Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The Swain County Community Foundation's Youth are our Future Endowment aims to enhance the quality of life for local youth. Established in 1993, this fund supports various initiatives that cater to the needs of young residents in Swain County. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,250, with a total grantmaking cap of $13,000. This initiative fosters community engagement and empowers youth through targeted funding opportunities.

The Waccamaw Community Foundation offers Disaster Relief & Recovery Rapid Grants to support organizations providing disaster services in Horry, Georgetown, and Williamsburg counties. Eligible applicants must be members of their local VOAD or COAD. The foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis, ensuring timely assistance to those in need during critical times.

The OAC Arts Learning: Arts Partnership program, funded by the Ohio Arts Council, supports innovative arts education projects that cater to the unique needs of learners and their communities. By fostering collaboration among partners, this initiative emphasizes comprehensive arts study and leverages arts learning outcomes to enhance educational practices. This grant encourages creativity and community engagement through the arts, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and represented in educational settings.

The Kingfisher Community Trust Scholarships, funded by the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, support graduating seniors in Kingfisher County. These scholarships aim to help students pursue higher education by providing financial assistance directly to their chosen universities. Criteria for selection include academic performance and other requirements specified in the Student Agreement. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to empowering local communities and facilitating educational opportunities for deserving students.

The Sgt. David J. Smith Veterans Relief Fund provides financial assistance to veterans and their families in Frederick County, Maryland, who are facing unexpected financial challenges. Nonprofit organizations can apply on behalf of eligible households, ensuring that only those with honorable military discharges benefit. Support is limited to once every 12 months per veteran, and applications are accepted as long as funding is available, making this a critical resource for local veterans in need.

The Big Yellow School Bus program, offered by the Ohio Arts Council, supports school field trips to arts and cultural activities by covering transportation costs. It is designed for public, private, charter, and parochial schools, as well as home-schooled student groups. With grants of up to $500 available, this initiative fosters early arts exposure, enhancing students' educational experiences and creating vital connections with Ohio's creative sector. Applications must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to the event.

The Infant-Toddler Court Program's National Resource Center (NRC) focuses on enhancing child welfare practices across the United States. By collaborating with courts, social services, and families, the NRC aims to improve the safety and healthy development of young children involved with the child welfare system. This initiative not only supports families but also fosters nurturing relationships essential for child growth and well-being, making it a crucial resource for communities.

The CDC is offering FY 2027 funds for a cooperative agreement to enhance national surveillance for human prion diseases, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), in the U.S. This initiative aims to confirm suspected cases and monitor emerging diseases through a specialized center utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques. Since 1997, this center has facilitated disease confirmation and trend evaluation, ensuring accurate surveillance and fostering confidence that novel prion diseases are not emerging in the country.

Our Mission

To lead and support Colorado’s effort to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to and recover from all-hazards events.

State and Local Cyber Security Grant Program (SLCGP)

Colorado’s State and Local Cyber Security Grant Program (SLCGP) provides local governments, public safety and emergency services and special districts with a managed detection and response (MDR) system to detect and mitigate cybersecurity threats.

Program 

This program is funded by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. SLCGP requires that participants move to adopt Cybersecurity Best Practices.

Members of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee (CAC) of Homeland Security and All-Hazards Senior Advisory Committee (HSAC) serve as the steering committee for this grant. The CAC meets every first Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. 

The Colorado’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) acts as a purchasing agent to optimize pricing, offering endpoint encryption to the participating local governments, public safety and emergency services and special districts. These agencies will be able to continue on with the purchased endpoint encryption in future years with their own funding. 

The applicant must commit to a 40 percent match requirement. 

The Access to Justice (ATJ) Grants Program, administered by the DC Bar Foundation, aims to enhance civil legal services for District residents. Since 1977, the Foundation has invested over $200 million to support legal aid providers. Grants will fund services in underserved areas, housing, and interpreter banks, with eligibility for nonprofit partners. This program ensures equitable access to justice for all, leveraging a grant from the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants for 2026.

