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Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

Explore private grants for nonprofits funding programs in education, health, community development, and the arts.

32,000+

Available grants

$9.00B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$9.00B total
$6K median

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32,423 Results based on applied filters

MCF: Cycle 2- Grants for Education Economic Development

Middletown Community Foundation
Private
Butler County, Ohio, Warren County, Ohio
Unspecified amount
The Middletown Community Foundation offers grants aimed at education and economic development. Established in 1976, it has grown to manage over $41 million in assets. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in specific Ohio townships. The foundation encourages collaborative projects that meet community needs, fostering safe environments and responsible youth development. Notably, it does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are due by June 1st, focusing on impactful community projects.
Education Economic Services & Development

Exhibition Grants

Artis
Private
Afghanistan, Africa +54 more
Up to US $10,000
Artis offers exhibition grants to support contemporary artists from Israel, aiming to promote critical dialogue and cultural exchange in international settings. These grants facilitate presentations at renowned organizations globally, focusing on innovative and impactful projects that engage with pressing social and environmental issues. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate curatorial ambition and artistic experimentation, fostering collaboration across diverse disciplines. Artis is committed to shaping a sustainable art world while addressing urgent global challenges through artistic practice.
Art & Culture Visual Arts

Stein-Arnold Exploration Fund Grant

The British Academy
Private
Central Asia, China +2 more
Up to £5,000
The Stein-Arnold Exploration Fund Grant supports advanced research in the antiquities, historical geography, or early history of ancient civilizations in Asia, particularly India, China, and Iran. Established in memory of Sir Aurel Stein, grants typically do not exceed £3,500, with exceptional cases reaching £5,000. Eligible applicants must be British or Hungarian postdoctoral researchers, and the funding does not apply to postgraduate students. Research should commence only after the award announcement.
History Art History

Excellence in Earth Science Writing and Editing: James H. Shea Award

National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)
Association/Society
United States
Unspecified amount
The James H. Shea Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), recognizes outstanding contributions in writing and editing Earth science materials aimed at the public and educators. Established in 1991, this prestigious award honors the legacy of James H. Shea, a dedicated advocate for quality geoscience education. Nominations require a detailed letter outlining the nominee's exceptional contributions, reinforcing NAGT's commitment to fostering excellence in Earth science education.
Earth Science Teacher Development & Training

STFM Advocacy Scholarship for New Faculty

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM)
Association/Society
United States
Up to US $1,500

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 Advocacy Scholarship for New Faculty

The STFM Advocacy Scholarship for New Faculty provides the opportunity for faculty to attend the Family Medicine Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC, and develop advocacy skills to impact their patient communities. STFM supports up to five scholarships annually. Advocacy makes a real difference for patients and for family medicine. STFM supports five scholarships annually for new faculty to attend the Family Medicine Advocacy Summit in Washington, DC. The next summit will take place in June 2026, providing an opportunity for participants to develop advocacy skills for personal and academic career growth.

Health & Medicine Family Services

Injury Prevention-Falls Among Older Adults Continuation Solicitation

Ohio Department of Health and Human Services
State/Local Government
Ohio
US $30,000 - US $107,000

TheOhio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness, Violence and Injury Prevention Section, announces the availability of grant funds

Any award made through this program is contingent upon the availability of funds for this purpose. The First-tier subrecipient agency  must be prepared to support the costs of operating the program until receipt of grant payments.

