Upcoming Webinar
Instrumentl Fall Launch: Grant Work, Leveled Up.
Thu, Oct 29 or Wed, Nov 4 @ 2PM ET

Skip to main content
Main content

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

Skip the search. Get matched with grants that fit your non-profit.

Skip the search.

Get matched with grants that actually fit.

Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.

Find me grants

Filters

32,423 Results based on applied filters

Ruby S. Hawthorne Memorial Adult Scholarship

Coshocton Foundation
Private
Coshocton County, Ohio
US $1,000

Scholarship grants will be awarded to adults (minimum age of 21) who are residents of Coshocton County, Ohio, who desire to advance their education and/or training at a two- or four-year degree-or certificate-granting school.

Education - Higher Education

All in Team Foundation Grant Program

Dabo's All in Team Foundation
Private
South Carolina
Up to US $10,000
Dabo's All in Team Foundation Grant Program aims to support local South Carolina organizations in need of financial assistance for projects that align with its mission to address critical education and health issues. By providing funding opportunities, the program seeks to empower organizations with innovative solutions that can positively impact their communities. This initiative fosters collaboration among groups dedicated to improving lives across the state, ensuring that valuable ideas receive the support they deserve.
Education Health & Medicine

Rotary Club of Saginaw Sunrise Scholarship

Saginaw Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Rotary Club of Saginaw Sunrise Scholarship

The Rotary Club of Saginaw Sunrise was founded on September 7, 2001 and celebrated its 20th anniversary as a club in 2021.

In an effort to make an impact and to change the lives of aspiring students in the Great Lakes Region and beyond, the Club formulated a plan to create a second endowed scholarship to meet some of the educational needs of the community. The Club set a goal to fundraise $20,000 in commemoration of its 20 years of service. Through fundraising efforts of the Club and generous donations, their goal was accomplished.

This endowed scholarship will be made available to students wishing to pursue careers that require a four-year accredited degree.  

Education - Higher Education

Kenneth Berry Memorial Adult Scholarship

Coshocton Foundation
Private
Coshocton County, Ohio
US $1,000

Kenneth Berry Memorial Adult Scholarship

Scholarship grants will be awarded to adults (minimum age of 21) who are residents of Coshocton County, Ohio, who desire to advance their education and/or training at a two or four-year degree or certificate-granting school.The award is $1,000.00 and is renewable for a second year.

Education - Higher Education

Jacobs Research Funds Grant Program

Whatcom Museum Foundation
Private
Americas
Up to US $9,000
The Jacobs Research Funds (JRF) provide grants for research on aboriginal peoples of the Americas, supporting projects that focus on endangered cultures and languages, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Grants range from $3,000 to $9,000, and applicants must submit all required documents, including support letters, by February 15. JRF prioritizes new data collection and does not fund proprietary or non-aboriginal research. Eligible researchers must typically hold a Master's degree or have a designated Sponsor.
Anthropology & Cultural Studies Linguistics

Pursuit of Hospitality – The George William Roe Scholarship

Saginaw Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Pursuit of Hospitality – The George William Roe Scholarship

George William Roe is a hospitality professional who graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 2003, and Michigan State University’s – The School of Hospitality Business in 2007 with a specialization in International Lodging. He finds it important to give back to the community and industry which has given him much growth, success and adventure.  

George is passionate about the hospitality industry and understands that without scholarships he would not have been able to experience so much at Michigan State University and even more after graduation. His involvement in extracurricular activities and internships took him around the world and he encourages young aspiring hoteliers to continue to “step out of their comfort zones, in order to experience something extraordinary.” George hopes that this scholarship will allow others the ability to explore opportunities within the hospitality industry and he encourages everyone to continue to push themselves for a greater future.

Education - Higher Education

Serving Seniors Grant

Nebraska Blue Foundation
Corporate
Nebraska
Up to US $10,000

Nebraska Blue Foundation

For more than 85 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) has been a champion for the health and well-being of our members and the communities we serve. Founded in 2024, the Nebraska Blue Foundation now allows us to concentrate our efforts into pockets of our community that need to be uplifted the most.

