Private Science and Technology Grants

The AARP Foundation is accepting applications for the Purpose Prize, a national award celebrating individuals aged 50 and older who are leveraging their life experiences to create positive change. Winners will receive $50,000 for their non-profit organization and access to various resources and events. Eligible applicants must be US citizens, at least 50 years old, and have founded a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. The work being recognized must have been initiated when the applicant was at least 40 years old. For more information, visit The AARP Foundation website.

The Poetry Foundation's Poetry Programs, Partnerships, and Innovation Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations in expanding the reach and impact of poetry. This grant program directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to broaden audiences for poetry and foster innovation within the field. By investing in diverse initiatives, the Poetry Foundation seeks to strengthen the ecosystem of poetry and ensure its continued relevance and accessibility. The grants target US-based nonprofit organizations, with a particular focus on those led by and/or with programming designed for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Disability, and other historically resilient communities. This prioritization reflects the Foundation's commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. The goal is to increase access to poetry for underserved populations and support new collaborations that bring poetry to a wider and more diverse audience. The program prioritizes proposals that broaden audiences for poetry, increase access to poetry, facilitate new collaborations and partnerships, and demonstrate innovation, including investment in new technologies. These priorities highlight the Foundation's strategic focus on growth, inclusivity, and forward-thinking approaches within the poetry community. The expected outcomes include a more diverse and engaged audience for poetry, the development of creative and impactful poetry programs, and the adoption of new methods for delivering poetry experiences. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 for a 12-month period. Eligible organizations can apply for either general operating support if they have a poetry-centric mission, or program support if they are multi-genre literary arts organizations or have multiple poetry programs. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by providing financial and strategic support to deserving organizations, it can significantly contribute to the vitality and reach of poetry across the nation, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and appreciative audience for the art form.

This program provides financial support to established small businesses in downtown North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro, North Carolina, to enhance their operations through equipment upgrades, physical space improvements, and e-commerce development.

This fellowship provides financial support for young scientists from underrepresented racial backgrounds to conduct research in immunology and cancer immunology, promoting diversity in the scientific community.

This initiative provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Chicago to create or improve youth and community centers, addressing the urgent need for safe spaces for young people in areas with high youth populations.

This grant provides financial support to Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations that deliver dental services, promote oral health education, or offer career development in the dental field, particularly for underserved communities.

The Marino Family Charitable Foundation Inc. aims to enhance lives by supporting non-profit organizations that demonstrate the ability to make a positive difference, and further advance, educate, or enrich their communities through charitable works and core values. This mission aligns directly with the grant program's objective to offer support to such organizations, thereby fostering community well-being and individual empowerment. The foundation's strategic priority is to identify and fund initiatives that resonate with its core values, focusing on impactful community-driven change. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are individuals served by non-profit organizations focused on Health and Human services. A specific impact goal is to assist with the needs and education of individuals with Down syndrome, which is a key grantmaking priority. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the expected outcome is a positive difference in and advancement, education, or enrichment of the communities served. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically supporting non-profits with demonstrated charitable works and core values, they can achieve broad positive community impact, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations. The grantmaking priorities clearly indicate a preference for organizations assisting individuals with Down syndrome. Geographically, grants are concentrated in Boca Raton, Florida; Los Angeles, California; and San Francisco, California. This geographic focus allows the foundation to concentrate its resources and potentially deepen its impact in specific communities. The foundation's strategic priorities are evidenced by these geographic and programmatic limitations, ensuring that its resources are deployed where they can have the most significant and targeted effect. To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through an online grant application form or an alternative accessible application for assistive technology users, ensuring broad access for potential grantees. The foundation typically does not fund requests for building repairs and improvements or capital projects, which further refines its strategic focus towards programmatic support rather than infrastructure development. This allows the foundation to maximize its impact on direct services and educational initiatives, aligning with its overall mission to enhance individual lives and advance communities.

This funding opportunity supports public libraries in South Carolina to collaborate with artists and arts organizations, fostering community engagement through various artistic and cultural activities.

