January.

Applications are accepted year round however formal announcements will be made in April and November of each year.

Students may reapply annually up to four years as long as the student is making progress towards earning a degree. Progress towards earning a degree includes: a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester or its equivalent, passing classes, being in good standing with the educational institution, not dropping out, and other criteria as determined by the Youth Scholarship Committee.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Rhode Island aim to assist small rural businesses with technical support and training. These grants prioritize smaller funding requests, with no maximum limit, and may cover various project costs such as training, infrastructure development, and community economic initiatives. Eligible recipients include rural public entities and nonprofit organizations. This funding opportunity fosters entrepreneurship and economic growth in less urbanized areas, making it essential for enhancing local business capabilities.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Pennsylvania provide essential funding and technical assistance to small rural businesses with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in revenue. The grants prioritize smaller requests and support various projects aimed at enhancing local economies. Eligible uses include training, land acquisition, pollution control, and community development initiatives. Funded by USDA: Rural Development, these grants aim to stimulate growth and sustainability in rural areas.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Oklahoma provide essential support for small rural businesses, offering technical assistance and training. With no maximum grant amount, priority is given to smaller requests. Funds can be utilized for various purposes, including business planning, market research, and community development. Eligible applicants include rural public entities and nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing economic growth in rural areas. This initiative aims to empower local businesses and foster sustainable economic development.

Our Scholarships

Since 1986, the Community Foundation has been the leading source for post-secondary scholarship funding in Frederick County, and in more recent years, has provided significant scholarship support for students in Carroll County.

Our program supports nearly every area of study imaginable, with scholarships funded by generous donors who believe in the value of education. Some donors want to support students aspiring to careers similar to theirs; other donors want to give back to the community that has generously given to them. Others wish to honor the legacies of their loved ones, both living and deceased.

Mary Alice and R. David Stup Scholarship Fund

This special fund was created through Mary Alice Stup’s estate which stated that the Community Foundation was to create a ‘second chance’ scholarship fund to uplift students who have lived-experiences of harm or past legal challenges, so they can have a second chance.

The Community Foundation partnered with the nonprofit, legal, educational, and government agency community to award this scholarship for the first time for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship application will be open again in early 2026, with the scholarship monies to be used between July 1, 2026, and August 15, 2027. 

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

PNM Pueblo Relief Scholarship

Native Forward Scholars Fund, in partnership with PNM, established the Pueblo Student Relief Scholarship to assist Pueblo students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief scholarship. The fund will be utilized to help support students in emergency situations that include, but is not limited to – food insecurity, emergency travel costs, emergency housing costs, emergency healthcare costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, childcare costs, or other educational expenses.

The Met's Theodore Rousseau Fellowships offer a unique opportunity for scholars to engage in independent research within the Museum's extensive collection. This fellowship encourages innovative exploration in the history of art and visual culture, fostering a diverse community of researchers. With a focus on critical theory and interdisciplinary approaches, fellows can receive stipends of $47,000 to $57,000, plus travel funding. This program aims to enhance understanding of art across cultures and time, enriching the academic landscape.

The NJCCR Predoctoral Fellowship Grants aim to attract and retain promising scientists focused on cancer research in New Jersey. Offering up to $100,000 for two years, these grants support innovative projects in cancer causes, prevention, and treatment. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a relevant graduate program. This initiative promotes significant research contributions while addressing health disparities and enhancing community health outcomes in New Jersey.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Van Til/Bellamy Salute to Education

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The Dr. Frank N. Nelson Scholarship at Montana State University supports students enrolled in the Pre-Veterinary Program or those planning to attend an accredited School of Veterinary Medicine. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 and demonstrate a commitment to the veterinary profession in Montana. This scholarship aims to foster future veterinarians who will contribute positively to the agricultural and health sectors in the state.

The A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship at the National Gallery of Art supports research in the history, theory, and criticism of visual arts across various periods and regions. This two-year residential program allows fellows to engage in seminars and teach at local universities, enhancing scholarly contributions in understudied areas. The fellowship offers a stipend of $55,000 per year, along with allowances for medical insurance and travel, fostering a vibrant academic community.

The Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability (TEGS) Program aims to enhance and sustain tourism events in New Mexico by providing vital technical assistance, marketing support, and sponsorship. This initiative helps qualified events improve their operations and visibility, enabling them to secure funding for approved deliverables up to $5,000. By partnering with local government entities, eligible applicants can showcase their commitment and readiness to elevate their events, fostering long-term growth in the tourism sector.

