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Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

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

33,000+

Available grants

$9.00B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

33,000+ grants
$9.00B total
$6K median

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Filters

32,565 Results based on applied filters

Karen and Howard Carolan Scholarship

Community Foundation of Howard County
Private
Howard County, Maryland
US $1,000
The Karen and Howard Carolan Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation of Howard County, offers a $1,000 award to a deserving high school senior from Howard County. Eligible applicants must have participated in the Howard County Youth Program and plan to attend a college or trade school. This scholarship aims to support students who show exceptional promise and contribute to the community's future.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

FANS Funds

Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland
Private
Washington County, Maryland
Up to US $1,000
The FANS Funds provide essential emergency assistance to individuals and families in Washington County, MD, as well as to nonprofit organizations addressing urgent community needs. Interested applicants must submit a request form to the Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland. Funding can reach up to $1,000, with priority given to the severity and impact of the need. This initiative aims to support local residents effectively during challenging times.
Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid Basic Human Needs

Healthcare Infection Society: Major Research Grant

Healthcare Infection Society (HIS)
Private
Ireland, United Kingdom
Up to £99,000
The Healthcare Infection Society offers a Major Research Grant to support projects focused on healthcare-associated infections and infection control. Grants of up to £99,000 are available, covering a duration of 1 to 3 years. Researchers based in the UK or Ireland are eligible, but must adhere to specific criteria, including involving experienced co-investigators for projects led by less experienced primary grant holders. This funding promotes translational research and collaboration between clinicians and researchers.
Health Care Associated Infections

The Pincus Fund For Hunger Relief Grants

The Pincus Fund For Hunger Relief
Private
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Burlington County, New Jersey +7 more
US $1,000
The Pincus Fund for Hunger Relief, established in 1983, aims to alleviate hunger in the Philadelphia area. It provides bi-annual grants of $1,000 to local organizations within a 50-mile radius, focusing on food pantries, meal programs, and urban farms. The fund supports initiatives that enhance food access, including storage and transportation needs. Applications are accepted in March/April and November, with a commitment to strengthening existing community programs.
Food Access & Hunger

Warren A. Morrow Memorial Scholarship

Veridian Credit Union
Private
United States
US $1,000 - US $3,000
The Warren A. Morrow Memorial Scholarship, offered by Veridian Credit Union, supports high school seniors and post-high school students pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. To qualify, applicants must be members in good standing at a credit union affiliated with the Iowa Credit Union League. This scholarship aims to foster financial success and educational advancement, ensuring that students can achieve their academic goals without financial barriers.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

Veridian Credit Union Scholarship

Veridian Credit Union
Private
United States
US $2,500
The Veridian Credit Union Scholarship offers four $2,500 awards to high school seniors and four $2,500 awards to post-secondary students enrolled in accredited programs. To qualify, applicants must be the primary owner of a Veridian Credit Union account in good standing. This initiative, managed by the Iowa Credit Union Foundation, supports educational advancement and aims to foster financial success among its members.
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education

J.W. & Clarissa Pitts Memorial Scholarship Fund

Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama
Private
Calhoun County, Alabama
Unspecified amount
The J.W. & Clarissa Pitts Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of J.W. and Clarissa Pitts, who dedicated their lives to education and community service in Anniston, Alabama. Established in 2020, this scholarship supports students pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree at accredited institutions in the U.S. The award is non-renewable and covers tuition, room and board, books, and fees, encouraging recipients to seek additional financial resources.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Rare Disease Endpoint Advancement Pilot Program

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (ALS)
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Rare Disease Endpoint Advancement Pilot Program, initiated by the FDA, aims to enhance the development of novel efficacy endpoints for drugs addressing rare diseases. This initiative encourages collaboration between sponsors and the FDA throughout the endpoint development process. By fostering innovation through guidance and public workshops, the program seeks to equip FDA staff and improve evaluation methods for rare disease therapies. The pilot program is set to run until September 30, 2027, providing vital support for drug development in this area.
Rare Diseases

Women’s Impact Fund Grant

Suffolk Foundation
Private
Franklin County, Virginia, Isle of Wight County, Virginia +1 more
Unspecified amount
The Women’s Impact Fund Grant aims to enhance the lives of women and children in Suffolk and Western Tidewater by fostering long-term positive change. This initiative supports established non-profits and mandates measurable outcomes to demonstrate its effectiveness. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit entities with at least two years of operation, ensuring funds are exclusively used for designated programs and accountable reporting is provided within specified intervals.
Women & Girl Services Child Welfare Services

Community College Opportunity Grant (NJ)

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
State/Local Government
New Jersey
Unspecified amount
The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) in New Jersey provides tuition-free community college for eligible residents. Students with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $0 and $65,000 can apply, ensuring they meet deadlines and maintain academic progress. CCOG covers remaining tuition costs after other financial aid is applied, making higher education accessible to more individuals. This initiative reflects New Jersey's commitment to supporting students in their pursuit of a first associate degree.
Academic Scholarship Programs Education - Higher Education