The following criteria must be met for grant applications to be eligible for review:

  • The Applicant does not owe funds to ODH and has repaid any funds due with 45 days of the invoice date.
  • Applicant has not been certified to the Attorney General’s (AG’s) office.
Senior Services Health & Medicine

Computer Science Teacher Equipment and Community​ Grant

Georgia Department of Education
State/Local Government
Georgia (US state)
Up to US $10,000
The Computer Science Teacher Equipment and Community Grant aims to enhance computer science education for all students by providing up to $200,000 in funding for Georgia LEAs. This grant offers support for professional development, including physical computing resources and attending conferences. By fostering a collaborative community among educators, the initiative seeks to engage students effectively in learning computer science, ensuring they gain valuable skills and experiences in this critical field.
Computer Science & Engineering Teacher Development & Training

STFM Advocate Award

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM)
Association/Society
United States
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 Advocate Award

This award honors STFM member(s) for outstanding work in political advocacy at the local, state, or national level. The recipient's efforts are not restricted to legislative work but cannot be solely individual patient advocacy.

The recipient(s) of this award are honored during the STFM Annual Spring Conference. The award winner will receive a commemorative award and a complimentary registration to the conference. 

Health & Medicine Family Services

Lynn & Joan Carmichael STFM Recognition Award

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM)
Association/Society
United States
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. 

Lynn & Joan Carmichael STFM Recognition Award

The Lynn and Joan Carmichael STFM Recognition Award honors an STFM member or nonmember for outstanding leadership in advancing family medicine as a discipline. The nominee's achievements and activities should be clearly recognized as enhancing or supporting family medicine education by improving resources available for its support, by defense or support of its objectives, or by other notable service to the discipline. Such achievements should have had significance at a national level.

Health & Medicine Family Services

RJCCT: Youth Recreational Program

Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust
Private
Cedar County, Iowa, Louisa County, Iowa +4 more
Up to US $25,000
The RJCCT Youth Recreational Program, supported by the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust since 1995, funds projects that enhance youth recreational facilities in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. The program prioritizes communities in specific counties and aims to strengthen local initiatives. Grants typically cover up to 25% of project costs, with a maximum of $25,000. Emphasis is placed on projects with significant local funding and volunteer support, ensuring a lasting impact on youth engagement in recreational activities.
Recreation Youth Services

Rotary Club of Portsmouth: Jeremy Alex Grant

The Charitable Division
Private
Rockingham County, New Hampshire
Up to US $1,500
The Jeremy Alex Grant, founded by Ted Alex in memory of his son, aims to support child-related programs in the Seacoast community. This fund helps children develop resilience and self-esteem through activities like chess. With a focus on instilling life skills, grant applicants must demonstrate how their proposals align with this mission. The fund has a history of supporting local initiatives, including educational programs in schools, fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement.
Youth Services Recreation

Ichiro & Masako Hirata Scholarship

Hawai'i Community Foundation
Private
Hawaii
Unspecified amount
The Ichiro & Masako Hirata Scholarship, established in 2005 by Masako Hirata, supports Hawaii residents majoring in Education. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be full-time students in their junior, senior, or graduate years. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements. This scholarship aims to foster academic achievement and good moral character among its beneficiaries.
Education Teacher Development & Training

Call for Artists: CityFleet Mural or Low Relief Artwork

Regional Arts & Culture Council
Private
Oregon
Up to US $45,000
The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for a mural or low relief artwork at CityFleet's Swan Island facilities. Funded by the City of Portland’s Percent for Art Program, this opportunity includes a budget of $150,000 for two artworks: one for functional aluminum gates and a large-scale sculpture. RACC seeks to enhance cultural richness and support historically underrepresented artists.
Art & Culture Visual Arts

H. Winter Griffith Resident Scholarship

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM)
Association/Society
United States
US $1,000

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. 

H. Winter Griffith Resident Scholarship

The H. Winter Griffith Resident Scholarship honors H. Winter Griffith, MD, who was an advocate for patient engagement through patient education. Thus, this award recognizes outstanding patient interaction, education, care, and outcomes by a resident or resident team in the family medicine medical home setting. 

 Entries will be judged on the following:

  • The extent to which the project emphasized improvements in patient centered care
  • Effectiveness or outcomes of the project
  • Feasibility of the improvement project for dissemination to other health centers or systems
Health & Medicine Family Services

FY27 Rev Up EV: Curriculum and Student Support

Illinois Community College Board
State/Local Government
Illinois
US $100,000 - US $350,000

Please note that all applications are required to address both objectives.

