Private Education Grants

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is offering its 11th round of farmer mini grants in Spring 2024, providing a total of $60,000 in funding. This program was established in 2016 in response to feedback from the farming community, aligning directly with SMADC's mission to support farms and the future of agriculture in Southern Maryland. The core objective is to expand and promote a viable, market-driven, sustainable, and profitable agricultural farming community in the region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are actively farming individuals in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland. Both urban and rural farms are encouraged to apply, including youth aged 16 and older who have a background in agriculture. The impact goals are centered around enhancing farm sales strategies, facilitating business maintenance and expansion, and improving overall farm operations through tangible investments. The grant program prioritizes projects that are simple in scope and can be completed within one year. Specific areas of focus include services or equipment to transition sales strategies (e.g., online sales, home delivery, on-farm sales), purchase of foundation livestock or plant stock, marketing and promotion, new fencing, hoop houses, materials for value-added production, on-farm upgrades for food safety, irrigation installation or upgrades (especially in relation to GAP certification or FSMA standards), washing/packing stations, and freezer/refrigeration units. The expected outcomes are diverse, aiming to directly improve farm infrastructure, market access, and operational efficiency. Measurable results would include increased sales due to new strategies or equipment, enhanced food safety compliance, improved crop yields or livestock health, and expanded market reach for participating farms. The grants are awarded up to $3,000 per applicant, requiring a one-to-one dollar match from the farmer, ensuring a shared investment and commitment to project success. SMADC's strategic priority is to foster a robust and sustainable agricultural sector in Southern Maryland. Their theory of change suggests that by providing direct financial assistance for practical, farm-level improvements, they can empower individual farmers to adapt to market demands, enhance their competitiveness, and ultimately contribute to the long-term economic viability and environmental sustainability of agriculture in the region. The matching fund requirement further reinforces this by promoting farmer self-sufficiency and accountability.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, to develop programs that improve access to education and career readiness for children and families facing inequities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities within the UDS 260 area for innovative community projects that enhance local well-being.

The Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation (RBCF) invites nonprofit organizations to submit grant applications for projects that will enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, and play in Rancho Bernardo. The foundation's purpose and vision are to improve the quality of life and meet emerging needs by increasing responsible and effective philanthropy, building a community endowment, providing annual funds to community organizations, and offering a vehicle for legacy planning. This directly aligns with their mission of fostering community well-being and long-term sustainability within Rancho Bernardo. The grant program targets nonprofit organizations, schools, or government agencies whose projects clearly address Rancho Bernardo-specific issues and needs, and enhance civic engagement, with a clear impact on local residents. The overall impact goal is to improve the quality of life for the community. Funding can be used to expand existing programs, replicate successful programs from other communities, or launch entirely new initiatives, emphasizing practicality and achievability within a 12-month timeframe. RBCF's grantmaking for its 36th year focuses on two key areas: Music and Community Enhancement. For music-related programs, RBCF will award between $1,500 and $5,000 from the RB Symphony on the Green Fund. For community enhancement projects, which aim to inspire community pride, revitalization, and increase the quality of life, grants will range from $1,500 to $10,000. These focus areas reflect the foundation's strategic priority to directly invest in specific sectors that contribute to a vibrant and thriving community. Expected outcomes include projects that demonstrate and/or foster collaboration with other successful entities, have a strategic impact with long-lasting benefits, are based on a proven track record, and target clearly defined, measurable results attainable within a reasonable timeframe. Sustainability is a key criterion, meaning projects should be replicable, repeatable, and/or scalable. The foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting well-managed programs that address unmet needs, foster collaboration, and demonstrate long-term viability, they can effectively contribute to the sustained improvement of the community's quality of life. They particularly seek projects that focus on problem areas, opportunities, or populations not currently funded or serviced by existing entities.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Southwest Louisiana that address community needs, particularly for youth, financial security, health, and resilience, while focusing on assisting low-income working families.

The Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown Family Foundation offers grants between $1,000 to $10,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations in the Baltimore area, focusing on mental health, cancer prevention and treatment, arts exposure for youth, and educational opportunities for disadvantaged children, excluding start-ups, capital projects, individuals, multi-year projects, higher education institutions, and organizations outside Baltimore.