The Infant-Toddler Court Program State Awards empower states and communities to enhance child welfare practices by integrating courts, social services, and families. This initiative promotes safety, healthy development, and nurturing relationships for young children involved in child welfare. Awardees implement the evidence-based ITC approach, sharing lessons learned with local teams, tracking outcomes, and training to ensure effective program expansion across targeted communities.

MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grant

Guided by our mission to be the catalyst forequitable access to authentic STEM experiences in every community, this grant supports projects that make learning meaningful by connecting classrooms to real-world challenges, community voices, and future-ready skills.Our vision is to empower the next generation of Michigan innovators to create inclusive, prosperous communities of tomorrow. That vision comes alive through transformative STEM leadership and instructional approaches that center equity, community, and authentic problem solving.The MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grant is designed to grow 3P learning, Project, Problem, and Place Based Learning, as a foundation for equitable STEM experiences. Here’s what that means:

• Project-Based Learning (PBL): Students tackle driving questions, apply STEM practices, and design solutions that result in a tangible product or artifact to share with their community. PBL bridges content with real-world application and career relevance.
• Problem-Based Learning (PrBL): Students are introduced to complex, ill-structured problems that mirror real-world challenges. Through collaborative inquiry and coaching, they develop critical reasoning, persistence, and metacognitive skills to pursue solutions.
• Place-Based Learning (PBE): Students’ learning is rooted in their local community, environment, and culture. It builds stewardship, honors Indigenous and local knowledge, and helps students connect the assets of their region to global contexts and challenges.

The Joint DMS/NIGMS Initiative aims to enhance research at the intersection of mathematical and biological sciences, fostering collaborations and innovative activities. Funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, this program offers two funding tracks: Track 1 supports projects with budgets up to $600,000 for three years, while Track 2 accommodates budgets up to $1,200,000 for three to four years. This initiative addresses critical questions in the biological and biomedical fields.

The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Mini Grants support innovative community-based oral health initiatives across Arkansas. With grants up to $2,500, eligible non-profits can implement projects focused on providing oral health supplies, education, prevention, and treatment services. Applications are accepted year-round and evaluated bi-monthly, ensuring timely funding for impactful solutions in oral health. This initiative aims to enhance oral health awareness and access to care in local communities.

The Historic Preservation Grant Program, part of the Environmental Protection Fund, supports projects enhancing parks and historic sites in New York. This matching grant program aims to acquire, develop, and improve properties listed on state or national registers, ensuring long-term public benefits through preservation covenants and conservation easements. Applicants, including municipalities and nonprofits, are evaluated on criteria such as project significance, public awareness, and the ability to complete the project effectively, fostering stewardship of historic resources.

The Oregon Urology Foundation Grant supports organizations providing urologic care, offering funding between $10,000 and $25,000. This private foundation aims to enhance public health by assisting indigent patients and promoting urologic research and education. Grant applications are reviewed by the OUF Board of Directors, ensuring a thorough selection process. Organizations are encouraged to complete the Grant Application Form to be considered for funding, which helps improve urologic healthcare services in the community.

The George Family Foundation's Authentic Leadership Grants aim to foster transformative leadership by supporting organizations that align with their mission. The foundation focuses on developing authentic leaders who demonstrate integrity and commitment to social change. They prioritize funding for programs that encourage leadership development across diverse sectors and ensure equitable access to opportunities in higher education, particularly in Minnesota and select areas. Their approach is rooted in building compassionate communities and addressing systemic challenges.

Description

The Maryland Victims of Crime Fund, administered by the State Board of Victim Services under the authority of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services, provides for advocacy and support services to victims of crime through the creation of new ideas and the enhancement of existing programs in Maryland.

