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Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

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

33,000+

Available grants

$9.00B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

33,000+ grants
$9.00B total
$6K median

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32,545 Results based on applied filters

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

New World Fund of the Berkshires

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
Private
Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Columbia County, New York +2 more
Up to US $500
The New World Fund of the Berkshires supports recent immigrants through small grants ranging from $100 to $500. Established in memory of Gerald Dickler, it aims to ease the transition for immigrants by providing assistance for basic needs such as winter clothing, dental care, and educational expenses. The fund also offers scholarships for new immigrants studying at Berkshire Community College, promoting selflessness and community support.
Immigrant Services Human & Social Services

MNSAB Operating Support Grant Program

Minnesota State Arts Board
State/Local Government
Minnesota
More than US $15,000
The MNSAB Operating Support Grant Program offers vital funding to established arts organizations in Minnesota, enabling them to maintain operations and fulfill their missions. Grants, starting at $15,000, support organizations that produce, present, or exhibit art, as well as those providing services to artists and community arts education. The program emphasizes the importance of stability and ongoing programs, ensuring that organizations can thrive without needing to justify funding through new initiatives.
Art & Culture Art Education

Green Pastures Fund Grant

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
Private
Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Columbia County, New York +2 more
US $1,000 - US $3,000
The Green Pastures Fund Grant, established in 1999 by an anonymous donor at the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports small community-based agricultural projects. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and public entities in the Berkshire Taconic region, focusing on ventures like community-supported agriculture and local farmers' markets. The fund prioritizes projects with additional funding sources and requires a twelve-month wait between applications to encourage sustainable growth in agricultural initiatives.
Agriculture Horticulture & Gardening

Development of Animal Models and Related Biological Materials for Research (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) (357138)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $275,000
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.
Biology Diseases & Conditions

Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences

American Chemical Society
Association/Society
United States
US $1,250 - US $2,750
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.
Chemistry Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

EHCF Annual Grant Program - Education

Enhance Hamilton County Foundation
Association/Society
Hamilton County, Iowa
Unspecified amount

Enhance Hamilton County Foundation

The mission of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation is to foster private giving, strengthen service providers and improve the quality of life for citizens in Hamilton County. To these ends, the Foundation will promote endowment collaboration, and public leadership for the benefit of the designated area.

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Greater Des Moines Foundation. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that our communities’ charitable programs were supported now and in the future.

EHCF Annual Grant Program - Education

The Enhance Hamilton County Foundation will provide grants to improve the quality of life throughout Hamilton County, Iowa. We want to help develop all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as, to benefit rural areas of the county.

The Foundation supports the spirit of giving throughout Hamilton County by providing outstanding support and services to our donors, volunteers, other charitable-focused agencies, grant seekers, and the community. We achieve this by:

  • Helping people realize their dreams of making a difference and finding the best vehicle to achieve that, by designing and implementing their charitable giving plans.
  • Facilitating and supporting the works of charitable-focused organizations in Hamilton County through strategic grant making.
  • Acting as stewards for the community by managing donor funds.
  • Bringing diverse groups together for the common good.

Competitive grants are made available yearly from unrestricted funds, one of which is: 

 Education – Schools (of all ages), adult learning programs

Education Adult Education

Muskegon Community College Faculty Association Scholarship

Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Private
Muskegon County, Michigan, United States
Unspecified amount

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon Community College Faculty Association Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon Community College Faculty Association (MCCFA), who established the Muskegon Community College Faculty Association Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship is awarded to students continuing their education at Muskegon Community College, or pursuing an education at another college or university.

Education Education - Higher Education

Pocahontas County Foundation Grant

Pocahontas County Foundation
Association/Society
Pocahontas County, Iowa
Up to US $10,000

About Us

The Pocahontas County Foundation was organized in 2005 to promote and enhance community based philanthropy in Pocahontas County. The Foundation receives funding to facilitate endowment-building and grant-making throughout the county. Seventy-five percent of these funds will be awarded through grants to charitable organizations for educational, civic and public purposes in Pocahontas County.