The foundation has four priority areas:

  • Serving Seniors – Addressing the needs of Nebraska’s aging population
  • Increasing Access to Preventive Healthcare – Proactive measures to prevent illness, detect health issues early and reduce the risk of chronic disease
  • Economic Vitality – Investing in job creation and civic programs to promote a vibrant economy
  • Third Places – Building and strengthening the social fabric of communities across the state

The Nebraska Blue Foundation is particularly interested in supporting innovation and pilot projects. As a new foundation, our approach is to be catalytic with our grants – primarily investing in new ideas or programs that could meet a specific need with a one-time investment.

Serving Seniors

The spring cycle focuses on Serving Seniors and Preventive Healthcare. 

This funding addresses the needs of Nebraska’s aging population.

Senior Services

Operation Grant

Petfinder Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

About Us

We help shelters and rescue groups save pets.

Saving pets. Together.

The Petfinder Foundation has been helping animal shelters and rescue groups since 2003. We are the ONLY national organization that does nothing but give cash and product grants to adoption groups.

Operation Grant

Grants vary depending on the organization’s need to support the number of adoptable pets listed on Petfinder and are awarded on a monthly basis throughout the year until all funds are depleted.

Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

FY27 School Behavioral Health Services Comprehensive Expansion ( District of Columbia Public Charter School Local Education Agency (LEA) Grant)

District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health
State/Local Government
District of Columbia
Up to US $480,000

FY27 School Behavioral Health Services Comprehensive Expansion ( District of Columbia Public Charter School Local Education Agency (LEA) Grant)

This RFA will allow DC Public Charter Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to directly hire no more than four (4) school behavioral health clinicians where the school has the capacity, willingness, ability to implement school behavioral health services; provided, that each clinician shall receive onsite clinical supervision and shall perform duties exclusively related to the School Behavioral Health Program and provide prevention, early intervention, and treatment services using the Comprehensive School Behavioral Health Model in a total of eight (8).

Anticipated Number of Awards:

  • Up to four (4) separate awards 

Anticipated Amount Available:

  • Up to $480,000

Floor Award Amount:

  • $120,000

Ceiling Award Amount:

  • $480,000
School Health

Jones Metal Products Company Adult Legacy Scholarship

Coshocton Foundation
Private
Coshocton County, Ohio
US $2,000

Jones Metal Products Company Adult Legacy Scholarship

Scholarship will be awarded to adults (minimum age of 21) who are residents of Coshocton County, Ohio, who desire to advance their education and/or training at COTC Coshocton Campus by pursing a two-year degree or certificate.

Education - Higher Education

Optimist Club of Saginaw – “Officer Ed” Nowaczyk Scholarship

Saginaw Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Optimist Club of Saginaw – “Officer Ed” Nowaczyk Scholarship

The “Officer Ed” Scholarship is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Saginaw in memory of Edwin F. Nowaczyk, a longtime member of the Optimist Club and School Safety Officer for the City of Saginaw Police Department. Better known as “Officer Ed” to the thousands of children who loved and worked with him, Officer Ed was responsible for the school pedestrian and traffic safety programs. He was also instrumental in developing the school safety patrol program.

Although Officer Ed may be best remembered for his involvement with child safety programs, he also served as accident investigator, police community relations specialist and juvenile investigator with the Police Department. During his 38 years in law enforcement, Officer Ed received several letters of commendation and was the first recipient of the Saginaw Police Department’s “Lifetime Meritorious Service Award.”

Education - Higher Education

George Leach Memorial Scholarship

Coshocton Foundation
Private
Coshocton County, Ohio
US $1,000

George Leach Memorial Scholarship

A one-time award for an individual who is an honorably discharged veteran or who is actively serving. Scholarship grants will be awarded to adults (minimum age of 21) who are residents of Coshocton County, Ohio, who will be attending either a two or a four-year degree or certificate-granting institution or trade school.

Education - Higher Education

Llewellyn Memorial Scholarship

Central Kentucky Community Foundation
Private
Hardin County, Kentucky
Unspecified amount

Central Kentucky Community Foundation (CKCF) Scholarships 

We have been awarding scholarships for over 60 years to local students through the generosity of people like you who want to make educational opportunities available to more students. We are the largest awarder of scholarship funds in the region. In 2025, CKCF awarded 170 scholarships totaling over $373,000 to 126 local students. Just as education is critical to achieving community and economic development, scholarships are essential to further education. Scholarships expand our youth’s opportunities for educational advancement. This educational access facilitates life dreams and career options that lead to financial independence.

