Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

Florida Communities Trust Parks and Open Space Grant

The preservation of green space, including parks, open space, beaches and natural areas, is an important factor in creating livable communities. In 1989, the Florida Communities Trust was created to meet this need. The Trust was funded through the Preservation 2000 bond program until the Florida Forever program was approved by the Florida Legislature in 1999. 

The Parks and Open Space Florida Forever grant program provides funding to local governments and eligible nonprofit environmental organizations for acquisition of community-based parks, open space and greenways that further outdoor recreation and natural resource protection needs identified in local government comprehensive plans. The program provides local governments the opportunity to leverage local dollars with state dollars to optimize conservation benefits and encourages both public-private partnerships and land acquisition initiatives. 

The Parks and Open Space Florida Forever Grant Program requires local governments to provide a minimum 25% match, except for nonprofit environmental organizations and small local governments (defined as municipalities with a population less than 10,000 and counties with a population less than 75,000).

Funding

A total of $6.8 million is available in funding for this application cycle. Under the provisions of subsection 62-818.003(7), F.A.C., the total amount of any award or combination of awards applied for by any local government or nonprofit environmental organization under any application(s) or partnership application(s) for any project(s) shall not exceed five million dollars during any one cycle.

Awards requested in a partnership application are divided equally among the partners for the purposes of calculating individual applicant limits. However, the project will not be funded if the Applicant has three or more active Grant Agreements at the time of project selection. The Applicant may close out active Grant Agreements prior to project selection to regain eligibility pursuant to subsection 62-818.003(5), F.A.C.

 

The van Loben Sels/RembeRock Foundation primarily funds 501(c)(3) organizations that provide direct legal services in Northern California. While the Foundation favors established relationships, new applicants are welcome, particularly in remote areas where legal services are scarce. Typical grant amounts range from $7,500 to $30,000, with larger grants reserved for invited requests. Focus areas include legal assistance for vulnerable populations and support for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs.

The Keweenaw Cross Country Skiing Endowment Fund, established by the Keweenaw Community Foundation, aims to enhance and support cross country skiing in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. This fund targets organizations with a proven track record or innovative programs that can positively impact the community. Grants are intended to sustain quality skiing programs, ensuring that the sport thrives for future generations in this beautiful region.

The National Philanthropy Day Grant Program, managed by the Long Beach Community Foundation, aims to enhance community service through a one-day volunteer project. This initiative supports local nonprofits in beautifying their facilities, fostering collaboration among community partners, and promoting charitable giving. Eligible organizations must be 501(C)(3) nonprofits based in Long Beach, with projects that can be completed in one day, demonstrating significant impact and community involvement.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Voll Family Bowling Green State University Scholarship

The Voll Family Bowling Green State University Scholarship Fund was created by Fran Voll in honor of his wife, Marty. Fran created this scholarship fund in her memory to benefit countless future students attending their beloved Bowling Green State University.   

The scholarships will be awarded to Marion County high school seniors or graduates attending Bowling Green State University. 

About OEI

Vision

Our vision is that Wisconsin homes, businesses, and vehicles are powered with clean, efficient, reliable energy that creates jobs and grows our economy in an equitable manner where all can share in the benefits.

Mission

Developing Wisconsin's energy landscape to be secure, reliable, environmentally responsible, and growing the state's economy for all. 

Energy Innovation Grant Program

Overview

The Energy Innovation Grant Program (EIGP) supports a wide variety of energy projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy storage, energy planning, and more.

For each grant round, the Commission chooses eligible activities based on its energy priorities, emerging trends, and public input. 

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) 

HMGP-Post Fire opens for applications upon receipt of a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) In Wyoming. (An FMAG is used to assist with the cost of wildfire suppression.) HMGP-Post Fire is funded under the authority of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA), Public Law 115-254 which was enacted Oct. 5, 2018 and made numerous legislative changes to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. 

The FMA Grant is a mitigation grant intended to reduce or eliminate claims under the National Flood Insurance Program, with a focus on mitigating repetitive loss properties and severe repetitive loss properties. The FMA Grant Program was created as part of the National Flood Insurance Reform Act. Funding is provided annually through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

This grant provides up to 75% federal funding. At least 25% non-federal match is required. Matching funds may be cash OR soft/in-kind OR a combination of cash and soft/in-kind.

$160 million is available nationwide in FMA federal grant funding for mitigation projects. $10 million is the maximum federal funding available per community flood mitigation project. $100 thousand is the maximum federal funding available for community flood mitigation advance assistance.