Pocahontas County Foundation Grant

The Pocahontas County Foundation will provide grants to improve life in Pocahontas County, Iowa. We want to support development of all our communities into places where people want to live, as well as to benefit rural areas of the county.

Each year we hold a mandatory meeting in October to discuss any new application procedures and answer questions. One member from any group or non-profit organization must attend this meeting in order to receive grant funding. The 2026 Grant Info meeting will be held in October 7, 2026 at the Pocahontas County Conservation Office beginning at 6:30 pm. The grant deadline is 5:00 p.m. on November 20, 2026. 

Economic Services & Development Community Development & Revitalization

Columbus and Franklin County Federation of Women's Clubs Fund-Education

The Columbus Foundation
Private
Franklin County, Ohio
More than US $500

Columbus and Franklin County Federation of Women's Clubs Fund-Education

The purpose of the Columbus and Franklin County Federation of Women’s Club Scholarship Fund shall be to make scholarship awards available for the benefit of women attending Otterbein University as full-time students in the field of education.

Award Amount:

  • Minimum $500
Education Education - Higher Education

George F & Elah P Evans Foundation Grant

George F. & Elah P. Evans Foundation
Private
Harrison County, West Virginia, Lewis County, West Virginia
Unspecified amount
The George F. & Elah P. Evans Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing healthcare and educational opportunities for residents in Harrison and Lewis Counties, West Virginia. This private foundation aims to support charitable organizations that align with its mission, specifically those recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Notably, individual applicants are not eligible to apply for funding under this grant program.
Health Care Access & Delivery Education

WiFi Equity and Access Program

Destination Home Sv Co Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Private
Santa Clara County, California
Unspecified amount

Destination Home Sv Co Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Destination: Home is a public-private partnership ending homelessness in Silicon Valley. Our goal is to END homelessness in our community and we’re committed to advancing solutions that will deliver true systemic change. 

Through our collective impact model, we convene and collaborate with stakeholders across our community to advance strategies that address the root causes of homelessness and help ensure that all our neighbors have a stable home. We embrace a data-driven and human approach to our work – advocating for policies, incubating new ideas and programs, and investing in strategies that reduce and prevent homelessness in our community.

WiFi Equity and Access Program

Destination: Home is interested in supporting equitable unlimited access to high-quality internet for people who are participating in the Santa Clara County Supportive Housing System, are extremely low-income, and need access to allow for MyConnectSV use. If your 501(c)(3) organization has a Permanent Supportive Housing, Transitional Housing, Shelter, or Service Center located in Santa Clara County where you are interested in partnering to bring free wifi access to your residents and guests so they can connect to MyConnectSV, we'd love to hear about it. 

Technology Access & Digital Literacy Internet / Media Freedom

Barbara McDowell and Gerald S. Hartman Foundation Grant

Barbara Mcdowell And Gerald S Hartman Foundation Inc
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Barbara McDowell and Gerald S. Hartman Foundation Grant supports social justice litigation in the U.S. by providing funding to organizations involved in systemic legal cases. Since 2009, the foundation has awarded over $1.4 million to 49 organizations, enhancing the lives of disadvantaged groups through impactful legal advocacy. The foundation prioritizes cases that align with its focus areas, including children's rights, discrimination, and homelessness, ensuring comprehensive support for societal improvement.
Legal Services Social Justice / Human Rights

Stella Ledbetter Rising Stars Memorial Grants

Davie Community Foundation
Private
Davie County, North Carolina
Up to US $250

Davie Community Foundation

Founded in 1988, Davie Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving the lives of Davie County residents, today and for generations to come.

Mission: The Davie Community Foundation inspires philanthropy to strengthen Davie County for present and future generations. Vision: We envision Davie County as a vibrant community where everyone can thrive!

Stella Ledbetter Rising Stars Memorial Grants

The Stella Ledbetter Rising Stars Memorial Fund was established by community members in loving memory of a beautiful little girl who touched countless lives with her strength and spirit. 

The purpose of this special grant is to support creative and engaging classroom projects that spark learning and imagination. 

