Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award honors outstanding educators who inspire students and elevate the teaching profession. Nominations for 2026 are now open, inviting communities to recognize exceptional teachers who embody dedication and excellence. The award will be presented on May 3, 2026, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. This prestigious recognition not only celebrates local talent but also positions the winner as Minnesota’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year.

The Neil Miner Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, honors outstanding contributions to stimulating interest in Earth sciences. Established in 1953, this prestigious award recognizes educators who embody personal excellence and effective teaching, inspired by Neil Miner's philosophy. Nominations are open to NAGT members, who may submit a letter of nomination, letters of support, and the nominee's curriculum vitae. This award promotes excellence in geoscience education and celebrates dedicated educators.

The Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals or institutions promoting inclusiveness in the chemical sciences. This award includes a medal, a $1,250 grant, and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,500 for attending the ACS regional meeting where the award is presented. Eligible nominees must foster programs that increase participation from diverse groups in the chemical enterprise.

The Education Support Professional of the Year award recognizes outstanding contributions by education support professionals in Minnesota. Annually, Education Minnesota honors an individual who exemplifies dedication and excellence in their role. Nominations for the 2025-26 award are now open, inviting submissions from colleagues and community members. The recipient will receive a $1,200 honorarium, a choice of technology, and an expense-paid trip to a national conference, celebrating their impactful work within the educational community.

The UACF Project Grants, previously known as Mini-Grants, offer competitive funding for arts, culture, science, and history projects in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. These grants aim to enhance community access and participation, foster positive change, and amplify diverse voices through various public events, performances, and educational programs. Professional artists are required to be involved, ensuring high-quality execution and community impact.

The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honor exemplary teaching assistants in geoscience education. With up to 30 awards given annually, both undergraduate and graduate TAs are eligible. Winners receive a one-year NAGT membership, including a subscription to the Journal of Geoscience Education. This award aims to recognize the contributions of TAs in enhancing Earth education, regardless of their formal titles.

The Celebrating Ohio Book Awards and Authors Grant provides Ohio libraries with up to $2,000 to enhance collections featuring Ohio authors and award-winning titles. This LSTA grant aims to support community literacy by connecting readers with local literary talent. Libraries can apply for funds to purchase books recognized by Ohio-based award programs. No matching funds are required, making this a valuable opportunity for libraries to enrich their offerings and promote Ohio's literary heritage.

The MAC Mini-Grants for Organizations provide vital funding to support professional development and capacity building for Mississippi-based arts organizations. Eligible applicants, including non-profit organizations and local government entities, can receive matching grants to engage professional artists for various activities like performances, workshops, and curriculum development. Priority is given to organizations in underserved areas and those led by BIPOC individuals. This initiative aims to enhance public engagement and appreciation for the arts statewide.

RFP: Improve Access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Behavioral Health Administration (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to improve access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) services throughout Minnesota. 

STATE received a State Opioid Response (SOR) grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). The purpose of the SOR grant is to address the public health crisis caused by escalating opioid and stimulant use, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Stimulant Use Disorder, and opioid and stimulant-related morbidity and mortality across the nation. Minnesota has been awarded SOR funds since the grant program’s inception by SAMHSA in 2018. Multiple organizations and projects have been funded to support a continuum of care including prevention programming, treatment, MOUD, naloxone distribution, and recovery support services

VCA Charities is dedicated to enhancing pet ownership by offering Disaster Relief Grants to support animal welfare organizations impacted by natural disasters. These grants provide funding for essential veterinary care, pet supplies, temporary shelter, and transportation costs for rescued animals. Prioritizing immediate relief, VCA Charities also assesses preparedness requests at year-end. The program aims to alleviate the suffering of pets and ensure they remain in loving homes during crises, addressing both urgent and long-term needs in affected communities.

The State Library of Ohio offers competitive grants under the Library Services and Technology Act to support innovative projects that enhance library services. Eligible applicants include public, school, academic, and special libraries, which must provide a 25% local cash match. Projects should focus on community engagement, literacy enhancement, or innovative outreach strategies. Funding up to $50,000 is available to foster creative solutions addressing community needs as outlined in the LSTA Five Year Plan 2023-2027.

The McDaniel Scholarship at Adams State University aims to provide full-tuition scholarships to students in junior standing or above, including post-graduate and graduate students. Established by Dr. John E. McDaniel, this scholarship honors past students while supporting the educational aspirations of future scholars. As part of Colorado's premier Hispanic-Serving Institution, this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to equitable access to education and empowering historically underserved populations.

The Classroom Education Grants provide funding for innovative projects that stimulate learning and help educators meet state standards. Individual teachers and collaborations can apply, promoting impactful projects within Huntington County schools. Administrators can also seek funding for school-wide initiatives that go beyond traditional budgets. This grant encourages creativity and collaboration, aiming to make a significant difference in the educational experiences of students.

The First Bank Chicago Grant is dedicated to supporting local non-profit organizations in Lake and Cook Counties. With over 65 years of community service, First Bank emphasizes charitable contributions, event sponsorships, and volunteer efforts to strengthen community ties. Priority is given to current non-profit clients of the bank, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to those making a positive impact in the community.

The Brave Heart Foundation Grant aims to uplift underserved populations, focusing on children and families through education, health, and community action. With a commitment to funding impactful programs in Indiana, the Foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate clear community benefits. Larger funding requests are accepted from previously funded agencies, ensuring continuity and accountability. This grant serves as a vital resource for initiatives that enhance the well-being of those in need, fostering positive change within local communities.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Robert Paul Dost Scholarship Endowment (Regional)

Available to graduating high school seniors in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties who are planning to pursue electrical engineering. 

