Private Community Development Grants

This funding opportunity provides up to $20,000 to nonprofit organizations in Ohio for projects that make cultural and historical topics accessible to diverse audiences through engaging public humanities initiatives.

This grant provides funding to eligible organizations focused on improving environmental health and justice in the Great Lakes region, particularly addressing water quality, lead hazards, and air quality in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties in Michigan.

The Seward Community Foundation (SCF), an Affiliate of The Alaska Community Foundation (ACF), offers mini-grants up to $1,000 to support a wide array of community needs in Seward and/or Moose Pass. This flexible funding opportunity aims to support projects related to health and wellness, education, the great outdoors, arts and culture, and community development. Applications are reviewed monthly by the SCF Advisory Board, with a submission deadline on the 5th of each month.

This grant provides financial support to community organizations and nonprofits in Buhler to improve the quality of life for residents within the USD 313 boundaries.

This funding opportunity supports charitable organizations in Philadelphia to host community-driven events that celebrate the city’s cultural diversity and civic pride in 2026.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Erie County, Ohio, to address community needs in areas such as job training, mental health, childcare, and access to healthy food.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to designated Ohio communities for projects that celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States through storytelling and educational initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for exterior repairs and improvements to historically significant houses of worship in Rhode Island, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations seeking to improve the inclusivity and accessibility of public spaces in Greater Philadelphia, particularly for historically underserved communities.

This grant provides flexible funding to small to mid-size arts organizations in Monroe and Ontario counties, New York, to support their operations and enhance community access to diverse creative arts programming.

This funding opportunity supports small, community-led projects in Washington, D.C. that improve local waterways and engage underserved populations in environmental education and restoration efforts.

The Sandhills Area Foundation Grants are funds available to nonprofit organizations in Cherry County, NE, that support youth programs, buy locally, avoid religious or political activities, and are willing to publicly acknowledge SAF's support, provide a final report, and participate in media coverage.

