Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Puerto Rico

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations can seek McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs. With a mission to strengthen community-focused initiatives, McGraw Foundation provides small grants that may benefit Puerto Rico nonprofits offering tutoring, literacy, health, housing, or arts and cultural services.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Puerto Rico conducting biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with grants up to US $375,000. Eligible colleges and universities must award baccalaureate science degrees and have historically received limited NIH funding; projects span areas like public health, neuroscience, genetics, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related fields.

Puerto Rico graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. This US $3,000 award supports actionable, timely research addressing current challenges faced by the water industry, which may benefit nonprofit-led water and public health initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Puerto Rico offering education, arts and culture, health, or women’s empowerment programs can apply for funding to expand their services. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, Empresas Fonalledas provides support through the Mano Amiga Program for tutoring, artistic training, chronic disease support, autism services, and safety and self-sufficiency programs for women.

Agricultural producers, landowners, and conservation-focused partners in Puerto Rico and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions can seek funding to implement on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource projects. Grants from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service help support collaborative conservation efforts in areas like sustainable agriculture, habitat restoration, forestry, and water resource management, with awards ranging from US $250,000 to US $10,000,000.

Nonprofit and public entities working on habitat and estuary restoration in Puerto Rico can seek US $200,000 - US $500,000 for projects addressing urgent coastal and watershed challenges. Focused on coastal conservation and resilience, Restore America’s Estuaries invites proposals tackling habitat loss, stormwater runoff, harmful algal blooms, invasive species, and related estuarine threats.

Agricultural, conservation, and land-management partners in Puerto Rico can seek USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service funding to co-invest in on-farm, watershed, and regional conservation projects. Focused on soil, water, forestry, habitat, and sustainable agriculture, this competitive program awards US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 for projects that measurably address natural resource concerns.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories can seek up to US $100,000 for new or expanding projects in art and culture, education, environment and recreation, family, or health and wellness. Impact100 Global Veterans requires projects to fully expend funds within two years and have audited financials.

Nonprofit organizations supporting women and children through self-sufficiency, education, humanitarian aid, or related services in Puerto Rico can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s competitive grants, with awards up to US $750,000. Programs addressing homelessness, food security, health care, anti-trafficking, microfinance, or disaster relief that build long-term resilience may be especially strong candidates.

Nonprofit charities running humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts projects in Puerto Rico and worldwide can seek philanthropic support for innovative, sustainable initiatives. Roche provides accredited charities with donations for social development, science and youth education, community resilience, disaster response, and contemporary arts, typically working through local affiliate offices to support organizations operating in their own country.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Puerto Rico working on youth development, education, housing, hunger, or environmental stewardship can apply for the True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Focused on strengthening communities, Chick Fil A Foundation invites programs serving underserved children, families, and neighborhoods to compete for annual recognition and support.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can seek support for mentored clinical research in areas such as cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, mental, and environmental health. Focused on global health research careers, the National Institutes of Health invites applicants, including those connected to Puerto Rico-based nonprofits, to pursue the Emerging Global Leader Award (K43).

Conservation districts, state or territory conservation partners, RC&D Councils, and Tribal organizations in Puerto Rico can access funding through National Association of Conservation Districts to hire staff for technical assistance. Grants support conservation planning, environmental stewardship, water resource management, food security, outdoor recreation, and civic engagement that strengthen locally led conservation and benefit producers and communities.

Early-career health researchers in low- and middle-income countries can seek approximately US $140,000 to support mentored career development and a country-relevant research project. The National Institutes of Health’s Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports three to five years of protected research time, which may benefit Puerto Rico–based collaborators working with eligible LMIC investigators.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Puerto Rico can apply for John Ben Snow Memorial Trust support for education-focused programs, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Additional priorities include youth initiatives, arts and culture, and community services, especially projects offering academic assistance, mentoring, after-school programs, literacy, or support for disadvantaged populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Puerto Rico seeking support for healthcare-related programs can apply for Medtronic grants and donations to fund independent medical conferences, charitable events, medical education, and public education initiatives. With a mission to advance health, Medtronic provides global corporate philanthropy that may benefit small nonprofits working in these areas.

Nonprofits and institutions hosting health-related congresses, events, or initiatives in Puerto Rico can seek corporate sponsorship that provides recognition or marketing benefits. Grants from Biogen Foundation help organizations working in areas like neurological diseases, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, lupus, ALS, and related conditions cover event costs in exchange for reasonable, clearly defined sponsor benefits.

Research institutions and eligible organizations in Puerto Rico and other U.S. jurisdictions can apply for National Institutes of Health funding to test SBIRT/P approaches for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adults experiencing health disparities. Grants support prospective clinical trials that implement screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment or prevention in collaboration with healthcare and community partners.

Postdoctoral biomedical researchers planning clinical trial careers, including those based in Puerto Rico, can access this NHLBI K22 award to transition from intramural to extramural research roles. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help support a mentored intramural phase and a subsequent independent extramural phase over five years.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

The US Department of Health & Human Services, through the NIH, invites applications for innovative approaches to implement SBIRT/P for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adults facing health disparities. This funding opportunity encourages research that tests screening, brief interventions, and referrals for treatment or prevention services. Applications are due on specified deadlines from February 2024 through March 2027, fostering collaboration with healthcare and community partners to enhance public health outcomes.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, assists private landowners in restoring and protecting vital habitats for fish and wildlife. Since its inception in 1987, the program has provided technical assistance and financial support to enhance conservation efforts across the United States. By collaborating with local stakeholders, the program establishes habitat goals and directs resources effectively to conserve important ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and the American people.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.