  • Objective 1: Development and Implementation of CBE programming
    • The grant’s primary objective is focused on the implementation, evaluation, and expansion of the EV competency-based education (CBE) framework.
    • Programs span the EV Technology occupational continuum from development and production to maintenance and body work for Electric Vehicles, as well as installation and maintenance of critical infrastructure, and are listed in Section D of the attached PDF..
  • Objective 2: Wraparound Student Supports
    • This objective focuses on colleges designing or implementing programs with a student-centered approach as they create or implement curriculum.
    • A strong student support model includes effective strategies for recruitment, retention, and comprehensive services that help students succeed.
    • Uses of funds can include, but are not limited to:
      • Investments in academic advising and career guidance
      • Supplemental instruction
      • Wraparound support services and barrier reduction (academic and non-academic)
      • Community needs assessments
      • Partnering with community-based organizations to braid barrier reduction funding
Electrical Engineering Manufacturing Engineering

Middendorf Foundation: Arts and Culture Grants

Middendorf Foundation Inc
Private
Baltimore City, Maryland, Baltimore County, Maryland
Unspecified amount

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.

Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Grant

Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Inc.
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Inc.

The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center litigates, educates, advocates, and provides grants to nonprofits to eradicate social injustices. 

We pursue litigation through our own efforts as well as funding others in the following fifteen issue areas: Access to Benefits, Children’s Rights, Disability Rights, Discrimination, Domestic Violence, Due Process, Environmental Justice, Healthcare, Homelessness, Housing, Native American Rights, Prisoners’ Rights, Refugee and Immigration Rights, Voting Rights, and Veterans’ Rights.

Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center Grant

We make grants to organizations that undertake systemic social justice litigation across fifteen issue areas. The Center funds litigation matters that are consistent with our namesake Barbara McDowell’s past legal efforts and her beliefs regarding social justice.

Applications must be for a specific social justice legal case, including the filing of an appeal. Grant funds are to be used only for attorney time charges and litigation expenses related to the specific case for which an organization is applying to be funded. 

Social Justice / Human Rights Legal Services

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program- Implementation Grants

Georgia Municipal Association
State/Local Government
Georgia (US state)
US $2,500,000 - US $25,000,000
The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program- Implementation Grants aims to enhance road safety through competitive funding for projects addressing roadway safety issues. These grants support various initiatives, including planning and infrastructure improvements, to reduce fatalities and injuries among all road users. Eligible applicants must have a comprehensive safety action plan, ensuring that funded projects align with established safety strategies and are completed within five years of the grant agreement.
Community Development & Revitalization Automotive Safety

The Floyd & Delores Jones Endowed Fund Grant

Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation
Private
Island County, Washington, Snohomish County, Washington
Up to US $10,000

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.

The Floyd & Delores Jones Endowed Fund Grant

The Floyd & Delores Jones Endowed Fund Grant Program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public agencies with projects that directly benefit the Stanwood-Camano community. Grants are available for new initiatives, operating funds for start-ups, or community-focused projects that align with SCAF’s mission.

Available Funds

Grant requests up to $10,000 will be considered

Nonprofit Growth & Development Economic Services & Development Community Development & Revitalization

Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program (OR)

Business Oregon
State/Local Government
Oregon
Up to US $2,500,000
The Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Program (SRGP) in Oregon supports funding for the seismic upgrades of critical public buildings, focusing on public schools and emergency service facilities. Eligible applicants include public K-12 school districts and first responder buildings like fire and police stations. The grant can provide up to $2.5 million for eligible projects, ensuring buildings remain safe and functional in the event of a seismic event.
Disaster Preparedness Civil Engineering

