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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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32,565 Results based on applied filters

Indian Motorcycle + Polaris Trade Scholarship

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
Association/Society
United States
US $2,000

Our Mission

AISES is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers.

AISES Scholarships

Funding the STEM futures of American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and First Nations Students.

AISES recognizes education as a means of empowerment, personal growth, and fosters the diversity Indigenous students will bring to STEM landscapes. We provide financial aid to Indigenous students in STEM through scholarships funded by our dedicated donors and partners.

Indian Motorcycle + Polaris Trade Scholarship

Indian Motorcycle along with the Polaris Foundation are proud to partner with AISES to offer academic and vocational scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year. As a leader in power sports, we bring cutting edge innovation to the product we design and the experiences we create for those who play, work and thrive outside.

STEM / STEAM Education Vocational & Trade Education

Smith, Cecil C. and Bettie I. Smith Scholarship Fund

Noble County Community Foundation
Private
Noble County, Indiana
US $4,000
The Smith Scholarship Fund, established by the Noble County Community Foundation, offers a renewable scholarship of $3,000 per year for four years to three East Noble High School seniors in the top 50% of their class. Eligible students must pursue degrees in teaching, accounting, or exercise science, maintain a 3.00 GPA, and submit necessary documentation for continued funding. This initiative aims to empower students and enhance educational opportunities in Noble County.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

STFM Resident Teacher Award

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM)
Association/Society
Kansas
Unspecified amount

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) 

Founded in 1967, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) is a national community of academic leaders committed to developing an accomplished family medicine workforce, prepared to serve as the foundation of America’s health care system. Our members include physicians, PAs, nurse practitioners, behavioral health specialists, researchers, pharmacists, nurses and other health care professionals, health system executives, administrators, coordinators, fellows, residents, students, and others involved in the education of family physicians. 

STFM Resident Teacher Award

The Resident Teacher Award recognizes teaching contributions by residents. Each family medicine residency program can give this award annually to the resident who has best demonstrated interest in and commitment to family medicine education.

Teacher Development & Training Medical Education & Professional Training

The Master Preceptor Award

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM)
Association/Society
Kansas
Unspecified amount

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) 

Founded in 1967, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) is a national community of academic leaders committed to developing an accomplished family medicine workforce, prepared to serve as the foundation of America’s health care system. Our members include physicians, PAs, nurse practitioners, behavioral health specialists, researchers, pharmacists, nurses and other health care professionals, health system executives, administrators, coordinators, fellows, residents, students, and others involved in the education of family physicians. 

The Master Preceptor Award

The STFM Precepting Awards recognize teaching contributions by individuals and teaching practices. Medical schools and residency programs can nominate teachers and teaching practices that meet the criteria. The awards are intended for those who precept students, particularly community preceptors/practices.

Teacher Development & Training Medical Education & Professional Training

The Practice Recognition Award for Teaching Excellence

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM)
Association/Society
Kansas
Unspecified amount

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) 

Founded in 1967, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) is a national community of academic leaders committed to developing an accomplished family medicine workforce, prepared to serve as the foundation of America’s health care system. Our members include physicians, PAs, nurse practitioners, behavioral health specialists, researchers, pharmacists, nurses and other health care professionals, health system executives, administrators, coordinators, fellows, residents, students, and others involved in the education of family physicians. 

The Practice Recognition Award for Teaching Excellence

The STFM Precepting Awards recognize teaching contributions by individuals and teaching practices. Medical schools and residency programs can nominate teachers and teaching practices that meet the criteria. The awards are intended for those who precept students, particularly community preceptors/practices.

Teacher Development & Training Medical Education & Professional Training

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Virginia

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Virginia
Up to US $1,000,000
The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Virginia provide essential funding to help communities prepare for or recover from emergencies affecting safe drinking water access. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Grants can fund projects like water transmission line repairs and construction of water sources, with amounts reaching up to $1 million. This initiative supports rural areas in restoring access to reliable drinking water after disasters.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water

