Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

About Grow Boston

GrowBoston is the City of Boston's Office of Urban Agriculture, and part of the Mayor's Office of Housing (MOH). MOH has been supporting the development of community gardens, urban farms, food forests, and other open spaces for more than 25 years through the Grassroots Program, which is now part of GrowBoston. GrowBoston works to increase community gardens, urban farms, and other food-growing spaces throughout Boston; support innovative food production strategies; provide technical assistance to prospective and existing gardens and farms; develop resources for gardeners, farmers, and other residents; and coordinate with other City departments associated with food production in Boston.

GrowBoston Garden Supplies Grant

GrowBoston is offering a total of $50,000.00 for community gardens, nonprofit gardens that are communally operated, and food forests to purchase tools, equipment, seeds, seedlings, compost, equipment, and other garden supplies for communal use. These supplies must be stored and maintained by the garden organization and made available to all gardeners. The public purpose of this grant program is to invest in Boston’s community gardens and food forests and assist residents to grow their own food. 

Total Amount Available for Grant Program:

• $50,000.00

Award Amount per Grant per Organization:

• Organizations may apply for a maximum of $2,000 per garden site or food forest. If an organization wishes to purchase supplies for multiple sites, they may. 

Westfield Education Foundation

The Foundation was established in 1986 to assist with funding that would enrich the opportunities for our Westfield community. 

The mission of the Westfield Education Foundation is to work alongside Westfield Washington Schools and the Westfield community to empower and invest in our students and staff.

Rock Strong Award

The Westfield Education Foundation and Everwise Credit Union proudly announce a staff appreciation initiative: the Rock Strong Award! This is a quarterly award, given out at each school plus operations and student support programs, to recognize teachers, instructional assistants, instructional coaches, building secretaries, bus drivers, substitute teachers, food service staff, and operations staff for the great work they do for our children and our community!

Each quarter, all schools plus operations and student support programs (BAC/TOTS/All Aboard) will review nominations from staff, students, families, and the community and select someone representing its values and culture to receive the Rock Strong Award. Westfield Education Foundation and Everwise Credit Union will present the award winners with a commemorative plaque and a $50 Amazon gift card as a way to show appreciation for all that they do.

What it means to be Rock Strong can look different, but nominees should display dedication to students, staff and the Westfield community. 

If you would like to nominate someone for the Rock Strong award, please fill out the nomination form. 

The California Library Literacy Services grant provides essential funding for public libraries in California to develop and implement adult literacy programs. By offering free tutoring, this initiative aims to enhance literacy among adults, empowering them to achieve personal and professional goals. Libraries selected for funding will participate in the 2026-2027 project cycle, ensuring continued support for ongoing literacy efforts that enrich the community and preserve the state's unique history.

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 Jackson Foundation, established by Maria C. Jackson, provides funding for charitable, educational, and welfare-related projects primarily within Oregon. Governed by trustees, it aims to enhance public welfare in Portland and statewide. The Foundation does not support individual grants or private businesses and typically limits funding to one grant per organization annually. It considers projects of broader appeal outside the Portland area, ensuring that its contributions effectively promote community welfare.

Bengier Foundation

After lots of hard work and more than a bit of luck, Gary and Cynthia were able to retire from professional business careers at an early age. They decided then to try to give back a little to their community and to others less lucky than they. So the Bengier Foundation was formed in 2004 to give a helping hand to bright, hardworking young people who need a little help to find their own success.

One of our goals is to help – in a small way – to focus attention on the need to increase our American educational capital. The dropout rate statistics are shocking. We must do more to help the next generation prepare for the increasing demands of our ever-more sophisticated information economy. The Bengier Foundation believes that we must give everyone a chance to achieve their potential.

Bengier Foundation Grants

The foundation's mission is to provide educational experiences that motivate, broaden and qualify bright, hard working young people who have limited means and limited opportunities to enlarge their expectations of what they can accomplish in life.

• By motivate we mean to change a young person’s expectations about themself, by providing experiences which pique their interest, or that let them see themself in a role or career that they never previously imagined.
• By broaden we mean to allow a young person to have experiences that broaden their perspective of the world or cause them to view it and their role in it differently.
• By qualify we mean to help a young person gain the experiences and education that will allow them to succeed in college and in life.

