Local Community Foundation Grants

Administered by Council on Foundations / Local Community Foundations · cof.org

Every major US city and most counties have a community foundation distributing millions in local grants annually. These are among the most accessible and least competitive grants available.

Eligibility requirements

✓Local resident of foundation's service area
✓Varies widely by grant program
✓Individuals and nonprofits both eligible

Insider tip

Search '[your city/county] community foundation' — these are dramatically underutilized because they're local. Many have emergency funds, scholarship funds, and arts grants with very few applicants.

How to apply

Apply directly on the official website. GrantLantern does not process applications — we link you directly to the source.

Apply at cof.org →

Opens the official source. GrantLantern is not affiliated with this program.

Program details sourced from official government and agency websites. Eligibility is determined by the administering agency — not GrantLantern. Verify current requirements at the official source before applying.

Related programs in Community Dev

Varies — rent, utilities, food, emergency cash

United Way Emergency Assistance & 211

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Typically $200–$1,500 per household

Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance

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Typically $100–$500 per incident

Salvation Army Emergency Financial Assistance

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Typically $50–$400 per request

St. Vincent de Paul Society Assistance

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