NCAC: Folklife Apprenticeship Program

North Carolina Arts Council
State/Local Government
Alexander County, North Carolina, Alleghany County, North Carolina +27 more
US $3,000 - US $7,000
The NCAC: Folklife Apprenticeship Program offers 12-month apprenticeships in folk and traditional arts within North Carolina's Appalachian communities. Designed to preserve endangered folklife traditions, this program supports mentor-apprentice pairs, fostering the transmission of cultural practices. Eligible applicants must be 18 and reside within designated ARC counties. Funding includes $7,000 for mentors and $3,000 for apprentices, encouraging community engagement through public presentations of learned skills. This initiative strengthens cultural identity and heritage in the region.
Apprenticeship & Internship Programs Folk Art / Traditional Art

Alchemist Foundation Grant

Alchemist Foundation Inc
Private
Vermont
Up to US $2,000
The Alchemist Foundation Grant provides small, unrestricted grants (up to $3,000) to organizations that focus on expanding equity and opportunity for youth in Vermont. Founded by John and Jen Kimmich, it aims to support initiatives that foster educational growth and inclusivity for local youth aged 16-24. Interested organizations are encouraged to reach out via email to align their missions with the Foundation's goals.
Youth Services Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

ACHF Student Travel Award

American College Health Foundation
Corporate
United States
Unspecified amount

Our Mission

The mission of the American College Health Foundation (ACHF) is to promote, improve, and advance the health, well-being, and overall success of college students.

ACHF will accomplish this mission by funding sustainable college health initiatives and programs, including education, research, and professional development in partnership with the American College Health Association and its members.

Student Travel Funding Opportunity

The American College Health Foundation, through the Murray DeArmond Student Activity Fund, will offer funding to partially offset hotel and travel expenses for one or more students to attend the ACHA Annual Meeting. Funding decisions will be made by the ACHF Board of Directors in conjunction with the ACHA Student/Consumers Section.

Funding will be open to student applicants from ACHA Member Institutions who have demonstrated a significant career interest in college health and who have made a positive difference on their campus by serving as a peer health educator or in a leadership position on a student health advisory board, or who have (or will have) a leadership role in the ACHA Student/Consumers Section. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate the highest level of commitment and benefit to the field and/or continuity in effective student consumer leadership. Applicants will be encouraged to apply for ACHF Student Scholarships to cover meeting registration costs. Applicants will also be responsible for any remaining travel expenses not covered by the ACHF funding opportunity and will be required to submit proof of the availability of these funds.

Post-meeting requirements for award recipients will include the following:

  • Make a brief presentation to the ACHF Board during their annual business meeting at the ACHA Annual Meeting attended by the student winner.
  • Provide a written evaluation of the winner’s annual meeting experience that could be published in Impact, on the ACHF webpage or in other publications.
  • Become involved in a health center project on their campus following the meeting.

Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health

Kathy Mac Scholar Funding Opportunity

American College Health Foundation
Corporate
United States
Unspecified amount

Our Mission

The mission of the American College Health Foundation (ACHF) is to promote, improve, and advance the health, well-being, and overall success of college students.

ACHF will accomplish this mission by funding sustainable college health initiatives and programs, including education, research, and professional development in partnership with the American College Health Association and its members.

Kathy Mac Nurse Scholar Travel Funding Opportunity

The American College Health Foundation, through the Kathy Mac Scholar Fund, will offer funding to partially offset meeting registration, hotel and travel expenses for one nurse or nurse practitioner, who has never been to an ACHA meeting, to attend the ACHA Annual Meeting.

Applicants will be responsible for any remaining travel expenses not covered by the ACHF Kathy Mac Scholar Fund and will be required to submit proof of the availability of these funds.

Post-meeting requirements for award recipients will include the following:

  • Make a brief presentation to the ACHF Board during their annual business meeting at the ACHA Annual Meeting.
  • Provide a written evaluation of the Scholar’s annual meeting experience that could be published in Action, Impact, ACHF webpage, or in other publications.
  • Become involved in a health center or campus project following the meeting.