Education Academic Success & Enrichment

Bedford Community Health Foundation Grant

Bedford Community Health Foundation Inc
Private
Bedford County, Virginia
Unspecified amount
The Bedford Community Health Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations delivering direct health services to the Bedford community. It prioritizes proven programs and innovative initiatives that address health disparities, including access to healthy foods and neighborhood conditions. First-time applicants must discuss their organization's leadership, mission, and financial status prior to applying. The foundation has awarded over $6 million to enhance the health and well-being of local residents.
Health & Medicine Health Care Access & Delivery

Ann E. Myers Scholarship

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $10,000

Ann E. Myers Scholarship

Ann E. Myers was born in Tiffin, Ohio in 1951. She held a Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Ashland University, and was a National Board Certified Teacher. Teaching elementary school was Ann’s true calling and joy. She began her teaching career in Lancaster, Ohio in 1973. She taught in Lancaster until 1984, at which time she began teaching in the Dublin, Ohio school system. From 1984 until her retirement in 2012, Ann taught at various elementary grade levels at Olde Sawmill, Wyandot, Scottish Corners, and Indian Run. During her teaching career, Ann gave freely of her time to mentor younger teachers. Above all, she loved her students and would do anything for them. After retirement, Ann volunteered her time at Habitat for Humanity, Franklin County Food Bank, Franklin Park Conservatory, and Upper Arlington Library. Ann battled cancer for many years until her death in 2018. Courage and optimism were her best traits. Ann’s husband established the scholarship to ensure that her legacy of teaching young students the wonders of learning would live on. The scholarship establishes that goal by encouraging Dublin High School students to pursue a career in education.

Award Amount:

  • $10,000 payable over four years at $2,500 per academic year.
Education Education - Higher Education

ASF Community Grants

American Savings Foundation
Corporate
Hartford County, Connecticut, Litchfield County, Connecticut +4 more
Up to US $5,000
The American Savings Foundation offers Community Grants up to $5,000 for programs that enhance the quality of life for residents across 64 towns. Focused on education, human services, and arts & culture, the foundation prioritizes direct service programs that address the highest needs. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, and grants are awarded in two cycles annually. Renewals can occur for up to three consecutive years, subject to specific criteria.
Education Art & Culture Human & Social Services

ALWD History Grant

ALWD
Association/Society
United States
US $1,000 - US $4,000

The Association of Legal Writing Directors (ALWD) History Grant is designed to support projects that research, interpret, or celebrate the history of ALWD and its contributions to the legal writing discipline. These grants reflect ALWD’s commitment to preserving the history of ALWD, honoring community contributions, and making ALWD’s history accessible to scholars, teachers, and practitioners into the future.

Types of Fundable Projects

  • Oral History & Interview Projects - Projects may include interviews with founders, early leaders, past presidents, award winners, or other members central to ALWD’s history. 
  • Archival Preservation & Digitization - A project may include scanning, organizing, and preserving historical materials such as conference programs, newsletters, board minutes, and committee records, accompanied by the creation of searchable digital archives for long-term access.
  • Creative Dissemination Projects - Short documentary films, podcasts, interactive digital exhibits, timelines, or “museum-style” digital or physical installations are possible projects.
  • Conference Integration  - Projects may include the preparation of history-focused materials for ALWD’s biennial conferences, such as poster sessions, anniversary exhibits, or a temporary “history wall.”
  • Publications & Reflections  - Written projects may include essays, case studies, memoir pieces, or historical analyses suitable for publication 

History Historical Records & Archives

UACF: Community Impact Grant (fka Community Project Grants)

United Arts of Central Florida
Private
Lake County, Florida, Orange County, Florida +2 more
Up to US $5,000
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.
Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Improving Undergraduate Physics Education (IUPE) Award

American Physical Society (APS)
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Improving Undergraduate Physics Education (IUPE) Award

The American Physical Society's (APS) Committee on Education (COE) seeks to recognize improvement in undergraduate physics education and support effective practices in education at the undergraduate level with the COE Award for Improving Undergraduate Physics Education.

