Private Education Grants

The Berkeley FILM Foundation (BFF) is offering its 2024 General Grant program, aligning with its mission to support films that demonstrate social consciousness and highlight diverse narratives. The foundation prioritizes stories of oppression or historical mistreatment, celebrations of underrepresented communities, films addressing environmental degradation or climate change, educational films on lesser-known science, health, or local history, and profiles of individuals who challenge norms or fight the status quo. This strategic focus aims to leverage the power of film to raise awareness, foster understanding, and inspire change around critical societal issues, reflecting a theory of change that impactful storytelling can drive social progress. The grant program targets filmmakers who reside or work in specific Bay Area cities: Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, or Oakland. Applicants must be primary creators (Director or Producer) of the work, at least 18 years old, and have resided or worked in a qualified city for at least one year. This geographic and role-based eligibility ensures that the foundation's resources directly benefit the local filmmaking community and support original creative visions. By empowering these local storytellers, BFF aims to strengthen the regional film ecosystem and amplify voices from within these communities. BFF provides grants across production, post-production, and distribution stages of film projects, specifically excluding pre-production or development phases. This focus on later stages suggests a strategic priority to support projects that are already off the ground and have a clearer path to completion and audience engagement. Regular grants typically range from $2,500 to $15,000, with special awards such as The Saul Zaentz Award ($25,000), The Al Bendich Award ($20,000), The Saul Zaentz Award for Underserved Communities ($25,000), and two Jonathan Logan Elevate Awards ($25,000 each). These larger awards likely reflect an intent to provide more substantial support for projects with exceptional promise or those that align strongly with specific foundation initiatives, such as supporting underserved communities. Expected outcomes of the program include the completion and dissemination of documentary films that align with BFF's mission. Measurable results would likely involve the number of films funded, their successful completion and distribution, and the themes they explore. The eligible genres, Short Documentary (40 minutes or less) and Long Documentary (over 40 minutes), further define the scope of projects BFF seeks to support, indicating a clear strategic priority for non-fiction storytelling. By investing in these documentary films, BFF aims to achieve its impact goals of fostering social consciousness, shedding light on untold stories, and promoting dialogue on important environmental, social, and historical topics.

The FY25 Workforce Development Grant is dedicated to supporting educational and training opportunities aimed at enhancing workforce capabilities. With a special focus on populations such as people with disabilities, high school juniors and seniors, non-traditional students, nonprofit professionals, and skilled workers in critical sectors, the grant provides up to $7,500 for qualified applicants. Programs eligible for funding include summer work experiences, pre-apprenticeship programs, internships, occupational skills training with recognized credentials, concurrent educational programs, and leadership development initiatives. Additional consideration is given based on the scope of impact, collaborative efforts, organizational competence, and fiscal sustainability of applying organizations. Grant renewed every year.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists to deliver enriching arts programs to K-12 public school students in Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas.

This grant provides financial support to female visual artists in the Houston area to help fund their creative projects in contemporary art.

This funding opportunity provides $4,000 to assist non-traditional researchers, students, and others with financial challenges in conducting research at Penn State’s Eberly Family Special Collections Library, focusing on various topics such as women writers and African American history.

This funding opportunity supports Nevada-based nonprofit organizations and public institutions in executing arts and cultural projects that benefit local communities.

This funding opportunity supports small, volunteer-run organizations with annual incomes under £350,000 that are working on grassroots projects for long-term social change and non-violent action.

Stark Community Foundation and its family of donors help improve the lives of area residents by providing Community Responsive Grants to local organizations in support of community-based programs and services. Grants are awarded from the Foundation's Community Charitable Fund to areas such as arts, education, environment, health, human services and neighborhoods. Donors also provide grant funding in scholarships and directly to organizations through their established Donor Advised Funds, Designated Funds and Field of Interest Funds.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in Douglas County, Minnesota, to support health and wellness initiatives that address the needs of residents experiencing poverty.

The Essex Community Fund (ECF) at Adirondack Foundation invites local nonprofits, schools, churches, and municipalities to apply for grant funding. Eligible projects must serve town of Essex residents through community services, beautification, historic preservation, culture, the arts, education, or programs for youth and senior citizens. The deadline to apply is May 24. ECF gives strong preference to capacity building grants or modest one-time capital projects. It does not award grants for ongoing operating expenses. While grants typically range from $250 to $2,000, the maximum a potential grantee can request is $5,000. After reviewing applications, the ECF committee anticipates making grant recommendations in June with funding available as early as July. Applications must be submitted online through Adirondack Foundation’s Online Grants Manager: adirondackfoundation.org/granting/online-grants-manager For more information about ECF grants, please call Colleen Van Hoven at (518) 569-3141 or email colleenvanhoven@gmail.com or email leslee.mounger@adkfoundation.org. To learn more about community funds at Adirondack Foundation, visit adirondackfoundation.org. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual deadline: May

This grant provides in-kind support for innovative research projects in radiology, enabling U.S. faculty and trainees to collaborate with expert analysts and access extensive healthcare data to improve radiologic care and influence health policy.