Nursing

Joe and Janet Barr Early Career Cornea and Contact Lens Research Award

American Academy of Optometry Foundation Inc.
Corporate
United States
US $2,000
The Joe and Janet Barr Early Career Cornea and Contact Lens Research Award supports first- or second-year MS or PhD students in vision science or physiological optics. Established in 2012 in honor of Joseph T. Barr, this $2,000 seed funding facilitates research in cornea/ocular surface or contact lenses. Recipients are required to attend the annual American Academy of Optometry meeting and submit progress reports detailing their research outcomes. Preference is given to North American applicants.
Eye Diseases & Disorders

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Vermont

USDA: Rural Development (RD)
Federal Government
Vermont
Up to US $1,000,000
The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Vermont support eligible communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. This program, offered by USDA Rural Development, provides funding for projects like constructing waterlines and treatment facilities, with grants up to $1 million. It aims to restore access to clean water following disasters such as floods, droughts, and chemical spills, ensuring rural areas and towns remain resilient.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water

Prickett, Hal Memorial Scholarship Fund

Noble County Community Foundation
Private
Noble County, Indiana
US $1,000
The Prickett, Hal Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Noble County Community Foundation, awards $1,000 to West Noble High School seniors and graduates pursuing full-time studies at accredited colleges or technical schools for the 2024-25 academic year. This fund aims to support students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service, fostering educational opportunities and encouraging civic engagement among local youth.
Academic Scholarship Programs Education - Higher Education

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds: Community Assets Grant Program

Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Private
Erie County, New York
US $10,000 - US $25,000
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds aim to support cultural and historic assets and enhance long-term arts education for youth, particularly in under-resourced communities. Managed by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, these grants focus on localized projects that align with Mr. Wilson's vision for impactful change. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Erie County, with a preference for initiatives that restore significant historic sites or increase access to arts instruction for children.
Art Education Historic Preservation

Special Excellence Scholarship

CIRI Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $20,000
The Special Excellence Annual Scholarship, offered by the CIRI Foundation, supports full-time students in 4-year undergraduate or graduate programs who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and community service. With awards up to $20,000 for one academic year, this merit-based scholarship emphasizes the importance of maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.7 and encourages contributions to the Alaska Native community. This initiative fosters educational success and economic self-sufficiency among Alaska Natives and their descendants.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Blue & You Foundation: Social Determinants of Health Grant

Blue & You Foundation
Private
Arkansas
US $25,000 - US $250,000
The Blue & You Foundation's Social Determinants of Health Grant focuses on improving health outcomes by addressing key factors such as economic stability, education access, healthcare quality, safe housing, and social context. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving Arkansans, with grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster community collaboration and demonstrate operational viability, aiming to enhance behavioral health and overall well-being.
Health Disparities & Social Determinants of Health

Alabama Tourism Department Community Grant

Alabama Tourism Department
State/Local Government
Alabama
US $2,500 - US $5,000
The Alabama Tourism Department Community Grant supports municipal and nonprofit organizations in Alabama to promote travel and vacation business. Grants can reach up to $2,500 for festivals and events, and up to $5,000 for attractions. Applications can be submitted anytime for brochures related to attractions, CVBs, or chambers when a special event or festival is produced. This program encourages growth in local tourism and community engagement.
Tourism

Emergency Medicine Interest Group Grant (EMIG)

Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $1,000
The Emergency Medicine Interest Group Grant (EMIG), funded by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Foundation, supports medical student interest groups in enhancing emergency medicine education. Grants of up to $500 are awarded for one year, with potential for renewal. Eligible applicants include established or developing EMIGs at medical schools, focusing on educational initiatives. This grant aims to foster innovation in teaching methodologies and support resources for students pursuing education in emergency medicine.
Emergency Medical Care & Services

Battle of the Badges Scholarship Fund

Berks County Community Foundation
Private
Berks County, Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount
The Battle of the Badges Scholarship Fund, established in 2007 by the Berks County Community Foundation, provides scholarships for high school seniors who are children of active or retired police officers and firefighters in Reading. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to pursue education at vocational schools or colleges. This fund aims to support the educational aspirations of deserving students while honoring the service of local first responders.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Source Water Protection- Noncommunity Transient Grant

Minnesota Department of Health
State/Local Government
Minnesota
US $250 - US $10,000
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) offers Source Water Protection Grants to support noncommunity transient public water systems. These systems, serving an average of at least 25 individuals daily for at least 60 days a year, are eligible for funding aimed at addressing high-risk contamination sources. This initiative is crucial for safeguarding drinking water quality. For further details, please refer to the FAQs available on the MDH website.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water

Raven Fund Jump Start Award

CIRI Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $2,000
The Raven Fund Jump Start Award, established by the CIRI Foundation, provides scholarships of up to $2,000 per year for CIRI voting shareholders who are high school students. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a recognized post-secondary education program, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. The funding covers direct educational costs such as tuition, books, and housing. The award allows for multiple applications within the year, encouraging ongoing educational pursuits.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Samuel K. and Lois T. Wolf Scholarship

Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA)
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Center for Scholarship Administration

The Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA) provides corporations, foundations, trust funds, and individual philanthropists scholarship selection and administration management that is experienced, professional, and cost efficient while lending the program an integrity not inherent in internal selection committees.

