Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The American Research Institute in Turkey and the Türk-Amerikan Ilmi Arastırmaları Derneği are pleased to announce the Ilse Böhlund Hanfmann, George Maxim Anossov Hanfmann, and the Machteld Johanna Mellink Fellowships for 2026. The purpose of these fellowships is to enable nationals of the Republic of Türkiye who are PhD students at Turkish universities working on their PhD theses, or recent PhD holders and currently in Türkiye working towards a career in Türkiye, to conduct research in affiliation with universities or research institutions abroad (in North America or elsewhere) for a period ranging from three to nine months.

The Northwestern University Publication Subvention Grants support eligible faculty and graduate students with production costs or translation expenses for published works. Applicants must have a formal publication contract for a book or journal article. Priority is given to tenure-track assistant professors, and only one grant is allowed per year. Non-allowable expenses include travel, advertising, and the purchase of copies. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.

The OVPR Special Research Grants at the University of Texas at Austin offer up to $2,000 for tenured and tenure-track faculty to support specific research projects. Applications will be accepted from September 1, 2025, until August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. These competitive grants are designed for unanticipated costs and are limited to two awards per faculty member in a five-year span. Early submissions enhance funding chances.

Community Opportunity Fund

The Community Opportunity Fund is at the heart of our work at Boreal Waters Community Foundation. It’s how we connect generosity with possibility to support bold ideas, local leadership, and long-term solutions across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Each year, this fund helps nonprofits tackle critical challenges, strengthen communities, and ensure that everyone in our region can thrive.

A Grant Program Rooted in Community and Collective Generosity

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Community Opportunity Fund helps nonprofits and community groups respond to challenges, create solutions, and build a better future. In 2023, we restructured the fund to offer larger, more flexible grants—supporting not just programs, but long-term vision and systems change.

We focus on these interconnected areas:

Community Opportunity Fund: Belonging Grant Focus

Creating spaces and opportunities where all people are valued, heard, and are able to thrive. Projects amplify voices, foster creative expression, and create a vibrant, inclusive culture.

Examples:  

• Elevates diverse voices and perspectives, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.  
• Embraces the common humanity of all individuals.
• Implements practices that increase connection, respect, and safety.
• Strengthens community bonds and promotes equity for all.

Community Opportunity Fund: Opportunity Grant Focus 

Community Opportunity Fund: Resilience Grant Focus 

What We Fund

We support a wide range of community-driven, equity-centered work. Funding can be used for:

• Program or Project Support: To launch, expand, or sustain work in Opportunity, Resilience, or Belonging
• General Operating Support: To build strength and stability
• Capacity Building: To grow organizational effectiveness or leadership
• Community-Led Solutions: Especially those involving lived experience and cross-sector collaboration
• Systems Change and Upstream Impact: Projects that address root causes—not just symptoms

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Harrison Hooks Memorial Scholarship

For a graduating senior from a high school located in Thomas County, Georgia who is enrolled in or intends on enrolling in a college or university located in the state of Georgia and has attained at least a 3.0 GPA in high school. The award is based on Academics, Leadership Qualities, Extracurricular School Activities, Community Service and Financial Need.

Ryan R. Wagner Memorial Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $2,000. Students may re-apply for continued support.

Bureau of Justice Assistance

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) was created in 1984 to reduce violent crime, create safer communities, and reform our Nation’s criminal justice system.

BJA strengthens the Nation’s criminal justice system and helps America’s state, local, and tribal jurisdictions reduce and prevent crime, reduce recidivism, and promote a fair and safe criminal justice system. BJA focuses its programmatic and policy efforts on providing a wide range of resources, including training and technical assistance, to law enforcement, courts, corrections, treatment, reentry, justice information sharing, and community-based partners to address chronic and emerging criminal justice challenges nationwide. 

Special Attorneys Program

This program will support state, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies in assigning or hiring qualified prosecutors to serve full time as Special Attorneys within the National Fraud Enforcement Division or the Criminal Division or as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) within a United States Attorney’s Office. These cross-designated prosecutors will investigate and prosecute fraud and other crimes committed by aliens within the United States (hereafter referred to as “criminal aliens”) and will investigate and prosecute crimes involving drug or human trafficking committed within the United States.

This grant program, authorized under Public Law 119-21, Title X, Subtitle A, Part II, Section 100055 (codified at 34 U.S.C. § 61101), is intended to strengthen investigative and prosecutorial capacity, expand intergovernmental coordination, and enhance the ability of jurisdictions to investigate and prosecute fraud and other crimes committed by aliens within the United States and drug and human trafficking crimes. The program is also intended to increase the availability of cross-designated prosecutorial personnel who can pursue these matters in coordination with federal authorities and contribute to the effective enforcement of applicable criminal laws.