We work with donors who desire to make these opportunities available to people, students who can benefit from both the financial investment and personal empowerment from a scholarship award, and colleges and universities to streamline the process for both the donor and student.

Llewellyn Memorial Scholarship

An essay explaining why you should be selected for a college scholarship is requirement. 

Academic Scholarship Programs

Teiger Foundation: Curatorial Research and Development Grant

Teiger Foundation
Private
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $50,000
The Teiger Foundation's Curatorial Research and Development Grant offers support for innovative curatorial practices within the contemporary visual arts sector. Designed to address gaps in funding, this grant provides up to $50,000 for curatorial research projects, including travel and collaborative investigations. It emphasizes the importance of experimentation and creativity while aligning with values of racial justice and environmental sustainability. The next Call for Proposals will open in Fall 2026, with funding opportunities available to U.S.-based curators.
Visual Arts

Teiger Foundation: Hosting Grant

Teiger Foundation
Private
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $75,000
The Teiger Foundation's Hosting Grant provides up to $75,000 for US-based curators or artistic directors to present contemporary visual art exhibitions that originated in different contexts. This grant encourages resource-sharing and collective learning, allowing institutions to expand their programming sustainably. It prioritizes projects affiliated with established non-profits, fostering community-building and positive change in the field of visual art while addressing issues of racial justice and climate crisis.
Visual Arts

Shohet Scholars Grant Program

International Catacomb Society
Association/Society
Afghanistan, Albania +43 more
US $2,000 - US $30,000
The Shohet Scholars Grant Program, established by the International Catacomb Society, supports innovative research on the Ancient Mediterranean from the Hellenistic Era to the Early Middle Ages. This annual grant aims to assist promising scholars in various fields such as archaeology and history to produce significant, original work. Awards range from $2,000 to $30,000, enabling interdisciplinary projects that offer fresh perspectives on traditional topics. Eligibility includes ICS membership and a doctoral degree by the award date.
European History

Teiger Foundation Programming Grant

Teiger Foundation
Private
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
US $75,000 - US $150,000
The Teiger Foundation Programming Grant supports innovative visual arts projects led by curators at smaller non-profit organizations with budgets under $3.5 million. Grants of up to $150,000 are available for three years, funding development, realization, and documentation of exhibitions and related programs. The foundation emphasizes community engagement, racial justice, and artistic experimentation while encouraging collaboration with other cultural institutions. Note: The next Call for Proposals opens in Fall 2026.
Visual Arts

Impacting the Valley Needs and Opportunities Grants

Valley Community Foundation
Private
Fairfield County, Connecticut, New Haven County, Connecticut
US $250 - US $10,000
The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) offers grants ranging from $250 to $10,000 to support innovative programs and address urgent needs of nonprofits in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton, Connecticut. Funding may cover virtual programs or capacity-building needs, but cannot be used for past debts or general operating costs. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or have a fiscal sponsor with such status and adhere to a non-discrimination policy.
Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid

Community Impact Grant: Health and Human Services

DuPage Foundation
Private
DuPage County, Illinois
Up to US $25,000
The DuPage Foundation's Community Impact Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life for DuPage County residents through support for health and human services initiatives. Grants are available for up to $25,000, focusing on areas such as affordable housing, behavioral health, and food insecurity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving the community, with a strong emphasis on innovative solutions and collaboration to assist underserved populations.
Health & Medicine Human & Social Services

UNCF Travis Foundation Scholarship

United Negro College Fund Inc
Private
United States
Up to US $6,294

The UNCF Travis Foundation Scholarship

The UNCF Travis Foundation Scholarship offers one-time, need-based financial support to help students continue their academic journey at a UNCF member institution. Recipients of this award will be recognized as “Travis Scholars,” joining a community of students dedicated to academic achievement, leadership, and service.

This opportunity is designed to support full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their educational and career goals.

The Travis Foundation Scholarship is a meaningful opportunity for students to receive financial support while being recognized for their hard work, dedication, and potential.