To help marine businesses recover from the devastating impacts of January 2024’s coastal storms, Island Institute is expanding our Business Resilience Grant program. Grant awards of up to $5,000 are available for working waterfront businesses that directly support fishing and aquaculture on islands, and in fishing-dependent communities that were impacted by the storms on January 10 and 13, 2024. Maine’s fishing industry accounts for nearly $1 billion in annual revenue and it is under a multitude of pressures. Taking up a mere 20 miles of the more than 5,000 miles of Maine’s coastline, the working waterfront infrastructure along our shorelines is in grave danger of being lost forever. The more rural the community, the more reliant communities are on the marine economy. Without safe and reliable wharves, docks, and access ramps, Maine’s fishing communities grind to a halt. This infrastructure is the backbone of the coastal economy and importantly supports the families and communities that rely upon what they catch or grow. It is for this reason we are choosing to urgently support the resilient rebuilding of our working waterfront infrastructure. We will review grant applications weekly and have streamlined our application process to ensure these limited funds will quickly arrive in communities. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses with shoreside infrastructure that supports multiple individuals or that plays a critical role in communities with demonstrable impact from these storms. Due to limited available funds, priority is given to businesses that support many independent harvesters. For more information please contact Jeff Frank at brgrants@islandinstitute.org Examples of acceptable uses of funds include: • Wharf infrastructure repair • Equipment repair and replacement • Other: contact us if you're unsure. Before you get started, here is a bit more about the application and process: Individuals and affiliated companies are eligible for one Island Institute grant per fiscal year (this does not include scholarships). Awards from previous fiscal years will not disqualify applications. There is a limited amount of funds available for the Business Resilience Storm Recovery Grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June 10, 2024 (as long as funds are available), and reviewed weekly to ensure these funds will quickly arrive in communities.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for one-day fundraising events in Connecticut, with applications accepted on a rolling basis depending on funding availability. Nonprofits and community groups can receive sponsorships for in-person, virtual, or hybrid events, with a focus on encouraging resident engagement in New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, and East Haven. The Foundation's minimum eligibility requirements must be met by all applicants.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small businesses in Northern Virginia that have a strong community impact and a solid business plan, encouraging entrepreneurship and local growth.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham (TCFHR) provides a streamlined process through which eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for inclusion in the Giving Back Guide and be considered for several restricted Community Grants. This centralized application portal opens annually on July 1 and remains available through September 1. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations holding 501(c)(3) status that are physically located in and serve Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. Notably, schools and churches are not eligible to apply under this opportunity. The application process begins with an eligibility quiz to determine which grants the applicant may be considered for. Based on the outcome, the organization is either directed to complete a Community Grant application or provide information for the Giving Back Guide. Organizations that qualify for restricted Community Grants need only submit a single application, which serves both as a grant application and a submission for the Giving Back Guide. These grants are distributed from various donor-advised and endowment funds and are designated for specific programmatic areas such as the arts, food pantries, healthcare, animal welfare, and mental health services for children. Some restricted grants include significant funding levels, such as the Earlynn J. Miller Fund for the Arts, which provides over $60,000 annually, and the Alvin J. Baird Jr. Program Endowment Fund, with over $44,000 available each year. Meanwhile, smaller funds like the Sean Warner Memorial Endowment Fund provide approximately $500 biennially for targeted emotional support programs. The Giving Back Guide itself is a separate, strategic initiative by TCFHR to elevate the visibility of local nonprofits. All qualifying organizations are profiled in this annual publication, which features one-page summaries of each organization’s mission, accomplishments, and funding needs. This resource is widely distributed to the public, media, and donor networks in both print and digital formats beginning in mid-November. TCFHR uses the Guide throughout the year to facilitate donor conversations and encourage giving. In addition to the Harrisonburg-Rockingham area, the Little Swiss Fund supports nonprofit organizations based in Highland County, Virginia. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) entities located in and serving Highland County, demonstrate broad volunteer support, and have annual revenues exceeding $25,000. This fund distributes over $500,000 annually and supports multiple recipients. The application is accessible online and includes both an eligibility quiz and guided questions for either the Giving Back Guide or relevant grant applications. Application types include project-specific funding, general programming support, capital expenditures, and unrestricted funding for needs such as equipment and materials. TCFHR emphasizes that each applicant will be guided into the appropriate application path based on their eligibility and programmatic alignment with available grants. Applicants and interested parties can contact TCFHR for more information. General inquiries can be directed to their main office by phone at 540-432-3863. The organization is located at 317 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, and mail can be sent to P.O. Box 1068, Harrisonburg, VA 22803. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays.

The Expand Massachusetts Stories Grant - Open Track offers funding up to $20,000 for projects that amplify under-recognized narratives and voices in Massachusetts. Focused on using humanities tools such as inquiry, contextualization, and reflection, this grant seeks to enhance public understanding of the diverse histories and experiences within the state. Projects eligible for funding include oral histories, community-centered museum exhibitions, and other humanities-focused initiatives. The grant is competitive, with applications reviewed based on their contribution to a more inclusive narrative of Massachusetts.

The Mississippi Humanities Council offers grants to support projects that engage communities in meaningful dialogue, attract diverse audiences, and are participatory and engaging, applying humanities to everyday life. Grants support public humanities programs, exhibits, planning of larger projects, and the development of original productions in various media. Regular grants : start at $2,500 to $10,000. Regular grants applications are accepted on May 1st and September 1st Grant renewed every year.

The Foundation's Supporting Healthy Minds and Youth Resiliency funding opportunity focuses on honoring young people and supporting their growth and development amidst various challenges such as the pandemic, community violence, and discrimination. Specifically targeting youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth aged 12-18, this initiative seeks to nurture resiliency through identity, agency, and belonging, critical components in developing personal and interpersonal capacities like relationship building, problem-solving, and self-awareness. Proposals should align with the Foundation’s cornerstones, emphasizing service, informed approaches, and health equity. Funding requests typically range from $150,000 to $250,000 over two years, provided as program/project support grants. Organizations must include the same group of young people and adults over a sustained period, focusing on racial, ethnic, sexual, and/or gender identity development; demonstration of agency; and fostering a sense of belonging. A wide array of youth programming will be considered, including civic engagement, arts, cultural practices, outdoor adventures, and job skill training. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to connect with the Foundation before submitting applications. Grant renewed every year.