Best Social Services Grants

The Marion I. and Henry J. Knott Foundation offers grants to support various program areas, including Arts & Humanities, Catholic Activities, Education, Health Care, and Human Services. With a commitment to enhancing community well-being, the foundation provides funding opportunities primarily for organizations serving the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Typical grant amounts are under $100,000, with discretionary grants available on a rolling basis. The foundation is dedicated to fostering education and supporting those in need, reflecting the legacy of its founders.

The Kahlert Foundation Maryland Grant aims to enhance community well-being by supporting non-profit organizations focused on health care, education, youth programs, veteran services, and human services primarily in Maryland and Utah. Eligible organizations must have a valid 501(c)(3) status and a strong Guidestar rating. The foundation encourages innovative proposals that demonstrate measurable impact and community benefit, with a preference for those that address multiple areas of focus.

The Skokie Community Foundation Grants promote collaboration among organizations to enhance community welfare in Skokie. Applications must involve at least two partners, including a qualified nonprofit or governmental entity. The foundation funds diverse projects addressing arts, education, health, and more. The aim is to create lasting benefits for the Skokie community, ensuring that funded initiatives support both immediate needs and long-term development.

The Thomas H. Pitts Trust Grant supports charitable and humanitarian efforts aimed at helping the poor and needy in the Atlanta area. Applications are accepted year-round, but must be submitted by June 15 for consideration in the current calendar year. Eligible organizations must be located within the Metro Atlanta area and qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation offers Community Grants aimed at supporting 501c3 non-profit organizations that focus on culinary, nutrition, and arts education, with an emphasis on life skills development. Grants are available to organizations in communities where the foundation operates, including Greater New Orleans, Austin, and Southern California. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and align with the foundation's vision of empowering youth to reach their full potential.

The Betterment Fund Grant provides financial support ranging from $10,000 to $35,000 annually, aimed at enhancing education, health, conservation, and community support in Maine. The fund prioritizes systemic community initiatives that address essential human needs while favoring projects with a proven track record in grant management. Special attention is given to projects in the Western Mountains region, although broader applications that meet their criteria may also be considered.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The C3F Urgent Needs Fund, established by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents by providing grants to support essential needs like food, shelter, and healthcare. This fund is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions serving Charlevoix County. Applications are accepted year-round, emphasizing support for projects that address the immediate needs of individuals and families in crisis.

The Lewisville-Clemmons Grants provide up to $7,500 to nonprofits addressing unmet community needs in the Lewisville and Clemmons areas. The Shallow Ford Foundation encourages applications from established tax-exempt organizations focusing on capacity building, community strengthening, and sustainability. Preference is given to proposals benefiting seniors or children and those that demonstrate collaboration among multiple nonprofits, fostering effective and lasting community solutions.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Pickaway County Community Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in Pickaway County by supporting local nonprofits through a competitive application process. Grants are awarded based on community needs and priorities set by the foundation, focusing on charitable purposes that benefit all citizens. As a leader in charitable giving, the foundation fosters a culture of philanthropy to address evolving community challenges, ensuring a lasting impact for future generations.

The Harper County Community Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations that enhance the quality of life in Harper County. Focused on education, health care, and community improvement, the foundation supports various projects aimed at fostering community development. Grants are available for full or partial funding, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. However, individuals are not eligible for funding, and administrative costs cannot be covered. This initiative is vital for local progress.

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation offers competitive grants to address community needs in Isabella County. It supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and government units focused on critical issues such as job creation and reducing crime. The foundation is particularly interested in innovative programs that address local challenges and leverage additional resources. However, it does not fund general operating expenses, projects benefiting those outside Isabella County, or religiously affiliated initiatives unless they serve a general community need.

The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ (JCF) is offering one-year grants aimed at enhancing and transforming local community programs. These grants support a variety of impactful initiatives, including care for the elderly, Jewish education programming, and assistance for those in need. With funding opportunities ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, JCF seeks to empower organizations that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community.

The Hewitt Foundation Grant supports Canadian registered charities focused on health, education, and community development. It emphasizes collaboration to address mental illness, trauma, and research for innovative solutions. The foundation also aids educational institutions and programs that foster inclusivity and support for youth. Additionally, it champions indigenous-led initiatives and environmental conservation, ensuring a better quality of life for all Canadians. Grants are exclusively for registered charities as defined by Canadian law.

The Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation, established in 2013, aims to inspire local nonprofits to address critical community needs across Barnes, Griggs, and Ransom Counties. By providing Community Grants, the foundation supports projects focused on Basic Human Needs, Education, Arts, Community Building, and more. It encourages collaborative efforts and realistic planning to maximize impact, ensuring that the spirit of giving thrives and benefits the Sheyenne River Valley Community.

The Eden Prairie Community Foundation Grants support local organizations aligned with their mission of community enrichment. Since 1981, they have awarded over $2 million to nonprofits in Eden Prairie. The foundation focuses on Arts & Culture, Education, Recreation & Environment, and Social Services. Eligible applicants are charitable organizations serving Eden Prairie residents. Grants are not available for debt retirement, endowments, or individuals. Priority is given to projects addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, food insecurity, and affordable housing.

The ESVCF Community Grants Program supports capital projects and ongoing programs that positively impact residents of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for initiatives in areas such as arts, education, health, and community welfare. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations that directly benefit local communities, with a focus on sustainable outcomes and collaboration. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate significant community benefits and innovative solutions.

The Wexford-Missaukee Counties Veterans’ Grants, established by the Cadillac Area Community Foundation, aim to support veterans and their families with emergency needs. This fund covers essential services such as transportation to veteran-approved facilities, housing assistance, and critical repairs. Prioritizing innovative approaches and community involvement, the Foundation ensures that these grants enhance the quality of life for veterans in the region, fostering a supportive environment for those who have served.

The Pathway to Sustainability Fund Grant aims to empower nonprofits in Madison County, Alabama, to collaborate effectively, leverage resources, and track outcomes. By focusing on individual client journeys, the fund supports organizations in providing tailored assistance to those facing challenges such as unemployment and mental health issues. With a vision to end generational poverty, the initiative fosters a community-wide network of nearly 200 partners dedicated to enhancing self-reliance and reducing service duplication.

The Benton Telecommunications Foundation offers small grants under $2,000 to support initiatives in healthy living, basic human needs, educational development, and community improvement. The foundation emphasizes values, ethics, and character formation, aiming to make a positive impact on communities, particularly in Benton County, Minnesota. Applications are reviewed monthly, focusing on the potential benefits of proposed activities and the financial need of individuals affected by disasters.

The CMCF: Penny’s Way, Food & Clothing Funds' Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations providing food and clothing to those in need in Montcalm County. Established through a matching grant challenge in 2007, the fund honors Penny Thomsen, a compassionate community member. The Central Montcalm Community Foundation ensures that annual earnings from permanent endowments are utilized to benefit local residents, reinforcing the mission of enhancing community quality of life.

The Brookline Community Foundation's Safety Net Grant Program provides crucial support to organizations and community groups addressing essential services for individuals and families affected by the pandemic. Grants can be utilized for activities such as direct cash assistance, food programs, and utility payments. The program emphasizes equity, aiming to uplift BIPOC and vulnerable populations in Brookline, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.

The Open Hand Fund aims to support human needs organizations and those with Protestant and Evangelical affiliations in Manitowoc County. Eligible applicants include qualified charitable organizations as defined by the IRS. This fund seeks to empower local initiatives that address pressing community needs, fostering a spirit of collaboration and service among various organizations. Through this funding, The Open Hand Fund plays a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of Manitowoc County residents.

The Bank of Hawaii Foundation is dedicated to enhancing communities through impactful programs targeting low and moderate-income areas. It supports initiatives in community development, education, human services, and arts integration, while emphasizing financial literacy. The Foundation collaborates with established non-profits, providing financial support and resources, and prefers organizations with a strong fiscal record. Eligible entities must be 501(c)(3) charities, with a focus on sustainable community growth and effective management.

The Bank of Hawaii Foundation's Major Capital Grant aims to bolster low and moderate-income communities through impactful programs. With a focus on community development, education, human services, and arts integration, the Foundation partners with established non-profits to address essential needs. Grants primarily support significant capital projects, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and successful management. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and demonstrate a strong operational history. This initiative seeks to empower community strength and sustainability.

The Carnahan-Jackson Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) and religious organizations in Chautauqua County, focusing on educational initiatives such as scholarships and libraries, as well as addressing basic human needs. The foundation operates exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. Interested applicants must request grant guidelines and submit a written paper application to be considered for funding.