Nsf Stem K 12

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Federal Government
United States
US $25,000 - US $750,000
The NSF STEM K-12 program supports transformative research to enhance STEM education across various settings. Focusing on innovative projects, it aims to improve teaching and learning through the integration of emerging technologies, including AI. Proposals may address any STEM field, fostering collaboration between research and educational practice. By generating new knowledge and tools, this initiative seeks to strengthen the U.S. position in global STEM innovation and improve educational outcomes for learners of all ages.
Education - K through 12 STEM / STEAM Education

Jacobs Family New Bedford High School Scholarship

Southcoast Community Foundation
Private
Massachusetts
Up to US $35,000

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

Jacobs Family New Bedford High School Scholarship

The Jacobs Family New Bedford High School Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation provides 5 four-year scholarships, up to $35,000. The Scholarships are distributed to graduating seniors from: New Bedford Global Learning Charter School (1), New Bedford High School (3), Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School (1). Recipients must attend an accredited college or university and major in science fields including computer science, mathematics, and engineering.

Education - Higher Education Engineering Computer Science & Engineering +1 more

Elizabeth Horvath Swimming Scholarship Fund

Berks County Community Foundation
Private
Berks County, Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount
The Elizabeth Horvath Swimming Scholarship Fund, established by Stephanie Hunsberger, honors her grandmother's influence on her life and goals. This fund provides scholarships to seniors from Berks County high schools who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, participated in swimming, and plan to continue in college. Preference is given to those who have overcome challenges in their academic or athletic pursuits, reflecting the values of resilience and determination.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Schenectady Foundation: Equitable Access to Healthy Food Grant

Schenectady Foundation Inc
Private
Schenectady County, New York
Unspecified amount
The Schenectady Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through its Equitable Access to Healthy Food Grant. This initiative aims to increase food security for Schenectady County residents by ensuring they have regular access to fresh, healthy food. With an anticipated investment of $900,000, the foundation supports transformative projects that can deliver measurable outcomes, fostering a healthier community and encouraging innovative solutions to address local food needs.
Food Access & Hunger

Positively Memphis Community Grant: Health, Wellness and Sport Focus

PGA Tour Inc
Private
Adair County, Oklahoma, Alexander County, Illinois +120 more
US $1,000 - US $25,000
The Positively Memphis Community Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Memphis area, providing funding between $1,000 and $25,000 for initiatives that promote health, wellness, and sports. This grant aims to empower organizations that align with the mission of creating positive change and strengthening the Mid-South community. Applications are accepted quarterly, focusing on various priority areas to address community needs effectively.
Wellness & Healthy Living Sports & Athletics

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Washington

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Washington
Up to US $1,000,000
The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Washington support eligible communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that compromise safe drinking water availability. These grants assist in addressing issues caused by drought, floods, earthquakes, and other disasters. The program funds water transmission line repairs and construction of new water sources, helping restore access to clean water in rural areas, benefiting households and local businesses.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water

Livestock Operator Fire and Flood Assistance Program (LOFFAP) Grant

Arizona Department of Agriculture
State/Local Government
Arizona
Up to US $250,000
The Livestock Operator Fire and Flood Assistance Program (LOFFAP) Grant aims to support livestock operators affected by wildfires and flooding. With a funding pool of $9.5 million, it provides aid for infrastructure repairs up to $250,000 per incident. Eligible applicants must own over forty animals and have experienced damage due to these disasters. This initiative ensures that affected farmers can rebuild and sustain their operations, contributing to the resilience of the agricultural sector in Arizona.
Livestock & Ranching

Minnesota Filmmaker Mentorship Grant

Jerome Foundation Inc
Private
Minnesota
Up to US $10,000
The Minnesota Filmmaker Mentorship Grant offers up to $10,000 for early career film directors in Minnesota to engage in self-designed mentorships with experienced professionals. It supports those working in various genres, including experimental, narrative, animation, and documentary. Applicants must have a clear vision for their projects and demonstrate a commitment to innovative storytelling and community impact. A phone conversation is required before applying.
Film

Community General Hospital Foundation/ June A. Roedel Healthcare Scholarship Fund

Berks County Community Foundation
Private
Berks County, Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount
The Community General Hospital Foundation/ June A. Roedel Healthcare Scholarship Fund provides financial support to Berks County residents pursuing careers in healthcare. Established in memory of June Roedel, a dedicated community leader, this fund aims to assist those attending accredited educational institutions with their healthcare-related educational expenses, ensuring local community needs in patient care are met.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Byron F. “Corky” Knoll Memorial Scholarship Fund

