Best Social Services Grants

The East Hill Foundation, a private family foundation, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Western New York through grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. Established from the Greatbatch family's legacy, it supports projects addressing basic human needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. The foundation prioritizes community giving across eight counties including Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Erie, aiming to uplift those less fortunate in the region.

The CFGC Community Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in Greene County, PA by supporting nonprofit organizations that address various community needs. Grants focus on areas such as education, health, arts, and economic development. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and governmental bodies. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impacts, promote collaboration, and avoid duplicating existing services, reflecting its commitment to effective philanthropy and community improvement.

The Pittsburgh Foundation aims to foster a vibrant, equitable, and just community in the Pittsburgh region through its Foundation-Directed Grantmaking. Focus areas include Basic Needs, Equity and Social Justice, Arts and Culture, Economic Mobility, and Environmental Action. The Foundation prioritizes support for organizations serving low-income communities and those impacted by social injustices. By aligning grantmaking with community aspirations, they strive to ensure everyone can thrive and access essential resources and opportunities.

The Wish Book Grants program by the Pittsburgh Foundation supports nonprofits in specific Pennsylvania counties. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) certified, allow only one wish submission, and focus on general operating support. The grants, capped at $5,000, aim to enhance community services. In 2023, $670,000 was raised for 100 organizations. The program thrives on donor contributions and seeks to align with the Foundation's areas of interest, including arts, economic mobility, and social justice.

The Field-of-Interest Grants by Centre Foundation support a variety of causes aligned with donor passions. These grants focus on specific programs, populations, and geographic areas, ensuring that funds are directed where they can make the most impact. From funding mental health services to supporting educational initiatives for children, these grants foster community growth and address critical needs across Centre County. Each fund reflects the legacy and motivation of its donor, enhancing the quality of life for many.

The Connelly Foundation Grant, established in 1955, aims to create access and opportunities for those in need, particularly in the Philadelphia area. Focused on education, human services, and cultural initiatives, it supports nonprofits that enhance Catholic education, address essential needs, and promote civic engagement. The Foundation seeks to partner with organizations demonstrating effective leadership and sustainable practices, while avoiding direct grants to individuals or funding for advocacy and charter schools.

The Dubs Foundation's Responsive Grants Program aims to empower youth and promote healthy families through innovative projects in Southern Oregon and Northern California. Established in 1996, the foundation prioritizes rural organizations that foster an active outdoor lifestyle and support veterans' reintegration. With a focus on community improvement, the foundation encourages partnerships with nonprofits to enhance access to basic needs and inspire a love of wilderness areas. Applicants should review fluid guidelines regularly as the foundation prepares for its 20th anniversary.

The Farrell Family Foundation (FFF) aims to enhance society by supporting education, health, human welfare, and the arts. Their approach emphasizes responsible giving, preferring matching funds to promote donor engagement and measurable outcomes. FFF focuses on underprivileged children in education, improving self-sufficiency in health, and fostering community access to the arts. Grants are awarded to tax-exempt organizations that demonstrate effective management and accountability, primarily in San Diego County.

The BCF Community Grant offers funding opportunities for organizations that support the growth of children, youth, and families in Benton County. With a cap of $10,000, grants can be requested for programs in arts, human services, education, and community betterment. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and others serving the county. However, funding is not available for discriminatory practices or private individuals. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare and development.

The Carthage Community Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations and IRS-approved entities serving the Carthage area. This initiative aims to enhance community life through innovative projects in key areas such as health, education, arts, and nutrition. Applicants must provide a detailed budget and can only apply once for funding. Grants should be utilized within one year, ensuring impactful use of resources for community development.

The Barrington District Nursing Association Fund, established in 1989, supports vital health and wellness programs for Barrington residents. This fund offers grants to nonprofit organizations providing healthcare, education, and basic needs, ensuring the community's physical and mental health. Organizations may submit one application per year, while maintaining eligibility for other grant programs. Importantly, the fund does not support entities with discriminatory policies, aligning with its mission and values.

The Community Foundation for Monterey County provides Community Impact Grants to support programs aimed at improving the lives of children, youth, and underserved populations. With an average grant award of $25,000, these grants focus on early childhood education, academic support, and health services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies in Monterey County. The foundation values innovative, collaborative proposals that demonstrate measurable impact and sustainability.

The CFMC Small Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation for Monterey County, supports emerging projects and small organizations focused on specific populations or areas. Applications are reviewed in three cycles each year: February, June, and October. This streamlined program aims to address critical community needs while fostering healthy, safe, and vibrant communities across Monterey County.

The Nexteer Steering the Future Fund, managed by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. With grants up to $2,500, it aims to enhance community well-being through initiatives that foster diversity, innovation, and education. Applicants must have a Nexteer Project Sponsor and demonstrate community involvement, workforce development, and sustainability efforts. This fund exemplifies Nexteer's commitment to strengthening the communities where they operate and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

About Us

The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation was established in 1983 by visionary community leaders. We are a collection of hundreds of endowed funds established by individuals, families, private foundations, and businesses to enhance the quality of life in our region. Since our inception, we have distributed more than $40 million in grants and scholarships and currently administer over 360 different funds, each with its own charitable purpose. The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation promotes private giving for the public good.

Community Opportunity Fund

The Community Opportunity Fund is at the heart of our work at Boreal Waters Community Foundation. It’s how we connect generosity with possibility to support bold ideas, local leadership, and long-term solutions across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Each year, this fund helps nonprofits tackle critical challenges, strengthen communities, and ensure that everyone in our region can thrive.

A Grant Program Rooted in Community and Collective Generosity

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Community Opportunity Fund helps nonprofits and community groups respond to challenges, create solutions, and build a better future. In 2023, we restructured the fund to offer larger, more flexible grants—supporting not just programs, but long-term vision and systems change.

