Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

About JoCo Bar

The Johnson County Bar Association has served the legal community since 1938. Through leadership, member services, professional development, and community engagement, JoCo Bar supports attorneys, judges, and legal professionals throughout Johnson County.

Johnson County Bar Annual Awards

Each year, JoCo Bar recognizes outstanding service, professionalism, leadership, and dedication within our legal community.

Advocate Attorney Award

This award recognizes a JoCo Bar attorney member who made a significant contribution to the public interest during the past year by trying or settling a case that established an important precedent or by distinguishing themselves as an advocate in the courtroom or on appeal.

The Burney Regional Community Fund, established by Pattern Energy Group LP, provides financial support to nonprofits and public agencies in the Greater Burney Region. With a founding investment of $500,000 and a total of $5 million earmarked for the area, this fund aims to meet community needs through an annual competitive grant process. Local panels evaluate proposals, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful projects that foster community development and philanthropy.

The Legal Services Advisory Committee (LSAC) Grant provides essential funding for legal services and alternative dispute resolution programs aimed at low-income clients across Minnesota. With support from state legislature appropriations and attorney fees, LSAC ensures access to legal support, serving nearly 50,000 clients annually. The FY24-25 cycle will focus on general operating grants in various categories, including staff legal services and private attorney involvement, thereby enhancing the availability of justice for vulnerable populations.

The BHW Women in STEM Academic Scholarship is a new initiative by The BHW Group, aimed at supporting women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in undergraduate or master's programs at universities in the United States. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of female representation in STEM fields and provides financial assistance directly to the winner's educational institution.

The Guy Toyama Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2013, honors Guy Toyama's advocacy for Hawaii's renewable resources. It supports students pursuing sustainability-related studies, with eligibility criteria including financial need, residency in Hawaii, a minimum GPA of 2.7, and enrollment in a 2-year or 4-year institution. Recipients can receive funding for up to four years if they continue to meet the requirements, including maintaining good academic standing.

The Cookie Jar Grant empowers women and girls in Benton County by funding programs that enhance their health and well-being. Since its inception, it has awarded over $100,000 to various initiatives, including educational resources and health screenings. Priority is given to collaborative projects that serve the community and have diverse funding sources. This initiative exemplifies a commitment to creating a supportive environment for women and girls, ensuring they have the tools to reach their full potential.

The Akima Grant Program, managed by Akima Club Inc, provides essential financial support to local nonprofit agencies. This year, over $86,000 was awarded to more than 50 diverse organizations, enhancing community services in the fields of arts, culture, science, and social support. The program's mission emphasizes compassion and respect for the community, aiming to assist agencies that directly impact clients. Funding is generated through community-driven events, showcasing a long-standing commitment to local betterment.

Matthew T. Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund

The family of Matthew T. Williams created the scholarship to honor Matthew T. Williams. First Lieutenant Matthew T. Williams graduated from Minerva High School (Ohio) and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. First in his class, Matt earned the John Levitow Award, the highest honor bestowed during Airman Leadership School. Matt completed his Associates of Applied Science in Electronic Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. After acceptance to the Airman Education and Commissioning Program in 1999, he attended and graduated from The Ohio State University (OSU) summa cum laude and received the 2001-2002 Everett Student of the Year Award from the OSU Electrical Engineering Department. While at OSU, Matt was diagnosed with cancer, and he passed away in 2006.

Award Amount:

• $2,500

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois offers Opportunity Grants of up to $1,000 to support nonprofit organizations facing unforeseen events that disrupt essential services. Applications are accepted anytime, with a response provided within 2-3 weeks. Eligible organizations must serve individuals within a 50-mile radius of Peoria, IL, and be in good standing with the IRS. These grants aim to help organizations like shelters, which may temporarily close due to issues such as infestations.

The SWE Collegiate/Graduate Scholars program, funded by the Society of Women Engineers, supports women pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in engineering, technology, or computing. Eligible candidates must identify as women and plan to attend full-time in an ABET-accredited program. This scholarship aims to empower women in STEM fields, ensuring they are not fully funded for their education and have access to necessary resources. Applications are open for those entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year in Fall 2025.

The Gilliam Foundation Grant supports innovative programs that enhance the quality of life for Delawareans, with a focus on the African American community. The Foundation seeks proactive proposals that create positive outcomes in education, cultural arts, and family well-being. Grants are typically awarded for one year, allowing organizations to reapply for continued support. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding sources due to the Foundation's limited resources.

About the Foundation

What is the Foundation?

The Austin Area Foundation has roots dating back to 2001 when the initial idea to maximize community support began. In March of 2003 that idea turned into the organization we have today.

Your Austin Area Foundation builds charitable funds that support community needs and opportunities. The funds, mostly permanent endowments, ensure there is support for the forever good of our city.

