Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

Our Mission

Empower donors to fulfill their passions and dreams by establishing charitable vehicles designed to create a positive and enduring impact on Jewish Buffalo, Western New York and the World.

Dr. Louis Sklarow Award

The Dr. Louis Sklarow Award was established in 1995 in honor of prominent Buffalo Physician and State University of New York at Buffalo Medical School Graduate Dr. Louis Sklarow.

The award is given to an outstanding graduate of Jewish faith from the Jacob’s School of Medicine who has shown by character and medical accomplishment great promise in becoming a fine physician and a person most likely to make a contribution to mankind and bring honor to the Jacob’s School of Medicine.

The Louis Sklarow Memorial Fund continues to fund research for the treatment and cure of Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer through research performed at the University of Buffalo, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and other renown institutions.

The Computer Science Teacher Credential Grant, administered by the Georgia Department of Education, aims to enhance K-12 Computer Science education by providing funding for teacher training and certification. With a maximum grant amount of $15,000 per district, priority is given to systems with a Computer Science Implementation Plan and those serving impoverished or rural areas. This initiative supports the professional development of middle and high school CS teachers, fostering broader participation in the field.

The STEM Education Major Teaching Fellowship provides funding for students majoring in STEM Education at INSGC affiliate institutions. This financial support enables students to engage in meaningful outreach experiences, covering expenses for student teaching or hands-on STEM activities. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens enrolled in relevant programs with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This opportunity encourages collaboration with INSGC Outreach Affiliates for mentorship and project locations.

The Our Fund Foundation

The Our Fund Foundation was launched in 2010 by a small group of committed activist philanthropists in response to the low ratio of philanthropy directed to LGBTQ organizations in the region, and across the country.

Our Mission: To promote philanthropy, manage enduring investments, and conduct impactful grant-making to improve the lives of LGBTQ people in South Florida.

Our Vision: To make South Florida the most livable and thriving place in the country for LGBTQ people.

LGBTQ Arts & Culture Grant

Our Fund Foundation recognizes the importance of arts and culture to inspire, empower and transform individuals and communities. Grants from this fund promote South Florida artistic expression that amplifies LGBTQ voices and works in the service of preserving, telling and celebrating LGBTQ stories and promoting LGBTQ equality and social justice.

Agencies interested in applying for and receiving grants from the LGBTQ Arts & Culture Fund are encouraged to attend to have questions answered about the application, process, and priorities for the LGBTQ Arts & Culture Fund grants.

The Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) supports early-stage postdoctoral scholars through rigorous research and career development over three years. Applicants must submit their proposals up to a year before or two years after starting their postdoctoral positions. This award emphasizes innovative research ideas and strategic planning for training and mentorship, aiming to cultivate independent investigators in research fields aligned with the missions of NIH Institutes and Centers.

Massachusetts Nonprofit Security Grant Program (MA)

This program provides funding for nonprofit 501(c) (3) organizations (such as faith-based institutions, medical and health care facilities, and other human service entities) to competitively solicit one-time grant funding to enhance building safety and security for its members/visitors and staff. 

Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating the greatest need (experienced threats and/or incidents of terrorism or hate crimes known or believed to be related to their nonprofit organization’s purpose, mission, or services), and propose cost-effective solutions to address high-priority security gaps or weaknesses.

Organizations who have received funding through similar programs offered through the Office of Grants and Research are eligible and encouraged to apply. Funding for this opportunity is supported by the Federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Funding

Applicants may solicit up to $75,000 in funding under this competitive grant. 

The Green Pastures Fund Grant, established in 1999 by an anonymous donor at the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports small community-based agricultural projects. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and public entities in the Berkshire Taconic region, focusing on ventures like community-supported agriculture and local farmers' markets. The fund prioritizes projects with additional funding sources and requires a twelve-month wait between applications to encourage sustainable growth in agricultural initiatives.

The OSCT: Roger Schonning Award, provided by the Ocean State Charities Trust, aims to enhance the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by supporting charitable organizations that operate within the state. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities, operating for at least two years, and focused on social welfare, health, housing, and education. Grants are capped at $20,000 and are awarded semi-annually, with specific guidelines to ensure accountability and effectiveness in funding.

The John S. Stiff Governmental Services Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports City of Amarillo employees pursuing a college degree in municipal government. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and complete the Foundation's General Scholarship Application. This scholarship aims to enhance career advancement opportunities within local government, thereby contributing to the overall quality of life in the Texas Panhandle.

The Zyne Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance and support Catholic faith-based organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits dedicated to education, medical research, and family values. The foundation's mission focuses on making a direct impact on individuals' daily lives, ensuring that these initiatives can thrive both now and in the future, promoting community well-being and development.

The Kronkosky Charitable Foundation Grant for Arts & Culture supports innovative and creative projects that enhance community vibrancy and provide access to essential cultural resources. Focusing on nonprofit organizations in Bandera, Bexar, Comal, and Kendall counties, the foundation funds initiatives in the performing arts, museums, and libraries, while also caring for vulnerable populations. This grant aims to foster artistic expression, cultural engagement, and community well-being.

The MNSAB Operating Support Grant Program offers vital funding to established arts organizations in Minnesota, enabling them to maintain operations and fulfill their missions. Grants, starting at $15,000, support organizations that produce, present, or exhibit art, as well as those providing services to artists and community arts education. The program emphasizes the importance of stability and ongoing programs, ensuring that organizations can thrive without needing to justify funding through new initiatives.

The Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence (BHFE) is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for students and teachers in the Berkshire Hills Regional School District. It provides grants that cover direct project costs, prioritizing innovative proposals that rely on volunteer efforts and additional support. Applications are reviewed by a diverse board, ensuring community involvement and a focus on excellence in education.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems. TEA helps deliver education to more than 5 million students under the leadership of the commissioner of education. The TEA operational costs are supported by both state and federal funds.

The Texas Education Agency administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

2026-2027 SSI Community Partnerships C4 TA Continuation

Program Description

The awarded Education Service Centers (ESCs) will provide coordinated technical assistance to bolster the school systems’ ability to continue educationally sound strategies tailored to the individual needs of each community yielding improved academic achievement of participating campuses and their students. The awarded ESCs will create and build upon existing resources, systems, and materials aligned with the Community Partnerships framework, ensuring the school systems’ successful implementation of the SSI/Community Partnerships grant. The ESC will continue project management practices that monitor the plan to ensure it is on track, and the targeted population of students is impacted.

The George F. & Elah P. Evans Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing healthcare and educational opportunities for residents in Harrison and Lewis Counties, West Virginia. This private foundation aims to support charitable organizations that align with its mission, specifically those recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Notably, individual applicants are not eligible to apply for funding under this grant program.

The Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Science & Technology Studies at Cornell University invites applications for a two-year position beginning August 1, 2026. Open to PhD scholars, the fellowship emphasizes research on the interplay between science, technology, and governance, particularly from 1900 onwards. Successful candidates will engage in independent research (65%) alongside teaching (35%). The program aims to foster collaboration and mentorship within a supportive academic environment, addressing critical social dimensions of science and technology.

The John B. Davis Scholarship, established by the Augusta Health Board of Directors, honors the late board member's contributions to healthcare and community service. This $1,200 scholarship supports graduating high school students from Augusta County pursuing healthcare degrees or allied health certificates. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum 2.0 GPA and a commitment to community service. The scholarship aims to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals dedicated to serving their communities.

The American Savings Foundation offers ASF Program Grants to support programs enhancing life quality for children, youth, and families, especially in New Britain and Waterbury. Emphasizing education, human services, and arts & culture, the foundation funds established and innovative programs that address community needs. Grants are awarded once per year per program, requiring organizations to be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. Ineligible entities include individuals, religious institutions, and political advocacy groups.

The Kent-Holbert Scholarship, established by Mrs. Jean Holbert Kent in 2014, offers a $4,000 renewable award to students pursuing degrees in health care or related fields. Eligibility includes historical ties to Augusta or Nelson County. The scholarship prioritizes academic performance, financial need, and personal qualifications, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.0. Managed by the Community Partnership Committee of the Augusta Health Board, this scholarship honors the memory of Kenneth Nelson Kent and the Holbert family.

The Hudson Schools Arts and Humanities Fund, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to enrich the educational experience for students and teachers in the Hudson City School District. Since 1987, the foundation has supported community-driven initiatives, encouraging collaboration among teachers, students, and community members. Grants are available for projects that enhance learning without replacing public funding, fostering inclusive opportunities for all, regardless of background or identity.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Meggan Eiben Memorial Scholarship Fund

Provides financial assistance to students of Marquette Area Public Schools entering a college educational program in the field of teaching. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The OAC Rural Arts Opportunity Grants aim to enhance access to the arts for residents in select rural Oklahoma counties. With grants up to $5,000, this initiative focuses on bolstering arts programming and establishing essential infrastructure in underserved areas. The Oklahoma Arts Council supports capacity building and professional development, fostering economic growth and cultural enrichment. This funding opportunity emphasizes community engagement and artistic collaboration, ensuring that more Oklahomans can participate in vibrant arts experiences.

The Wyoming Arts Council offers the Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant to enhance the capabilities of individuals and organizations engaged in the arts. This program supports diverse projects, including leadership training, strategic planning, and fundraising development. Eligible applicants include individual artists and 501(c)(3) organizations based in Wyoming. The grant aims to foster artistic excellence and community engagement, ensuring that the arts thrive in the state's economy and culture.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Knowles Future Teacher Scholarship Fund

The Knowles family has a history of being in the education field, and greatly values the teaching profession. The Knowles Future teacher Scholarship was established by the Knowles family and friends to encourage the next generation of teachers to continue their education past high school. Selection is based on acceptance to a college or university with a major in Education and a 3.0 GPA minimum. Evidence of good character, volunteer service, and demonstrated commitment to youth in a school setting area also selection considerations.

The Creative Equations Fund (CEF) is an initiative by the Brooklyn Arts Council aimed at supporting artists and small organizations dedicated to social justice. Grants of $10,000 each will be awarded to Brooklyn-based applicants, including individuals and nonprofits, to enhance their capacity for impactful cultural interventions. This fund emphasizes community engagement, cultural equity, and sustainability, fostering artistic innovation that addresses social issues and strengthens local communities.

The ACTA Apprenticeship Program has been supporting California's cultural traditions for nearly 25 years by providing $5,000 contracts to mentor artists for intensive training of eligible apprentices. This program fosters the continuity of traditional arts through one-on-one mentorship, culminating in public presentations and documentation of the learning process. Eligible applicants must submit a collaborative application, demonstrating commitment and quality in their respective art forms. This initiative not only preserves cultural practices but also enhances community engagement.

The Health and Wellness Grant, offered by the Barberton Community Foundation, supports tax-exempt nonprofits that benefit Barberton residents. This grant emphasizes projects focused on health and wellness, education, and economic development. Organizations are encouraged to submit a Letter of Inquiry prior to applying. The foundation aims to foster collaboration and strengthen the Barberton community through transformational partnerships, ultimately creating a lasting legacy of giving.