Private Education Grants

The Ottawa County Community Foundation (OCCF) annually awards Community Grants to support charitable programs and initiatives across diverse fields including education, health, social services, economic development, natural resources, and the arts. These grants are funded through various sources such as Unrestricted and Donor Advised Funds, alongside annual donations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in or serving Ottawa County, who must submit their proposals exclusively via the Foundation’s online application portal between January 1 and March 1 at 11:59 p.m. each year.

This grant provides $50,000 to independent researchers focused on innovative studies in ocular and uveal melanoma, particularly in identifying new druggable targets or biomarkers for treatment.

The C. J. Stafford and Dot Stafford Memorial Trust supports charitable organizations that serve residents of San Diego County, California. The trust invests in local initiatives that strengthen community well being and address needs across several fields of interest. Priority program areas include arts and culture, education, health, and human services. Average grants range from 5,000 to 7,500 dollars, with total annual giving of about 50,000 dollars. Funds may be used for projects or programs that benefit San Diego County residents and are consistent with the trust mission. Eligible applicants must be public charities qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are accepted only through the online grant application form or accessible alternative; no other formats are accepted. Grants are geographically limited to San Diego County, California. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not specified. Additional information is available through the trustee portal referenced by Wells Fargo.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Central Louisiana to recruit, support, and place mental health professionals in underserved communities, addressing the shortage of Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Licensed Professional Counselors.

The Josephine Moffatt Stevenson Community Charitable Trust offers grants to promote charitable activities in South Carolina, specifically supporting medical, educational, and religious organizations. This aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance community well-being through strategic funding in key areas. The trust prioritizes organizations located in Abbeville County, Anderson County, and the Due West community, demonstrating a focused approach to local impact. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations providing medical, educational, and religious services within South Carolina, with a particular emphasis on the specified counties. The impact goals include strengthening these sectors, fostering community development, and improving the quality of life for residents in these areas. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the average grant size of $1,000-$7,000 and average total giving of $50,000 per year indicate a commitment to consistent, albeit localized, support. The trust's grantmaking priorities clearly focus on geographic limitations and organizational type. Grants are restricted to South Carolina, with a strong preference for Abbeville County, Anderson County, and the Due West community. Furthermore, only organizations qualifying as 501(c)(3) exempt organizations that are medical, educational, or religious are eligible. This structured approach ensures that funding is directed towards areas and services most aligned with the trust's foundational objectives. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on the belief that by investing in established community organizations within critical sectors (education, health, religion, and human services), they can achieve positive and lasting change at a local level. By supporting 501(c)(3) compliant entities, the trust ensures that its contributions go to legitimate and impactful organizations. The online application process also suggests a commitment to accessibility for potential grantees.

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is launching its fiscal year 2025 Cultural Development Fund (CDF) grant application, designed to support New York City nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. The program aims to foster the vibrant cultural landscape of the city by providing financial assistance to organizations delivering arts and cultural services across all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. This grant aligns with a mission to strengthen and sustain the arts and cultural sector, recognizing its vital role in the community and economy of New York City. The target beneficiaries of the CDF grant are New York City-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. This includes organizations with a primary arts or culture mission, as well as nonprofit organizations that incorporate an arts or culture component into their broader mission. The impact goal is to ensure the continued delivery of diverse and high-quality arts and cultural services to New York City residents. The program specifically excludes individual artists, certain corporate structures (LLCs, Benefit Corporations, Limited Partnerships), and organizations not based or primarily operating within New York City. The DCLA grant program prioritizes organizations that have successfully demonstrated the delivery of arts and cultural services in New York City for at least the last two consecutive years. Additionally, eligibility is tied to administrative and programmatic operations within the five boroughs, possession of a unique Federal Employee Identification Number (EIN), and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or the use of a DCLA pre-approved fiscal sponsor. Organizations incorporated in New York State as not-for-profits no later than fiscal year 2022 are also prioritized for a broader range of awards. Expected outcomes include the financial stabilization and growth of eligible arts and cultural organizations, enabling them to continue and expand their programming. The grant aims to ensure that cultural services remain accessible and robust across all New York City boroughs. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of organizations supported, the range of cultural programs offered, and the sustained presence of arts and cultural activities throughout the grant period, which runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The DCLA's strategic priorities for this grant reflect a theory of change that investment in established and compliant nonprofit arts and cultural organizations directly contributes to the cultural enrichment and overall well-being of New York City. By providing varying levels of funding based on an organization's operating income, ranging from $10,000 for smaller organizations up to $100,000 for larger ones, the program aims to address the diverse needs of the sector and promote equitable access to funding. Organizations not previously receiving a CDF baseline award in the last six fiscal years are eligible for a one-year $10,000 baseline award, ensuring support for newer or re-engaging entities.