We focus on these interconnected areas:

Community Opportunity Fund: Resilience Grant Focus

Projects must enhance the ability of organizations, families, or communities to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from challenges, creating sustainable, long-term solutions that reduce risk and promote resilience.

Examples include:

• Leveraging partnerships and resources to implement scalable, lasting solutions that strengthen community resilience.
• Expanding access to knowledge, training, and tools that improve economic, social, or environmental stability for individuals and families.
• Developing community-driven solutions that address housing stability, food security, workforce resilience, or climate adaptation.
• Applying innovative or proven strategies that increase a community’s ability to prepare for and respond to systemic challenges (e.g., disaster preparedness, economic shifts, public health crises).

Community Opportunity Fund: Belonging Grant Focus 

Community Opportunity Fund: Opportunity Grant Focus

What We Fund

We support a wide range of community-driven, equity-centered work. Funding can be used for:

• Program or Project Support: To launch, expand, or sustain work in Opportunity, Resilience, or Belonging
• General Operating Support: To build strength and stability
• Capacity Building: To grow organizational effectiveness or leadership
• Community-Led Solutions: Especially those involving lived experience and cross-sector collaboration
• Systems Change and Upstream Impact: Projects that address root causes—not just symptoms

The Samuel F. Atkins and Barbara H. Atkins Memorial Fund Grant, managed by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, supports projects that assist low-income individuals and address animal welfare. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, governmental entities, and tribal governments located in specific counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The fund prioritizes projects demonstrating financial need, including emergency services and training programs for the physically disabled. This grant exemplifies the foundation's commitment to enhancing community welfare.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, public agencies, and religious organizations in Dayton, Columbia County, and northern Walla Walla County can apply for Blue Mountain Community Foundation’s Warren Community Action Fund to support basic human needs and related services. Funding may cover capital, projects, programs, or general operations, including health, education, youth, recreation, and environmental initiatives with strong community backing.

The Roy and Ida Eagle Foundation, established in 2009, supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on strengthening families and protecting wildlife in Northern Santa Barbara and Kern County. With a mission centered on family values and community improvement, the Foundation funds educational opportunities, health care services, and violence prevention programs. Grant applications are by invitation only, with a deadline for Letters of Inquiry set for April 30, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted charitable contributions.

The Butte-Silver Bow Community Foundation Grant offers annual funding of approximately $5,000 to support 501(c)(3) organizations in five key areas: arts and culture, basic human needs, economic development, education, and natural resources conservation. Committed to enhancing community welfare, the foundation values equality, dignity, and active participation in community life, striving to uphold the cultural and environmental resources of Butte-Silver Bow for current and future generations.

The Central Montana Foundation offers minor grants for requests under $5,000 to support charitable initiatives in Central Montana. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations in good standing with the Montana Secretary of State, focusing on healthcare, education, and essential services. Applications are due by the 10th of each month for consideration at the monthly board meeting. This foundation, established in 1984, has significantly contributed to improving the quality of life in the region through generous donor support.

The Central Montana Foundation Major Grant provides funding for projects that enhance the quality of life in Central Montana. Established in 1984, this private foundation prioritizes educational, medical, essential services, civic, and cultural initiatives. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations in good standing within specified counties. Grants of $5,000 or more are awarded annually, supporting projects that benefit the most residents of the community. This initiative reflects the foundation's mission to foster community well-being and development.

The Sharing Montgomery Fund Grant, administered by The Greater Washington Community Foundation, supports nonprofits in Montgomery County focused on low-income residents. With a commitment to racial equity, the fund prioritizes basic needs, economic mobility, and community wealth building. Grants provide flexible operating support, allowing organizations to address urgent community needs exacerbated by the pandemic. By fostering partnerships and empowering BIPOC-led initiatives, the program aims to close the racial wealth gap and enhance overall community well-being.

The Community Grants Program, offered by the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, supports diverse nonprofit organizations in Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties. With an annual funding pool of approximately $350,000, grants range from $1,500 to $5,000 and can be used for various organizational needs. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate local impact. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being across health, environment, and social sectors, fostering collaboration with local partners.

The Kelsey Trust, established in 1988, collaborates with the Vermont Community Foundation to provide grants focused on supporting children, families, and basic human needs in the Lake Champlain Basin. With a yearly budget of approximately $200,000, grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000. Organizations serving the local community must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) or represented by a fiscal sponsor. The Trust emphasizes non-discrimination and prioritizes local organizations.

The Granville County Community Foundation (GCCF) offers grants to nonprofits to support community enhancement. Established in 1997, GCCF allocates funds from its endowments, including the Martha Frances Pruitt Endowment Fund, to organizations meeting eligibility criteria such as being tax-exempt public charities or local government units. The foundation encourages diverse community programs while excluding funding for political purposes, loans, or general operating support for religious entities. This initiative aims to foster inclusive community development.

The Harnett County Community Foundation provides support to charitable organizations in North Carolina, particularly those addressing COVID-19 challenges. By forgoing the traditional grant cycle, the foundation aims to assist nonprofits in various sectors, including education, health, and the arts. This initiative aligns with its mission to enhance community welfare through philanthropy and direct action. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt public charities or local government units, ensuring broad support for local needs.

The Hoke County Community Foundation Grant Program, part of the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports charitable organizations across 67 counties. It offers funding for diverse purposes, including education, health, and arts. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities or local government units, ensuring programs are accessible without discrimination. The program also includes the Mary Archie McNeill Endowment, specifically for music and cultural arts in Hoke County, with $12,650 available for grants.