Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Michael Scott Kramer Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Juan Island Community Foundation, is designed for post-secondary students pursuing education in fields like recreation, adventure tourism, and marine trades. This scholarship honors Mike Kramer, a beloved outdoorsman, by encouraging students to embrace life and adventure. Candidates should demonstrate community service, a strong work ethic, and a passion for their studies. It aims to inspire the next generation to live authentically and pursue their dreams.

Clifford H. Spicer Memorial Scholarship

Clifford Spicer, founder of Spicer Engineering, was a registered professional engineer and professional land surveyor. A member and past president of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, Michigan Society of Land Surveyors, Michigan Waterworks Association and Michigan Water Pollution Control Federation, he served also on the Board of Appeals on Zoning for the City of Saginaw for 21 years.

At Spicer Engineering’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 1994, Mr. Spicer was honored by community leaders, including Governor John Engler and employees of Spicer Engineering. Former Saginaw Township Manager Frank Jones remarked, “Clifford Spicer … instilled in all employees his own extremely high professional work ethic. A finer gentlemen and engineer I have yet to meet.” Mr. Spicer died in 1997 at the age of 94.

The Teaching Artists Directory Grant by the Kentucky Arts Council aims to empower local artists by providing career opportunities and professional development in arts education. It supports artists of various disciplines, encouraging them to collaborate with educators and students in creative settings. This initiative fosters artistic engagement within Kentucky, ensuring a diverse and accessible arts community. By highlighting qualified teaching artists, the grant serves as a valuable resource for educators seeking to enrich their programs with high-quality artistic contributions.

The Delaware Division of the Arts provides General Operating Support Grants to nonprofit organizations focused on the promotion and teaching of the arts. Eligible organizations must be based in Delaware, have a stable board, and demonstrate a history of community service. Grants support annual operating expenses, allowing for year-round arts participation. A staggered three-year application cycle ensures ongoing support while minimizing the application burden. These grants foster artistic growth and community engagement in Delaware.

Cultivating Healthy Communities – Arts, Health, and Well-Being in Rural Communities Grant

Washington’s rural communities often face limited resources to launch projects that foster belonging, social connection, civic participation, community cohesion, and overall well-being. ArtsWA’s Cultivating Healthy Communities – Arts, Health, and Well-Being in Rural Communities program aims to strengthen arts and cultural initiatives that build social connections and a sense of belonging while supporting the health and well-being of individuals and communities across rural Washington.

Grounded in research demonstrating that participation in the arts can reduce stress, anxiety, and social isolation, improve mental health outcomes, and enhance quality of life, the program recognizes the arts as a powerful, evidence-based tool for healing, stability, and community vitality. Through collaboration with trusted community partners and social infrastructures—including arts and culture nonprofits, libraries, parks and green spaces, community centers, and museums—the grant seeks to create meaningful opportunities that connect people and strengthen rural communities.

• Projects must be collaborative between cultural organizations, the community, and at least one other organization or service provider.
• Projects can span all creative disciplines and must be fully accessible by the public.
• Organizations that received funding during the FY26 pilot phase of the Cultivating Healthy Communities – Arts, Health, and Well-Being in Rural Communities will be prioritized.
• Communities with a strong agriculture-based economy and generational agricultural and food processing workers will be prioritized.
• ArtsWA supports projects offering in-person, participatory activities. Online activities that alleviate isolation and loneliness, especially among older adults, are also welcome if structured collaboratively with a service provider experienced with the community you seek to engage.

Funding Amounts

Grant amounts may vary depending on the available funds and number of eligible projects and applications received.

Grants: $3,000 – $5,000 

This is a reimbursement grant. Payments are made after funds are spent, and after expense documentation and invoice forms have been submitted to and approved by ArtsWA.

The North Lake Tahoe-Truckee Leadership Program aims to develop community leaders in the region, having graduated over 500 participants since 2004. The program, running from January to June 2026, offers full-day sessions on vital topics like economic development and environmental issues. Participants will learn from experienced local leaders and engage in hands-on activities, enhancing their leadership skills. This year's program includes insights on intergenerational leadership, fostering a robust alumni network dedicated to community impact.

The Project Change Foundation offers small grants of $2,000 to support new or emerging Canadian charities focused on creating social or environmental change. By providing financial support and advisory services, the Foundation aims to empower organizations that demonstrate growth potential and measurable impact within their communities. Eligible applicants are encouraged to articulate their project goals clearly to enhance their chances of receiving support. This initiative fosters sustainable charitable efforts across Canada.

The Reidsville Area Foundation Grant supports transformative initiatives in Rockingham County, focusing on early childhood education, health, and community development. This grant is open to public charities, government units, and institutions that align with these areas. By fostering partnerships, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and build pathways to success for all. Organizations interested in collaboration are encouraged to apply before the monthly deadline.

