Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Decatur County Community Foundation Scholarship offers financial assistance to students attending any public or private college in Indiana. Funded by the Decatur County Community Foundation, this scholarship awards four scholarships of up to $5,000 each to finalists who do not receive the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden of education and inspire community generosity.

The PLTW Launch grant, supported by Chevron in Louisiana, aims to enhance educational opportunities for K-12 students by expanding Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs. With over $17 million invested since 2009, Chevron has facilitated access to transformative education for nearly 250,000 students and 8,100 teachers across several states. This initiative underscores Chevron's commitment to long-term social investments in the Gulf of Mexico region, fostering innovation and learning in public and charter schools.

The PLTW Launch grant, supported by Chevron, aims to enhance educational opportunities in Louisiana by funding Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs. With a total award of $12,500, schools are required to implement at least two different PLTW Launch modules over two years. This initiative is part of Chevron's commitment to social investment, having previously contributed over $17 million to PLTW, impacting nearly 250,000 students nationwide.

The Long-term International Fellowship (LIFe) offers vital support to early-career oncologists in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs), enabling them to enhance their training through mentorship in the U.S., Canada, or Europe. Recipients receive $60,000 for 12 to 18 months, facilitating travel to the ASCO Annual Meeting. This fellowship, which cannot extend existing programs, promotes improved cancer care in their home countries, with two fellowships available for the most deserving applicants.

The International Innovation Grant, offered by the Conquer Cancer Foundation, supports innovative cancer research projects in low- and middle-income countries. With funding up to $20,000 for one year, the grant aims to reduce the cancer burden and enhance local community health. Applications are open to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, with a focus on proposals that demonstrate potential for effective cancer control solutions. The number of grants awarded is not fixed, allowing for flexibility in funding the most impactful projects.

The Union Benevolent Association is offering the Spring Direct Service Grant aimed at nonprofits serving Southwest Philadelphia. With a focus on improving the quality of life for vulnerable communities, grants up to $20,000 will be awarded to support essential needs such as food, shelter, and advocacy efforts. Eligible organizations must have an operating budget under $2 million and prioritize basic needs. This initiative reflects UBA's long-standing commitment to community support and strategic funding.

About MCA Arts Grants

The Marin Cultural Association (MCA) Arts Grants program is intended to provide valuable financial support for nonprofit arts organizations and emerging and established artists across Marin County.

Mission

​The Marin Cultural Association’s mission is to support art and culture in Marin County including enhancing the programs and facilities at the Marin Center and the Marin County Fair. A nonprofit in partnership with the Marin Department of Cultural Services, MCA advocates for and serves as a catalyst to increase participation, advance collaboration, and optimize resources for culture in Marin County for all residents.

Grant Program Goals​

The goals for MCA’s Arts Grants program align with the goals of MCA including:

• To sustain and grow Marin’s art resources for all
• To cultivate and advance Marin as an arts and cultural center
• To ensure Marin’s arts are by and for everyone while supporting equitable representation and participation across diverse groups, artforms, and cultural expression

Artist Grants​

Grants up to $5,000 are available for emerging and established artists over 18 years old who live or work in Marin County, as well as studio collectives in Marin County.

The Marin Cultural Association (MCA) Arts Grants program provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations and artists in Marin County. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for operational and program support including arts programming, materials, and production expenses. MCA aims to sustain Marin's arts resources, promote equitable representation in the arts, and enhance collaboration within the community, making the arts accessible to all residents.

The AGA Research Scholar Award offers $100,000 per year for three years to early-career faculty in digestive disease research. Applicants must hold an MD or PhD and be in a full-time faculty position in North America. The award fosters scientific independence by requiring a minimum of 50% research effort. AGA membership is mandatory, and applicants are encouraged to self-assign their proposals to specific research categories. This award aims to support promising junior researchers in their pursuit of independent research careers.

The AGA Fellow Abstract Award, offered by the American Gastroenterological Association, provides a $500 travel award to MD, PhD, or equivalent fellows who present their abstracts at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW). The award encourages the participation of active trainee members and emphasizes diversity by inviting applications from underrepresented groups in biomedical research. The top abstract will earn an additional $1,000 award, highlighting excellence in gastroenterology research.

The AGA Pilot Research Award offers $40,000 for one year to independent investigators at any career stage, focusing on innovative research in gastroenterology or hepatology. Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree, and AGA membership is required at the time of application. This award encourages early career researchers and supports projects with new directions, emphasizing mentorship for those in the early stages of their careers.

The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation's African Fellow Awards recognize emerging scholars conducting high-quality research related to violence in Africa. Open to applicants under 40 enrolled in Ph.D. programs, the fellowship offers mentoring, grants for fieldwork, and support for publishing. Projects should address urgent issues like crime, terrorism, and political extremism, aiming to enhance understanding and inform policies to mitigate violence in the region. The awards foster impactful research that contributes to social change.

The CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship, supported by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, celebrates and preserves the rich traditions of Black Appalachian storytelling. This fellowship honors those who embody the history and culture of African Americans in the region. Each year, fellows are recognized at the National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference, receiving awards crafted by Dr. Dena Jennings. The program fosters a deeper understanding of these traditions and invites fellows to share their stories at future events.