The Artist Fellowship Grant offers $3,000 to Connecticut artists across all disciplines to support new work and enhance their careers. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, full-time residents of Connecticut, and able to provide a Social Security Number. Recent recipients must wait five years before reapplying. This program aims to recognize and nurture artistic talent, ensuring that funds are directed towards artists with a professional body of work.

The Columbus Youth Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of youth in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods of Columbus. By focusing on recreation and sports, the foundation provides essential opportunities for young people to learn valuable life lessons in a positive environment. This grant supports programs that foster personal development and community engagement, ultimately helping to shape a brighter future for the youth involved.

The OVAC Professional Basics Grant supports Oklahoma artists by funding essential aspects of their art practice, including quality samples, display, and travel. Grants of up to $500 help artists develop their professional practices and engage in community projects. Eligibility requires applicants to be over 21 and have at least 12 months of residency in Oklahoma. This grant aims to empower visual artists, curators, and art writers to enhance their creative projects and visibility.

The California Department of Education's Geo-Regional Experts for Multilingual Students initiative aims to enhance educational outcomes for multilingual learners. This competitive grant invites county offices of education to become Geo-Regional Experts (GEMS) by designating full-time experts who provide data-driven support to local educational agencies. The program is designed to foster collaboration among educators, schools, and communities, ensuring that all students receive a world-class education in a multicultural environment.

The GIFT Foundation of Hawaii, established in 2003, supports charitable organizations across Hawaii by empowering young professionals to engage in philanthropy. Through an annual charity event, the foundation grants funds to selected local projects that focus on youth education, startup initiatives, and sustainable community impacts. They prioritize proposals demonstrating leadership and financial viability, ensuring a lasting benefit to the Hawaiian community. The foundation aims to inspire and motivate young adults to contribute to meaningful causes.

The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation's Arts Grant Program provides multiyear funding to arts nonprofits and PreK-12 education organizations in North Carolina's Triangle region. With grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 annually, the program focuses on supporting developing and established organizations, emphasizing artistic excellence and community engagement. Eligibility includes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This initiative aims to strengthen the cultural sector, foster growth, and enhance the overall well-being of communities through arts programming.

Middendorf Foundation Arts and Culture GrantsThe Middendorf Foundation was founded in 1953 by J. William Jr. and Alice Carter Middendorf to support institutions and projects in their areas of interest within the State of Maryland. Their focus included: education, healthcare, social services, the environment, historic preservation and arts & culture.The Foundation believes that arts and cultural institutions help define and create vibrant communities and foster sustainable economic development. We view investing in this sector as an integral component of supporting well-rounded, inclusive and dynamic community growth.The Foundation prioritizes one-time costs such as capital campaigns for building, equipment, and/or technology with the lifespan of 7+ years.

Use of Funds:

All grant funds must be used within one year of receiving the award.

The Erie County Cultural Funding Program offers annual grants of up to $50,000 for 501(c)(3) arts and cultural organizations in Erie County. These funds support general operating expenses such as salaries, program costs, and utilities. Eligible organizations must have a primary cultural mission and demonstrate their community impact. Importantly, funds cannot be used for capital projects or for activities outside Erie County, ensuring that support remains local.

The Erie County Cultural Funding Program offers significant grants exceeding $50,000 to 501c3 arts and cultural organizations located in Erie County. This program supports general operating expenses, ensuring cultural organizations can thrive. Eligible entities must demonstrate a commitment to cultural services and maintain tax-exempt status. The funding promotes diverse cultural activities that enhance community quality of life, making it a valuable resource for local organizations seeking financial support.

The Our Legacy Fund Grants, offered by the McKean County Community Foundation, aim to empower nonprofit organizations in McKean County through strategic financial support. With a maximum award of $10,000, these grants seek to foster social change, promote equity, and address unmet community needs. Eligible applicants include schools, municipalities, and 501c3 organizations serving the community. This initiative reflects MCCF's commitment to building a sustainable foundation for future generations.

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 Limited Competition Small Grant Program for ORIP SERCA K01 Recipients provides funding to early-stage veterinary scientists to enhance their research capabilities and transition to independent investigator status. This initiative addresses challenges faced by these researchers, including reliance on funding from senior investigators. Grants support pilot studies, secondary data analysis, and development of research methodologies, aiming to foster independence within a two-year timeframe without funding clinical trials.

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.

Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Inc

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports the artist’s legacy through a variety of initiatives, including exhibitions, loans of artworks, research and publications, conservation, grants, educational programs for the public and the scholarly community, and the publishing of a catalogue raisonné. It is dedicated to promoting greater public interest in and understanding of the visual arts.

Established and endowed by the artist during her lifetime (1928-2011), the Foundation became active in 2013, on the closing of Frankenthaler’s estate. As the principal beneficiary of Frankenthaler’s estate, the Foundation maintains an extensive collection of her work in a variety of mediums, as well as her collection of works by other artists and original papers and materials pertaining to her life and work.

Visual Arts & Education Grant

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports public engagement with the visual arts through philanthropic, educational, curatorial, and research initiatives. It has expanded its grantmaking to sustain museums and visual arts institutions, supporting exhibitions, scholarship, and education across the field. The Foundation’s grantmaking priorities are currently organized across three areas:

• Climate Action and Sustainability
• Cultural Resilience
• Visual Arts & Education
  • Project-based support for exhibitions, publications, public programs, and academic initiatives that advance the presentation, study, and interpretation of the visual arts.
  • The Foundation supports discrete, institutionally grounded projects that advance the presentation, study, and understanding of the visual arts. Competitive proposals typically include:
    • Exhibitions, publications, and public programs focused on modern and contemporary art
    • Projects that expand access to collections, archives, and curatorial research
    • Academic and institutional initiatives in art history, studio practice, visual studies, museum and curatorial studies, conservation, and related areas of scholarship and teaching—particularly those involving university museums, galleries, and special collections
    • Conferences, programs, or initiatives led by professional organizations whose missions address the visual arts
    • Exhibitions and scholarly or public programs related to the 2028 centennial of Helen Frankenthaler
    • Projects must be clearly defined in scope, duration, and outcomes, and supported by appropriate institutional capacity. Requests for Visual Arts & Education funds should not be framed as general operating support. 

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.

Metro Planning and Development Grants support urban planning efforts in the Portland area, aimed at enhancing community potential through the development of new housing, shopping, and employment opportunities. With a funding capacity of up to $4 million, these grants are available for projects that comply with regional growth management plans and focus on inclusive, sustainable development. Since 2006, Metro has funded over 135 projects, promoting collaborative growth across Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties.

About JoCo Bar

The Johnson County Bar Association has served the legal community since 1938. Through leadership, member services, professional development, and community engagement, JoCo Bar supports attorneys, judges, and legal professionals throughout Johnson County.

Johnson County Bar Annual Awards

Each year, JoCo Bar recognizes outstanding service, professionalism, leadership, and dedication within our legal community.

Community Service Award

The award honors exceptional and innovative community leadership and charitable programs.

About KIP:D+ Cultural Heritage

Kresge Innovative Projects: Detroit Plus (KIP:D+) funds projects in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park neighborhoods that support the vision and creativity of residents. We support inclusive, collaborative processes that authentically engage community members in planning, design and implementation.

Through project funding, capacity building, and support for transformative initiatives, KIP:D+ enables grantees to foster resilience, collaboration, and meaningful change.

This round of KIP:D+ focuses on Cultural Heritage. We’re funding arts, culture, and community projects that help neighborhoods remember their history, share stories and traditions, and carry forward community legacy.

The Linda Landman Gonzalez Leadership Grant, established by the Orlando Magic Leadership team, aims to empower emerging non-profit leaders by providing essential resources and support. This grant honors Linda's significant contributions to the community, offering enrollment in a prestigious leadership certificate program, travel reimbursements, and funding for professional development. Recipients will leave a lasting impact on the non-profit sector, continuing Linda's legacy of dedication and excellence in leadership.

The OCCF: Lawton Community Grants program, managed by the Lawton Community Foundation, awards grants up to $5,000 to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the Lawton area. It supports projects that enhance the community's quality of life, require matching support, and benefit a broad audience. Eligible projects should be new or significantly expanded initiatives. The program aims to empower citizens by providing resources for impactful community improvements.

The Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence, offered by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, honors outstanding nonprofit organizations in St. Joseph County, Indiana. This biennial award recognizes exceptional leadership and programming, providing a $200,000 endowment challenge grant, contingent upon the recipient raising $100,000 in matching funds. This initiative fosters sustainability and high standards within the local nonprofit sector, ultimately enhancing community welfare through strategic philanthropic efforts.