Private Community Development Grants

The Simmons Family Foundation, established in 1986 by Roy W. and Elizabeth E. Simmons in Salt Lake City, is dedicated to enhancing the virtues of good citizenship through support for religious, medical, community, art, and educational initiatives. With a focus on serving the people of Utah, the Foundation prioritizes projects and organizations that align with its mission. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 170(c) non-profit organizations. The Foundation emphasizes a preference for direct project funding over organizations that grant funds to others.

The Colorado Gives Foundation is offering the Early Care and Education Grant Program, aimed at improving access to quality child care and education for children aged 8 and younger in Jefferson County, Colorado. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support the thriving of Jefferson County residents by investing in early childhood development, which is a critical foundation for lifelong success and community well-being. The program's focus on quality child care and education underscores the foundation's strategic priority of fostering a supportive environment for children and families within the county. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are community partners, specifically 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored organizations, who are committed to serving Jefferson County residents. The ultimate beneficiaries are children aged 8 and younger in Jefferson County, who will gain improved access to quality early care and education. The impact goals are centered around increasing the availability and affordability of quality programs, supporting age-appropriate social-emotional development, and coordinating systems that provide support to children and families in the region. The program prioritizes several key areas. These include supporting organizations that are implementing the Jeffco Bright Futures Roadmap, convening partners and stakeholders to advance policies aligned with strategic frameworks, and supporting evidence-based pilot programs to increase child care options. Another focus is to bring together stakeholders to develop a comprehensive Policy Blueprint aligned with the Jeffco Bright Futures Roadmap, aiming to improve access to quality early care and education programs, enhance social-emotional development, and coordinate supportive systems for children and families. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increased number of Jeffco residents served by quality early care and education programs, demonstrated impact within the county through budget application percentages, and concrete program successes specific to Jeffco populations. The grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for a one-year duration, with funding information of $5,000-$25,000 per year for a project period from October 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, reflects the foundation's theory of change: that by investing in and supporting community partners, particularly those focused on strategic initiatives like the Jeffco Bright Futures Roadmap, they can foster a stronger, more equitable environment for early childhood development and ultimately contribute to the long-term prosperity of Jefferson County.

The GPOA Foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of children and youth within Orleans Parish, Louisiana, through substantial financial support to nonprofit organizations. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, the foundation focuses on operational costs of programs that directly benefit this demographic, including staff salaries and materials. Notably, the foundation is open to considering multi-year requests for three years of declining support, contingent on the organizations' impact objectives and evaluation plans. Moreover, collaborative grant requests involving up to three organizations are encouraged, aiming to foster a cooperative approach towards achieving common outcomes. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofits serving children and youth in Orleans Parish, and the foundation does not fund building or renovation expenses, equipment, event sponsorships, individual scholarships, or out-of-state programs. The GPOA Foundation prioritizes early childhood education, grade-level reading proficiency by the third grade, enrichment programs, special education, and vocational training for at-risk youth, with a vision to level the playing field for the most vulnerable segments of the community. Grant renewed every year. Annual Spring opening/closing concept paper deadline: April 1st to May 1st. Full application ONLY by invitation.

The Community of Health Grants program seeks to partner with organizations that share the Foundation's mission and values, aiming to improve the health and dental health of Iowans. The Foundation focuses on strengthening and transforming health services through investments in projects that align with its core initiatives. These projects must fit within three strategic areas of focus, supporting the Foundation's goal of a healthier Iowa community. Grant renewed every year. Annual Fall deadline: September 1st

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the San Antonio area that are collaborating on innovative programs or systemic initiatives to create measurable community impact.

The Highland Lakes Service League is inviting applications for its Community Grants program, aimed at enhancing the Highland Lakes area through various focus areas including the promotion of animal welfare, cultivation of arts and culture, improvement in education, provision of basic human services, and promotion of recreation and public spaces. The grants program is open to 501(c)(3) organizations serving Burnet or Llano counties in Texas. Applications are accepted annually from June 15th to August 31st. The grant amounts are not specified. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/ closing deadlines: June 15th to August 31st

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in Monroe and Ontario Counties to create engaging summer programs for youth aged 3-18, focusing on learning, skill-building, and social-emotional development.

The Community Fund for Carmel Valley is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that demonstrate strong leadership and capacity to deliver essential community resources and services within the Carmel Valley and Cachagua regions. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to foster community well-being and development by addressing local needs and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The fund prioritizes initiatives that build community, improve local infrastructure, expand youth and senior programming, and support educational, cultural, and historical programs for residents. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of Carmel Valley and Cachagua, with a particular focus on those requiring basic needs assistance such as food and housing security, and youth programs. The program also seeks to support organizations providing services directly located within these communities, ensuring ease of access for residents. The overall impact goal is to strengthen the social fabric of these communities, provide critical support for vulnerable populations, and enhance community resilience, particularly in areas of emergency prevention and response. Priorities for funding include community development initiatives that aim to build local capacity and address specific community needs. Youth and senior programs are a key focus, with the goal of expanding existing services and creating new opportunities for these demographic groups. Resident programs, encompassing education, culture, and history, are also given significant consideration to enrich the lives of community members. Special attention is given to organizations addressing basic needs and those involved in emergency preparedness and response, such as education for disaster preparedness and neighborhood organizing. Expected outcomes include improved community infrastructure, increased access to vital services for youth and seniors, enhanced educational and cultural opportunities, and a more prepared and resilient community in the face of emergencies like fires and other disasters. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on tangible outcomes like expanded programming and improved infrastructure suggests that the foundation seeks to support initiatives with clear, positive impacts on the community. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on community empowerment and direct local impact. The eligibility criteria emphasize support for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, public programs (e.g., schools, parks, public health), and church-sponsored activities that benefit beyond their membership. Organizations and collaboratives that are not legally incorporated may also apply with a fiscal sponsor. This demonstrates a strategic commitment to ensuring broad access to funding for a diverse range of community-serving entities. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by investing in local organizations with strong leadership and capacity, it can directly contribute to building stronger, more resilient, and self-sufficient communities in Carmel Valley and Cachagua.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Berks County that work to improve access to justice and legal services for low-income or marginalized individuals, with a special focus on initiatives benefiting local children and youth.