Maria Metzler Johnson Scholarship in Mathematics Fund

Awards the highest grade by a woman in mathematics at LASA.

Awards

• (1) $3,000.00

The Texas Law Postgraduate Public Interest Fellowships, established by the William Wayne Justice Center in 2023, support graduating students to engage in public interest legal work for 12 months post-graduation. This program aims to empower students committed to serving underrepresented communities through legal services. Up to two fellowships will be awarded for full-time positions with public interest organizations starting in Spring 2026, fostering hands-on legal experience and enhancing access to justice.

The Bob Kittleman Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Howard County, provides up to $1,000 for Howard County high school seniors excelling in engineering and applied sciences. Applicants must maintain a 3.4 GPA and plan to pursue higher education. This scholarship aims to support talented students and foster their potential in technical fields, ensuring they have the necessary resources to further their education and career aspirations.

The Nolan Ryan Foundation's 50/50 Raffle Community Grant empowers local 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Central Texas by raising funds through home game raffles. With scholarships up to $40,000 available, the foundation aims to support deserving students and community initiatives. This grant program not only honors baseball legend Willie Wells but also fosters educational opportunities in the region. Eligible organizations can apply for funding, with a two-year limit on consecutive awards, ensuring diverse community support.

The Community-Oriented Resilient Energy (CORE) Subaward Program, managed by the Virginia Department of Energy, supports local governments and community-based non-profits in developing energy resilience projects. With a total funding pool of $400,000, eligible proposals range from $50,000 to $250,000. This initiative aims to enhance energy reliability through diverse solutions such as solar storage and backup generation, ensuring all Virginians have access to affordable and dependable energy.

The Marin County Bar Association Legal Education Scholarship is designed to assist Marin County residents pursuing a legal education. Sponsored by 10,000 Degrees, this scholarship aims to inspire future legal leaders who are committed to community service. Eligible applicants must be full-time law students in California, with a connection to Marin County and a demonstrated financial need. This initiative reflects a dedication to supporting students who aspire to make a positive impact in their communities.

The Equal Justice Scholarship, offered by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, fully funds tuition and fees for three years and provides summer stipends for public interest work. Awarded to students with strong academic records and a commitment to public service, recipients engage with the Justice Center and serve as ambassadors for public interest law. This scholarship supports legal professionals dedicated to assisting low-income individuals and communities, fostering a vibrant community at Texas Law.

The G. Rollie White Public Service Scholarship, established by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, offers full tuition coverage for three years alongside summer stipends for public interest work. It aims to support students with strong academic backgrounds and a commitment to public service, preparing them for careers in legal aid for underserved communities. Scholars are expected to engage actively in the Justice Center's initiatives and serve as ambassadors for public interest law.

AGC Undergraduate Scholarship

The AGC Education and Research Foundation offers undergraduate and graduate level scholarships to students enrolled in ABET, ACCE and some ATMAE-accredited construction management or construction related engineering programs. Over $11 million in scholarships have been awarded to more than 4,500 students attending colleges and universities across the country. 

Through endowments made by AGC members and supporters, as well as AGC Chapters, the Foundation is able to give 150 or more undergraduate and graduate scholarships each year to deserving students. Undergraduate students receive up to $2,500 per academic year (renewable for 3 years).

To be considered for renewal annual award installments, the scholarship recipient is required to provide indications of continued enrollment and good standing (min. 2.0 GPA). Grade transcripts and upcoming class schedules MUST be forwarded at the conclusion of each academic period. Recipients will not be reminded to provide this information; failure to do so will result in non-renewal of scholarship award installments. Recipients are encouraged to seek summer employment in construction during undergraduate enrollment.

Mission

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923. The Council fosters innovative research, nurtures new generations of social scientists, deepens how inquiry is practiced within and across disciplines, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.

SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Visiting Professor Grants

The SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program provides grants of up to $20,000 to US academic institutions or consortia of institutions to host Japan-based faculty for a six-week stay in the United States. This program is supported by the Japan Foundation.

Background

At the core of the Next Gen Japan Program is the idea that scholarly engagement and collaboration by students and scholars across disciplines, the boundaries of the nation-state, and cultures are central to effectively addressing the pressing concerns facing societies today.

The Next Gen Japan Visiting Professor Grants provides Japan-based faculty who research Japanese society an opportunity for intellectual engagement with US faculty, students, and local communities. It further provides the professor with professional development experience in presenting their work in English and conducting their own research in the US.

Hosting institutions, likewise, will gain access to international scholars and exposure to research from outside the United States.

