Grant Writing Courses

This is not an exhaustive list of foundations (there are more than 80,000) but it certainly contains many interesting prospects and philanthropy organizations in America.  This list is best used when you already know what foundation to approach.  Searching for foundation grants via normal search engines is nearly impossible so do your best to gain access to a dedicated grants database.  We discuss both free and fee-based databases in our workshops.

• David and Lucile Packard Foundation  Provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the following program areas: Conservation and Science; Population; and Children, Families, and Communities.


• Foundation Center  Independent nonprofit organization established by foundations to increase public understanding of the foundation field.


• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation  Contributing toward increasing access to innovations in education, technology, and world health.


• Council on Foundations  Association of foundations and corporations, serving the public good by promoting and enhancing effective and responsible philanthropy.


• Robert Wood Johnson Foundation RWJF makes grants to improve the health and health care of all Americans. The site contains information on applying for a grant, national programs, a full library of RWJF publications and much more.


• W.K. Kellogg Foundation Focusing on building the capacity of individuals, communities, and institutions to solve their own problems.


• Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Administers grants relevant to civil society, environment, Flint, MI, and poverty, as well as special projects.


• Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Makes grants in the following areas: conservation and the environment, cultural programs, higher education and scholarship, population, and public affairs.


• Charles A. Dana Foundation Supports health research and school reform by means of grants and public education initiatives.


• Sloan Foundation Philanthropic nonprofit institution established by Alfred P. Sloan, Jr. in 1934. The Foundation's programs and interests include science and technology, standard of living and economic performance, education and careers in science and technology, national issues, and more.


• John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Provides fellowships for advanced professionals in all fields (natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, creative arts) except the performing arts.


• William and Flora Hewlett Foundation Supports programs in education, performing arts, population, environment, conflict resolution, family and community development, and U.S.-Latin American relations.


• Jackie Robinson Foundation Nurtures scholars who are the living legacy of his dedication to improving America for everyone.


• United Nations Foundation (UNF) Promotes the partnership between the public and private sectors in order to raise funds and provide grants for UN initiatives. Focuses on children's health, environment, women and population, and humanitarian projects.


• National Endowment for Financial Education Nonprofit foundation dedicated to helping individual Americans acquire the information and gain the skills necessary to take control of their financial lives.


• Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, The Working towards a vision of self-sufficient people in healthy communities.


• Rockefeller Brothers Fund Private, grantmaking foundation.


• Markle Foundation Provides funding in the development and use of the technologies of communication and information to enhance lifelong learning and promote an informed citizenry.


• Echoing Green Foundation Provides fellowships to social entreprenuers who are creating their own public service organizations or independent projects.


• Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund Fund honoring the memory of the late Princess Diana. Site details the grants awarded by the Fund and includes information on applying for grants and how the money is raised by the Fund. Also offers Princess Diana photos and chronology.


• Henry Luce Foundation Supports projects in higher education, Asia, American art, theology, women in science, and public policy.


• German Marshall Fund of the U.S. Supports U.S.-European cooperation and operates programs to assist with political, economic and environmental reforms in Europe. Created as a permanent memorial to the Marshall Plan.


• Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation Dedicated to furthering a balance between technological advancement and environmental preservation.


• New Profit Inc. Venture philanthropy fund partnering with promising social enterprises to help increase their social impact.


• W. M. Keck Foundation Writes grants primarily in the areas of medical research, science and engineering. Also supports liberal arts colleges and selected community and civic services.


• Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation Program areas include scholarships and research grants, international competitions, and support for Hellenic Studies.


• Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Private foundation engaged in agricultural education, plant biology research, and grant-making.


• Kresge Foundation Independent, private foundation, was created in 1924 by Sebastian S. Kresge "to promote the well-being of mankind." Seeks to strengthen the capacity of charitable organizations to provide effective programs of quality.


• National Network of Grantmakers Membership association of funders committed to supporting organizations working for social and economic justice.


• Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion Given each year, the award honors an outstanding living individual who has shown extraordinary originality advancing the world's understanding of God and/or spirituality. www.templetonprize.org


• Association of Small Foundations Assists foundations with few or no staff by providing information, training, and networking services.


• Progressive Technology Project (PTP) Seeks to raise the scope and scale of technology resources available to grassroots organizing groups.


• Nathan Cummings Foundation Private grantmaking foundation focusing on arts, environment, health, Jewish life, spirituality, and democratic values.


• Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Focusing on the arts, education, and overseas projects which are concentrated in India.


• Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, The Contributing to programs in the arts, medicine, the environment, and child abuse prevention.


• Lannan Foundation Promoting and protecting cultural freedom, diversity, and creativity in the arts, literary programs, and indigenous communities.


• Jewish Fund for Justice Supporting nonprofit organizations working to alleviate the root causes of poverty and the systemic disenfranchisement of low-income people in the United States.


• Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Supports programs and organizations that create opportunity, enhance self-esteem and increase awareness about cultural and community issues among young men and women.


• Lilly Endowment Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation that supports the causes of religion, education, and community development with an emphasis on projects that benefit young people and promote leadership.


• Timmissartok Foundation Offering grants to individuals who undertake adventures in foreign lands.


• Feed the Minds Supports literacy, publishing, education, and other causes in developing countries through grants.


• Common Counsel Foundation Offers strategic philanthropic advisory services to donors and family foundations while serving the community at large.


• Allavida International organization bringing together grant-making, training, capacity building, research, and publishing.


• Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation Promotes the advancement and perpetuation of humanistic inquiry and artistic creativity by encouraging excellence in scholarship and in the performing arts, and by supporting research libraries and other institutions that preserve cultural heritage resources.


• Kirsch Foundation Provides medical research, environmental, and Silicon Valley community grants. Also engages in environmental lobbying, political reform, and other issue-based activities.


• Norman Foundation Making grants to organizations in the areas of civil rights and individual liberties, economic justice, and environmental justice.


• RGK Foundation Independent foundation supports medical, educational, and community programs and research, without geographic limitations.


• Coleman Foundation Offers grants for entrepreneurship education, cancer research, housing and education for the handicapped, and other educational programs.


• Jeff Gordon Foundation Supporting the physical, social, and intellectual needs of children and their families.


• Impact Fund, The Funding and technical assistance for public interest litigation in the areas of civil and human rights, environmental justice and poverty law.


• Compton Foundation, Inc. Supporting peace, the environment, the arts, and numerous other causes.


• Roger Clemens Foundation Supporting educational, charitable, literary, scientific, and religious activities for children.


• Ittleson Foundation Providing resources for organizations that serve the environment, those with AIDS, and those with mental health problems.


• Flora Family Foundation Supporting selected activities of charitable organizations. Proposals accepted by invitation only.


• Gere Foundation, The Founded by actor and activist Richard Gere. Awards grants to humanitarian organizations.


• Marlene F. Johnson Fund Provides information on applying for grants for scholarly writings concerning Christian Science. Summarizes past scholarship on the denomination's history, Biblical roots, and healing practice.


• Scaife Foundations Family of conservative foundations that fund public policy, family and traditional values, historic preservation and education programs.


• J.C. Downing Foundation Supports a variety of philanthropic projects through grants to nonprofit organizations.


• Vanguard Public Foundation Making grants in support of community building and social justice.


• Twenty-First Century Foundation Makes grants to support African American community revitalization, education, and leadership development.


• Norman Borlaug Heritage Foundation, The Supports programs and projects which address subjects including hunger, world peace, cultural diversity, leadership, agricultural science, the environment, and service learning.


• We Share Foundation Raising funds and making grants to support humanitarian, educational, and research causes worldwide.


• Arthur B. Schultz Foundation Seeks to empower individuals worldwide through offering grants for business education, economic development, and environmental conservation.


