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

Martha Boschen Porter Fund Grant

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
Private
Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Columbia County, New York +2 more
US $1,000 - US $5,000
The Martha Boschen Porter Fund Grant supports emerging and transitioning artists in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing them with resources for professional development and the creation of new work. The fund invites applications from individual artists and organizations that foster innovative collaborations. Eligibility includes a two-year residency in the region and a strong connection to the area. The grant aims to enhance the artistic community and offer opportunities for artists to thrive.
Artist Training & Development

Riverside Hospital Foundation: Community Grants

Riverside Hospital Foundation
Private
Baker County, Georgia, Clay County, Florida +3 more
Unspecified amount
The Riverside Hospital Foundation offers Community Grants aimed at supporting organizations that enhance healthcare delivery and improve organizational effectiveness. Established in 1991, the Foundation provides financial assistance to tax-exempt entities in Northeast Florida, particularly in Duval, Nassau, Clay, St. Johns, and Baker Counties. Grant applications must be submitted online alongside additional copies mailed to meet requirements. This initiative seeks to foster access to quality healthcare for the community.
Health Care Access & Delivery

Nestle Purina Animal Welfare Grants

Nestlé Purina
Corporate
Adams County, Colorado, Adams County, Pennsylvania +361 more
Unspecified amount
Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.
Animal Welfare - Domestic Animals & Pets

NMGS Grants-in-Aid & Graduate Mentorship

New Mexico Geological Society
Association/Society
New Mexico
Up to US $2,000
The NMGS Grants-in-Aid program supports graduate students in New Mexico pursuing geoscience research. With a maximum award of $2000, the grants are designed to enhance educational experiences and promote mentorship opportunities. Graduate students can also apply for a Graduate Mentorship Grant, allowing them to mentor undergraduates. The application deadline is typically the 3rd Friday in February, and the selection process is managed by the NMGS Scholarship Committee, ensuring a fair evaluation of all proposals.
Geology

U.S. National Science Foundation State and Regional Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Hubs:

National Science Foundation (NSF)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The NSF State and Regional AI Infrastructure Hubs program seeks to enhance access to computational resources essential for AI-driven scientific exploration. By forming flexible consortia among government, academia, and industry, these hubs aim to foster innovation and workforce development in AI. The initiative aligns with national R&D priorities, emphasizing the critical role of AI in advancing scientific discovery and expanding infrastructure to support this mission across various disciplines.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)

National Foundation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (363484)

Dept. of Health & Human Services: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
US $500,000 - US $1,250,000
The National Foundation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers funding to support administrative expenses that bolster CDC's mission. This initiative enhances partnerships to address health threats both domestically and globally. Projects funded through this grant align with CDC's strategic goals, focusing on measurable outcomes such as program support and participation from various CDC Centers and Offices. Importantly, this grant only supports non-research activities.
Epidemiology & Public Health

Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) (Clinical Trial Optional)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
The Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) program, supported by the NIH and FDA, aims to foster research centers that enhance the scientific understanding of tobacco regulation. These centers will conduct hypothesis-driven projects on critical topics such as addiction, health effects, and marketing. By providing a multidisciplinary approach, TCORS seeks to inform public health strategies and ensure effective implementation of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
Addiction & Substance Use Disorders

National Viral Hepatitis Education, Awareness, and Capacity Building for Communities and Providers

Dept. of Health & Human Services: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Unspecified amount
This funding opportunity seeks to enhance awareness and education on viral hepatitis among high-risk populations and healthcare professionals. It focuses on two components: community education and professional training. By fostering coalitions and providing resources, the initiative aims to improve testing, treatment, and care for hepatitis B and C, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality linked to these infections. The goal is to empower communities and healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools needed for effective prevention and intervention.
Epidemiology & Public Health Liver Disease Hepatitis B

State General Funds for Serving Victims of All Crime

Wyoming Division of Victim Services
State/Local Government
Wyoming
Unspecified amount

In 2005 the legislature appropriated state general funds to provide resources for subgrantees across the state to provide basic services for victims of all crime.

