Community Development and Housing: October 2026 Funding Roundup

October brings a cluster of opportunities for nonprofits working in community development, housing, neighborhood revitalization, and related quality-of-life work. These funders are looking for organizations that know their communities deeply and can show how their work strengthens the places where people actually live. If you've been waiting for the right moment to deepen a funder relationship in this space, this month offers several entry points.

Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville / IronMountain Solutions: Grant for Local Nonprofits in Community Quality of Life Areas

This is a broad-based fund supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofits across arts and culture, basic needs, economic opportunity, education, environment, health and wellness, neighborhoods, and recreation. The fund is employee-contributed and administered through the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, which means it carries the values of people who work in the Huntsville region and want to see their communities thrive. Awards go up to $60,000. Deadline is October 1. Apply here

Laura Jane Musser Fund: Grant for Rural Community Nonprofits and Local Governments

If you're working in a rural community on civic improvement, this fund supports collaborative, participatory projects in economic development, arts and humanities, public space improvements, and education. The Musser Fund wants to see broad community involvement and measurable outcomes within 18 months. Grants are available for both planning and implementation phases, and matching support is expected. Awards go up to $25,000. Deadline is October 1. Apply here

Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute: Grant for Community-University Health Partnership Development

This is a smaller but focused opportunity for nonprofits in Indiana building partnerships with universities around health improvement. The CTSI funds the relationship-building work itself: meetings, conferences, travel, interviews, and quality improvement assessments that lead to future joint research. This is not research funding, but partnership development funding. Awards go up to $5,000. Deadline is October 1. Apply here

County of Maui East Maui Water Authority: Grant for Watershed Restoration and Community Education Projects

For organizations working in Huelo, Honomanū, Keʻanae, and Nāhiku in East Maui, this fund supports watershed restoration, community education, cultural knowledge-sharing, and data collection. Eligible work includes care of ʻauwai and loʻi kalo, invasive species control, reforestation, and cross-generational knowledge transfer. Awards go up to $150,000. Deadline is October 1. Apply here

Delaware County Trails Committee: Grant for Trail Development Nonprofits and Local Governments

If you're building or improving multi-use trails in Delaware County, Ohio, this fund covers construction, property and easement acquisition, and maintenance. The grant can also serve as matching funds for other sources. Awards go up to $100,000. Deadline is October 1. Apply here

Chicago Bears: Grant for Chicagoland Nonprofits Addressing Community Needs

The Bears recognize one nonprofit annually that aligns with their four impact pillars: health equity, economic advancement, education, and community safety. This is a $107,000 award selected with input from the Chicago Bears Season Ticket Holder Committee and formally recognized at a home game. Deadline is October 1. Apply here

Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission: Grant for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Education Programs

Kentucky nonprofits developing bicycle and pedestrian safety curriculum, training aids, public awareness campaigns, and safety training classes are eligible. This fund supports education around safety, health, and the benefits of non-motorized transportation. Deadline is October 1. Apply here

All of these opportunities close on October 1, so the work starts now. If there's a funder or a funding relationship in community development and housing you'd like Funding Findr to keep an eye on, reply and let us know. We're here to help you stay close to the funders who care about the same communities you do.

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