Priorities

Priority is given to:

• Visiting professors hosted at liberal arts colleges, universities, college consortia, or community colleges located in the US South and Midwest for the duration of the grant.
• The hosting of early- to mid-career faculty.
• Engagement Plans that are designed to attract interdisciplinary audiences and support interdisciplinary networking ranging from academic fields such as the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the wider general public.

Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH) offers two community nonprofit grants to support projects addressing urgent needs, bold ventures, or new solutions to ongoing challenges. With each grant award set at $36,250, eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in specific counties of WV, VA, and MD can apply. WISH is committed to fostering women's philanthropy and creating impactful change within the community and Shepherd University. The funding promotes accessibility and innovation in nonprofit initiatives.

About Madison Community FoundationSince 1942, Madison Community Foundation (MCF) has been building a stronger, more generous community and helping people like you make a lasting impact through charitable giving. Mission : MCF will engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community.About Monona Fund GrantThe Monona Fund embodies a collective passion for the vibrant community of Monona. Donors to the Fund share a commitment to pay it forward, fostering a culture of generosity that encourages others to contribute for the enduring benefit of the Monona community. The Monona Fund is an endowment fund designed to provide on-going resources to enhance the quality of life in Monona.The Monona Fund endeavors to encourage civic involvement through:

• Enhancing the quality of life
• Promoting citizen involvement
• Enriching public gathering spaces
• Supporting community values and a civic agenda

The G. Rollie White Trust Fellowship promotes access to justice by funding a recent Texas Law graduate or judicial clerk to work with a public interest legal organization. This one-year fellowship, supported by the William Wayne Justice Center, encourages innovative projects aimed at assisting underrepresented communities. Candidates must identify a host organization and outline their proposed work, ensuring impactful legal service delivery. This fellowship exemplifies a commitment to public interest law and community support.

The AWS Imagine Grant Program aims to empower U.S.-based nonprofit organizations by prioritizing technology in their projects. This initiative offers three award categories: The Pathfinder Award for innovative generative AI projects, the Go Further, Faster Award for cloud-based solutions, and the Momentum to Modernize Award for foundational tech projects. Each category provides significant financial support, AWS promotional credits, and implementation guidance to help nonprofits achieve their mission-driven goals.

The Convention Inclusion Travel Grant, provided by the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES), aims to promote diversity in the field of Slavic and East European studies. It supports BA, MA, and PhD students from diverse backgrounds to attend the ASEEES Annual Convention, fostering understanding of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ community members, and individuals with disabilities in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

Mission

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923. The Council fosters innovative research, nurtures new generations of social scientists, deepens how inquiry is practiced within and across disciplines, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.

SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Postdoctoral Fellowship

The SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program invites US colleges and universities to apply for grants to support postdoctoral fellowships. This program provides grants of up to $60,000 as partial support for the hiring of recent PhD students specializing in Japan to both teach and conduct research on Japan, within any social science or humanities discipline, at the institution for one academic year. This program is supported by the Japan Foundation.

Background

The Next Gen Japan Postdoctoral Fellowship provides an opportunity for fellows to conduct essential research early in their careers while concurrently gaining valuable teaching experience and a greater understanding of the demands of professorship through this bridge from graduate school to tenure track positions.

Further, this fellowship provides host institutions with the means to enrich the offering of Japan-related courses, in particular, while enhancing the depth of a broad array of disciplines through the use of Japan in comparison or as a case study.

Priorities

• Priority is given to applications from colleges and universities located in the US South and Midwest.
• Priority is given to institutions planning Postdoctoral Fellow course assignments that allow for the enrollment of students from a variety of disciplines ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences.

The National Biomedical Research Centers (NBRCs) aim to enhance biomedical research by providing advanced equipment, scientific expertise, and innovative human-based models. Supported by NIH and other federal agencies, this initiative focuses on reducing reliance on live animal models through the development of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). The program invites applications that propose actionable plans to refine and replace animal use, promoting innovative research at centers with existing nonhuman primate colonies.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Christopher W. Lapsley Aviation Scholarship

To support student seeking to earn a private pilot license. Candidate must be 16 to 18 years of age. Student must be U.S. Citizen, speak fluent English, reside and attend school within Henderson County, NC. Student must be accepted into an accredited pilot licensing program located in Western North Carolina. 

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that was created through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and is administered at the State and territory level. CSBG funding supports activities that help to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower low-income families and individuals to become self-sufficient. In Massachusetts, CSBG funding is at the core of a network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) which mobilize resources and communities to fight poverty. Through CSBG support, CAAs can respond to the causes and conditions of poverty by delivering services and strategies tailored to meet priority needs unique to their communities.