The Georgia Health Initiative invites organizations to apply for its 2024 Building the Field of Health Advocacy grant program, which aims to improve the health of people in Georgia through advocacy projects. This grant aligns directly with the Georgia Health Initiative's mission, vision, and values by supporting non-profit partners who are advancing advocacy initiatives to bring about change at a systems level. The overarching goal is to transform processes, power structures, policies, and/or relationships that determine how resources and services are distributed, ultimately advancing health equity across the state. The target beneficiaries are Georgians, with a focus on communities and populations that stand to benefit from improved health equity. The grant program seeks to support projects that elevate community voices to educate decision-makers on important health-related issues. The impact goals are centered around creating systemic change, ensuring a more equitable distribution of health resources and services throughout Georgia. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt public charities, state or local government agencies, or coalitions/collaboratives using a fiscal sponsor, and must work in Georgia on behalf of Georgians. The priorities and focuses of this grant program are multifaceted. It aims to identify emerging opportunities to advance health equity in Georgia at the systems level, whether locally or statewide. Another key focus is to bolster the capacity of non-profit organizations to engage in effective advocacy efforts, which includes research, policy development, coalition building and mobilization, community education, and strategic communications. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to strengthen the overall field of health advocacy in Georgia. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of advocacy initiatives that lead to tangible changes in systems, policies, and power structures affecting health. This could manifest as new policies enacted, improved access to services, or stronger community engagement in health decision-making processes. The grant aims to foster a more robust and effective health advocacy ecosystem in Georgia, with a greater number of capable non-profit organizations driving positive change. The Initiative anticipates investing a total of $1.2 million, with organizations able to apply for up to $75,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months, allowing for sustained and impactful advocacy work.

This grant provides funding for conservation projects that protect and restore native habitats and species across the Hawaiian Islands, prioritizing initiatives that incorporate cultural practices and community involvement.

The Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities is accepting Innovative Quality of Life Grant applications for Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). Maximum funding amount for each grant is $25,000. MSCDD expects to fund five or more new grants. Deadline for the application is June 5, 2024 at noon. Eligibility and more details are stated in the application. Applications should address one or more of the following expected outcomes from the current state plan: Developing and Strengthening Self-Advocacy and Leadership Developing or Improving Approaches to Services and Systems Meeting Other Needs of People with Developmental Disabilities and Families Planning of the Future Care for Aging Adults with Developmental Disabilities

The Devices Grants program, supported by the KC Digital Inclusion Fund (DIF), aims to bridge the digital divide by providing essential devices like computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This initiative directly aligns with the DIF's broader mission to advance a systemic strategy for digital equity, fill programmatic gaps, attract new funding, and strengthen Kansas City’s competitiveness for state and federal dollars. The program emphasizes supporting user interface devices to overcome technology barriers, rather than focusing on connectivity infrastructure or data plans. The target beneficiaries for this grant are individuals in need within the 9-county Greater Kansas City region, encompassing Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte, and Ray counties in Missouri, and Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami, and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. The program specifically targets populations with limited access to technology and digital resources, aiming to empower them to access the internet and enhance their digital literacy. The impact goals include increasing access to technology for underserved communities, improving digital literacy, and fostering better internet connectivity solutions. The funding priorities for Devices Grants are centered around projects that provide access to technology, offer digital literacy training, and implement internet connectivity solutions. Priority is given to projects that are aligned with a specific program, rather than just an organization or population, and that help outcome-oriented direct-service organizations fulfill their mission by overcoming technology barriers. The core focus area is "Access to Network." Eligible applicants are direct-serving 501(c)(3) public charities, educational or governmental entities serving people in need within the specified 9-county region. While the grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, the available funding is up to $75,000 with an award range of $1,000 to $20,000. The grant period is up to 6 months, with all projects expected to be completed by March 31, 2025. Grantees are notified of award status via email around August 26, 2024. The expected outcomes are that recipient organizations will be better equipped to serve their communities by providing necessary devices, ultimately leading to increased digital inclusion and improved access to digital resources for vulnerable populations.

This fellowship provides college and graduate students, who have participated in the World Food Prize Youth Program, the opportunity to work with USDA scientists on research and policy initiatives related to agriculture, food, and rural development during a paid summer program.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's "Access for All Fund" is dedicated to supporting charitable organizations that primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents, aligning directly with the foundation's overarching mission. This grant program specifically targets the disability community within the county, aiming to advance access and promote inclusion across several critical areas. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster a more equitable and accessible community for individuals with disabilities, with the Access for All Fund serving as a key mechanism to achieve this. The program's focus areas include advancing access to Health & Wellness, expanding capacity for Housing & Home Access, creating and supporting Community Participation/Inclusion, and promoting Accessible Workspaces and growing Employment Opportunities. For Health & Wellness, the goal is to improve access to healthcare services, equipment, and activities promoting physical and mental health. In terms of Housing & Home Access, the program seeks to increase options for accessible and affordable housing, along with modifications and equipment for independent living. Community Participation/Inclusion aims to ensure accessible events, physical and virtual spaces, inclusive programming, and accessible transportation. Finally, Accessible Workspaces and Employment Opportunities look to foster inclusive work environments through educational outreach, needs assessments, employee training, and improved access to services. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the Access for All Fund are directly tied to these focus areas. For example, increased access to health services and wellness activities, a greater number of accessible and affordable housing options, enhanced community participation through accessible events and spaces, and improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The foundation prioritizes one-year grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a specific amount of $5,000 available to award during the 2024 grant-making cycle. This funding approach is designed to support impactful, focused projects that can demonstrate tangible progress within a year. The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's theory of change through the Access for All Fund is that by investing in organizations that address the specific needs of the disability community, they can significantly improve the quality of life, independence, and overall inclusion of these residents. By supporting programs that advance access in health, housing, community participation, and employment, the foundation believes it can create a more equitable and supportive environment, leading to long-term positive societal impacts within San Luis Obispo County. Eligibility criteria mandate tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or a fiscal sponsorship, ensuring that funds are directed to legitimate charitable endeavors.