Academic Scholarship Programs

Teiger Foundation Single Project Grant

Teiger Foundation
Private
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $250,000
The Teiger Foundation Single Project Grant supports innovative visual arts projects at non-profit exhibition spaces with annual budgets exceeding $3 million. Focused on curatorial practices, the grant encourages experimentation and creativity, aiming to drive positive structural change in contemporary art. Eligible expenses include artist fees, publication costs, and coalition-building efforts. The next Call for Proposals opens in Fall 2026, with funding of up to $150,000 available for selected projects.
Visual Arts

Arts Alive! Individual Artist Grants

The Weld Community Foundation
Private
Weld County, Colorado
Up to US $3,000
The Arts Alive! Individual Artist Grants, offered by the Weld Community Foundation, support emerging artists in Weld County, enabling them to advance their artistic careers. This initiative encourages projects that enhance cultural experiences and access to the arts in the community. Applicants must be legal residents of Weld County and at least 18 years old, having resided there for a minimum of 12 months. Note that travel expenses are typically not funded.
Artist Training & Development

Community Foundation of Jackson County: Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program

Community Foundation of Jackson County
Private
Indiana
Up to US $3,600

Community Foundation of Jackson County: Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program began in 1997. It was created to “raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana and increase the awareness of the potential of Indiana’s community foundations to improve the quality of life of the state’s residents.” The Community Foundation of Jackson County has awarded 44 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships. Thirty-nine scholars have now graduated from college. Some have gone on to pursue postgraduate degrees. Some are now working in Jackson County, in Indiana, and beyond. Four scholars are now working on their undergraduate degrees on college campuses throughout the state. One new Lilly Endowment Community Scholar was awarded in December to begin college during the 2025-2026 academic year.

The program will provide scholarships for otherwise unreimbursed full tuition, required fees, and a stipend of up to $900 per year for required books and required equipment for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis, leading to a baccalaureate degree at any Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Education - Higher Education

Kids Run the Nation Grant Fund

Road Runners Club of America Inc.
Private
United States
US $500 - US $1,000
The Kids Run the Nation Grant Fund, managed by the RRCA, offers financial support to running clubs, schools, and nonprofits that promote inclusive youth running programs. Since 2007, the fund has awarded over $385,000 to 495+ programs, helping more than 198,500 children embrace running. Grants between $500 and $1,000 are available for structured, gender-inclusive programs that meet specific criteria, encouraging healthy lifestyles and regular participation in running activities.
Sports & Athletics

2026-2027 Teach for America Grant

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
Unspecified amount

2026-2027 Teach for America Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support proven models to increase the number of effective teachers in Texas classrooms.

The goal of the program is to increase the number of effective teachers and leaders in Texas public schools by funding TFA. As a proven model, TFA will use funds to increase and improve the teaching skills and practices of TFA corps members with an emphasis on those teaching Bilingual/ESL, science, math and economically disadvantaged elementary and secondary students. The participating corps members must serve students in the Rio Grande Valley, Houston, San Antonio, Greater Austin, and Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area schools. Professional development and training should increase student achievement in focus subject areas.

Funding will emphasize:

  • The employment and retention of TFA teachers in the field of mathematics
  • Pre-service training with content-specific training for math and science
  • Ongoing support to corps members with an emphasis on those in Bilingual/ESL, science math and economically disadvantaged high need classroom placements for the Rio Grande Valley, Houston, San Antonio, Greater Austin, and Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area schools
  • Evidence of implementation of a plan to improve retention rates of TEA teachers
Teacher Development & Training Curriculum Development

Career Women’s Club Scholarship Fund

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Inc
Private
George County, Mississippi, Harrison County, Mississippi +2 more
Unspecified amount

Career Women’s Club Scholarship Fund

The Career Women’s Club Scholarship Fund was established in January 1996 to provide scholarship assistance to a post-traditional student anticipating a career track curriculum. Post-traditional students are typically aged 25 and older and have taken time off from pursuing higher education due to other commitments, such as caring for family and/or holding full-time jobs. The applicant must have been a resident of Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, Stone or George County for at least three years, and must provide evidence of financial need. Applicant must attend any campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and may be a current student at MGCCC in good standing.

Education - Higher Education

Patterson Foundation: Oral Health Grants

Patterson Dental Foundation
Private
Alabama, Alaska +46 more
Up to US $35,000
The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.
Dental Health

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.