Best Social Services Grants

**THIS GRANT IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING UNSOLICITED APPLICATIONS FOR THE MARCH 2024 DEADLINE**

Our Mission

To fund crucial efforts today that help every child in Cuyahoga County grow into adulthood with health, wellness and dignity.

Our Focus

Because every child is a partner in the future of our city.

The Bruening Foundation aims to improve quality of life in Cuyahoga County by investing proactively in early childhood development.

We know that economic adversity experienced early in life compromises brain development, health and earnings over a lifetime. The ages between 0-3 are the critical years. This short window of time is our opportunity to disrupt the consequences of poverty, both for the potential of the child and the continued success of our city. We support efforts targeted to young children with the understanding that the benefits of social and educational interventions are strongest in the earliest years.

Inspired by a compassionate civic vision. Informed by our legacy.

Our focus is a modern interpretation of our founding couple’s vision and voice.

With no children of their own, Eva and Joseph Bruening viewed the children of Cleveland as their legacy and felt they had a responsibility to care for those in need. They strongly believed in the importance of building hope in their community by alleviating the roots of poverty.

That mission continues to influence the Bruening Foundation’s focus today. We invest in efforts to improve overall quality of life by empowering economically disadvantaged individuals to navigate through life with dignity and to gain greater personal and economic security and self sufficiency. Our grantmaking priorities reflect an interest in helping families out of poverty through improved education, access to long-term benefits and connections to employment

Thinking. Learning. Changing. Doing. Bruening.

At the Bruening Foundation, we are thinking about how to address poverty in our community. We are part of the community conversation and learning about best practices to lift families out of poverty. We support grantees that are doing important programming and changing the course for families living in poverty. That is the Bruening way.

The RAF Better Communities Grants focus on enhancing quality of life in the Rochester area through unrestricted funding for nonprofits. With a commitment to equity, these grants support historically marginalized communities and basic needs, promoting growth and resilience. Organizations can apply for funding between $10,000 and $20,000 annually, with a particular emphasis on operational support. This initiative aims to empower nonprofits and strengthen community infrastructure, ensuring sustained impact and collaboration.

The Match General Operating Support program by The Chicago Community Trust aims to assist community-serving organizations managing government grants by providing essential funding to cover administrative costs. This initiative is crucial for ensuring that federal aid reaches historically disinvested communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on equitable recovery, the program supports organizations that prioritize community investment, safety, and workforce development, thereby enhancing the overall impact of government funding.

The Strawberry Festival Grants, offered by Christ Church Cathedral, provide funding up to $3,000 for 501(c)(3) organizations. These grants aim to support projects that benefit women, children, and underserved communities, with a strong emphasis on local initiatives. Recipients are required to provide volunteers for festival events. This annual fundraiser not only supports community projects but also enhances the spirit of collaboration and service within the diocese.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The Brewers Community Foundation Grant supports nonprofits focused on health, education, recreation, and basic needs, especially for low-income youth and families. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, and organizations must demonstrate a history of effective service. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits in good standing. The foundation does not fund organizations less than two years old or those with operating deficits. Applications are accepted once per year, with a deadline of November 1.

The Northwest Community Bank Foundation supports non-profits that enhance community life through grants focused on education, housing, basic human services, and community impact. Eligible organizations include registered 501(c)(3) entities aligned with the Foundation's mission, serving areas across Connecticut. With an average grant size of $3,500 and a cap of $25,000 per year, the Foundation aims to foster economic success, empower youth, and provide essential services to those in need.

The Blocker Foundation Grant aims to empower the Hampton Roads community by providing support for nonprofit organizations. With a focus on wholesome nourishment, safe shelter, educational and economic opportunities, the Foundation seeks to create impactful solutions to community challenges. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Service Area, which includes various cities and counties in Virginia and North Carolina.

The Blocker Foundation offers Discretionary Grants to empower the Hampton Roads community by funding organizations that tackle immediate needs. Grants up to $25,000 support projects focused on wholesome nourishment, safe shelter, educational opportunities, and economic growth. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and serve specified areas within the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Service Area. These grants aim to create impactful, sustainable solutions while fostering collaboration among diverse community partners.

The GLCF Century Fund offers $100,000 annually to tax-exempt charitable organizations in Lynchburg and surrounding counties. This grant supports transformational projects that significantly improve nonprofit operations and community services. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to innovative change. The fund aims to enhance various project categories, including arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Organizations can apply every five years, ensuring a continuous opportunity for impactful funding.

Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH) offers two community nonprofit grants to support projects addressing urgent needs, bold ventures, or new solutions to ongoing challenges. With each grant award set at $36,250, eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in specific counties of WV, VA, and MD can apply. WISH is committed to fostering women's philanthropy and creating impactful change within the community and Shepherd University. The funding promotes accessibility and innovation in nonprofit initiatives.

The Glastonbury Greater Together Community Fund invites applications for annual grants up to $5,000 aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Glastonbury, CT. Nonprofits and town resident groups can apply for funding to support innovative initiatives, improve access to programs, and address critical community needs. All projects must be inclusive and benefit local residents, fostering collaboration for greater impact within the community.