The Hispanic Impact Fund, a signature program of the Austin Community Foundation, is dedicated to bridging the racial wealth divide and advancing economic opportunity for Latino families in Central Texas. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster a thriving community by addressing systemic inequities. The fund's strategic priorities are centered on creating a pipeline from "cradle to career" for Latino individuals, thereby contributing to a more equitable and prosperous Central Texas. This approach reflects a theory of change that posits targeted investments in key areas can lead to significant, long-term positive outcomes for the Latino community. The grant program targets Latino families and individuals within the six-county Central Texas region (Travis, Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, and Williamson counties). The overarching impact goals are to improve access to quality education, health services, job skills, and leadership opportunities. By focusing on these critical areas, the fund aims to empower Latino families economically and socially, fostering a vibrant and engaged community. The expected outcomes include increased participation in early childhood education, improved health and wellness outcomes, enhanced entrepreneurial success, and a stronger pipeline of Latino leaders. This grant cycle, the Hispanic Impact Fund is prioritizing organizations and programs that fit into one of four key strategy areas: Early Childhood Education, Health & Wellness, Job Skills & Entrepreneurship, and Leadership Development. For Early Childhood Education, the focus is on providing affordable, high-quality Pre-K and early childhood education starting at age 3. In Health & Wellness, the fund supports preventative, culturally competent health education and access to quality mental and physical health services. For Job Skills & Entrepreneurship, the emphasis is on assisting Latino entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses. Finally, Leadership Development aims to advance Latino leadership and create pipelines of youth, emerging, and established talent. The program includes measurable results through its funding structure, with different grant amounts for winning finalists, runner-up finalists, and semifinalists, distributed over two years. For instance, a winning finalist receives $50,000 total ($30,000 in 2024 and $20,000 in 2025), and a runner-up receives $35,000 ($20,000 in 2024 and $15,000 in 2025). Two semifinalists each receive $20,000 in 2024. These specific funding allocations provide a clear framework for the scale of impact expected from the funded organizations. The eligibility criteria further ensure alignment with the fund's mission by requiring applicants to be tax-exempt nonprofit organizations or units of government working within the specified Central Texas region, and able to demonstrate non-discriminatory practices and secular programming for religious organizations.

The Education After-School Grant, offered by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, supports after-school and summer educational arts programs provided by nonprofit organizations in Louisiana. This grant aligns directly with the Foundation's mission to promote, preserve, perpetuate, and encourage the music, culture, and heritage of Louisiana communities through cultural, educational, civic, and economic activities. Specifically, it targets programs that foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the unique culture of Louisiana, ensuring that grant funds are exclusively spent within the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are nonprofit organizations within Louisiana that offer arts instruction to students in after-school and summer settings. The grant aims to financially support these organizations by covering the professional teaching fees of the artists or educators involved. The overarching impact goal is to enrich the lives of young people through exposure to various art forms and to cultivate an appreciation for Louisiana's distinct cultural heritage, ensuring the continuity of these traditions. The grant prioritizes programs in disciplines such as Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts/Photography, Cultural Heritage/Folk life, Media Arts/Film/Web, Culinary Arts, Creative Writing/Literary/Spoken Word, and Multidisciplinary arts. Only 501(c)(3) organizations and active registered Louisiana nonprofits (who may use a 501(c)(3) as a fiscal agent) are eligible, with commercial organizations explicitly excluded. The focus is on programs that demonstrate a clear alignment with the Jazz & Heritage Foundation's mission. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation of high-quality educational arts programs for youth across Louisiana, increased participation in cultural activities, and a deeper appreciation for the state's cultural identity among participants. Measurable results could include the number of students served, the variety of artistic disciplines offered, and feedback from program participants and educators. The maximum grant amount is $7,500, with a grant duration of one year, for activities occurring between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. This strategic investment in arts education reflects the Foundation's theory of change, which posits that by supporting cultural and educational initiatives, they can preserve and perpetuate Louisiana's unique heritage for future generations.