Crime Victim Services

Sheridan County Arts & Culture Fund

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation
Private
Sheridan County, Kansas
Unspecified amount

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation

Our mission is to empower our donors, affiliates and charitable partners through education, stewardship and regional collaboration, to create thriving communities and impact present and future generations.

Sheridan County Arts & Culture Fund

This endowed fund supports arts and culture-related projects and organizations throughout Sheridan County. It was created in 2022 to encourage creativity and cultural enrichment in the region

Arts / Culture Access & Participation

NH State Library Moose Plate Grant Program

New Hampshire State Library
State/Local Government
New Hampshire
Up to US $10,000

NH State Library 

The NH State Library is the oldest state library in the nation

Currently part of the NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the N.H. State Library promotes excellence in libraries and library services to all New Hampshire residents by assisting libraries and the people of New Hampshire with rapid access to library and informational resources through the development and coordination of a statewide library/information system; by meeting the informational needs of New Hampshire’s state, county and municipal governments and its libraries; and by serving as a resource for New Hampshire.

Moose Plate Grant Program

As part of the NH Conservation License Plate (Moose Plate) program, the State Library offers grants to public institutions for the preservation of historically significant documents and manuscripts.

This Conservation License Plate Grant Program is made possible by the sale of "Moose License Plates." Grants are available to public institutions with publicly owned documents that are significant to the history of New Hampshire. For more information on the Moose License Plate program, visit www.mooseplate.com

Historical Records & Archives

Bullinger Family Texas A&M Scholarship

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation
Private
Texas
US $1,000

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Bullinger Family Texas A&M Scholarship

The Bullinger Family Texas A&M Scholarship was opened in 2019 by alumni, Hank and Kealey. The one-time $1,000 scholarship supports Clay and Archer County graduating seniors attending Texas A&M in College Station, for any field of study. Recipients must plan to attend full-time and be a U.S. citizen.

Education - Higher Education

Wabash High School Alumni Scholarship Endowment

Community Foundation of Wabash County
Private
Indiana
Unspecified amount
The Wabash High School Alumni Scholarship Endowment, established by the Class of 1946, supports graduates from Wabash County high schools attending Indiana higher education institutions. Awarded in spring of even-numbered years, it prioritizes financial need, academic ability, and communication skills. With a minimum GPA of 2.75 required, the scholarship is accessible to both traditional and non-traditional students, including those who faced challenges in completing their degrees.
Education - Higher Education

Chintimini Fund Grant

The Oregon Community Foundation
Private
Benton County, Oregon, Douglas County, Oregon +4 more
US $3,000 - US $7,000
The Chintimini Fund, managed by the Oregon Community Foundation, provides grants between $3,000 and $7,000 to support enrichment programs for high-potential students in specific Oregon counties. Eligible applicants include schools, public agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The fund aims to engage talented and gifted students through innovative program strategies, ensuring they receive the support and resources necessary to thrive academically and personally.
Education - K through 12

Art and Change Grant

Leeway Foundation
Private
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Camden County, New Jersey +4 more
Up to US $5,000
The Art and Change Grant offers up to $2,500 to women, trans, and gender nonconforming artists in Greater Philadelphia for projects that foster social change. This grant emphasizes collaborative processes with a Change Partner, promoting community engagement through various artistic mediums. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate a commitment to social justice. The initiative seeks to empower artists to create impactful work that challenges societal norms and inspires transformation.
Art for Social Change

Learning Links Grants

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
Private
Avery County, North Carolina, Cherokee County, North Carolina +9 more
Up to US $1,000
The Learning Links Grants provide up to $800 for public schools in Western North Carolina to implement hands-on creative learning projects. Funded by the Ben W. and Dixie Glenn Farthing Charitable Endowment Fund, these grants aim to enhance student engagement and educational outcomes. Successful applications should clearly outline project plans, budgets, and expected impact on students. This initiative encourages community involvement and aims to foster a love for learning, ultimately supporting students through to graduation.
Education - K through 12