The Robert F. Orr Charitable Foundation is currently accepting applications for grants dedicated to charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. While the foundation's broad mission encompasses these areas, specific grantmaking priorities guide its funding decisions. The foundation seeks to align its support with initiatives that demonstrate a clear commitment to positive societal impact, particularly within the states of Hawaii, Idaho, and Utah. The foundation's grantmaking priorities are divided into three core areas: Environment, Education, and Human Services. Within the Environment category, the foundation prioritizes causes and programs that foster environmental conservation and support restoration projects, aiming to preserve and improve natural ecosystems. For Education, the focus is on K-12 STEM programs and job training initiatives, with the goal of enhancing educational opportunities and workforce development. In Human Services, the foundation supports programs for disadvantaged persons and individuals with disabilities, striving to improve their quality of life and promote inclusivity. Target beneficiaries for these grants include environmental organizations working on conservation and restoration, educational institutions and programs serving K-12 students in STEM fields, and organizations providing job training or services to disadvantaged and disabled individuals. The overarching impact goals are to contribute to a healthier environment, a more educated and skilled workforce, and a more equitable society for vulnerable populations within the specified states. While the document does not explicitly detail "expected outcomes and measurable results" or the foundation's "strategic priorities and theory of change," the articulated priorities strongly suggest a belief in the power of targeted support to create tangible, positive change in these key areas. Organizations seeking funding must qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications are accepted through an online grant application form or an accessible alternative for assistive technology users. The deadline for applications is July 1, 2024. While the size of the grant and its duration are not specified, the foundation's commitment to these defined priorities indicates a strategic approach to philanthropy, aiming for meaningful, albeit not precisely quantified, outcomes through its funding.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Fernley, Nevada, to initiate or expand tourism-related projects and activities that promote the city’s attractions and resources.

This funding opportunity provides $10.6 million for innovative projects that improve floating offshore wind technology, targeting advancements in port infrastructure, transmission systems, and environmental monitoring tools.

The Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) Grant, facilitated by the Rural Maryland Council, is accepting applications for its 2025 Regional Planning and Development Councils initiative. The overarching mission of RMPIF is to elevate the standard of living in rural Maryland to meet or exceed statewide benchmarks by 2030, while simultaneously preserving the unique cultural heritage and rural lifestyle. This grant program is a strategic investment designed to bolster economic and community development, foster regional and intergovernmental cooperation, and enable local and nonprofit organizations to attract additional non-state resources for sustainable rural development. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the five established regional planning and development councils: the Tri-County Council of Western Maryland, Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland, Upper Shore Regional Council, Mid-Shore Regional Council, and Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Additionally, multi-county efforts serving rural communities not covered by these councils are also eligible. The impact goals are broad, aiming to increase entrepreneurial activity, reduce unemployment and underemployment, retain valuable farm and forest land, and generally enhance the health, happiness, safety, employment opportunities, and general welfare of rural residents. The program prioritizes several key areas: encouraging a balanced economy, promoting intergovernmental cooperation and public/private partnerships, enhancing infrastructure for housing, transportation, water, wastewater, and broadband communications, and supporting rural commercial center redevelopment and community revitalization efforts. The grant specifically provides funding for projects and activities undertaken by the regional councils and other multi-county initiatives, with approved grant agreements reflecting strategic needs identified within the rural communities. Expected outcomes include stronger and more effective rural regions, the creation of economic development strategies, preservation and assistance for agricultural and resource-based industries, successful acquisition of federal funding for infrastructure, coordinated regional transportation projects (including public transit), and the development of support for diverse public policy initiatives. Each regional council is eligible to receive $600,000 in FY2025 for rural regional planning and development assistance, providing measurable financial support to achieve these objectives. The Rural Maryland Council's strategic priority is rooted in a theory of change that by investing in regional cooperation and targeted development, rural areas can achieve sustainable growth and a higher quality of life, ultimately benefiting the entire state.

The Emberg Charitable Trust provides grants to tax exempt, nonprofit, and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs located in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The trust promotes workforce readiness by supporting programs that prepare students for careers in prominent regional industries. Preference is given to programs of study with potential to supply qualified candidates for fields such as forestry and aircraft maintenance. Funds may support curriculum development, equipment and tools for training, and associated program needs that enhance technical education and job placement outcomes. Eligible applicants are tax exempt nonprofits and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs serving counties in the trusts geographic focus. Proposals should demonstrate alignment with regional workforce needs and the capacity to deliver measurable outcomes for students and employers. Applications are due May 5, 2024. Grant size and duration are not stated. Additional information is available through the trustee information referenced by Wells Fargo.