The Beinecke Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts supports research in the history and theory of visual arts across various cultures and periods. This prestigious fellowship offers a two-year residency in Washington, D.C., providing access to valuable resources and opportunities for collaboration. Applicants must hold a PhD obtained within the last five years and demonstrate proficiency in two languages, with a focus on historically marginalized fields. The fellowship includes a stipend of $55,000 per year.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Native Forward Student Relief Funding

Native Forward Scholars Fund established the Student Relief Funding to assist Native students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief award. The fund will be utilized to help support students in emergency situations that includes, but is not limited to, food insecurity, emergency travel costs, emergency housing costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, or other educational expenses.

The 3M Skilled Trades Scholarship, funded by the SkillPointe Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in high-demand fields such as carpentry, construction management, and welding. It aims to address the skills gap by providing funding for vocational education, helping individuals gain essential skills for the workforce. Eligible applicants include those enrolled in postsecondary training programs, with scholarships to be used within a year of acceptance. This initiative seeks to empower workers and meet the needs of employers.

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

Founded in 1978, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is a tax-exempt trusted public charity that advances equity through philanthropy and community leadership. Its work is guided by a strategic plan that advances four key priorities for the region:

• Social and Economic Mobility
• Opportunities for All
• Inclusive Systems of Economic Growth
• Community Resilience

Plein Environmental Scholarship Fund

The Plein Environmental Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to benefit graduating high school seniors and current NVCC students in need of financial assistance pursuing an associate degree at Northern Virginia Community College and intending to receive admission to a four-year university to pursue a degree in an environmental-related field.

The Cooperative Marketing Grant Program (NM) fosters collaboration between the New Mexico Tourism Department and local entities to enhance tourism. By providing a co-funded, co-branded marketing platform, the program allows eligible organizations to achieve greater media buying power, extend the New Mexico True brand, and access tailored marketing strategies. Partners benefit from expert service, performance reporting, and additional digital advertising options, all aimed at optimizing their marketing efforts and boosting tourism in New Mexico.

The Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Grant Program, managed by the Kootenay Livestock Association, aims to enhance grassland resources while balancing conservation and recreational goals. The program promotes stewardship, biodiversity, and compatibility between livestock management and recreational use. It is open to individuals and organizations with a Crown Range tenure or partnership in the Trust region, ensuring ongoing economic, environmental, and social benefits for the community.

The Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts offers Beinecke Visiting Senior Fellowships for scholars to conduct full-time research in the visual arts. This program provides access to extensive resources, including the National Gallery of Art and the Library of Congress. Fellows, who must hold a PhD for five years or equivalent experience, receive stipends ranging from $7,000 to $8,000, along with housing subject to availability. Applications are welcomed from diverse disciplines, enhancing the study of visual culture.

The Economic Catalyst Grant Program, administered by The Golden LEAF Foundation, supports economic development projects aimed at job creation in tobacco-dependent and economically distressed areas. Grants are available to eligible governmental entities and nonprofit organizations, focusing on projects that can show job creation is at risk without funding. Competitive applications must demonstrate urgency and secure local support, with funding allocated for training, infrastructure, and job-related equipment, ensuring sustainable employment outcomes.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Dr Don Fager Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to current or previous Wenatchee Valley College nursing students seeking further education in a nursing program at an accredited school in the United States of America.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Douglas County Waste Management Environmental Studies College Scholarship

The Douglas County Waste Management Environmental Studies College Scholarship was established in 2005 to support Douglas County students seeking further education in environmental engineering or the area of environmental sciences. The committee seeks to award students who plan to major in one of these fields at an accredited educational program in the United States.

The Gary S. Morgan Student Research Award, provided by the Florida Paleontological Society, aims to enhance understanding of Florida's paleontology through innovative research. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students in good standing at Florida universities, this award supports various research expenditures, excluding travel to meetings and salaries. Eligible research fields include invertebrates, vertebrates, microfossils, and plants, encouraging a diverse range of projects to foster new discoveries.

The AVID: Orange County Centennial Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance between $2,000 and $5,000 to eligible high school seniors in Orange County, CA, who are enrolled in the AVID elective. This scholarship program, administered by Scholarship America, encourages community involvement and leadership among applicants. To qualify, students must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and show financial need. This one-time award supports those planning to pursue full-time undergraduate studies at accredited institutions.

The AVID: Orange County Centennial Scholarship Fund (Art Awards) supports high school seniors enrolled in the AVID elective, aiming to pursue a four-year college education. Funded by Scholarship America, this program offers awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for undergraduate studies. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community involvement, leadership, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is intended for students from Orange County, CA, pursuing degrees in various art disciplines.

The AVID: Charles H. & Ethel E. Wolfe Scholarship Endowment, managed by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors from Orange County, CA, enrolled in the AVID program. Eligible students must have strong academic records, community involvement, and plan to attend a four-year college. The scholarship awards between $1,500 and $2,500 for undergraduate studies, helping to ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education.