Best Private Grants for Nonprofits

The ACS and EAST Health Policy Scholarship supports active surgeons who are members of the American College of Surgeons and EAST. It covers tuition and provides travel assistance, housing, and subsistence for the Executive Leadership Program in Health Policy and Management at Brandeis University. Scholars must commit to providing health policy-related assistance for a year and submit a report on their experiences. This opportunity is available for the June 2025 program, and only one award per applicant per year is permitted.

About the Scholarship

Melida Patterson was a dedicated volunteer and leader who became a vital part of the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi. She was recognized for her efforts and commitment to the mission of the club, which aimed to provide innovative and high-quality programs that empower young people to excel in school and lead productive lives. Melida was even named Volunteer of the Year and served as Chairman of the Board. Her family has now created a scholarship in her honor, which will be awarded to students who demonstrate both financial need and motivation to achieve their potential through higher education. This scholarship is a lasting tribute to Melida, who was a wonderful mother, wife, friend, and advocate, particularly for the less fortunate.

Application Requirements 

• How were you involved with the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi?
• List honors you received in high school in academics, sports, or Boys and Girls Club.
• Answer the following essay question: How will a scholarship be of help to you? 
• Provide email addresses for two adults who will enter recommendations for you

Multiple scholarship opportunities are available to deserving students. 

The MEM Safety Grants program, offered by Missouri Employers Mutual, provides critical funding to enhance workplace safety. With one-to-one matching funds available from $500 to $10,000, it supports policyholders in acquiring necessary safety equipment. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made monthly. To qualify, applicants must maintain an active policy and clearly demonstrate the need for safety improvements. This initiative aims to foster safer work environments across Missouri, reflecting the company’s commitment to worker safety.

The Floyd Hooker Foundation Mini-Grant offers funding up to $25,000 to support projects that benefit the children of Tioga County. Established by Floyd "Vic" Hooker's testamentary trust, this grant prioritizes initiatives addressing unmet needs in the community. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and governmental entities. However, organizations receiving grants for two consecutive years for similar projects may not apply in the third year. Applications are accepted twice a year.

The Headley Trust offers grants to assist regional and local museums in acquiring archaeological artefacts. Aimed at items classified as Treasure under the Treasure Act, the minimum purchase price is £500 and the maximum grant awarded is typically up to £10,000. Recent changes to the Treasure Act broaden the definition, allowing for exceptional finds over 200 years old. This fund operates alongside the V&A Purchase Grant Fund to ensure museums receive necessary financial support.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Knepper, Betty Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Betty Knepper by her son, Dr. Paul A. Knepper to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District who plan to major in the medical field.

The Comprehensive Early Literacy Grant (ELG) Program, established by the Colorado READ Act in 2012, aims to enhance early literacy through evidence-based reading instruction. This program provides funds to local education providers, ensuring essential reading components are integrated into K-3 teaching. With a four-year grant cycle, it supports planning, implementation, and sustainability of literacy programs, ultimately helping students achieve reading competency and reducing the number of students reading below grade level.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Ray V. Dunk Scholarship (Accounting)

This scholarship is for students graduating from high school or the equivalent who are residents of Henderson County and pursuing a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited educational institution with a focus on accounting. 

The schlarship is renewable.

The Teacher Preparation initiative aims to significantly enhance the diversity and certification rates of K-12 teachers in Philadelphia by 2035. With a focus on reflecting the racial and ethnic makeup of the student population, the program seeks to combat the declining and non-diverse teacher pipeline. Strategies include improving teacher preparation programs, mentorship opportunities, and increasing recruitment efforts. By tracking teacher certifications and classroom diversity, this initiative aims to bolster student success and engagement in Philadelphia's schools.

The Flexible Assistance for Survivors (FA) Pilot Grant Program in California aims to enhance safety, healing, and financial stability for victims of crime and their families. It provides direct cash assistance ranging from $1 to $700,000. Eligible applicants include businesses and nonprofits, with funding available statewide. This initiative is designed to support those affected by crime, helping them regain stability and rebuild their lives.