The Alvin J. Baird, Jr. Program Endowment Fund, established in 2005, supports healthcare initiatives in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Following the closure of the H-R Free Clinic, the fund now allocates over $42,000 annually to nonprofits addressing unmet healthcare needs through a competitive grants process. The Community Foundation ensures that grants are awarded without discrimination, fostering a healthier community for all residents. This mission aligns with their commitment to service and community welfare.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Willie “Beaver” Troutman Football Scholarship

This scholarship, created in 2022, honors Willie “Beaver” Troutman and his longstanding coaching career in Marion County.

For generations to come, this scholarship will assist students financially to further their potential in academics and athletics.

The Willie ‘Beaver’ Troutman Football Scholarship is open to any student-athlete who attended a high school located in Marion County (Ohio) for at least 2 years, maintained a GPA of 2.5 or greater, and demonstrates volunteerism in the community and/or extraordinary financial need.

The TWDB Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program supports projects that enhance irrigation efficiency and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Texas. Eligible projects include irrigation monitoring, rainwater harvesting, and innovative technologies. Funding aims to improve water conservation strategies, engage agricultural producers through outreach, and demonstrate measurable water savings. This initiative aligns with Texas' water management goals, fostering resilience to climate variability and encouraging the adoption of advanced water-saving practices.

South Dakota Department of Public Safety

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety includes 14 agencies with the mission to keep South Dakota a safe place in which to live, work, visit and raise a family.

Victims' Assistance Program Grants

The Victims' Assistance Program provides grant funding for agencies that provide services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and other violent crimes. The Victims' Assistance Program funding includes: VOCA, FVPSA, STOP, SASP and DASA Grants.

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant

Funds are awarded by the US Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. The funds come entirely from fines and penalties assessed against convicted federal criminals. Funds are awarded to provide direct assistance to innocent victims of violent crime.

Agencies who are currently not funded with Victims’ Assistance grants, but who are considering applying for a grant(s) are strongly encouraged to contact the Victims’ Services Program director prior to grant announcements being released for the upcoming funding cycle.

The Buckner Woodford Clay, III Memorial Fund, established by Dr. Thomas W. Jarrett in memory of a friend passionate about environmental issues, aims to support anti-littering education and enforcement in West Virginia. With $35,000 available for grants, the fund prioritizes projects that promote environmental preservation, particularly in Raleigh County, and encourages youth involvement. Eligible applicants must be recognized non-profits or public institutions, with a focus on sustainability and community engagement.

The South Carolina Farm Bureau Foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing degrees in agriculture or related fields. Awarded based on character, leadership, and dedication, these scholarships support rising college sophomores, juniors, and seniors from farm families or farm-oriented backgrounds. The selection process is managed by the Foundation's Scholarship Committee, ensuring alignment with established guidelines. This initiative aims to foster future leaders in agriculture and enhance educational opportunities in this vital sector.

The NIOSH Exploratory/Developmental Grant Program (R21) aims to enhance understanding of occupational diseases and injuries. It focuses on identifying risks, developing prevention strategies, and translating scientific discoveries into effective measures. Applicants are encouraged to describe the health burdens addressed, outline research activities, and demonstrate potential impacts on occupational safety. This initiative supports innovative concepts, model systems, and technologies that can significantly improve workplace health outcomes.

The HHF Historic Preservation Grants support projects that restore and maintain Hawaii's historic sites, emphasizing community engagement and long-term preservation. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations committed to preserving significant historic properties. Projects must adhere to established preservation standards and demonstrate local support and funding. This initiative fosters a sense of place in Hawaii while ensuring that historic properties serve public purposes for at least a decade post-restoration.

State Board Programming Regrants (SBPG)

The Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) is pleased to provide a grant opportunity for improving the preservation of and access to Tennessee’s historical records, educate and train records custodians, and support archival program development and enhancement.

The grants will be available up to $5,000 per institution and are available to any government entity or not-for-profit organization that holds permanent, historically valuable archival collections. There is no match requirement,

Grant funds are available for the following:

Technology

• This category provides funding for hardware, software, peripherals, and other technology items used to create online digital collections.
• Items requested may not exceed $5,000.

Training

• This category provides funding for registration costs for webinars or workshops related to conservation, digitization, and digital project planning for archivists and museum personnel.

Contracted Services

• This category provides funding to hire a vendor or independent contractor for the purpose of digitization or conservation services.
• You must include a quote for these services from a specific vendor as part of your application.

Contract/Part-Time Archivist

• This category provides funding to hire a contract or part-time archivist for the duration of the grant period to scan documents and create corresponding metadata.
• This person cannot already be employed by or paid by your organization. This cannot be supplemental to an existing salary or hourly employee.

Supplies

• This category provides funding for archival shelving units, acid-free, lignin-free folders and boxes, and other necessary archival supplies or environmental monitoring devices.

The New River Highlands Development Fund, established by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to promote economic development in nine counties of Southern West Virginia. With a mission to inspire charitable giving, this fund currently has $12,500 available for grants. Eligible recipients include non-profits and public institutions that support economic initiatives in the area. This initiative seeks to enhance community welfare and stimulate growth in the New River Highlands region.