The Clean Power Alliance (CPA) offers Community Benefits Grants (CBG) to support organizations that are advancing clean energy, fostering green jobs, promoting environmental education and stewardship, and championing energy equity and diversity within the communities served by CPA. This grant program directly aligns with CPA's mission to drive sustainability and resiliency through various pathways, reflecting their strategic priority to invest in community-level initiatives that complement their core energy services. The CBG program targets several key beneficiaries, particularly focusing on environmental and social justice communities. These include areas predominantly inhabited by communities of color or low-income populations, those underrepresented in policy and decision-making processes, and communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. Specifically, targeted communities include disadvantaged communities (based on CalEnviroScreen scores), all Tribal lands, and low-income households or census tracts. The impact goals are to alleviate environmental burdens, promote equitable access to clean energy benefits, and empower these communities through education and workforce development. The program prioritizes projects and organizations that advance clean energy, sustainability, and resiliency through specific focus areas: Research, Environmental and Social Justice Communities, Workforce Development, and Education. These priorities are designed to address systemic inequalities and foster a just transition to a clean energy economy. The expected outcomes include increased community engagement in clean energy initiatives, the development of a skilled green workforce, improved environmental literacy, and a reduction in environmental disparities in historically underserved areas. Awards for this grant range from $15,000 to $30,000, with a grant duration of one year. Eligible applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations operating within the CPA service territory, which encompasses numerous cities and unincorporated areas in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. While previous grant recipients can apply for the 2024-2025 cycle, they are ineligible to receive funds for more than two consecutive years. This structure aims to ensure a broad reach of funding and sustainable impact across the service areas.

This grant provides funding to support professional development and networking opportunities for teaching artists in the Philadelphia area, enabling them to deliver high-quality, inclusive arts education programs for youth.

This program provides funding for innovative projects that address substance abuse, mental wellness, and violence among teens aged 12-18 in Michigan's tri-county capital region.

The EmpowerMENt Fund grant program, supported by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, aims to uplift young Black males in Washtenaw County, Michigan, by promoting their educational success. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to foster community well-being and addresses critical needs identified through extensive community input. The fund's holistic approach demonstrates a commitment to supporting individuals and networks that share common goals, reflecting a strategic priority to invest in community-led solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are young Black males in Washtenaw County, specifically high school students and those beyond. The program's impact goals center on enhancing educational success through various support mechanisms. By focusing on this specific demographic and geographic area, the grant seeks to create targeted and meaningful change within the community, addressing systemic barriers to educational attainment and personal development. The EmpowerMENt Fund prioritizes a 1-year collaborative effort that includes programs offering mentorship, vocational and skills trade training, and college readiness initiatives. This multi-faceted approach reflects a strategic theory of change that believes in equipping young individuals with a diverse set of tools and guidance necessary for both academic achievement and future career pathways. The emphasis on collaboration indicates a strategic priority for collective impact and leveraging diverse expertise to achieve common goals. Expected outcomes include improved educational attainment, enhanced skill development, and increased preparedness for higher education or vocational careers among young Black males in Washtenaw County. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable targets (e.g., percentage increase in graduation rates), the focus on mentorship, skills training, and college readiness provides clear indicators of the desired positive changes. The available grant dollars of $120,000, with requests up to $20,000, indicate the scale of investment in these crucial programs.

This program provides financial support to artists and culture bearers in specific Minnesota counties to help them enhance their creative development and pursue artistic opportunities.

The Mini-Grants for Community Impact, offered by the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region, aim to strengthen local initiatives within Choctaw, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston Counties in Mississippi. This grant program aligns with the United Way's mission to address human needs through united community efforts, including human services planning, community-wide fundraising, and citizen-reviewed fund allocation. The grants are designed to foster a clear understanding and mutual acceptance of roles between the United Way and participating organizations, ensuring a collaborative approach to meeting the human needs of the specified counties. The target beneficiaries for these grants are registered 501(c)3 non-profits, organizations, businesses, programs, or community groups actively working in the designated regions. The overarching impact goal is to advance key areas such as Education, Health, Financial Stability, Children/Family well-being, and Disaster relief. By supporting these entities, the program seeks to improve the quality of life for residents across these six Mississippi counties. The program prioritizes initiatives that directly fulfill a specific community need within the identified impact areas. While the grant size is stated as $1,000 to $10,000 in one section, the funding information later specifies an awarded amount ranging from $500 to $1,500, with a maximum of $1,500 per entity. This suggests a focus on smaller, targeted interventions. Crucially, funds cannot be allocated towards salaries, reimbursements, matching funds, capital campaigns, operational expenses, consulting fees, or lobbying, ensuring that resources are directed exclusively to direct program implementation and community benefit. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in education, health, financial stability, family support, and disaster preparedness or recovery within the target counties. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the emphasis on fulfilling "a specific community need" implies that successful applicants will demonstrate how their projects contribute to these broader goals. The United Way of the Golden Triangle Region's strategic priority is to address human needs effectively and efficiently, and their theory of change relies on the collective efforts of various community segments to achieve lasting positive change.