The Sitka Legacy Foundation is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to tax-exempt organizations in Sitka and on Baranof Island, prioritizing those serving children and youth, for projects in areas such as health, education, outdoors, arts, and community development, to be completed within a year.

This grant provides funding for innovative projects that help communities and ecosystems adapt to and recover from extreme weather events and natural hazards.

The Amway Impact Grant focuses on enhancing Health and Wellbeing by increasing access to fresh, healthy foods, supporting nutritional education, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and promoting mental wellbeing through practices like meditation. Additionally, the Empowerment segment of the grant aims to improve workforce skills, provide livelihood education, and support youth mentorship and leadership, particularly for underserved populations. The grant is prioritizing collaborative projects and nonprofit organizations based in Kent County, MI. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadlines: February 1st to October 1st.

The Fox Family Foundation annually opens its grant application specifically targeting organizations within southeastern Colorado, with a preference for those in the Fowler area. These grants aim to support small, practical projects across a wide range of fields including arts, culture, humanities, education, food, agriculture, nutrition, employment, economic development, business, housing, shelter, and recreational activities. While the grants are modest, they have been utilized for various purposes such as storefront improvements, purchasing equipment for outdoor activities, school concert outreach, and food pantry supplies. Nonprofits, regardless of their 501(c)3 status, are eligible to apply for these opportunities, making the foundation's grants accessible to a broad spectrum of organizations seeking to make a tangible impact in their communities. Grant renewed every year. Grantt Annual opening/closing deadline: beginning of September to the last Friday in October

The Lake Mills Area Community Foundation, founded in 1996, is a philanthropic organization dedicated to the enrichment of the community. The Foundation receives its funds in the form of both current gifting and bequests through estate planning. Grant requests may be submitted to the Foundation at any time. The foundation will act on submitted proposals in timely manner. However, requests received less than two weeks prior to the next scheduled Board meeting may result in review and consideration at a subsequent Board meeting

The Ford Foundation's New York City Good Neighbor Committee offers annual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to community-based organizations in New York City, focusing on arts and culture, education, and human services, with a priority on initiatives that support marginalized communities and improve quality of life.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for solar energy projects that enhance energy independence and benefit low-to-moderate income communities.

The Walter Cerf Community Fund offers large grants up to $25,000 for project-specific initiatives that align with Vermont's charitable needs in arts, education, historic preservation, and social services. This funding supports projects that promote community building and address the needs of underserved populations, specifically in Addison County or Brandon. Large grants require a focus on project-specific funding and do not support general operational costs.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. composters, communities, and nonprofits in expanding infrastructure and programs to divert food scraps and certified compostable packaging from landfills.

The Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) is seeking applications for its Kodiak Community Foundation Grants program, targeting charitable organizations and programs within the Kodiak Archipelago Area. This grant opportunity aligns with the ACF's broader mission to support diverse community needs, with a focus on local impact in the Kodiak region. The program aims to address a wide range of needs, ensuring that funding contributes to the well-being and development of the community. The target beneficiaries of these grants are charitable organizations and programs operating in the Kodiak Archipelago. The impact goals are broad, encompassing health and wellness, education, outdoor activities, arts and culture, and community development. The foundation's strategic priority is to empower local initiatives that directly benefit the residents of the Kodiak area, reflecting a theory of change that grassroots efforts are crucial for sustainable community growth. The program prioritizes projects that address a broad spectrum of community needs. While specific outcomes are not rigidly defined beyond these categories, the expectation is that funded projects will contribute to an improved quality of life, enhanced community resources, and increased opportunities for residents in the aforementioned areas. Measurable results would likely be defined by individual grant recipients based on their specific project goals, within the broader framework of the foundation's focus areas. Funding information indicates average awards range from $1,000 to $3,000, with a potential for higher or lower amounts, and grant projects must be completed within one year of the award. The eligibility criteria emphasize support for 501(c)(3) public charitable organizations, faith-based organizations providing social services, federally recognized Tribes or Tribal non-profit organizations, and city or borough governments. This structured approach ensures that resources are directed towards credible and impactful entities capable of delivering on the grant's objectives.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations in western and central New York that are working to reduce firearm violence through education and intervention, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations such as pregnant individuals, young children, and older adults.