Saginaw Promise Zone Scholarship

Saginaw Community Foundation
Private
Saginaw County, Michigan
Unspecified amount

Saginaw Community Foundation

The Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) is a tax-exempt charitable organization created by and for the people of Saginaw County. Established in 1984 with an initial grant of $50,000 by the Junior League of Saginaw Valley in celebration of its 50th anniversary, SCF enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about – immediately, or through their wills. SCF is one of 900+ community foundations nationwide classified as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Unlike a private foundation, SCF’s assets come from any number of individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations interested in improving the quality of life in our community. These gifts range in size and purpose, depending upon the interests of individual donors. Some funds are given for specific charitable purposes; others are unrestricted so they may be used to meet the changing needs of our community.

Saginaw Promise Zone Scholarship

Saginaw Promise – investing in the future of Saginaw and the lives of its students through a postsecondary education scholarship. The Saginaw Promise is an economic initiative formed through the Michigan Promise Zone Authority Act, enacted in 2009. The Saginaw Promise mission is to affect Saginaw’s economy and quality of life by promoting and supporting postsecondary education for all of Saginaw’s graduating students through information, programming, and a residence-based, last-dollar scholarship. Students eligible to apply must live in and graduate from a high school in the Saginaw Promise Zone consisting of the geographic boundaries of the Saginaw Public School District (City of Saginaw, City of Zilwaukee, Kochville Township and the area of Buena Vista Township designated to the Saginaw Public School District). The Saginaw Promise’s goal is for all of Saginaw’s graduating students to earn a program certificate or degree from a technical or trade school, community college or university in the state of Michigan. The scholarship funds tuition and mandatory fees that are not covered by federal, state, private, or other grants or scholarships.

Special Attachment Required

Please refer to the online scholarship application for more information

Academic Scholarship Programs

Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant

California Casualty
Corporate
Alabama, Arizona +43 more
US $1,000
The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.
Sports & Athletics

BEF Collaborative Grants

Brookline Education Foundation (BEF)
Association/Society
Norfolk County, Massachusetts
Up to US $20,000

Brookline Education Foundation

The Brookline Education Foundation (BEF) is a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support excellence and innovation in the Public Schools of Brookline (PSB). Through its programs, the BEF enriches the professional growth of educators by recognizing and supporting them as they identify and pursue opportunities that will have the greatest impact on their practice, the lives of their students, and on their school communities.

To facilitate this work, the BEF sponsors three categories of grants for which eligible Brookline educators may apply: Educator (formerly called Teacher), Collaborative, and Idea Lab grants. 

Collaborative Grants

BEF Collaborative Grants are designed to promote cooperative efforts across disciplines, across grade levels, and among schools. This category of grants enables the BEF to bring the core value of Collaborative Relationships to the forefront by promoting opportunities for professional teamwork and cooperative learning throughout Brookline. 

See information for applying educators here.

Teacher Development & Training

Transformational Partnerships Fund: Grant Programs - Catalytic grants

Transformational Partnership Fund
Corporate
United States
Up to US $100,000
The Transformational Partnerships Fund offers catalytic grants of up to $100,000 to support partnerships among degree-granting institutions, focusing on student-centered solutions. These grants aim to explore innovative collaborations that enhance stability and success for students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Eligible institutions must demonstrate a commitment to transformational partnerships, with priority given to those serving diverse populations and improving educational outcomes. Interested applicants can find more information on the grant process and criteria.
Education - Higher Education

County Opportunity

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
State/Local Government
Oregon
Unspecified amount

County Opportunity

Awarded to counties to develop, improve or plan county-operated camping facilities.

The County Opportunity Grant Program (COGP) is funded by a portion of recreational vehicle registration fees, and is administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Typically, the program awards about $800,000 annually to qualified projects. The program has benefitted Oregon counties since 1983.