Berks County Community Foundation
Private
Berks County, Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount
The Byron F. “Corky” Knoll Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Corky Knoll, a dedicated golf course superintendent with a passion for turf management. Established by his family and friends, this fund provides annual scholarships to Berks County high school seniors planning to pursue degrees in Professional Turfgrass Management or Golf Management. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrating commitment to their academics and the field.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Berks County Transition Coordinating Council Mary Mazzoni Scholarship

Berks County Community Foundation
Private
Berks County, Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount
The Berks County Transition Coordinating Council Mary Mazzoni Scholarship, established by the Berks County Community Foundation, provides essential support to graduating high school seniors with disabilities in Berks County. This scholarship aims to assist students as they transition to postsecondary education and training, recognizing their determination and commitment to pursuing career paths aligned with their skills. It exemplifies the foundation's dedication to fostering educational opportunities for all individuals.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Health Forward Foundation: Event Sponsorship

Health Forward Foundation
Private
Kansas, Missouri
Up to US $25,000
The Health Forward Foundation offers event sponsorships to non-profit organizations that promote health equity and community well-being. Focusing on initiatives that foster racial equity and economic justice, the foundation prioritizes educational events and advocacy efforts within its region. Sponsorships support activities that align with their mission while ensuring that only specific types of fundraisers are considered. This commitment enriches community partnerships and strengthens the impact of local organizations.
Economic Services & Development Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Nonprofit Growth & Development

SPC Cares Foundation's Member Hardship Fund

The SPC Cares Foundation
Association/Society
South Carolina
Up to US $1,500

The SPC Cares Foundation

The SPC Cares Foundation was established in 2024 as a way for SPC Credit Union to strategically support four key development issues identified within our community: Hunger, Housing, Employment, & Education. The Foundation supports our local communities through monetary donations, in-kind donation drives, and volunteerism.

Member Hardship Fund

SPC Cares Foundation's Member Hardship Fund provides financial assistance up to $1,500 in the form of a grant to Members who are experiencing financial hardship due to events beyond their control, including disasters, extended illnesses or injuries, and other special situations. The Member Hardship Fund does not aid with non-emergency situations or financial difficulties due to poor financial management, judgement, or negligence. Assistance for emergencies and crisis situations are considered on a case-by-case basis, and requested funding is not guaranteed.

This fund is intended to provide relief to SPC Members who are currently experiencing financial hardship. In accordance with the IRS, financial hardship must be demonstrated to receive grant funding and is understood to mean negative household income, meaning there is not enough income or limited to no savings to meet your required financial obligations. 

Basic Human Needs Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid

Minnesota Film Production Grant

Jerome Foundation Inc
Private
Minnesota
Up to US $30,000
The Minnesota Film Production Grant supports early career film directors based in Minnesota who are willing to take creative risks. Offering production grants of up to $30,000, the grant aims to nurture filmmakers who innovate, maintain a clear vision for storytelling, and actively engage with their creative community. The Foundation prioritizes projects that expand and re-imagine the filmmaking process, ultimately enhancing the local artistic landscape.
Film

SPC Scholarship Fund

The SPC Cares Foundation
Association/Society
South Carolina
US $1,000

The SPC Cares Foundation

The SPC Cares Foundation was established in 2024 as a way for SPC Credit Union to strategically support four key development issues identified within our community: Hunger, Housing, Employment, & Education. The Foundation supports our local communities through monetary donations, in-kind donation drives, and volunteerism.

SPC Scholarship Fund

SPC Scholarships are available to improve the lives of Members who want to further their education. Scholarship opportunities are available for high school students entering college, adults returning to college, and children of SPC CU employees and board members.

Applications are considered on both academic and needs-based criteria.

These funds are provided by SPC Credit Union in partnership with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation.

Education - Higher Education Adult Education

Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art Grants

Franklin Furnace Fund
Private
Bronx County, New York, Kings County, New York +3 more
Up to US $10,000
The Franklin Furnace Fund Grants support early career artists in producing significant performance art works in New York City. Established in 1985 with backing from the Jerome Foundation, these grants, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, are awarded through a peer panel review process, promoting diverse artistic expressions. Artists globally are encouraged to apply, with an emphasis on presenting their work in NYC. The program has fostered the careers of numerous notable artists, showcasing its commitment to the arts.
Conceptual Art / Performance Art

Debbie Callahan Arts Scholarship

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

Debbie Callahan Arts Scholarship

Must be attending an arts school or pursuing an arts major.

Education - Higher Education Art Education

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 $3.34B 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 Services

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Poverty Alleviation & Services

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
29.7%
Q2
24.7%
Q3
23.5%
Q4
22.1%

Typical Funding Amounts

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

Grants are most commonly $32,500.

$0 $0 Min.
$32,500 $32.5 K Median
$633,837 $633.8 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 29.7% 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 $32,500, while the average grant awarded is $633,837. 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.