Samuel K. and Lois T. Wolf Scholarship

The Wolf, Samuel K. and Lois T. Scholarship is providing scholarships for deserving students. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. (CSA), a non-profit, independent organization is the facilitator of the scholarship fund.

Recipients must attend Thomas Jefferson University in Pennsylvania. Recipients must be full-time and working towards a degree in the medical profession.

The institution must be an educational organization that normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly conducted. To the extent the institution is involved in the selection of the recipients (if at all), that involvement must comply with the Scholarship Program`s policy of awarding scholarships on an objective and non-discriminatory basis as well as the Scholarship Program`s Conflict of Interest Policy.

This scholarship is for one year only; however, current recipients may reapply and be considered for additional funding along with other new applicants. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time. Scholarship recipients are limited to four total years of scholarship award and are expected to have been enrolled consecutive years during that time.

Education - Higher Education Medical Education & Professional Training

ASTRO Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Seed Grant

American Society For Radiation Oncology
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $50,000
The ASTRO Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Seed Grant aims to advance the research careers of residents and fellows focusing on radiation oncology through funding basic, translational, and clinical research. It encourages innovative projects that enhance patient care and improve health care delivery, including cancer research and understanding radiation effects on tissues. This grant is supported by the American Society for Radiation Oncology, which seeks to foster impactful research in this vital medical field.
Cancer / Oncology

Arrow International Scholarship Fund

Berks County Community Foundation
Private
Berks County, Pennsylvania
US $5,000
The Arrow International Scholarship Fund, established by the Berks County Community Foundation, offers four annual $10,000 scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors from Berks County. This fund prioritizes students demonstrating leadership skills who plan to attend four-year colleges. Funded by $1.7 million from the Arrow International Scholarship Trust since 2009, it supports local educational advancement, especially for children of former Arrow employees.
Education - Higher Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Ralph H. and Florence Moyer Fund

Berks County Community Foundation
Private
Berks County, Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount
The Ralph H. and Florence Moyer Fund, established in 2008 at the Berks County Community Foundation, supports programs focused on diabetes, cancer, and heart disease research. It also provides scholarships for vocational education to Berks County youth aged 18-30 with financial needs. Recipients can use awards for tuition, books, and required tools. This initiative aims to empower local youth by helping them gain skills in various technical fields, fostering both personal and community growth.
Vocational & Trade Education Academic Scholarship Programs

Rural County Grant (UT)

Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
State/Local Government
Beaver County, Utah, Box Elder County, Utah +22 more
Up to US $200,000
The Rural County Grant in Utah empowers rural counties to enhance their economic development through various projects. Eligible counties can receive up to $200,000 annually to support business recruitment, workforce training, and infrastructure improvements, fostering better economic conditions. This initiative encourages local governments to take charge of their development strategies, ensuring funds are utilized effectively to meet community needs.
Rural Development

Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Project

New Jersey State Council on the Arts
State/Local Government
New Jersey
US $10,000

New Jersey State Council on the Arts

In 1966, the legislature passed and the governor signed a law creating the NJ State Council on the Arts and directing us to do all that is necessary and appropriate to: support, encourage, and foster public interest in the arts; enlarge public and private resources devoted to the arts; promote freedom of expression in the arts; and facilitate the inclusion of art in every public building in New Jersey.

Folk & Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Project

FTAP grants provide $10,000 to support an individualized, structured learning opportunity between an Apprentice artist and one or more Mentor Artists. By providing funds to support artists’ time and project expenses, FTAP grants allow intermediate-level artists to significantly advance their skills and cultural knowledge in a specific folk and traditional art form. Strong apprenticeships foster the continuation of valued community traditions, contributing to the ongoing vitality of these specific folk and traditional arts.

The FTAP application process is a two-part process. After submitting Application Part 1, eligible applicants will be sent the link to Application Part 2.

Folk Art / Traditional Art Apprenticeship & Internship Programs

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.