The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa has established the Women's Fund Grant Program with the mission to support organizations and programs that benefit women and girls in Black Hawk County. This initiative aligns with the Foundation's broader goal of fostering long-term change and addressing critical issues within the community. The grant specifically targets issues that lead to systemic change for women and girls, aiming to create lasting positive impacts rather than just providing short-term aid. The primary beneficiaries of this program are women and girls residing in Black Hawk County, Iowa. The grant seeks to achieve significant impact by focusing on several key areas. These include enhancing leadership, cognitive, and knowledge skills through education and literacy programs; identifying and addressing healthcare issues specific to women and girls, encompassing mental, emotional, and physical health; providing concrete assistance for women and girls dealing with poverty and homelessness to help them secure housing and move out of poverty; and focusing on the safety of women and girls through violence prevention efforts in homes, schools, and communities. The Women's Fund Committee prioritizes grant requests based on several criteria to maximize its strategic impact. Top priority is given to requests that address barriers to racial equity and work to reverse systems of racism for women and girls in Black Hawk County. Additionally, the committee favors requests that address critical and urgent needs with solution-based approaches, demonstrate effective programming with significant direct impact, show innovative approaches to advancing women's and girls' growth and success, and leverage other funding or community support to amplify the grant's reach. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets within the provided text, the focus areas and funding priorities imply a commitment to creating tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls. The "long-term change" emphasis suggests a strategic theory of change centered on addressing root causes of inequality and vulnerability. By funding initiatives in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and safety, the foundation aims to empower women and girls, improve their overall well-being, and contribute to a more equitable and supportive community environment in Black Hawk County.

This program provides financial support to social entrepreneurs using innovative mobile technology to address societal challenges, particularly for underserved communities.

The Ben and Jerry’s Foundation invites applications for its Equity and Justice Grant to support Vermont based, Vermont focused nonprofit organizations addressing racial, economic, social, and environmental disparities and injustice. The foundation seeks innovative programs that pursue fundamental change through a social justice and equity lens. Grants are up to 15,000 dollars, with an average award of about 10,000 dollars. Funding preference is given to efforts such as equity in education and early childcare, access to safe and affordable housing, criminal justice reform, workers’ rights, and equitable access to healthy and affordable food. Eligible applicants are Vermont based 501(c)(3) organizations or projects represented by a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent with total annual operating budgets under 350,000 dollars. The program does not fund requests that solely provide direct services, discretionary or emergency requests, schools, colleges or universities, individuals or scholarships, research or legal expenses, capital or endowment campaigns, government programs, businesses or associations, religious activities, one time events, other foundations or regranting organizations, or work outside Vermont. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the foundation’s process. Grant duration is not stated. Official information is available from the Ben and Jerry’s Foundation.

