Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

Congress created the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in 1974 to benefit low- and moderate-income persons, prevent and eliminate conditions of slum or blight, and address other urgent community development needs. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has administered the State CDBG program since 1983, when Housing and Urban Development (HUD) moved the administration of the funds to the states. In Arkansas, the CDBG program is also known as the Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program (ACEDP).

Each year, the AEDC holds public meetings and hearings across the state to obtain citizen input on community needs. Based on that input, the agency prepares a plan to prioritize and distribute the grant funds that are part of its federal CDBG allocation. A draft of the plan is published and made available for public comment.

The SPIE Education Outreach Grants support optics and photonics-related educational activities. With a maximum award of $5,000, these competitive grants aim to enhance awareness of optics among students and the broader community. Proposals are encouraged to incorporate principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Eligible applicants include SPIE members and qualifying not-for-profit organizations. Evaluation criteria focus on potential impact, clarity of project structure, and a well-defined timeline and budget.

The MDHCD Operating Assistance Grant supports Maryland's local governments and nonprofits in their community revitalization and economic development initiatives. This grant covers operating expenses, such as salaries and professional services, necessary for executing local housing projects. Eligible applicants must operate in or serve residents of designated Priority Funding Areas. Priority will be given to initiatives that align with the goals of the Moore-Miller Administration, focusing on creating inclusive, lovable communities. Projects must be completed within one year.

The Lightning Community Hero program honors grassroots heroes making a positive impact in the Tampa Bay community. Established in 2011, it has awarded $50,000 grants to selected heroes, benefiting various charities. With 634 heroes celebrated and over $34M distributed, the program inspires community involvement and showcases the diverse contributions of individuals. Nominations are open to those aged 13 and older, encouraging participation in making a difference through volunteerism and philanthropy.

The Clinical & Translational Science Award TL1 Postdoc Fellowship Training Grant offers comprehensive support for biomedical researchers at Vanderbilt University. This program empowers scholars through career development tools, mentoring opportunities, and participation in national Translational Science meetings. Trainees must hold a doctoral degree and be committed to translational research while pursuing full-time training. This fellowship fosters innovation and collaboration among researchers, enhancing their contributions to the field.

The Collaborative Research Program (CRP) - Faculty, managed by the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium, offers seed funding for aerospace-related research. This initiative encourages faculty from underrepresented groups and aims to diversify Arkansas’s aerospace industry. It promotes collaboration among at least two affiliate campuses, supports workforce development, and seeks projects that can attract larger funding and enhance technological competitiveness in various academic disciplines, including engineering and sciences.

The D.S. Flikkema Foundation Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports graduates of Fulton High School pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. With a focus on students entering the fields of mathematics or science, this scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to community empowerment through education. Annually, over $500,000 is awarded to help students meet their academic goals, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their educational aspirations.

The Toshiba America Foundation offers grants of up to $5,000 for innovative STEM projects aimed at grades 6-12. These grants support teachers seeking to enhance science and math education through creative project-based learning. Eligible applicants include public and nonprofit private school teachers, with a focus on fostering engaging classroom experiences. Projects must be endorsed by a school official, and funding is not available for general operations or equipment purchases.

The Fulton County Arts & Culture Grant offers funding from $1,000 to $50,000 to nonprofit organizations and artists in Fulton County for arts programming in 2026. This initiative aims to enhance access to diverse arts experiences for residents, fostering community growth and economic development. Eligible applicants include cultural nonprofits, public schools, and municipalities. The program supports ongoing public arts activities, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape in Fulton County.

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation invites applications for its discretionary grantmaking programs, focusing on Community Economic Development, Education, Health, Arts & Culture, and Basic Needs. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 nonprofits or government entities serving specific counties in West Virginia. The application process involves submitting a Project Summary form to a Program Officer and following the pre-proposal and final proposal deadlines. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being and support diverse projects.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is seeking applications to establish Regional Medical Libraries within the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Since 1965, the NNLM has enhanced public health information access through partnerships with libraries and health organizations. The initiative aims to improve community engagement, disseminate NIH research findings, and foster collaborations to promote health literacy and access to biomedical data, thereby supporting local clinical research efforts.

John A. & Louise V. Maslin Scholarship

Essay:

• On the topic “The Importance of Art, Science or Math in Society.”

Award:

• One time award of $1,000.

The John Deere FIRST Tech Challenge grant supports teams engaging in STEM through robotics. It serves schools and non-profits, prioritizing those in John Deere's Inspire communities and with volunteer mentors. Grants cover registration and equipment costs, fostering innovation and inclusion among underserved students. Teams are encouraged to apply regardless of financial need, furthering John Deere's commitment to empowering youth in engineering and technology through hands-on learning experiences.

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 National Library of Medicine (NLM) is seeking applications for a Training Center under the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). This initiative aims to enhance professional development for librarians, community engagement, and access to health information. By fostering partnerships and disseminating NIH resources, the NNLM will broaden its impact and improve public understanding of health data and information. The NTC will develop innovative training curricula and materials to meet diverse audience needs.