This award will recognize up to three undergraduate physics programs, organizations, alliances, and networks each year and will focus on the entire undergraduate physics institution, organization, alliance, and/or network, rather than individual members of a department.

  • Applicants may submit only one application per year.
  • We encourage applicants not recognized in a particular year, to submit new applications after the award period has ended.
  • To encourage broad participation and to motivate programs, organizations, alliances, and networks to commit to sustained improvement and achievement, awardees may submit new applications after three years.

Physics Academic Success & Enrichment

Toledo Walleye Transportation Fund

Toledo Community Foundation
Private
Ingham County, Michigan, Jackson County, Michigan +8 more
Up to US $1,000
The Toledo Walleye Transportation Fund offers grants to accredited schools and nonprofit organizations in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, facilitating transportation to Toledo Mud Hens baseball or Walleye hockey games. Aiming to eliminate financial barriers, the fund provides awards up to $1,000 for eligible applicants. Schools and nonprofits can receive one transportation award for each game annually, promoting enriching experiences for students and communities.
Recreation Sports & Athletics

Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) Program Tracker

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
Up to US $33,000

Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) Program Tracker

The grant provides a consistent online program for all ESCs to use for recording action steps and coaching of LEAs and seeks to gain program management and Drupal development assistance to provide continued support.  

Education Teacher Development & Training

Graves Foundation Grants

John & Denise Graves Foundation
Private
Hennepin County, Minnesota
Unspecified amount
The Graves Foundation Grants support grassroots, community-led initiatives in Minneapolis, aiming to close equity gaps and enhance the lives of youth. With a focus on education, community-building, housing, and youth development, the foundation fosters partnerships with local leaders and organizations. They are committed to understanding community needs through active engagement rather than traditional reporting methods. By investing in systemic change, the foundation strives to create a vibrant and inclusive environment for all residents.
Education Youth Services

Brockport Arts Fund (Rochester, 2025)

Rochester Area Community Foundation
Private
New York
US $1,000 - US $5,000
The Brockport Arts Fund, supported by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the cultural landscape of Brockport in 2025. This initiative focuses on funding performing arts events and public art installations that benefit both residents and visitors, promoting community engagement and artistic expression. By aligning with the Foundation's mission of supporting equity and vibrant neighborhoods, the fund seeks to create a lasting impact through accessible and inclusive arts programming.
Art & Culture Public / Community Art

Queens Arts Fund: Arts Access Grant Program

New York Foundation for the Arts
Private
Queens County, New York
US $5,000 - US $10,000
The Queens Arts Fund: Arts Access Grant Program provides financial support to Queens-based nonprofits and artist collectives for public arts and cultural projects. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, encouraging accessible events that enhance community engagement. Eligible applicants must be small-budget 501(c)3 organizations or unincorporated collectives, demonstrating a commitment to cultural vibrancy in Queens. Projects should be inclusive and cater to local audiences, ensuring artistic opportunities are available to all community members.
Art & Culture Public / Community Art

Arts Build Community: Incubation Grants

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
Private
Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Up to US $7,500
The Arts Build Community: Incubation Grants by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation aim to foster community engagement through innovative arts projects. Targeted towards nonprofit arts organizations in Berkshire County, the grants provide up to $7,500 to initiatives that address barriers to participation, such as cost and accessibility. The program encourages collaboration and inclusivity, specifically focusing on communities of color, youth, and immigrants, ensuring a diverse and vibrant arts culture in the region.
Art & Culture Arts / Culture Access & Participation

RCU Foundation Grant

Rcu Foundation Inc
Private
Adams County, Wisconsin, Aitkin County, Minnesota +90 more
Unspecified amount
The RCU Foundation Grant supports capital projects in the arts, education, and health sectors, having awarded over $10 million since 2012. Prioritizing community benefit and sustainability, it evaluates requests based on demonstrated need and organizational capacity. The foundation focuses on areas served by Royal, ensuring a significant impact on local communities in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. It does not fund direct grants to individuals or certain operational expenses, encouraging diverse financial support for projects.
Art & Culture Education Health & Medicine

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.