Humanities Texas awards grants to nonprofit organizations and governmental entities for public programs grounded in the humanities. These programs aim to engage the general public, including adults and young people outside of traditional educational settings, as well as specific groups like K-12 teachers and ethnic communities. The foundation's mission is to support and promote the humanities by funding initiatives that foster open and informed inquiry and make humanities scholarship accessible to a broad audience. This aligns with a strategic priority to enrich public life through the humanities and ensure their relevance to diverse communities. The grant program targets a wide range of beneficiaries, from the general public participating in lectures, discussions, and exhibits, to K-12 teachers and community groups who benefit from specialized workshops and programs. The impact goals include increasing public engagement with humanities topics, fostering critical thinking, and promoting a deeper understanding of cultural and historical contexts. Through these programs, Humanities Texas seeks to strengthen communities by providing opportunities for shared intellectual and cultural experiences. Humanities Texas offers various grant types with specific focuses. Mini-grants fund up to $2,000 for smaller public humanities programs, such as speakers or traveling exhibitions, and are particularly accessible due to their rolling application basis. Major grants for community projects, up to $20,000, support comprehensive public programs like seminars, conferences, and interpretive exhibitions, emphasizing substantial participation from both humanities scholars and target audiences. Additionally, major grants for media projects, also up to $20,000, fund the development and production of humanities-related film, radio, television, or interactive programming, ensuring scholars play a key role in content. The expected outcomes of these grants include the successful execution of public humanities programs that are firmly grounded in the humanities and actively involve humanities scholars in their design and delivery. Measurable results could include attendance figures for events, participant feedback, the reach of media projects, and the development of new educational resources. The foundation's theory of change posits that by funding these diverse and accessible programs, it can cultivate a more informed and engaged citizenry, strengthening the role of the humanities in public discourse and community life across Texas.

This funding opportunity supports community-based arts projects and the creation of original work by local artists in Westchester and Rockland Counties, focusing on inclusivity and access for underrepresented communities.

The Huntsville Utilities Innovation Dividend Fund, created from ancillary revenues, not customer rate payer money, aims to positively impact its service area by offering grants to qualified, nonprofit organizations that contribute to the public good. Huntsville Utilities, while a not-for-profit municipal utility providing essential services, also seeks to enhance the quality of life and economic health within the communities it serves. This fund aligns with their broader mission to build community and improve daily life for residents. The program targets nonprofit organizations, schools, religious institutions, and government agencies located in the Huntsville/Madison County area that serve a public purpose. The grants are intended to support charitable, scientific, literary, or educational initiatives. The impact goals are focused on addressing critical community needs and fostering overall well-being and economic health within Huntsville and Madison County. The grant program prioritizes initiatives that align with Huntsville Utilities’ values, which include doing what's right, building community, and continuous improvement. Key focus areas for funding include Disaster Relief (preparation for or mitigation of disaster situations), Education (STEM or other educational enhancements), and Housing, Health, and Wellness (critical needs and physical and mental health). Projects considered for funding should be unique, have clear and measurable outcomes, strategically address one of the stated focus areas, and demonstrate a commitment to diversity. The fund supports both new and existing programs, covering eligible expenses such as program costs, reasonable staff and volunteer time and training, capital expenses, and professional development. This strategic approach ensures that the grants lead to tangible and beneficial results within the community, reflecting the fund's theory of change which posits that investing in these key areas will lead to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Huntsville/Madison County.

The Wood Family Foundation is dedicated to supporting community causes that benefit West Texans for generations. Since its inception, the Foundation has reinvested over $18 million into the community, with a primary focus on education and healthcare. This commitment aims to improve the lives of men, women, and children, helping families and the city of Odessa to grow and prosper. The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in fostering long-term community well-being through strategic funding. The Foundation's giving is specifically concentrated on Odessa, Texas, and the surrounding counties of the Permian Basin. This geographical focus ensures that grants directly impact the local community where the foundation aims to make a significant difference. Target beneficiaries include organizations that are exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3), particularly those providing educational and medical benefits to the citizens of this defined area. The impact goal is to uplift the community through targeted support in these critical sectors. Priorities for grant applications include major capital campaigns seeking $1 million or more, provided approximately half of the needed funds have already been raised. Requests from universities or colleges must be approved and submitted through their development offices. The Foundation generally limits its giving to educational and medical grants. It's important to note that the Foundation does not make loans or grants to individuals and rarely undertakes sole support of programs, encouraging applicants to seek funding from various sources. The expected outcomes of the grants are improved educational opportunities and enhanced healthcare services for the citizens of Odessa and the Permian Basin. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the foundation's history of reinvesting over $18 million underscores its commitment to tangible community improvement. The strategic priorities revolve around supporting established organizations with clear proposals that align with the foundation's core objectives in education and healthcare. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in these fundamental areas, the foundation can foster long-term prosperity and well-being within the West Texas community.