The Children's Fresh Air Society Fund Grant aims to provide disadvantaged and disabled children in the Metropolitan Baltimore area with enriching summer camp experiences. This initiative, supported by the Baltimore Community Foundation, is open to qualifying public charities that operate day or residential camps. The grant does not fund annual campaigns, religious purposes, or individual scholarships, ensuring focused support for impactful community programs.

The AGA Fellowship-to-Faculty Transition Award offers $65,000 per year for two years, totaling $130,000, to clinical and postdoctoral fellows. This funding is intended to support their transition to independent research careers focused on inflammatory bowel disease in gastroenterology. Applicants must hold an MD or equivalent, be in a fellowship position in North America, and demonstrate a commitment to clinical or translational research. AGA membership is required, and applicants should have a mentor who is also an AGA member.

The AANA Research Grants support clinical and basic science research in arthroscopic surgery, with a funding pool for 2024 reaching $350,000. One project may receive $50,000, while six others can be awarded $25,000 each. Applications are evaluated based on scientific validity, feasibility, clinical relevance, and completion ability. Special consideration is given to innovative surgical techniques and patient-reported outcomes. Travel expenses for study participants may also be considered during grant reviews.

The Trauma-Informed Practice Fund Grant supports organizations working directly with children to adopt trauma-informed practices. Grants of up to $5,000 can be requested for various training-related expenses, including travel and trainer fees. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and demonstrate commitment to serving diverse youth populations. Priority is given to communities like Hartford, New Britain, and Middletown. Collaborative applications are encouraged to enhance training effectiveness and sustainability.

The Chifles Beyond the Bag Scholarship, established in 2024 by the Rivas Family, supports children of Plantain Products Company employees by providing educational assistance. Administered through the Coral Gables Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to empower students to overcome barriers and excel academically. Recipients must maintain full-time enrollment and reapply annually by April 1. With over $6.7 million awarded in the last decade, the Foundation continues to positively impact the Coral Gables community.

The Literacy Coaches and Reading Specialists Grant Program, administered by the California Department of Education, aims to enhance literacy outcomes for students from kindergarten to grade 3. Funding supports local educational agencies in developing literacy programs, employing coaches, and providing targeted interventions for English learners and multilingual students. Allocations are based on enrollment and aim to ensure all students receive the necessary support to succeed academically in a diverse educational environment.

The Siemer Milling Company Fund, established by the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, supports youth leadership development in Effingham County, Illinois, Christian County, Kentucky, and Dearborn County, Indiana. The fund emphasizes the importance of cultivating leadership skills among youth to prepare them for future roles in their communities. Organizations eligible for grants must be public charities with 501(c)(3) status and must focus on programs that enhance leadership skills for youth aged 19 and under.

The Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation supports the Consolidated Communications Fund for Economic Development and Community Leadership, aiming to enhance community vitality through grants. These grants will aid organizations in workforce skill development, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen leadership capacity. The fund recognizes the vital role of nonprofits and community leaders, offering resources to empower them in building a robust local economy. Projects may include training opportunities and enhancements to communication infrastructures, fostering collaboration and innovation.

The CGCW Children’s Charities Grant aims to support charitable organizations in the greater Houston area that provide essential services to children from conception to 18 years of age. Sponsored by the Charity Guild of Catholic Women, the grant seeks to uplift vulnerable populations, ensuring that funds are directed towards impactful programs that align with Catholic teachings. Applications must meet specific eligibility criteria and demonstrate a commitment to charitable purposes.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

The Oklahoma Rural Fire Defense 80/20 Reimbursement Grant supports rural fire departments in communities with populations under 10,000. Funded by the Oklahoma Legislature, this program reimburses 80% of eligible costs for firefighting equipment and construction projects. Legal entities such as towns and fire departments can apply, with specific funding limits for fire station construction and equipment purchases. The initiative aims to enhance fire protection services in rural areas, ensuring their operational readiness and safety.

The Garden Chapel Donor Advised Grant, managed by the Pella Community Foundation, aims to support the grieving community in Pella, Iowa, by funding innovative programs that enhance local quality of life. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations that provide bereavement services and other charitable initiatives, ensuring that funds are used effectively to serve the community's needs. This initiative seeks to create a supportive environment for those in distress.

What We Fund

The Dunham Foundation is committed to providing positive, multi-generational support to all individuals and families in our service area.

We believe that this support lays the groundwork for successful generations to come and builds an infrastructure for a community where all can thrive. The Dunham Foundation invests in the following three areas:

• Education
• Economic Growth
• Community 

Dunham Foundation Sponsorship Requests

We accept grant requests for event sponsorships on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year. We recommend submitting your application at least 60 days prior to your event to allow sufficient time for Board of Directors review.

Request aligns with any of our priority areas and supports a fundraising event, such as an annual gala, golf outing, 5K, etc..

At the conclusion of the fundraising event, we ask that you submit a brief report outlining the results.

The Sweet Grass County Partners in Education provides funding to enhance educational opportunities for students and staff in Sweet Grass County Schools. Grants are based on proposals that address unmet needs and must benefit the school community. Eligible projects include educational resources, workshops, and innovative initiatives. Applications are open year-round, with a requirement for student applicants to have staff support. This initiative aims to foster exceptional learning experiences.