This program provides funding to organizations worldwide for innovative projects that use an open-source AI model to address social challenges in areas like economic development and public services.

The Montgomery County Community Foundation (MCCF) in Indiana offers grants to new or existing nonprofit organizations in Montgomery County, focusing on areas such as art, culture, community development, education, health, and youth services, with applications also accepted from local governmental entities for charitable purposes.

This competition provides financial support to young artists in Catawba County, North Carolina, to help them further their education and development in visual and literary arts.

The Delaware Community Foundation offers grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 through Highmark's BluePrints for the Community fund, prioritizing health-related projects and services that address healthcare access, economic stability, social and community context, and neighborhood and built environment in Delaware.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is soliciting applications from nonprofit partners for programs or projects with clear, measurable outcomes. These initiatives must focus on Education, Health, and/or Sciences and serve residents of any age within Herkimer and/or Oneida counties in New York. The Foundation's mission is to strengthen communities through strategic grantmaking that addresses critical needs and fosters positive change, aligning with the core focus areas of this grant. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries across all age groups in Herkimer and Oneida counties. Impact goals are centered on transmitting knowledge and strengthening skills through educational projects, nurturing and improving physical, mental, and social well-being through health initiatives, and enhancing scientific understanding and objectives through science-focused programs. The Foundation prioritizes outcomes-driven programs that demonstrate a clear path to achieving these positive changes within the communities it serves. Specific focus areas are defined as: Education, encompassing projects that teach knowledge, strengthen skills, or impart trades; Health, covering initiatives that nurture and improve physical, mental, and/or social well-being; and Sciences, including projects that study or enhance scientific objectives such as physical, life, or social sciences. Expected outcomes for all funded programs should be identifiable and measurable, with a definitive timeline for completion or achievement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, governmental institutions, educational institutions, or faith-based organizations addressing non-religious needs. Projects must begin no earlier than July 2024, and only one submission per organization is considered per funding round. Ineligible activities include those relating to animals and/or the arts, financial assistance to individuals, religious-specific programming, organizational payroll/operational needs, and already incurred expenses. These guidelines reflect the Foundation's strategic commitment to investing in programs that drive tangible, community-wide benefits.

This grant provides financial support to community coalitions across the U.S. that aim to create quality jobs and promote an inclusive workforce in the clean energy sector.

The Ability Central 2025 Communication Access Grants Program focuses on developing and training healthcare professionals in strategies and tools that improve access to care for people with communication disabilities. This initiative aligns with Ability Central's broader mission to enhance communication and information access for individuals who use methods such as braille, screen readers, American Sign Language (ASL), tactile interpreters, co-navigators, and/or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on creating inclusive environments and empowering individuals with communication disabilities, reflecting a theory of change that posits improved access to care and career opportunities will lead to greater independence and quality of life. The program targets healthcare professionals and systems, as well as individuals with communication disabilities seeking career and leadership development. For healthcare, the goal is to equip professionals with knowledge, accessible resources, and multi-modal communication partner strategies to improve culturally responsive care. For career development, the beneficiaries are people with communication disabilities seeking supportive and fairly-compensated training opportunities beyond entry-level roles. The ultimate impact goal is to reduce communication barriers in healthcare and the workplace, fostering environments where people with disabilities can thrive. The grants program has two main priorities. The first is developing and training healthcare professionals in strategies and tools for improved communication access. This includes a person-centered approach, prioritizing communication access through accommodations, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, and incorporating ongoing evaluation to ensure effectiveness. The second priority is career and leadership development projects for people with communication disabilities, emphasizing understanding unique challenges, preparing for career advancement, utilizing innovative support strategies, establishing partnerships, and ensuring accessibility. Expected outcomes for the healthcare focus include healthcare professionals and systems being better equipped to provide culturally responsive care, leading to improved patient experiences and health outcomes for individuals with communication disabilities. Measurable results could involve increased use of communication accommodations, improved patient satisfaction scores, and a reduction in healthcare disparities. For career development, expected outcomes include increased employment rates, career advancement, and leadership roles for people with communication disabilities. Measurable results could include tracking participant employment status, salary increases, and promotion rates after completing training programs. Both categories emphasize replicable projects and the inclusion of people with disabilities in planning and implementation.