The Community Economic Development (CED) Planning Grants program, forecasted under the new NOFO HHS-2024-ACF-OCS-EE-0152, is administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Community Services (OCS). OCS plans to award approximately $1.5 million in discretionary funds to Community Development Corporations (CDCs). The fundamental objective is to stimulate the development of new CED projects by providing crucial financial assistance for administrative capacity building within these CDCs. This initiative directly aligns with OCS's core mission to reduce poverty and catalyze economic growth in local communities by facilitating social and revenue reinvestment, laying the groundwork for sustainable community self-sufficiency. The direct beneficiaries of this funding are Community Development Corporations (CDCs) that serve under-resourced, underserved, and persistent high-poverty areas with struggling economies. The ultimate beneficiaries are the residents of these target communities, including those with low incomes in both urban and rural settings. The immediate impact goal is to strengthen the administrative and planning capacity of CDCs that have historically struggled to put forth a viable CED project. The broader impact goals include stimulating the creation of new, viable CED projects, fostering localized economic growth, and ultimately reducing poverty through comprehensive community support and reinvestment. OCS has established three key strategic priorities for this funding opportunity, centering the approach on equity. The first priority aligns the grants with national climate and equity initiatives, specifically Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, and the Justice40 Initiative, by underscoring funding support for energy communities. The second focus is on increasing equity in the geographic distribution of CED funds, ensuring resources reach areas previously overlooked, as mandated by the CED statute. Finally, the third priority emphasizes breaking down service silos by encouraging CDCs to leverage existing partnerships across OCS programs, thereby promoting a holistic, wraparound services model to address poverty. The strategic priority and theory of change for OCS is rooted in the belief that administrative capacity is the critical barrier to entry for effective community-led development in high-poverty areas. By providing financial assistance for capacity building, the awards serve as a crucial step to connect CDCs with the larger CED resources required for impactful social and revenue reinvestment. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of CDCs capable of developing fundable projects, leading to the stimulation of new CED projects in persistent high-poverty areas. Measurable results will focus on the successful leveraging of the initial administrative capacity building funds into tangible new projects, demonstrating a clear path from planning support to demonstrable local economic growth and sustainable poverty reduction.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local government units in McLean County, Illinois, to enhance health and well-being initiatives that address health equity and social determinants of health for underserved populations.

Dutchess County Government is offering a grant program to incentivize food waste reduction within its municipalities and public schools. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to promote environmental sustainability and responsible waste management at the local level. By providing financial assistance for the installation and operation of in-vessel aerobic composters, the program directly addresses the issue of food waste, contributing to a greener and more efficient waste infrastructure within the county. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are local government entities with taxing authority and public K-12 schools located within Dutchess County. The program's impact goals are centered on reducing the amount of food waste sent to landfills, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and extending the lifespan of existing waste disposal facilities. Encouraging collaborative applications among entities further amplifies the potential for widespread adoption and greater collective impact across the county. The grant prioritizes the purchase of in-vessel composting systems and covers ancillary installation costs such as piping, electrical work, concrete slabs, and roofing materials. This focus ensures that eligible applicants can establish functional and sustainable composting operations. The program is structured as a reimbursement grant, requiring purchases to be made and paid for by the applicant before the county reimburses 50% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $50,000 per award. A total of $200,000 has been appropriated in the 2024 Dutchess County Budget for this program. The expected outcomes of this program include a significant reduction in food waste volume from participating municipalities and schools, an increase in local composting infrastructure, and greater public awareness and engagement in sustainable waste practices. Measurable results will likely include the number of composting systems installed, the volume of food waste diverted from landfills, and the number of participating entities. The project period runs from September 1, 2024, to September 1, 2026, allowing for the implementation and initial operation of these composting systems.