Value: The Highland Area Community Foundation (H.A.C.F.) appears to be offering a grant for community-related projects. Applicants are required to submit a proposal narrative that includes a description of the organization's general purpose, objectives, and operational scope; a statement of the problem addressed; details on the purpose and expectations of the specific project for which funding is sought, including its relevance to community needs; a proposed program design; and a detailed project budget including other funding sources. Funds must be used specifically for the purpose stated in the grant award, and a progress report with photos is required within 12 months of receiving the award.

GUIDELINES & INSTRUCTIONS The National Book Foundation is pleased to offer a new one-year funding opportunity for nonprofit literary arts organizations. Eligible organizations may apply to the National Book Foundation’s Capacity-Building Grant Program for one-year grants of $5,000 or $10,000 to support capacity-building initiatives. A grant from the Hawthornden Foundation, originally founded in 1983 by the late Drue Heinz, makes this program possible. “Capacity building” as defined by the National Council of Nonprofits, is “whatever is needed to bring a nonprofit to the next level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity, so it may more effectively and efficiently advance its mission into the future.” Nonprofit literary arts organizations may apply for grants to support projects that aim to create a sustainable and effective organization in the areas of fundraising, finance, or marketing; skill-building opportunities for staff and/or Board members; strategic planning consultants; diversity and equity initiatives; leadership development and management training; sabbaticals for long-term staff members and leaders; and succession planning. To learn about a similar grant opportunity offered by the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP) for independent nonprofit literary arts publishers, visit their website at clmp.org. ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS Applicants must be nonprofit literary arts organizations* based in the United States or US territories. Applicants must be a 501(c)3 organization or have a fiscal sponsor. *Nonprofit literary arts organizations are understood as those that have missions and programs dedicated to the literary arts and not other artistic disciplines such as dance, theatre, visual arts. REVIEW PROCESS Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria: Completeness of application and clarity of proposal Feasibility of capacity-building project as described Potential impact on organizational capacity and/or sustainability Submitted work samples Previous Capacity-Building funding from the Academy of American Poets will be considered, in addition to separate Hawthornden Foundation funding. Grants will be recommended by an independent panel. Final grant decisions will be approved by a committee of the National Book Foundation Board of Directors. TIMELINE April 2, 2024: Application portal opens May 10, 2024, 5:00 pm EDT: Application portal closes August 2024: Applicants notified; funds disbursed September 2025: Final reports due APPLICATION DEADLINE Complete application, including all materials, must be received by National Book Foundation via Submittable by May 10, 2024 at 5:00pm EDT. The National Book Foundation assumes no responsibility for applications not received due to user or technical error.

The **Mardag Foundation** is now accepting applications for its **2024 Grant Program**, supporting organizations that promote equity, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life for Minnesotans. Rooted in collaboration and racial equity, the foundation’s approach emphasizes community-informed work that empowers marginalized populations and fosters lasting, inclusive change. Grant funding is available to organizations serving residents in **Greater Minnesota** and the **East Metro counties of Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington**. The foundation’s giving focuses on three primary areas. The first is **improving the lives of low-income children, youth, and families** who face barriers to opportunity. Priority is given to organizations serving marginalized communities—especially Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)—and addressing intersections of education, mental health, basic needs, employment pathways, healthcare access, and housing stability. Projects that eliminate inequities and expand equitable opportunities for youth and families are especially encouraged to apply. The second focus area supports **older adults who face isolation, financial hardship, or barriers to full participation in community life**. Funding will prioritize organizations serving low-income older Minnesotans, particularly those who are also members of marginalized groups such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals, or people with disabilities. Grants may support efforts to meet basic needs, improve caregiving quality, promote mental health, reduce isolation, and enable aging in place through stable and safe housing. The foundation also welcomes programs fostering **intergenerational connections**, which enrich both older adults and younger participants through shared experiences. The third priority is **strengthening community vitality through arts and culture**. The Mardag Foundation believes that the arts play a vital role in honoring diverse cultures and fostering shared understanding. Funding will support arts and culture organizations that elevate underrepresented voices and amplify the creative contributions of BIPOC, low-income, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Through these efforts, the foundation aims to build stronger, more connected, and culturally vibrant communities across Minnesota. The foundation offers two types of grants: **General Operating Support** and **Capital Project grants**. General operating grants provide flexible funding to nonprofits that serve at least 50% of their beneficiaries in the East Metro or Greater Minnesota. Capital grants support facility improvements or equipment purchases for projects based in these same regions, typically distributed over multiple years. Eligible applicants include **501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies, and religious organizations**. Preference is given to entities whose work is led or informed by the people most affected by the issues they address. The Mardag Foundation does not fund organizations using fiscal sponsors, those exclusively serving Minneapolis or the West Metro, scholarships, sectarian programs, or large-scale capital campaigns for private schools or universities. By focusing its support on community-led efforts that address inequality and strengthen social infrastructure, the foundation continues its mission of advancing opportunity, dignity, and well-being for all Minnesotans—especially those facing the greatest barriers to success.