Vicky Harrison Memorial Scholarship

Amount:

• Varies

The family and friends of Vicky Harrison established this endowed scholarship in 2020. Vicky worked at JWCC for 28 years and was Manager of Enterprise Applications in the Information Technology Department, when she lost her battle with cancer in 2019. The scholarship is awarded to a student with an interest in pursuing a career in computer science.

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 Excellence in Education Award

Designed to honor outstanding teachers, the STFM Excellence in Education Award recognizes an STFM member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, curriculum development, mentoring, research, or leadership in education at regional or national levels. Nominees must have sustained involvement in family medicine education.

The selection is made by the STFM Nominations Committee and approved by the STFM Board of Directors. Nominations are ranked based on the:

• Contributions recognized at the home institution
• Regional/national impact of nominee's activities
• Sustained involvement in family medicine education

Nominees must be STFM members. Members of the Nominations Committee are not eligible to receive the award while serving on the Committee.

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.

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 Faculty for Tomorrow Resident Scholarship

The STFM Faculty for Tomorrow Resident Scholarship provides family medicine residents with the opportunity to attend the full-day Faculty for Tomorrow Workshop for Residents and the STFM Annual Spring Conference. This program is supported by the STFM Foundation and in part by Mary Nolan Hall, MD. 

The STFM Foundation supports multiple scholarships to cover registration fees for residents to attend the full-day Faculty for Tomorrow Workshop for Residents and the STFM Annual Spring Conference.Scholarship recipients are chosen based on essays they have written to answer the questions "Why are you interested in teaching family medicine?" and "How do you think you can make a difference in the future of family medicine?"

The Dr. Norman and Kazue Ueda Scholarship Fund, established in 2022, offers financial support to qualified students in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must be residents, demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be enrolled full-time in a four-year education program. Preference is given to public high school graduates and renewal applicants for up to three years. This fund aims to empower students pursuing higher education in the State of Hawaii.

ArtLife Foundation Fund

The Art Life Foundation Fund supports programs and initiatives that advance artistic excellence and nurture creativity within Ventura County.

Through this competitive grant opportunity, the fund will support arts organizations and educational institutions whose work:

• Advances artistic excellence
• Supports arts educators or programs that foster the “Creative Mind”
• Promotes the scholarly study of Joe Cardella’s life, artwork, creative philosophy, or Art Life Limited Editions

This grant round focuses on organizational programs, projects, and initiatives. Student scholarship awards supported through the fund are administered separately and are not part of this application.

Funding Overview

For this funding cycle, approximately $55,000 in total grant funding will be awarded.

Organizations may request funding in an amount that reflects the needs of their proposed project or program. To assist the review process, applicants are asked to indicate:

• The minimum amount needed to successfully implement the project
• The preferred funding amount

Organizations may request up to the full $55,000 available. Final award sizes may vary and may range from smaller grants to larger awards depending on the strength, scope, and impact of the proposals received.

Creative Innovation and Impact Grant Program

About the Creative Innovation & Impact Grant

The Creative Innovation and Impact Grant program supports new, multi-year strategies that empower, connect, and amplify creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

The Creative Innovation & Impact Grant program is designed to support initiatives that drive innovation and sector visibility. Applications to this program should feature creative sector projects that address either visibility, innovation, or both.

• Visibility – Enhance public awareness of creatives and creative industries through marketing, branding, and outreach efforts.
• Innovation – Support new ideas, models, and partnerships that expand the role of creativity in Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

Applications must describe projects that clearly extend beyond the applicant’s regular programming or services. 

The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program aims to enhance the translation of scientific research into effective health interventions by establishing a national network of academic medical centers. This program supports integrated research and training environments for clinical and translational science, promoting the development of innovative methods and technologies. The reissuance of the CTSA Notice of Funding Opportunity invites eligible organizations to apply, with peer-reviewed applications prioritized for funding.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Susquehanna County Township Officials Association Scholarship

Established by The Susquehanna County Township Supervisors Association to provide a college scholarship to a graduating senior from Susquehanna County who will major in governmental affairs or political science.

The Wisconsin Garden Club Federation Della H. Balousek Scholarship honors a dedicated garden club member, providing three $3,000 non-renewable scholarships for tuition to full-time students at Wisconsin schools. This fund ensures Della Balousek's legacy of education and community spirit continues, supporting students in their academic pursuits. Eligible candidates must demonstrate commitment to their studies and maintain an acceptable major. The scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the gardening community.

The NASA ROSES25: A.15 Biosphere program aims to enhance our understanding of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through innovative research. This initiative focuses on biogeochemical interactions, biodiversity, and ecosystem function, utilizing satellite data and field studies. The program encourages reproducible and transparent science, fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches. Proposals will undergo rigorous peer review, ensuring high standards and integrity in research outcomes that contribute to our knowledge of global environmental changes.