Computer Science Teacher Credential

Georgia Department of Education
State/Local Government
Georgia (US state)
Up to US $15,000
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.
Computer Science & Engineering Teacher Development & Training

Brown Foundation Grant

Brown Foundation Inc
Private
Fort Bend County, Texas, Harris County, Texas +1 more
Unspecified amount
The Brown Foundation Grant aims to empower organizations that strengthen the Houston community through selective grantmaking. With a history of distributing over $1.7 billion, the foundation focuses on supporting general operating funds, program initiatives, and capital projects. To qualify, organizations must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and primarily serve the Houston area. The foundation values visionary leadership and maintains a low profile, emphasizing the impact of its grantees.
Art & Culture Education Human & Social Services

The Huston Foundation Grants

The Huston Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Huston Foundation Grants support both Protestant Evangelical Christian and secular needs, emphasizing humanitarian efforts since 1957. Applicants must demonstrate evangelism and provide a doctrinal statement of faith for Christian grants, while secular projects must show unique community needs and measurable goals. All applicants must also possess 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This dual-focus ensures diverse community support, fostering personal development and innovative solutions to pressing issues.
Religion & Spirituality Economic Services & Development

F. Marian Bishop Leadership Award

Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM)
Association/Society
United States
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. 

F. Marian Bishop Leadership Award

Established in 1990 in honor of Dr. F. Marian Bishop, the F. Marian Bishop Leadership Award is presented by the STFM Foundation to honor senior leaders who have significantly enhanced the credibility of family medicine by a sustained, long-term commitment to family medicine in academic settings.

The award recipient will be honored during STFM's Annual Spring Conference. The award winner will receive a commemorative award and a complimentary registration to the STFM Annual Spring Conference.

Health & Medicine Family Services

Industrial Grant Development Fund (IGDF)

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation
State/Local Government
Indiana
Unspecified amount

Industrial Grant Development Fund (IGDF)

The Industrial Grant Fund (IDGF) provides assistance to municipalities and other eligible entities as defined under I.C. 5-28-25 with off-site infrastructure improvements needed to serve the proposed project site. Upon review and approval of the Local Recipient’s application, project specific Milestones are established for completing the improvements. IDGF will reimburse a portion of the actual total cost of the infrastructure improvements. The assistance will be paid as each Milestone is achieved, with final payment upon completion of the last Milestone of the infrastructure project. 

Economic Services & Development Community Development & Revitalization

Susan Yaw Memorial Scholarship

Community Foundation of North Central Washington
Private
Chelan County, Washington, Douglas County, Washington +2 more
Unspecified amount
The Susan Yaw Memorial Scholarship, established by the North Central Washington UniServ Council, honors the legacy of Susan Yaw, a dedicated advocate for education. This scholarship supports education professionals in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, or Okanogan Counties seeking further education or professional development, including NBCT and Master’s programs. Recipients may renew after three years, encouraging ongoing growth in their educational careers. The scholarship reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the local community.
Education Academic Scholarship Programs

2026-2028 District-Wide Classroom Review Grant

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
Up to US $10,050,499

2026-2028 District-Wide Classroom Review Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant is to support the implementation of district wide classroom reviews to support district strategic planning and performance systems alignment in a variety of Agency initiatives, including the Effective District Frameworks Diagnostics, Effective Schools Frameworks Diagnostics, and HB-1605 Local Classroom Reviews.

The District Wide Classroom Reviews Grant will provide school systems with a review to determine the degree to which the materials submitted (1) corresponds with the instructional materials adopted by the school district or district campus; and (2) meets the level of rigor of the essential knowledge and skills adopted under Section 28.002 for the grade level in which it is being used. The purpose of this project will be to provide logistics and operations support for all district wide classroom reviews and district wide diagnostics, including training and events, budget tracking and invoicing for completed district wide classroom reviews and working with designated vendors for additional supports and resources, including diagnostic platforms, as identified by TEA.

Academic Success & Enrichment Education

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.