The MACF Town Grants program offers up to $5,000 in matching funds for public improvement projects across Midland County. Established to enhance community collaboration and philanthropy, this initiative supports nonprofit agencies, public schools, and government entities. Through this program, MACF aims to foster vibrant community development by empowering local organizations to implement impactful projects that benefit residents and enhance quality of life.

The 2025-2026 Teach for America grant aims to enhance the quality of education in Texas by funding proven models to recruit and retain effective teachers, particularly in high-need areas like the Rio Grande Valley and major metropolitan regions. The initiative targets increased employment of TFA teachers, emphasizing training in Bilingual/ESL, science, and math. By 2026, the goal is to have at least 2,100 TFA educators in classrooms serving economically disadvantaged students, ultimately improving student achievement.

The Gypsum Valley Community Foundation Fund aims to enhance the local community of Gypsum, KS, through charitable initiatives supported by dedicated volunteers. Established to address community needs, the fund focuses on preserving the area's heritage while inspiring future generations. A local advisory board regularly meets to evaluate and grant funding for various community projects, ensuring that the impact of the foundation resonates throughout the community.

The National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) has been promoting excellence in geoscience education since 1938. Through its sponsorships, NAGT aims to enhance visibility and impact within the geoscience community, fostering collaborations and expanding membership. Sponsorships support both long-term programs and single events, ensuring that NAGT is acknowledged and involved in all associated activities. This initiative aligns with NAGT's mission to provide effective Earth education to diverse audiences.

This funding opportunity from the NIH encourages groundbreaking research to enhance, develop, and preserve animal models and related biological materials for studies impacting human health. The program seeks innovative methodologies that can improve the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting animal use in biomedical research. Projects must demonstrate relevance across multiple NIH Institutes to align with broader research goals, emphasizing diverse body systems and disease categories.

The Arts Council for Long Beach offers Professional Development Microgrants to support local artists in enhancing their skills through workshops and conferences. Open to individuals and representatives of arts organizations, these grants cover up to half of the conference fees, with a maximum of $500 for events outside Long Beach. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life through artistic engagement, ensuring that artists have access to valuable professional development opportunities.

The WV Culture: Community Arts Mini-Grants program, funded by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History, offers up to $2,000 to support local governments and 501(c)3 organizations. This initiative funds projects that present artists through performances, workshops, and other arts-focused activities, aiming to enhance community engagement and cultural experiences.

The Harrington Faculty Fellows Program at UT Austin invites exceptional early- and mid-career scholars to apply for the 2026-27 academic year. This program focuses on energy studies, encompassing a range of topics from discovery to technology innovation. Selected fellows will receive substantial salary support, a housing allowance, and discretionary funds for research. The initiative fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, offering fellows the chance to engage with renowned mentors and contribute to impactful energy research.

ArtsFairfax 

ArtsFairfax is the 501(c)(3) designated as Fairfax County’s local arts agency funded in part by Fairfax County, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as corporations, foundations, and individuals. ArtsFairfax invests in and amplifies the arts for all in Fairfax County.

Project Support Grants

ArtsFairfax Project Support Grants serve arts organizations with funding to support projects that engage Fairfax County residents. Project Support Grants are awarded in four grant subcategories, including Arts in Education, Opportunity, Partnerships, and Arts Access.

Grant Program Objective

The ArtsFairfax Project Support Grant seeks to:

• Provide financial and other means of support to both established and emerging arts organizations.
• Promote opportunities for arts organizations of all disciplines to create, present, and celebrate their artistic endeavors.
• Be a catalyst for increased private sector support for arts organizations through leveraged public funding.
• Encourage wide participation in the arts through diverse cultural programming available to all residents of Fairfax County.
• Support activities that would not normally be part of your organization’s usual activities.

Examples of Eligible Activities

• If your organization provides afterschool arts instruction, then this funding could support the design and implementation of a new class offering that has not been offered before.
• If your organization occasionally hosts a guest artist, then funding could support bringing an artist who might normally be financially out of reach.
• This funding is not intended to support ongoing activities that your organization does on a regular basis as part of your mission.

Grant Subcategories

There are four grant subcategories within the Project Support Grant Program. An organization can submit one grant application in a single subcategory. The four subcategories are: Arts in Education; Opportunity; Partnerships; and Arts Access

Opportunity

Opportunity projects provide the resources for an organization to take advantage of an atypical or out-of-the-ordinary opportunity that otherwise would be out of reach. Opportunity projects should further the growth and development of the applicant organization or engage audiences in new arts experiences. Project Support Grants can support performances by guest artists, activities, or infrastructure enhancements, including programs, exhibitions, and performances for diverse populations (including, but not limited to age, race, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, socio-economic status, or neighborhood of residence) and/or in underserved areas of the Fairfax County.

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.

Thomas R. and Catharine G. Allan Scholarship Fund

The Thomas R. and Catharine G. Allan Scholarship was established in memory of Thomas R. and Catharine G. Allan who thought it was important to further your education. The scholarship assists graduating seniors and graduates from Calhoun County public and private high schools pursuing postsecondary educational opportunities in teacher education.

The National Board Certified Teachers Scholarship, funded by the Education Minnesota Foundation, aims to support K-12 educators pursuing National Board Certification. Each year, eligible Education Minnesota members can receive scholarships up to $1,000 to cover assessment fees. This initiative particularly encourages first-time applicants while also allowing those maintaining certification to apply. Scholarships are awarded annually, and recipients must provide proof of payment for the certification process to access their funds.