National foundations support local efforts. Here are three examples. Find many more by searching the Foundation Directory Online – a free database available when you visit the Nonprofit Resource Center at the Onondaga County Central Library.

Model Youth Programs Funded
American Legion Child Welfare Foundation
The Foundation supports organizations that contribute to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual welfare of children through the dissemination of information about new and innovative programs designed to benefit youth, or through the dissemination of information already possessed by well-established organizations. Grant requests should have the potential of helping American children in a broad geographic area (more than one state). Application forms must be postmarked no later than July 15, 2012.

Grants Promote No-Kill Animal Shelters
Maddie's Fund
Maddie’s Fund is investing its resources in building community collaborations where animal welfare organizations come together to develop successful models of lifesaving, in veterinary colleges to help shelter medicine become part of the veterinary curriculum to train veterinarians to save the lives of sick and injured dogs and cats in animal shelters, and in the implementation of a national effort to promote accountability and transparency in animal shelter operations.

Environmental Conservation Initiatives Supported
Wallace Genetic Foundation
Specific areas of interest include the following: sustainable agriculture, protection of farmland near cities, conservation of natural resources, biodiversity protection, reduction of environmental toxins, and global climate issues. Grants generally range from $25,000 to $40,000. Requests may be submitted throughout the year.