The Owensville Area Community Foundation Grantmaking Program supports local 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities in enhancing the quality of life in the Owensville area. Governed by a knowledgeable Board of Directors, this program provides flexible grantmaking tailored to community needs. Grants up to $500 are available, with a focus on non-discrimination in funding use. The program aims to empower local leaders and foster impactful community initiatives.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Frederic S. Lee Heterodox Economics Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide scholarships for tuition and fees, up to three classes per semester, for doctoral heterodox economics students.

The fund will not provide scholarship aid for dissertation credit hours or for credit hours that are not directly relevant for the completion of the doctoral program’s course work.

Scholarships will be awarded prior to the fall and spring semesters on an annual basis.

Scholarships are not automatically renewed; however, previous recipients may reapply.

Love Your Block

Love Your Block is a City of Pittsburgh program that brings neighbors together to improve our communities by combating blight, creating assets, and building resilience, block by block.

Community organizations across Pittsburgh are invited to apply for $500 and $1000 grants, and a limited number could qualify for a $1,500 grant. These grants will function as a reimbursement.

Examples of successful projects include:

• Community garden maintenance / improvements
• Artistic Board-Ups
• Tree and flower planting
• Beautification projects involving a parcel of land owned by the City or the community group applying for the grant.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program for FY25 aims to enhance road safety through competitive funding for planning and demonstration initiatives. This includes the creation and improvement of safety action plans to prevent fatalities and serious injuries across all roadway users. Eligible applicants must have or be developing an SS4A-funded action plan. The program supports comprehensive strategies that address various roadway safety challenges.

Williams-Daniels Family Foundation

Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, The Williams-Daniels Family Foundation is an 501c3 non profit organization started by the late James P. Williams in 2015. The Williams-Daniels Family Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through education, economic opportunity, and meaningful community engagement. Through charitable contributions, partnerships, and volunteer initiatives, the Foundation works to inspire growth, promote self-sufficiency, and cultivate a spirit of service and environmental responsibility. The Foundation fulfills its mission through the following core pillars:

• Education – Providing scholarships, mentorship, and educational support to aspiring students pursuing higher education.
• Economic Empowerment – Equipping individuals and families with resources for financial growth and career advancement through educational, employment encouragement, and financial literacy.
• Community Enrichment – Encouraging volunteerism, environmental awareness, and community involvement by providing programs, information, and outreach initiatives that strengthen and uplift the communities we serve.

Every year, The Williams-Daniels Family foundation honors people in the inner city community to recognize their dedication and hard work.  

J.P. Williams Empowerment Award

The J.P. Williams Empowerment Award honors an individual who has dedicated themselves to empowering others through education, mentorship, leadership, advocacy, or personal example. 

Recipients are catalysts for positive change, investing their time, knowledge, and resources to help others overcome barriers and achieve success. This award celebrates leaders whose influence extends beyond their own accomplishments by equipping others to thrive and lead with purpose.

The Shasta Chapter of the California Native Plant Society offers the Acorn Grant Program to support educators in promoting California native plants on K-12 campuses. This program provides funding for materials like native plants, literature, and garden supplies, enabling hands-on learning experiences for students. With a focus on practical knowledge and engagement, the grant aims to foster an appreciation for native plant habitats among young learners in Shasta, Modoc, Lassen, and Siskiyou counties.

The Ai2 Young Investigators Program offers postdoctoral researchers the chance to engage in impactful AI research while balancing collaborative projects at Ai2. Founded by Paul Allen, Ai2 is a Seattle-based non-profit committed to advancing AI for real-world applications. With flexible start dates, dedicated mentorship, and access to extensive resources, this program is designed for candidates nearing completion of their PhD or who already possess one, welcoming international applicants and providing support with visas.

Pegpetia Grant Program

The Public, Educational and Governmental Programming and Educational Technology Investment Account (PEGPETIA) grant program provides funding to (1) promote and improve public, educational and governmental programming in Connecticut and (2) support education technology initiatives of boards of education and other education entities.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority awards 50% of funding as PEG Grants to promote and improve public, educational and governmental programming on community access channels in Connecticut, and the remaining 50% is awarded as ETI Grants to support education technology initiatives of boards of education and other education entities.

Eligible Projects

PEG Grants may be awarded for investments that are designed to improve or promote PEG programming. Although funds are available to a wide variety of entities involved either directly or indirectly in producing community access programs, the award of funds to those entities is not the goal of the program. Rather the funds are intended to be used for capital and equipment costs that aid the production and procurement of public, educational and governmental programs. Accordingly, grant recipients are required to file a report with the authority, stating (a) the title, subject and duration (in minutes) of all community access programs facilitated in whole or in part by the grant award; (b) how the programs were distributed through community access channels; and (c) the protocols for ensuring that any programs produced with equipment purchased with PEGPETIA funds are made available in the applicant’s local PEG studio. Additionally, PEG grant recipients must also file a report after project completion enabled by the grant funds to ensure the funding is used appropriately.  