The Circle Michigan Foundation Field Trip Transportation Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance for transportation to Michigan schools. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission to support educational institutions within the State of Michigan, specifically K-12 educational institutions, by removing financial barriers to field trip participation. The grant aims to facilitate enriching educational experiences for students that might otherwise be inaccessible due to transportation costs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are K-12 educational institutions located in Michigan, serving all counties within the state. The primary impact goal is to enable a greater number of students to participate in field trips, thereby enhancing their learning experiences and exposure to diverse educational opportunities. The Foundation prioritizes supporting schools in Michigan to ensure that students across the state have equitable access to these valuable educational outings. The program focuses on providing transportation grants, addressing a specific and often significant cost associated with field trips. While the exact size of individual grants is not available, the program is designed for a duration of less than one year, with an application period from April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, and a deadline for applications on June 30, 2024. This structured timeline ensures efficient allocation of funds for the upcoming academic year's field trip planning. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of field trips undertaken by Michigan schools and a corresponding increase in student participation. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of grants awarded, the schools benefiting, and potentially the number of students impacted. The Circle Michigan Foundation's strategic priority in this instance is to directly invest in the educational development of Michigan's youth by ensuring access to practical, outside-the-classroom learning experiences. Their theory of change suggests that by alleviating transportation costs, more students will be able to engage in educational field trips, leading to improved learning outcomes and broader experiential knowledge.

The Thief River Falls Area Community Fund is inviting applications for grants from nonprofit or public entities within the Thief River Falls School District area. Grants are intended for projects, programs, or activities that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors of the Thief River Falls area. Primary focus areas include youth engagement, social need, senior enrichment, and overall quality of life enhancement. Applications are open until May 1, 2024. The fund is a component of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, which serves 12 northwestern Minnesota counties. More information and application details can be found on their website.

The Seybert Foundation Innovation Grants Program offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to Philadelphia-based nonprofits serving youth, to fund innovative projects in areas such as education reform, youth advocacy, and workforce development, with a focus on testing new approaches or pursuing opportunities for significant change.

The Museum on Main Street grant program is a collaborative effort between the Smithsonian and Mass Humanities, designed to bring world-class exhibits to six rural communities across Massachusetts. This initiative directly aligns with Mass Humanities' mission to foster a more informed and engaged citizenry by making humanities accessible to a broad audience, particularly those in underserved areas. By partnering with the Smithsonian, Mass Humanities leverages a national resource to enrich local communities, demonstrating a strategic priority of community engagement and cultural enrichment through accessible programming. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are rural communities in Massachusetts, specifically those with a population of 12,000 or less, as defined by the 2020 US Census. The program aims to empower these communities to host the "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" tour, thereby promoting civic discourse and understanding of American democracy. The impact goals include increased community engagement with humanities topics, enhanced local cultural programming, and a deeper connection to historical and civic themes within participating towns. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around community-rooted programming. Grantees are expected to not only host the "Voices and Votes" exhibit but also to create supplementary programming that resonates with their local context and addresses relevant community issues. This emphasis on tailored, local initiatives reflects a theory of change where broad national themes are made meaningful and impactful through local interpretation and application, fostering a sense of ownership and relevance among residents. Expected outcomes include robust participation from diverse community members in the exhibit and related events. Measurable results could include the number of attendees at the exhibit and associated programs, feedback from participants on their learning and engagement, and the development of new community partnerships. The grant's structure, offering $10,000 to host sites, enables these communities to invest in the necessary resources for successful program implementation, reinforcing Mass Humanities' commitment to supporting sustainable cultural initiatives at the local level.

The 2024 Community Experts Fund, spearheaded by the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation, is a grant initiative designed to amplify youth voice within organizations. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission by directly engaging young adults with lived expertise in the grantmaking process, ensuring that funding decisions are informed by the concerns and priorities of the young people it aims to serve. This strategic approach underscores a theory of change that values authentic youth engagement as a catalyst for effective and impactful program development. The target beneficiaries of this grant are youth-serving nonprofit organizations working with young people who have an intellectual disability, learning disability, mental health challenge, or substance use disorder. The program specifically prioritizes services delivered in Massachusetts (Barnstable, Dukes, Essex, or Nantucket County) and New York (Erie or Niagara County). The impact goals include fostering youth leadership and ensuring that community voice directly shapes grant allocation and program design. The fund focuses on supporting a variety of initiatives that empower young people. Eligible expenses include stipends for youth participation, staff time dedicated to youth engagement, transportation and accommodation for youth programming, program supplies and food, community and recreational programming, outreach and promotion of youth leadership opportunities, technology and equipment, and training. This broad scope allows organizations to tailor their proposals to specific needs while adhering to the core objective of youth empowerment. Applicants can request up to $25,000 to support their programs. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the emphasis on youth-led design and ongoing engagement suggests an expected outcome of sustainable youth leadership within recipient organizations. The measurable results would likely include increased youth participation in organizational decision-making, development of youth-led projects, and the overall strengthening of youth voice in the designated service regions. This grant opportunity exemplifies the Foundation's strategic commitment to empowering young people and integrating their perspectives into community-based solutions.

This grant provides funding for programs that educate and engage youth in Hampton Roads about local waterways and the effects of sea level rise, promoting environmental stewardship and hands-on outdoor experiences.