The Catholic Foundation of Michigan's grant program is designed to inspire charitable giving and support Catholic parishes, schools, and nonprofit organizations. The Foundation's core mission is to assist donors in investing in the future of these entities by providing grants that align with Catholic teachings and serve communities primarily in Michigan. The program seeks to empower organizations whose values and behaviors are consistent with Catholic principles, ensuring that funded projects contribute to the broader goals of the Catholic faith community. The grant program targets a wide range of beneficiaries within the Catholic sphere, including Archdiocesan, religious, or parish-sponsored nonprofit organizations, local nonprofit organizations adhering to Catholic Social Teaching, and various Catholic educational and formation initiatives. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the Catholic community in Michigan by addressing vital social service needs, fostering vibrant parish life, and enhancing Catholic education and spiritual development across all ages. The program aims to create a strong, welcoming, and supportive environment for individuals to encounter Christ and grow in their faith. The Foundation focuses its grants on three major areas: Empowering Social Outreach, Building Vibrant Parish Life, and Fostering Catholic Education and Formation. In social outreach, the priority is to respond to essential social service needs such as food, shelter, and medicine, leveraging both internal and external organizations aligned with Catholic Social Teaching. For vibrant parish life, the focus is on creating welcoming Catholic parishes, supporting resource development for community outreach, and encouraging training and new staff positions. In Catholic education and formation, priorities include supporting innovative faith formation, fostering high-quality ministries for various age groups, improving access to parochial schools, and promoting leadership development. The expected outcomes of the grant program are multifaceted, aiming for tangible improvements in the communities served. Measurable results could include increased access to social services for vulnerable populations, enhanced participation and engagement in parish activities, and improved quality and accessibility of Catholic educational and spiritual development programs. The Foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in the Gospel call to serve others, the importance of the parish as a faith community's home, and the value of lifelong Catholic education and formation. This theory of change suggests that by investing in these key areas, the Foundation can contribute to a more robust, compassionate, and spiritually enriched Catholic presence throughout Michigan.

The **Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina** offers **Immediate Needs Grants** to support organizations that address the most pressing and basic needs of individuals and families experiencing poverty across South Carolina. These grants are intended to help nonprofits provide direct services and essential resources that contribute to stability, dignity, and improved quality of life. By funding programs that deliver immediate relief and empower long-term self-sufficiency, the foundation continues its mission of reducing poverty and fostering compassion-driven community change throughout the state. Grants in this category are awarded to organizations delivering programs that meet needs related to **life and health**, **education and skills**, and **access and participation**. Examples of eligible initiatives include programs offering food assistance, mental health support, healthcare access, housing, literacy education, vocational training, affordable childcare, or transportation services. Each grant provides **$5,000** in funding, and **Cycle II Immediate Needs Grants** specifically target organizations with annual operating budgets of **$500,000 or more**, ensuring that established service providers have resources to meet urgent community challenges. The foundation evaluates applicants based on their demonstrated impact, community engagement, and accountability. Eligible organizations must identify and fill gaps in local resources, gather and apply participant feedback, and define clear measures of program success. Funded programs must have a direct and immediate effect on people’s daily lives, improving access to essential services and strengthening participants’ ability to thrive despite economic hardship. The grants aim to support both the continuity and expansion of programs that have proven effectiveness in addressing the complex realities of poverty. Eligibility is limited to organizations operating **within South Carolina** that have been established for at least one year. The foundation does not fund individuals, capital campaigns, scholarships, or organizations whose missions do not directly address poverty. Instead, it focuses on nonprofits that demonstrate strong community relationships, responsiveness to local needs, and an ability to deliver measurable outcomes tied to human well-being. Through the Immediate Needs Grant program, the Sisters of Charity Foundation reaffirms its enduring commitment to serving South Carolinians with compassion and equity. By supporting programs that meet basic needs while fostering education, access, and health, the foundation works toward its broader vision—a South Carolina where all individuals have the opportunity to live with dignity, security, and hope.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Volusia and Flagler Counties to enhance programs focused on education, financial stability, and health for community improvement.