Senior Center Capital Grants

The Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) is accepting applications for competitive grant funding for senior centers. The Tennessee General Assembly has provided $5 million to be distributed to senior centers throughout the state. The one-time funding is intended to support senior centers in providing older adults with access to resources, activities and social connection.

Senior centers are invited to apply for grant funding ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The grant funding is encouraged to fund the following goals:

• Capital Projects, including building improvements and equipment

The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology offers an immersive 11-week research experience for undergraduate students, providing mentorship and hands-on learning in ecological research. Participants receive a stipend of $7,700, along with full room and board. Located in Petersham, Massachusetts, the program emphasizes collaboration, skill-building, and community engagement, welcoming students who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. This opportunity fosters a deep connection between students and the scientific community.

The Youth Philanthropy Committee Grants, offered by the Hamilton Community Foundation, empower local teens to engage in philanthropy by making funding decisions. Comprising 20 students from various high schools, this initiative has been impactful for 15 years, awarding around $50,000 annually to support youth programs in the Hamilton area. The committee focuses on organizations that serve youth and emphasizes the importance of civic leadership and community involvement.

The Deadwood Fund Grant, funded by gambling revenue in Deadwood, South Dakota, offers financial assistance ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 for projects aimed at restoring or rehabilitating historic buildings and sites. Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations that demonstrate adherence to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Projects must provide public historic preservation benefits and often require a dollar-for-dollar match from non-federal sources, ensuring sustainable use after completion.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Lester and Eleanor Webster Fund

The Lester and Eleanor Webster Fund was established to assist students residing in Stark County who are pursuing a degree at an accredited school in Ohio and who have attained at least sophomore status in college. 

Amount: Varies.

• Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant is available for public libraries to be able to provide services for their communities. Grant funds are available for training, hotspots, solar charging tables and Internal Connections. 

Project Grant

The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) is a state agency within the Department of State dedicated to the advancement of public knowledge and preservation of New Jersey history. All of its grant funding is provided by legislative appropriation.

In order to get all grant funds distributed to our constituents as early as possible within the fiscal year, the NJHC will offer only one Project Grant deadline. 

Funding for expenses of specific projects relating to New Jersey history. Eligible categories include conservation of historical materials (manuscripts, books, costumes, historical visuals); editorial and publication projects; educational initiatives; partnership projects; exhibitions; media (films, radio, videotape, digital media); public programs; and research (including archaeological projects, fellowships, oral history, and National and New Jersey registers of historic places nominations).

Project Grants at a Glance

• Applicants can request up to $20,000 in support of their project.
• Applicants are only allowed to submit one application per Project grant round.
• Individuals and organizations are restricted to one open Project grant at a time.
• Organizational applicants are allowed to be recipients of both the GOS grant program and the Project grant program.
• Organizations with annual budgets under the allowable threshold may partner together with a larger history institution to meet the budget and audience eligibility requirement for New Jersey history projects
• Organizations may only apply for Project Grant support from either the NJHC or their designated county re-grant agency (CHPP) in any calendar year.
• No organization may receive Project Grant funding for the same project for more than three (3) consecutive fiscal years.

Letha's Youth Outdoors Fund Grant provides financial support for field trips that connect youth groups in Indiana with nature. Ideal for educators, this grant fosters outdoor learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of native plants and their habitats. Since 2008, it has enabled over 15,000 youth to explore environmental education centers and parks, especially those with limited access to such opportunities. Grants range from $50 to $700, covering transport and educational activities.

The purpose of the PACE Program is to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in Registered Apprenticeship programs. In alignment with the USDOL recommendations, the PACE grant requires that these pre apprenticeship programs have a documented partnership with at least one Registered Apprenticeship program sponsor that is committed to hiring from the pre-apprenticeship program within 18 months from the start of the contract period of performance, and together, they expand the participant's career pathway opportunities with industry-based training coupled with classroom instruction. The program will drive economic development through skills and educational attainment and create pathways to better paying careers and advanced credentials.The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning seeks to encourage the growth of career pathway opportunities for people disconnected from employment, training, and education. Within the workforce development system, pre-apprenticeships serve a critical role for people to acquire career-specific skills, advance work readiness, and connect them to longer-term career opportunities.

The Tyson Undergraduate Fellows Program offers a unique 10-week summer experience for undergraduate students, providing hands-on engagement with environmental research at the Tyson Research Center. Participants collaborate with faculty and graduate mentors, attend professional development workshops, and gain exposure to diverse environmental fields. Each fellow receives a $6,000 stipend, along with potential housing assistance. This initiative aims to foster inclusivity and diversity within the research community, preparing students for future academic and professional endeavors.