October Grants for Poverty and Homelessness Work

October brings a cluster of opportunities for nonprofits working on homelessness, housing, and emergency assistance. Several of these deadlines land in the first week of the month, so if any of them fit your work, now is the time to start the conversation with program officers. The funders below are looking for organizations that know their communities and can move quickly.

Community Foundation for Monterey County: Grant for Nonprofits Serving Homeless Women

The Community Foundation for Monterey County is accepting applications through October 2 for grants up to $50,000 to support nonprofits and public agencies serving homeless women on the Monterey Peninsula. Funding covers emergency assistance, shelter expansion, housing options, case management, planning, personnel, and equipment that directly benefit participants. If your organization works with this population in that region, the deadline is tight but the eligibility is straightforward. Apply here

Bureau of Justice Assistance: Grant for Public Safety and Mental Health Service Networks

The Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the U.S. Department of Justice, is funding coordinated service networks that address untreated mental illness and substance use disorders to reduce pressure on law enforcement and the justice system. This is a substantial opportunity (up to $3 million per award) with a deadline of October 2. Funded projects establish Crisis Stabilization Centers, comprehensive treatment services, and electronic health record systems. If your organization coordinates across systems or provides mental health and substance use services, this is worth exploring with your partners in public safety and the courts. Apply here

100WomenStrong / Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties: Grant for Nonprofits Serving Community Needs

The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, through its 100WomenStrong initiative, supports nonprofits and government units addressing shelter, health, mental health, hunger, and education in Loudoun County, Virginia. Grants fund general operating support and programs that increase capacity and serve residents. Priority goes to organizations with proven operational readiness and a track record in the community. Deadline is October 2. Apply here

Rhode Island Foundation: Grant for Rhode Island Human Services Nonprofits

The Rhode Island Foundation supports community-based nonprofits providing direct emergency assistance to Rhode Islanders in need. Funded programs include food pantries, clothing distribution, housing and rental assistance, utility assistance, prescription support, transportation, and childcare for homeless families. The foundation gives priority to volunteer-based organizations with lean budgets. Deadline is October 8. Apply here

Hathaway Family Foundation: Grant for Nonprofits Serving Homeless and Needy Populations

The Hathaway Family Foundation funds nonprofits addressing homelessness, food insecurity, healthcare access, and conservation in the Greenville, South Carolina area. The foundation focuses on organizations providing direct services to vulnerable community members. This grant operates on a rolling deadline, so there is no single cutoff date. If your organization works in that region, you can reach out to the foundation to discuss timing and fit. Apply here

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Grant for Nonprofits Serving Homeless and At-Risk Veteran Families

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides supportive services grants to nonprofits and consumer cooperatives serving very low-income veteran families who are at risk of homelessness, currently homeless, or recently exited permanent housing. The program emphasizes housing-first approaches and rapid re-housing. FY 2026 funding priorities include tribal and rural communities, U.S. territories, and accredited existing grantees. This is a rolling deadline opportunity, and the funding pool is substantial. If your organization works with veterans, this is a relationship worth building. Apply here

Mardag Foundation: Emergency Grant for Food Access and Housing Nonprofits

The Mardag Foundation provides one-time emergency support to nonprofits focused on food access or housing that face unexpected financial gaps. Funding addresses natural or environmental disasters, and unexpected maintenance or repair needs for buildings, vehicles, technology, or equipment. Grants support community-led solutions in the East Metro and Greater Minnesota regions. This is a rolling deadline, so you can apply when you need it. Apply here

If any of these funders or grant types align with the relationships you are trying to build this quarter, let us know. We are here to help you stay close to the funders who care about the communities you serve.

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