Civic Engagement Grants for September 2026

September brings a strong month for civic engagement funders, with opportunities ranging from systems-change work in Montana to community-led climate justice in London, and several grants focused on bringing people together through humanities and dialogue. If you're working on policy change, community organizing, or deepening civic participation, the funders below are actively looking to move money this month.

High Stakes Foundation: Grant for Montana Systems-Change Nonprofits

High Stakes Foundation is supporting nonprofit organizations across Montana working on systems change in civic engagement, conservation, climate change, social justice, leadership, rural economic development, local food systems, and sustainability. The foundation prioritizes work that builds equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities. Awards are up to $30,000 and cover general operating expenses. If your organization is based in Montana and working on any of these areas, this is a straightforward funding opportunity. Deadline: September 1. Apply here

Aging & Disability Health Policy Lab: Grant for Health Policy Advocacy Nonprofits Serving Older Adults and People with Disabilities

This grant supports organizations working to advance state-level policy change around health care access and home and community-based services for older adults and people with disabilities. Funded activities include stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, education efforts, and coalition building focused on Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid estate recovery reform, and Medicaid eligibility simplification. Organizations in any U.S. state or territory may apply, and coalitions are encouraged to apply under a single fiscal entity. Awards are up to $75,000. Deadline: September 4. Apply here

Chesapeake Bay Trust: Grant for Environmental Outreach and Restoration Nonprofits

Chesapeake Bay Trust funds outreach, community engagement, and on-the-ground restoration projects in Maryland that increase knowledge, change behavior, and accelerate stewardship of natural resources. Projects may include stormwater management practices, stream and wetland restoration, public education, and community engagement activities. Four funding tracks are available, ranging from knowledge-building outreach to combined outreach and restoration projects. Awards are up to $150,000. Deadline: September 3. Apply here

City Bridge Foundation: Grant for Community-Led Climate Justice Nonprofits

City Bridge Foundation supports community-led organizations in London working with people most affected by climate-related harm and environmental challenges, including extreme heat, flooding, air pollution, poor housing, and food insecurity. Funding is flexible and core, covering staff costs, program activity, organizing, advocacy, and storytelling work that links immediate needs to longer-term systems change. Work must align with at least one of three approaches: place-based resilience, community organizing and influence, or storytelling and narrative change. Awards are up to $450,000. Deadline: September 8. Apply here

Vermont Humanities: Project Grant for Community and Curriculum Development

Vermont Humanities supports community-driven humanities initiatives that bring people together through meaningful cultural dialogue and learning. Whether you're developing curriculum, hosting community programs, or creating experiences that deepen engagement with arts and culture, this funding helps bring your vision to life. Awards are $5,000, and projects must be completed within the grant cycle's designated timeframe. Deadline: September 9. Apply here

North Carolina Humanities: Grant for Humanities Nonprofits

North Carolina Humanities supports nonprofit organizations implementing humanities projects that raise questions, encourage conversation, and connect people across differences in their local communities. Eligible projects include lecture and discussion series, exhibitions, oral history collection, workshops for educators, films, podcasts, and more. Projects must utilize a humanities discipline or practice to deepen human connections and inspire community across North Carolina. Deadline: September 10. Apply here

Congregations with Community (CWC): Grant for Congregations and Community Partner Nonprofits

Supported by Lilly Endowment, Inc., Congregations with Community funds collaborative partnerships between congregations and community organizations to address pressing social issues such as homelessness, immigration, literacy, environmental concerns, and social justice. Grants are awarded to teams of congregations and community partners working together on shared causes. The program aims to build sustainable, impactful solutions through collective action. Deadline: September 11. Apply here

If any of these funders align with the relationships you're building this quarter, reply and let us know. Funding Findr is here to help you stay close to the funders who care about the same work you do.

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