Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Puerto Rico

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

Nonprofit charities running humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or arts projects in Puerto Rico can access funding through Roche, which prioritizes sustainable, innovative initiatives. Grants support community development, youth services, health, STEM education, disaster relief, and cultural projects, especially where Roche can engage locally and collaborate with established partners and authorities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants for Fiscal Year 2025 support revitalization efforts in severely distressed public housing and surrounding neighborhoods. This program encourages collaboration among local governments, housing agencies, and community partners to create comprehensive plans aimed at improving housing quality, promoting upward mobility for residents, and attracting long-term investment for neighborhood development. Successful applicants will implement their Transformation Plans, which were developed through prior Planning Grants to enhance the quality of life for residents.

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.

Melton Foundation

The Melton Foundation is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the USA, and a leading proponent of Global Citizenship education and practice worldwide. Established nearly thirty years ago with the credence that collaborations across boundaries can forge sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, today, our programs reach millions of young leaders, having crystallized into a network of over 750 life-long Melton Fellows spread across 40+ countries. Our primary operations are in Chile, China, Germany, Ghana, India, and the United States of America, with legal subsidiaries in Bangalore, India; Jena, Germany; Temuco, Chile; and Accra, Ghana. 

Through our fellowship and collaborative programs we promote and enable global citizenship as a way for individuals and organizations to work together across boundaries of place and identity to solve challenges in an interconnected world.

Melton Foundation Action Grants

The Melton Foundation offers grants year-round to support Melton Fellows in developing skills, perspective and wider networks to further their capacity as global citizens and contribute towards building an equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.

In almost 10 years of granting, more than 100 Fellows’ initiatives have been awarded with a Melton Foundation grant to

• Build awareness and/or further awareness raising around global issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
• Develop individual and collective responsibility for sustained, collaborative action,
• Grow capacity to collaboratively drive and sustain social impact at the local and/or global level,
• Further the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative actions that embody the spirit of global citizenship practice and further social impact, or
• Support coordinated social-impact efforts in a particular or across (emerging) Melton Foundation Hub regions to promote global citizenship practice (s) and the organization’s mission.

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.

U.S. nonprofit staff leading community development or revitalization projects can receive US $500 - US $1,000 micro grants to fund new initiatives or new components of existing work. With a mission to uplift unseen leaders, Enhearten Unseen Leaders provides flexible project support that may benefit community service efforts connected to Puerto Rico-based programs or partners.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations running programs in Puerto Rico can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives funding to support community development, financial education, and stronger local economies. Eligible projects may also address environmental sustainability, workforce readiness, health, or arts and culture within communities in Canada or the U.S.

About RWJF

At the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we take bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. We take our responsibilities seriously, and pledge to work in ways that reflect our values.

Connecting Champions for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Health Professions

RWJF seeks to fund one lead organization or consortium to serve as a national network-weaver for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the health professions. The selected grantee will connect and support leaders, organizations, and institutions across the ecosystem, strengthening relationships, aligning strategy and communications, and facilitating shared learning and collective action. By building the connections and infrastructure needed for collaboration, the grantee will help advance belonging, accountability, and systems change across health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Achieving a healthcare system grounded in equity requires both a diverse health professions workforce and institutions committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). While diverse teams improve quality of care and health outcomes, RWJF has learned that increasing representation alone is insufficient without addressing structural and institutional barriers that shape belonging, leadership, advancement, and accountability. Structural racism and other forms of systemic inequity continue to limit opportunity across the health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Lasting change requires not only supporting diverse leaders, but also strengthening connections among educational institutions, healthcare organizations, professional associations, accrediting and credentialing bodies, students, advocates, community actors, and others within the health professions ecosystem, whose relationships, actions, practices, and mindsets shape health outcomes for the communities they serve. These relationships create the support, trust, shared learning, and coordinated action necessary to advance DEIB and build a more equitable healthcare system.