Project Types include:

Acquisition – Acquiring property for public camping facilities, including new areas or additions to existing parks.

Development – Developing new campgrounds, adding onto existing campgrounds or developing new support facilities such as restrooms, parking lots, landscaping, and sewer/water/electrical systems. Potential projects include building picnic facilities, playground areas, trails and other facilities that enhance an overnight camping experience.

Rehabilitation – Rehabilitating grounds or structures to meet the access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Potential projects include remodeling restrooms and shower facilities, campsites and replacing sewer/water/electrical systems in overnight campgrounds.

Planning – Planning for future development of overnight camping facilities, including feasibility studies and park master plans.

Facilities where recreation is a secondary function are ineligible. This includes projects related to courthouse grounds, fairgrounds, ports, and museum grounds

Match Criteria:

  • Counties with fewer than 30,000 residents require a 25% local match.
  • Counties with more than 30,000 residents require a 50% local match.

Local matches include local budget funds, federal revenue sharing funds, local agency labor or equipment, other grants, donations of land, labor, equipment, or any combination of the above.

Outdoor Recreation

Arts Learning Projects Grants

Nebraska Arts Council
State/Local Government
Nebraska
US $2,000 - US $15,000
The Arts Learning Projects Grants support educational initiatives in preK-12 schools and community settings, emphasizing arts integration with standard curricula. Grants range from $2,000 to $15,000, with requests over $7,500 requiring school-based collaboration or significant community outreach. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and public agencies in Nebraska. Successful projects must align with educational standards and demonstrate community engagement, fostering a rich learning environment through the arts.
Art Education

Riverside Hospital Foundation: Innovation Grants

Riverside Hospital Foundation
Private
Baker County, Florida, Clay County, Florida +3 more
Unspecified amount
The Riverside Hospital Foundation offers Innovation Grants to support new healthcare initiatives in Northeast Florida. Established in 1991, the Foundation aims to enhance access to quality healthcare across five counties: Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofits, as well as faith-based organizations. Grants focus on projects with measurable outcomes, self-sustaining funding, and the potential for replication, all aimed at improving healthcare delivery and effectiveness in the region.
Health Care Access & Delivery

NIH Director's Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $700,000
The NIH Director's Pioneer Award (DP1) encourages innovative research by funding exceptional scientists. This award is designed for groundbreaking projects that diverge from the investigator's current work and address significant scientific challenges relevant to the NIH mission. Applications are invited across all NIH-relevant fields, promoting high-risk, high-reward research that could transform our understanding of critical scientific areas.
Science Health & Medicine Emerging Technology Development

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Fund

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
Private
Antrim County, Michigan, Benzie County, Michigan +5 more
Up to US $2,500
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Fund, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, aims to support initiatives that enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion across five counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Grants of up to $2,500 are available for organizations led by marginalized communities, including people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Priority is given to projects promoting awareness, education, and equitable access to resources, fostering a more inclusive future.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Dr. A.I. Slagle Medical Educational Scholarship

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)
Private
United States
Approximately US $72,800

Dr. A.I. Slagle Medical Educational Scholarship

The Dr. A.I. Slagle Medical Education Scholarship is for students entering their first year at an accredited medical school in the US to obtain an MD or DO. This is a 4-year renewable scholarship if the student remains in satisfactory academic standing.

  • May be renewable up to 4 years - must reapply each year in order to be eligible
  • Approximately $72,800 available (which may be split into multiple awards)
Medical Education & Professional Training

Jeffrey C. & Carol A. Carrier Poster Award

American Elasmobranch Society
Association/Society
Canada, United States
US $500
The Jeffrey C. & Carol A. Carrier Poster Award, established in 1999, recognizes outstanding posters presented by AES student members at the Annual Meeting. This award honors Jeff and Carol Carrier for their advocacy of student participation in the Society. To be eligible, applicants must be current AES members, enrolled students, and the first or sole authors of their studies. They must also indicate their intent to compete at the time of abstract submission.
Marine Biology

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.