Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Puerto Rico

Resident-driven groups planning community development or revitalization projects in Puerto Rico can seek startup funding to implement the Community Heart & Soul model. Community Heart & Soul provides US $10,000 seed grants for small cities and towns, which may help launch or expand local community service initiatives.

T7 Social Impact GrantsThe T.D. Jakes Foundation (TDJF), in partnership with Wells Fargo, is proud to launch the Social Impact Grant Challenge, a transformative funding opportunity designed to identify, support, and amplify nonprofit organizations creating meaningful change in communities across the United States.

Designed around the T.D. Jakes Foundation's pillars of service (Educational Access & Workforce Readiness, financial inclusion, and community transformation and well-being), the Challenge seeks innovative nonprofit organizations that are addressing critical social issues through impactful, scalable, and sustainable solutions.

Finalists selected through this process will have the opportunity to showcase their organization through a live presentation at the inaugural Thriving Seven (T7) Summit, taking place November 12 –14 in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to competing for grant funding, finalists will gain national visibility for their work and connect with nonprofit leaders, funders, and changemakers from across the country.Grant Funding: A total of $1,500,000 in grant funding is anticipated to be awarded: 

• One (1) - $500,000 grant
• One (1) - $250,000 grant
• Two (2) - $100,000 grant
• Eleven (11) - $50,000 grant

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance library services across the nation. By supporting projects that promote adult reading, health and financial literacy, and effective use of new technologies, this initiative fosters community prosperity and builds partnerships among libraries, archives, and museums. The grants ensure that libraries can respond effectively to public needs and enhance their contributions to education and information access.

The National Leadership Grants for Museums, offered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, support innovative projects addressing critical needs in the museum sector. These grants aim to enhance museum services for the public by fostering the development and replication of effective practices, tools, and collaborations, particularly leveraging new technologies. Eligible projects can significantly advance the professional field, ensuring museums remain vital community resources.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations doing community development and revitalization work in Puerto Rico can seek funding for programs in financial literacy, housing insecurity and homelessness, civic engagement, and technology education. Affirm Cares provides support for sustainable, scalable initiatives across the U.S. and its territories, including Puerto Rico, with applications accepted on a rolling basis.

The Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program aims to enhance the educational capabilities of HSIs through innovative teaching and community development initiatives. Funded projects will not only serve the Hispanic population but will benefit the entire student body, promoting inclusivity. This program encourages applications that integrate applied research with community outreach, fostering experiential learning opportunities for students. The initiative aspires to set benchmarks for educational excellence at regional and national levels.

Nonprofits, TDHEs, and federally recognized tribes working on rural affordable housing and community development, including in Puerto Rico, can receive direct technical assistance through the OneRural program. Grants from Housing Assistance Council help eligible organizations strengthen operations, build capacity, and design programs that expand housing options, community services, and economic development in rural areas.

The Prioritization Process Pilot Program (PPPP) Competitive Grant Program, funded by the DOT Federal Highway Administration, offers up to $26 million for innovative transportation planning in FYs 2024-2026. Grants of up to $2 million will support the development of transparent, data-driven prioritization processes for project selection in transportation plans, ensuring that funded projects deliver public benefits and meet community needs.

Nonprofit organizations running community services, social programs, or development projects in Puerto Rico and other Andersons business locations can apply for support to enhance local quality of life. Focus areas include social services, community development and revitalization, education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and agriculture and environmental initiatives, funded by The Andersons Charitable Foundation.

The Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) Program provides competitive funding for eligible applicants to deliver technical assistance to local governments serving economically distressed communities of 50,000 or fewer residents. Selected awardees collaborate closely with HUD to enhance the capabilities of UGLG officials and staff, ensuring they effectively address community needs. Applicants may focus on broad HUD jurisdictions or specific areas as specified in the program's NOFO.

The Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act (SIPPRA) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury aims to enhance social service effectiveness through innovative funding strategies. Established in 2018, SIPPRA encourages state and local governments to apply for awards that redirect funds from ineffective programs to those that yield measurable outcomes. By promoting public-private partnerships and performance-based funding, SIPPRA seeks to address critical social issues and improve the lives of families and individuals in need.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with youth, family, housing, food security, or environmental programs, including those serving Puerto Rico, can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for impactful community projects. Funding supports education, hunger relief, housing services, and environmental stewardship initiatives for children and families.