The NIOSH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (R13) program aims to fund high-quality scientific gatherings that enhance occupational safety and health research. It supports meetings that align with NIOSH's mission and priorities, encouraging the exchange of information on relevant topics. Applications should focus on advancing research in these areas, fostering collaboration among professionals. Note that training-only events are not eligible for funding under this program.

The NIOSH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (U13) program aims to fund high-quality scientific gatherings that advance research in occupational safety and health. By promoting collaboration among experts, this program supports workshops and conferences aligned with NIOSH mission priorities. Federal involvement is significant, ensuring guidance and coordination throughout the award process. Applications for training-only events are not eligible, emphasizing the focus on comprehensive scientific discourse.

The Occupational Safety and Health Research (R01) grant aims to enhance understanding of workplace hazards, develop strategies to mitigate risks, and translate research into effective prevention measures. This initiative encourages applicants to address specific occupational health challenges and articulate the anticipated outcomes of their research, contributing to the reduction of work-related illnesses and injuries. By fostering innovative solutions, this grant supports the mission of NIOSH and promotes safer working environments.

The Medical Education and Research Cost (MERC) Grant Program supports clinical medical education in Minnesota, addressing funding challenges faced by teaching facilities. Established in 1996, the program allocates $59 million in the current fiscal year through a grant formula, with minimum awards starting at $5,000. Applications must be submitted by sponsoring institutions on behalf of clinical training sites, ensuring students gain essential clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings.

The Amazon Literary Partnership Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that empower diverse and marginalized writers. Since 2009, it has provided over $17 million to various literary groups, fostering emerging talent across genres. Eligible organizations must focus on developing writers, celebrating storytelling, and connecting them with audiences. By funding innovative initiatives, Amazon helps ensure that underrepresented voices are heard in the literary community, contributing to a rich and diverse narrative landscape.

The Wyoming Arts Council's Arts Access Project Grant aims to enhance access to the arts for under-served communities, including individuals with disabilities, veterans, and economically disadvantaged groups. With a funding limit of $1,000, the grant supports collaborative projects that foster community engagement and artistic expression. Organizations eligible for this grant include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies, emphasizing the importance of the arts in community development and cultural vitality across Wyoming.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Bopp-Busch Manufacturing Scholarship

Bopp Busch Manufacturing Company established this scholarship to honor its founding families, August and Eva Bopp and Chester and Betty Busch. The scholarship was created to give back to the residents of the area that made the business possible, and to encourage post-secondary education in general and more specifically in the skilled trades.

Our Mission

Our mission is to serve as the connection between our community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education.

Originally established in 1987 as the Dial-A-Teacher program in Lake County, Florida, by local business leaders in collaboration with the Lake County School District. The primary objective was to provide homework assistance to students, particularly those facing academic challenges. In 1988, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was renamed the Education Foundation of Lake County, Inc. This rebranding marked a broader commitment to enhancing public education in the community. Today, the foundation continues to serve as a vital link between the community and public education, offering various programs and initiatives to support students and educators throughout Lake County. We are a member of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.

Scholarships

Scholarships play a pivotal role in empowering students to pursue post-secondary education like a college or university degree, vocational credentials, or certifications. In partnership with our donors, the Education Foundation of Lake County offers scholarships based on academic achievement, talent and financial need. Annually, we award scholarships ranging from $500 to $20,000 to graduating Lake County seniors.

Mike Stone Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to graduates from Eustis, Leesburg, Mount Dora and Tavares High School. Applicants must be actively involved in the community, an essay should be included describing applicant’s volunteer activities and why they feel it is important to volunteer. Applicants must have a 2.5 or higher GPA.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Erica Alexis Bell Memorial Scholarship

The Erica Alexis Bell Memorial Scholarship has been established by her parents, with pride, to help others who, like Erica, want to become teachers. For graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools to attend Central State University in Xenia, Ohio.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

East Spokane Kiwanis Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors from West Valley, Central Valley, or East Valley School Districts. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic achievement.