History

The Maryland Victims of Crime Fund was created by the Maryland General Assembly during the 1991 Legislative Session. This legislation created a source of revenue for programs across Maryland serving victims of crime. The primary purpose of the Fund is to ensure implementation of the Declaration of Crime Victims’ Rights Amendment to the Maryland Constitution and the Federal Guidelines for treatment of and assistance to crime victims and witnesses, along with other laws adopted to benefit victims and witnesses of crime.

The Domanada Foundation Grant supports organizations focused on Jesus Christ's mission, prioritizing theological education, leadership development, and justice issues. Established in 1989, the Foundation emphasizes transparency in the grant-making process, fostering direct relationships with applicants. Grants are primarily for new or moderate-sized organizations in the Chicago area and Central/Eastern Europe, aiming to assist with funding base expansion. The Foundation generally avoids multi-year proposals and personal support funding.

The Conservation Education Grant supports educational programs in forestry and natural resources for pre-K to 12th-grade students and their educators. It aims to enhance youth engagement in nature education and improve the capabilities of forestry professionals and volunteers. Applications emphasize outdoor activities and professional development, with awards capped at $3,000, requiring project completion within a year. Though no match is mandatory, a 25% contribution is encouraged to strengthen funding applications.

The Genetics Society offers Summer Studentships for undergraduate students aiming to explore genetics research. Grants provide a £300 weekly allowance for up to 8 weeks, along with funding for host laboratory expenses and a place in a Summer School Workshop. Applicants must be members of the Genetics Society and projects should be feasible within the timeframe. This initiative fosters hands-on experience in genetics, enriching students' academic journeys.

Colorado Watershed Restoration Grant Program

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has approved a release of the Colorado Watershed Restoration Program. The Program will focus on the development of Wildfire Ready Watersheds Action Plans and implementation of projects designed to mitigate post wildfire impacts. Post-wildfire impacts such as flooding and debris flows are a threat to life, safety, and property, and have a profound impact on water supply, transportation, and other infrastructure. The Colorado Water Conservation Board approaches planning and hazard mitigation implementation in this realm with urgency. Catastrophic wildfires and subsequent flooding and debris flows occur with little or no warning during all seasons.

Applications will be accepted for capacity building, planning, engineering, implementation, and post-wildfire emergency funding to address the susceptibility of values at risk to post wildfire hazards.

The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation’s Community Grant program aims to enhance oral health across Arkansas by supporting nonprofit organizations and community initiatives focused on education and access to dental care for underserved populations. Since its inception in 2008, the program has prioritized projects that provide preventive and treatment services, ensuring equitable access to oral health resources for individuals of all ages and backgrounds in need.

The RedRover Relief Urgent Care Grants provide crucial financial assistance for pet guardians facing economic hardships due to life-threatening situations affecting their pets. With an average grant of $250, this program aims to bridge funding gaps for urgent veterinary care. Eligibility includes a diagnosis from a veterinarian and a household income below $60,000. Applicants can expect a response within two business days after submission. Updates and photos may be requested from grant recipients.

The Library Grant Cycle, supported by the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Library Fund, aims to enhance youth access to local libraries in Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins counties. This initiative promotes intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love for reading and learning. Eligible applicants include the 33 public libraries within these regions, fostering community engagement and educational growth through increased library accessibility.

The Interfaith Leadership & Religious Literacy Grant aims to enhance religious literacy by fostering multi-faith dialogues and collaborations. It targets 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. that educate leaders across various sectors, promoting mutual respect for diverse beliefs. Funding ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, supporting initiatives like digital media projects and campus collaborations that bridge differences. The grant encourages innovative proposals while excluding scholarships and individual grants.

The Open Door Fund, established by the Community Foundation Boulder County, supports LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in Boulder County. With over $2M raised since 1996, the fund addresses challenges like discrimination and mental health struggles within the community. It aims to empower LGBTQ+ people, foster collaboration, and provide support to organizations that serve this community. By promoting inclusivity, the fund strives to enhance the lives of individuals facing systemic challenges.