They are given to make an impact. Grants from the funds affect people who live here through the work of local not-for-profit agencies, community organizations, and committed citizens.

Your Austin Area Foundation was created by and for the people who live in Austin as a tax-exempt public charity with IRS 501(c)(3) status. We work with you to help you fulfill your charitable interests and goals – easily and effectively. 

The Austin W. Nelson Memorial Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, provides financial support to undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Engineering. This merit-based scholarship is aimed at Montana residents with strong academic records and potential for success. The award amount varies, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants. By investing in the education of future engineers, this scholarship promotes excellence in the field and supports the state's educational goals.

The JetBlue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing aviation-related education and STEM initiatives, aiming to inspire future aviation leaders. Offering grants up to $50,000, it supports educational organizations that focus on aviation technology, engineering, operations, and maintenance. The foundation prioritizes programs benefiting under-represented communities in aviation, including veterans, women, and diverse groups, ensuring a broader range of voices in the industry.

Cholish Engineering Scholarship

To provide financial aid to students pursuing engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $3,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education. 

The Community Support Grant Program by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County offers funding ranging from $500 to $1,000 for local educational opportunities and public events that benefit the community. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, tribes, and schools that serve Mendocino County residents. Grants are awarded based on alignment with the foundation's mission, community impact, planning quality, and outreach scope. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, emphasizing the need for early submission.

The SC Bar Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance justice in South Carolina by funding legal access and education initiatives. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for grants to provide civil legal services, law-related education, or improve justice administration. Priority is given to programs demonstrating effective client representation and innovative service delivery. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and comply with specific guidelines. The program emphasizes collaboration and leveraging additional funding sources for maximum impact.

The Houston Young Lawyers Foundation, established in 1992, aims to enhance legal aid, health, human welfare, and educational services in Greater Houston. Through its Grant Program, it awards $50,000 annually to nonprofit organizations, promoting accessibility and quality in community services. Grants may be fully funded, partially funded, or matched, ensuring broad impact and sustainability for local initiatives. This support is crucial for underserved residents facing barriers to essential services, fostering collaboration among nonprofits in the region.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Robert Morley Science Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Robert Morley, a former DeKalb science teacher. The $2,000 scholarship is for juniors and seniors in college majoring in a field of science. Up to seven scholarships will be given.

The Graduate Diversity Enrichment Program (GDEP), funded by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, aims to enhance diversity in science by providing $5,000 over two years to PhD students enrolled in North Carolina institutions. This initiative supports travel to conferences, research-related expenses, and promotes participation in peer networks. GDEP is designed for second to fifth-year PhD candidates in STEM fields who have demonstrated a commitment to equal access and opportunity in their academic and personal experiences.

The Legacy Village Lyndhurst Community Fund aims to support charitable initiatives within Lyndhurst and surrounding areas, primarily benefiting the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Public Schools. This fund is dedicated to enhancing community welfare by providing grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to various programs and nonprofit organizations, fostering a positive impact on local residents and educational institutions.

The Oakmont Community Foundation Grants, established in 2007, support educational and charitable initiatives within Oakmont. Governed by an all-volunteer board, the foundation has awarded over $400,000 to local organizations. With expanded eligibility in 2024, any Oakmont resident can propose projects that benefit the community. Whether for events or resources, the foundation encourages creative ideas to enhance the lives of its residents. For assistance, applicants can download the grant request form from the website.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Arrow Electronics, offers grants to support STEM education in schools within 25 miles of Alpharetta, GA. With a total fund of $30,000 distributed over two academic years, grantees must implement PLTW Engineering courses and fulfill reporting requirements. This funding is aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in engineering and technology for students in public and charter schools.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion grant, in partnership with Arrow Electronics, offers $10,000 for eligible K-12 public and charter schools near Alpharetta, GA. This funding aims to enhance PLTW Engineering programs by adding new courses, increasing class periods, or training additional teachers. Schools can submit one application per program cycle. This initiative supports STEM education and aligns with the mission of Project Lead the Way to empower students through hands-on learning.

The Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship, offered by UNICO Foundation, provides $1,250 to students of Italian descent pursuing engineering degrees in various disciplines. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also promotes the heritage and contributions of the Italian American community, continuing UNICO's legacy of service and support.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Tulsa Engineering Scholarship

Provides a $24,000 ($3,000/semester) scholarship to graduating seniors in the Tulsa-area pursuing an engineering degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and overall ACT score of 24 or higher, with a minimum math sub-score of 24.

The Martha Trescott Prize, awarded by the Society for the History of Technology, honors outstanding published essays on the social responsibility of engineers in history during odd-numbered years. Established in 2020, it includes a $500 award and a certificate. Nominations are open to essays published in the four years prior, and submissions must be made through the SHOT website. This prize recognizes the contributions of Martha Trescott to Women in Technological History.