14,460 foundations$47.5B total annual giving$10K median grant55 states with funders
Discover 14,460 grantmaking foundations funding higher education programs, with combined annual giving of $47.5B. The median grant size for higher education is $10K.
Higher Education Grantmaking at a Glance
Foundations
14,460
Total Annual Giving
$47.5B
Total Assets Under Management
$1.4T
Median Grant Size
$10K
States with Funders
55
Total Grants on Record
326,373
Open Grant Opportunities
Live programs funding higher education that your nonprofit can apply to now.
Open nowCloses in 19 days (Aug 31, 2026)Award: Up to $25K
engineering communicationlistening skillswritten communication+6 more
Who can apply: Open to proposals that fit EiF's current program areas. EiF does not fund K-12 organizations under this program area. EiF especially welcomes proposals from minority-serving institutions in the US and institutions in developing countries. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations (or equivalent exempt institutions as applicable) and only one application per institution per grant cycle is accepted.
Higher educationScholarships administered by colleges/universitiesEducationally-related cultural organizations+1 more
Who can apply: Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3) and not be a private foundation under Section 509(a). The Foundation generally will not fund churches or religious organizations, political parties or politically-aligned organizations, for-profit entities, individual students (direct scholarships), other private foundations, governmental entities, primary or secondary educational institutions, or sports-related organizations. Applicants must demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's mission.
Who can apply: Alabama-based nonprofit organizations, accredited public and 501(c)(3) institutions of higher education, state and local government agencies, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. Major Grants require a 1:1 cost share match. Projects must include active public participation, strong humanities content, and direct involvement of humanities scholars.
Higher educationScholarships (to institutions, not individuals)Educationally-related cultural organizations+1 more
Who can apply: Applicants must be tax‑exempt under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3) and not be a private foundation under Section 509(a). The Foundation does not fund churches or religious organizations, political or politically‑aligned organizations, for‑profit entities, individual students (direct scholarships), other private foundations, governmental entities, primary or secondary schools, or sports-related organizations. Colleges/universities must include institutional endorsements and development information as described in the guidelines.
curriculum developmentrisk managementinsurance+1 more
Who can apply: Universities and colleges in the United States and Canada; priority appears to be for Minority Serving Institutions developing introductory or additional RMI courses.
The typical Higher Education foundation awards grants of $10K. Approximately 37% of Higher Education foundations actively fund new organizations, and 75% accept unsolicited proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Higher Education Grants
How many foundations fund higher education?
There are 14,460 grantmaking foundations that fund higher education programs across 55 states.
What is the median grant size for higher education?
The median grant from foundations funding higher education is $10K. Actual grant sizes vary widely depending on the foundation's size and giving strategy.
What are the largest higher education foundations?
The largest foundations funding higher education by annual giving include JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, President and Fellows of Harvard College, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, with combined giving of $1.1B.
Which states have the most higher education funders?
The states with the most higher education foundations are New York (1,291), Texas (1,257), California (1,051). Use the geographic breakdown above to see the full distribution.
How do I find higher education grants for my nonprofit?
Kindora's free foundation directory includes 14,460 foundations funding higher education with IRS 990 financial data, grant history, and geographic reach. Use the interactive discovery table above to filter by state, foundation type, and grant size. Sign up for a free account to access AI-powered grant intelligence including fit scores and application tips.
AI-Powered Grant Intelligence for Higher Education
Fit Scores
See how well your nonprofit aligns with each higher education foundation's giving priorities, grantee profile, and geographic focus.
Application Tips
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