The Snowy Owl Foundation Grant, established in 2010, supports organizations focused on Land, Art, Education, and Human Need. With a mission to nourish good organizations, the Foundation prioritizes local community initiatives while also considering qualified regional projects. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated charities, while requests from religious organizations, individuals, and political entities are not reviewed. This grant aims to foster creativity and address critical community needs.

The United Way KGC Impact 100 Grant seeks proposals from local nonprofit organizations that address critical health and human service needs in the Kansas City region. Selected organizations will receive a one-year unrestricted grant, enhancing their visibility and connections within the United Way network. This initiative emphasizes diverse approaches in Health, Education, and Financial Stability, ensuring a comprehensive impact across various community sectors. Organizations are encouraged to apply based on alignment with United Way's funding goals and community needs.

The United Way of the Bluegrass offers a Basic Needs Grant aimed at supporting low-income and underserved residents in Central Kentucky. This grant focuses on providing essential services such as food, health care, financial assistance, and more. With a funding ceiling of $10,000 per grant year, it ensures targeted support for programs serving single-county residents. This initiative highlights the commitment to fostering education, stability, and basic needs within the community.

The Kern Community Foundation Farmworkers Grant provides essential support to unemployed and employed farmworkers in Kern County. This grant aims to enhance their quality of life through various forms of assistance, including family support, education, healthcare, housing, food assistance, childcare, legal aid, emergency relief, job support, and transportation. By connecting generous donors with community needs, KCF fosters a healthier and more vibrant Kern County for all residents.

The 2025 GSK IMPACT Awards recognize nonprofit organizations in Greater Philadelphia for their contributions to community health. Each awardee receives $50,000 in unrestricted funding, aimed at nonprofits with annual revenues between $100,000 and $5 million. The awards promote innovative and impactful solutions to health challenges within the community, with a focus on criteria such as accountability and community-centered approaches. Organizations must comply with eligibility requirements to apply for this prestigious recognition.

The Valley County Masonic Endowment, established by the Nemont Manor Foundation, Inc. and managed by the Montana Community Foundation, offers grants of up to $5,000 to support local nonprofit and government entities. These grants aim to enhance community projects in areas such as arts, education, and economic development within Valley County, ensuring a positive impact on local residents. Nonprofits outside Valley County can apply, fostering broader community support.

Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless offers the Community Impact Grant aimed at supporting organizations that assist individuals and families facing food and housing insecurity in Minnesota. The grant focuses on providing necessary tools and infrastructure to crisis service providers, particularly those helping the homeless. Agencies with 501(c)3 status located in Minnesota are eligible to apply, ensuring that resources are effectively directed to those in immediate need.

The FJ Brotherton Charitable Trust Grant aims to support charitable organizations, focusing on arts, education, and social services primarily in the northeastern United States. Established in 2024, the Trust continues the legacy of the Fred J. Brotherton Charitable Foundation. It emphasizes funding for programs that assist the needy or disabled, while adhering to strict eligibility criteria, including a requirement for tax-exempt status under I.R.C. Section 501(c)(3).

The Moniker Foundation's Southwest Region Grant offers $10,000 grants and $1,000 participation grants to eligible organizations in a competitive process. Applicants must operate within designated counties and be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. The program emphasizes early childhood education, youth programming, food security, and environmental initiatives, with an in-person Pitch Day required for selected applicants. Organizations are encouraged to focus on critical operating activities during the application process.

The St. Charles Health System Basic Needs Grant supports initiatives that serve medically underserved populations in Central Oregon. This grant prioritizes projects that address unmet needs, promote collaboration, and demonstrate innovation to improve community health. Organizations must provide detailed project descriptions and plan for self-sufficiency. Applications are accepted year-round, with reviews occurring in February, May, and October. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life and ensure sustainable development in the region.

The Kelsey Trust, established in 1988, supports organizations that benefit the people and protect the environment of the Lake Champlain Basin. With a preference for local initiatives, the Trust collaborates with the Vermont Community Foundation for grantmaking. The Spring Grants focus on education and environmental projects, with a Letter of Interest deadline of June 1st and grant decisions announced by June 30th. Organizations eligible must be tax-exempt or public agencies in Vermont or New York.

The Community Responsive Grants, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust, aim to support organizations addressing critical community needs in south central and southeastern Minnesota. Grants of up to $75,000 will be awarded to eligible nonprofits focusing on areas such as literacy, children's health, and mental health. Applicants must have a 501(c)(3) designation and a proven operational history of at least five years.

Nicor Gas offers the Pillar Grants program to support organizations focused on Basic Human Needs and Energy Assistance. These grants, capped at $5,000, aim to address immediate needs such as food, shelter, and clothing for individuals within Nicor Gas' service area. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations that contribute to community stability and wellness, ensuring critical support for those facing challenges.

The Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation's Omaha Award provides competitive grants to nonprofit organizations in the Omaha area focusing on food, personal care, shelter, and health. With a maximum grant request of $75,000 for general operations and $50,000 for capital projects, the foundation supports initiatives that address basic needs and promote community well-being. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area to apply.

The WCF Capacity Building Grants support small, emerging nonprofits in the Greater Williamsburg area, focusing on enhancing effectiveness and sustainability. Grants of up to $1,500 are available for organizations with an operating budget under $50,000 that serve specific community needs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or have a fiscal agent. The Foundation prioritizes areas such as arts, health, and community wellness, aiming to strengthen organizations for future funding opportunities.