The AARP Community Challenge Grant supports projects that enhance community living for residents aged 50 and older. With a focus on immediate improvements and long-term progress, grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, covering areas like public spaces, transportation, and digital literacy. Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $20.1 million through more than 1,700 grants across the U.S. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities committed to serving the needs of older adults.

The Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages aims to foster the development of viable communities by providing funding for housing, living environments, and economic opportunities, primarily benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals. The program is competitive, offering both single-purpose and imminent threat grants to address urgent public health and safety issues, ensuring that tribes can improve their community welfare effectively.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Student Fellow Applications

Fellow applications will open for eligible students once host projects have been reviewed and finalists selected. Students will apply to be considered for a specific host project. Top student candidates will be interviewed by NCRC as well as the host organization.

Fellow Requirements

• Must provide documentation confirming active enrollment (i.e. Letter of Enrollment from Registrar or transcript)
• Must commit to fellowship for full Period of September 14, 2026-May 14, 2027 academic school year
• Must commit to a 20 hour/week fellowship
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in-office of host organization

Alliance for Social Trust: Trust in Practice Awards

Trust is the foundation of vibrant, resilient communities and healthy civic life. Across the country, local and national organizations are demonstrating the profound ways trust shapes our collective well-being—strengthening relationships between neighbors, cultivating confidence in institutions, and enabling people to work together to solve shared challenges. These efforts are often rooted in the knowledge and leadership of those closest to the work. 

The Trust in Practice Awards support non-profit organizations that are collaborating on new initiatives to build trust across local or virtual communities. Grantees will be part of a national network dedicated to fostering trust through the Alliance for Social Trust’s programs and storytelling platforms. Award recipients will also participate in the annual Trust in Practice Summit to celebrate the work of trust builders.

The Ochylski Family Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through grants aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. With an application deadline of October 1, organizations must submit a detailed request outlining their initiatives. The foundation's mission aligns with its commitment to foster community development and nonprofit effectiveness in Iowa, ensuring that resources are allocated to impactful projects that serve the public good.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

Public charities working on community development and basic human needs in Puerto Rico can seek program, capital, or general operating support that strengthens disadvantaged communities and vulnerable populations. Grants from U.S. Venture Schmidt Family Foundation favor organizations with strong leadership, measurable long-term impact, diversified funding, and involvement from a U.S. Venture team member or shareholder.

Jewish high school students leading community service or social justice projects can receive up to US $9,540 in support, including a stipend and donor-advised fund. Grants from Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego help youth deepen tikkun olam initiatives, expand innovative programs, and inspire broader peer engagement in community development efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, women’s and children’s services, animal welfare, or environmental projects can apply for support from the Crawford Taylor Foundation; programs across the U.S. may be considered. Puerto Rico community service projects that fit these priorities may be eligible, with a preference for initiatives creating lasting community impact.

Organizations working on disaster recovery and economic development in Puerto Rico can apply for the Economic Development Administration’s FY25 Disaster Supplemental, with awards up to US $50,000,000 for planning and implementation projects. Funding can support readiness, construction or non-construction implementation, and large-scale industry transformation efforts in areas impacted by 2023–2024 natural disasters.

Nonprofits, state and local government entities, and some faith-based community programs in Puerto Rico can seek funding for agriculture, food security, education, and community enhancement projects or general operations. Grants from Greenpoint Foundation support organizations working in communities where their team members and customers live and work, with priority for initiatives matching these focus areas.

Puerto Rico community organizations running community development and revitalization projects can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation; awards up to US $10,000 for eligible programs. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least one year of outcomes, working in areas like youth development, health, arts, or entrepreneurship, may be considered.

Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities working on international development, community development, education access, humanitarian aid, or Christian initiatives, including those serving Puerto Rico, can seek Strategic Impact Grants to support impactful programs. Bertin Family Foundation prioritizes strong governance, measurable outcomes, financial transparency, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

Nonprofit organizations running community development and financial self-sufficiency projects can apply for grants of US $500 - US $5,000 from St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation. Grants from St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation help Puerto Rico community groups that may work on youth support, homelessness, social services, veterans, or civic and community initiatives become more financially resilient.

Nonprofit organizations working on community development, basic human needs, youth services, homelessness, health and human services, or support for troops and veterans can apply for US $500 - US $5,000 in support from St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation. This funding may benefit community service projects in Puerto Rico with similar focus areas.