ETI Grants may be awarded for the support of education technology initiatives boards of education and other education entities, including both public and private schools. Accordingly, ETI grant recipients must file a report of the completed project enabled by the grant funds to ensure the funding is used appropriately.

The Traveler's Grant, offered by the Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, supports individuals attending conferences on California native plant topics. With awards up to $500, this grant helps cover travel, registration, and related costs. Eligible applicants must submit proof of event registration and a summary of their experience for the OCCNPS eNewsletter. This initiative promotes awareness and appreciation of California's native flora through education and engagement.

PLTW Computer Science

Ameren has partnered with PLTW to inspire students and provide the hands-on STEM learning experiences necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Ameren is a long-time supporter of K-12 STEM education in the region and is working with PLTW to provide grant support to high schools interested in implementing or expanding their PLTW Computer Science programs.

At a time when computer science affects how we work and live, PLTW Computer Science empowers students in grades 9-12 to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them. The program's interdisciplinary courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges. As students work together to design solutions, they learn computational thinking – not just how to code – and become better thinkers and communicators. Students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take.

Through this partnership, Ameren has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW Computer Science programs beginning in the next academic year.

PLTW Program Status

Program Expansion

The MCF Community Investment Program (CIP) supports innovative projects that enhance the quality of life in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon County, Montana. Established by Grid United, this program aims to partner with local communities, encouraging projects that address community needs and leverage additional support. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, while ineligible projects include one-time events and general operating expenses. Grants must benefit the specified counties.

About SCAF

The Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation strengthens our community by empowering nonprofits, fostering community involvement, and providing educational opportunities through collaboration and giving.

We live, work, and give within the Stanwood-Camano community. We intimately understand its evolving needs, from supporting local school programs to helping the newest grassroots nonprofits get established.

Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation: Capital Grants

SCAF believes that strategic investments in capital projects are a benefit to the community as a whole, and align with our mission in multiple ways.

Available Funds

Capital grant funding requests of $5,000 - $100,000 will be considered.

Continental Resources is committed to supporting health initiatives within the communities it operates. Through charitable donations, the company focuses on funding marathons, wellness classes, and research initiatives. Their primary goal is to promote healthy lifestyles and combat diseases. Organizations dedicated to health, education, and industry advocacy are encouraged to apply for support. However, donations are not provided to individuals or organizations outside their operational areas.

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 Diversity Award

This award recognizes an STFM member who promotes innovative leadership, impact, and change that advances diversity, equity, and/or inclusion in family medicine education through the nominee’s work as a family medicine faculty member. Priority is given to work with underrepresented minorities in medical education.

This award is for work that encourages dialogue, promotes reflection, builds community, and inspires action for equity and change. Priority will be given to nominees who are teaching residents and/or medical students the ideals of diversity and who have disseminated these ideals as part of their precepting and patient-, family-, and relationship-centered care. The activities should have significance at the local, regional, or national level.

The Elk Rapids Area Community Endowment offers Fall Grant Opportunities to support various community programs in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties. Established in 1996, this fund aims to enhance the local quality of life through projects focusing on education, environment, health, and public services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and governmental entities. Grants can fund landscaping, transportation to healthcare, and other beneficial projects.

The Pat Santucci Education Fund, managed by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, supports initiatives that enhance public education and assist educators, especially for the physically and mentally challenged, within six counties in South Mississippi. Non-profit organizations that improve the quality of life for local citizens are encouraged to apply. However, funding is not available for capital projects, operating endowments, political activities, individuals, or religious activities.

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. 

Family Medicine POCUS Educator's Certificate Program

he yearlong STFM FM Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Educator's Certificate Program trains family medicine residency faculty to serve as their program’s POCUS champion with the skills to train family medicine residents how to effectively use POCUS. Applicants must be current STFM members. 

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is sometimes referred to as the 21st century stethoscope. POCUS can help make decisions quickly for patients at the bedside, decrease time to diagnosis, and better triage who needs subspecialty care.Now, the updated ACGME guidelines recommend teaching this in family medicine residency education. Yet, there is a gap in trained faculty and established curriculum for teaching POCUS.The STFM Family Medicine POCUS Educator Certificate Program targets these gaps and focuses on solutions to help grow and support POCUS education in family medicine.

The FORUM Credit Union Foundation offers educator grants to enhance educational opportunities in Marion, Hamilton, Johnson, Boone, Hendricks, and Hancock counties. Each educator can receive up to $3,000 for classroom projects, supplies, and supplemental learning experiences, with a total of $30,000 allocated annually. Eligible applicants include K-12 teachers and administrators who are FORUM members in good standing. Preference is given to equitable distribution of grants across service areas.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is inviting applications for its Coordinating Center within the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Established in 1965, the NNLM enhances public access to health information through collaboration with libraries and community organizations. The NCC will oversee network administration and evaluation, fostering partnerships and supporting local clinical research. This initiative aims to expand NIH engagement and improve public understanding of health resources and information available through the NNLM.