• First Hand Foundation International nonprofit organization founded by Cerner Corporation that offers financial assistance to families of children with health problems.


• Betaseron Champions of Courage Grant-giving program that recognizes achievements of people with MS and provides financial grants to support their inspirational work in their respective communities.


• Leary Firefighters Foundation, The Founded by actor Denis Leary in response to the Worcester Firefighter tragedy of 1999. Provides funding and resources for fire departments to obtain the highest level of equipment, technology, and training, as well as resources to the families of firefighters who have perished or have been injured in the line of duty.


• Calvin K. Kazanjian Economics Foundation, Inc. Promoting economic literacy.


• French American Charitable Trust (FACT) Supports nonprofit organizations in the United States and in France, working on root causes of poverty and inequality.


• Do Right Foundation Seeks to fund pilot programs addressing violence prevention, joblessness, justice system productivity, welfare, government efficiency and parenting skills.


• Ho-Am Prize Awarded in five areas for outstanding public service and commitment.


• Oprah's Angel Network Founded by Oprah Winfrey. Organization supporting programs for women, children, and families, educational programs, and health and human services.


• Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program Awards grants directly to Christian congregations to allow pastors to step away briefly from the persistent obligations of daily parish life and to engage in a period of renewal and reflection.


• Two/Ten International Footwear Foundation Provides funds, college scholarships, and social and human services to employees and families in the footwear, leather, and allied industries.


• Nippon Foundation, The Private organization supporting programs in a wide array of fields and locations.


• Lawrence Foundation Making charitable contributions and grants to support educational, environmental, and health causes.


• Max and Anna Levinson Foundation Private foundation making grants for social, environmental, Jewish, and cultural projects aimed at developing a more humane society.


• Fishman Family Foundation Established as a long-term charitable giving program.


• Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation Encourages and supports policy analysis, advocacy, and research, as well as educational and artistic activities that address issues around society's changing family structure and its cultural and ethnic diversity.


• Marion Foundation, The Supports groups addressing social, economic, and environmental issues. Also explores new frontiers in health and healing, and offers publications covering these issues.


• Amadou Diallo Educational, Humanitarian & Charity Foundation Raising funds to assist Muslim immigrants, victims of police brutality, and others.


• American Endowmment Foundation (AEF) Offers information about charitable donor-advised funds.


• Andrus Family Fund Provides funds to support transition frameworks for social change.


• Onaway Trust Supporting extensive numbers of projects worldwide, including poverty and disaster relief, animal welfare, and the support of indigenous peoples. Donate online.


• Wallace Foundation Private grantmaking foundation making grants to enhance the cultural life of communities through arts and culture, adult literacy and urban parks programs.


• Claude Pepper Foundation Promotes policies and programs that will improve health, provide economic opportunity, and contribute to social justice for all Americans, with an emphasis on the elderly.


• Thomas C. Wales Memorial Foundation Charitable foundation promoting fairer justice, rational discourse, community involvement, and related causes.


• Gulley Foundation, The Helping other nonprofits and individuals provide humanitarian aid around the world.


• Noel Foundation Encourages and supports the advancement of women around the world by funding entrepreneurial and educational programs.


• Pears Foundation, The U.K.-based charitable foundation supporting human rights, community and education, disability, international development, and Israel projects.


• Lennon Family Foundation Supports conservation, education, scientific, and humanitarian causes. Uses donated time to eliminate administrative costs.


• George Haligua Foundation Aims to help build and maintain the cornerstones of the education, health, and human rights we all deserve.


• John Ernest Foundation Supports maverick organizations in their work with mentors to provide new opportunities .


• Arie and Ida Crown Memorial Private family foundation that supports programs that offer opportunities to the disadvantaged, strengthens the bond of families, and improves the quality of people's lives.


• Change Happens Foundation Nonprofit private foundation that supports the development of innovative technology and progressive ideas that generate a force for positive change.


• Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation Nonprofit charitable organization that awards grants and scholarships and administers charitable endowment funds.