Community involvement is also considered. 

The William Penn Foundation aims to connect 25,000 families with young children in Philadelphia to public benefits and tax credits worth at least $75 million by 2035. This initiative seeks to alleviate poverty, improve economic stability, and foster better parent-child relationships, which are essential for healthy child development. By addressing the significant gap in benefits access, the foundation supports direct services, policy work, and community initiatives that enhance families' ability to navigate available resources.

The Lake Sumter Lions Club Scholarship supports students from Leesburg High School, Wildwood Middle High School, and The Villages Charter High School, encouraging academic success and community involvement. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and provide documentation of their community service. This scholarship is part of a broader mission by the Educational Foundation of Lake County to enhance public education and empower students to pursue post-secondary opportunities.

The WV Culture: State Development Grant Program provides financial support for the rehabilitation of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This initiative, backed by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History, aims to assist various organizations and individuals in preserving historic resources. Eligible applicants include government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private citizens. The program emphasizes compliance with federal and state standards, ensuring effective use of funds for approved projects.

The Arts Access Grant by the Delaware Division of the Arts supports nonprofit organizations offering occasional arts programs. This grant aims to enhance public access to artistic experiences, foster collaborations between artists and community groups, and promote lifelong learning in the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be based in Delaware and manage programs involving professional artists. The application process is ongoing, with reviews conducted starting in July each year.

The Floyd Hooker Foundation (FHF) offers Special Project Grants exceeding $25,000 for capital, equipment, or unique projects benefiting the children of Tioga County. Applicants must demonstrate a specific unmet need and provide detailed funding sources. FHF prioritizes early involvement to ensure project success, emphasizing collaboration with qualified organizations, including nonprofits and educational institutions, to address community needs effectively.

The FFAR Fellows Program, led by North Carolina State University, provides PhD students in food and agriculture sciences with essential leadership and professional development training. Over three years, fellows engage in in-person meetings, virtual sessions, and mentorship opportunities, enhancing their skills and networking. Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD program, have a confirmed financial sponsor, and demonstrate readiness to participate. This initiative promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and broadens career pathways beyond academia.

Utilizing the Full Power of Empire AI Request for Applications

The Simons Foundation (SF) intends to support cutting-edge mathematics and basic science research, drawing on the advanced computational power of the Empire AI.

Toward this goal, SF plans to initiate a new program to fund six to 12 proposals through a competitive open call to the Empire AI research community.

A successful proposal will outline an ambitious two-year research program in one of the following fields, or at their intersections: computational astrophysics and physics, computational biology, mathematics, neuroscience and computational physical chemistry. Each proposal will necessarily rely on the development and utilization of foundational machine learning models, aimed at solving problems of fundamental importance in the above-listed disciplines.

Computational biophysics, neuroscience, ecology and evolution, plant biology, optimal transport, multiscale physics, fluid dynamics and numerical general relativity are representative examples of fields that could use multinode clusters of GPUs of Empire AI, which is a requirement of the program. All submitted proposals should detail how their work will use multinode clusters of GPUs in Empire AI. Proposals focused on data curation and creation of datasets can be considered in exceptional cases, as long as the attained data will be used by the proposers for solving scientific problems as part of the same proposal.

The program’s total budget is expected to be $6 million USD over a two-year period.

Funding

Award Amount: There is no maximum budget total for an individual award. The total amount requested should reflect the proposed research. All award amounts are inclusive of indirect costs (see our grant policies). Please note that we anticipate funding six to 12 applications. The total program’s budget of $6 million USD over two years will be spread across all awards.

Award Duration: June 1, 2027, through May 31, 2029.

Number of Awards: We expect to select six to 12 applications for funding.