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Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Get operating grants for nonprofits covering essential expenses, staffing, program delivery, and organizational sustainability.

32,000+

Available grants

$8.25B

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

32,000+ grants
$8.25B total
$6K median

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32,241 Results based on applied filters

Isaac H. Tuttle Fund Grant

Isaac H. Tuttle Fund
Private
New York County, New York
Unspecified amount
The Isaac H. Tuttle Fund Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for older individuals in Manhattan by providing financial assistance to seniors and supporting community organizations. The fund focuses on helping elderly residents maintain their independence and dignity as they age, with a collaborative approach that includes case management and social services. Grants are awarded to individuals and organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.
Senior Services

Julianne Williams Fund Grants

CommunityGiving
Private
Isanti County, Minnesota, Meeker County, Minnesota +5 more
US $1,000 - US $8,000
The Julianne Williams Fund Grants aim to empower girls and young women in the St. Cloud area through physical activities, particularly outdoor experiences. This initiative focuses on building self-esteem, safety, and confidence, while fostering respect between genders. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and schools within a 30-mile radius. The fund supports capital projects, new programs, and initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion, while excluding individual grants and religious purposes.
Women & Girl Services

E. E. Frahm Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The E. E. Frahm Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Applicants must have completed at least one year of major coursework, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled full-time. This scholarship aims to empower students by providing financial assistance essential for their academic journey, ultimately contributing to the fields of chemistry and biochemistry. Limited scholarships are available for incoming students.
Education - Higher Education

Jacob Hirsch Fellowship

American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA)
Private
Greece
US $11,500
The Jacob Hirsch Fellowship, offered by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, supports U.S. or Israeli Ph.D. candidates and early-career scholars in archaeology. It provides a stipend of $11,500, room, and board, with meals included. Fellows must engage full-time in research from September to May, contributing to the academic life of the School. This fellowship fosters the investigation and preservation of Greece's cultural heritage.
Archaeology

Edward F. Smith III Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Edward F. Smith III Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Eligible applicants must be Montana high school graduates, have a minimum of sophomore status, and maintain a 3.1 GPA or higher. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of nursing professionals committed to community health.
Education - Higher Education

Bridget McCabe Memorial Scholarship

Community Foundation for Southern Arizona
Private
United States
Up to US $1,000
The Bridget McCabe Memorial Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, aims to support students at any life stage who demonstrate a passion for learning. With an annual award of up to $1,000, this non-renewable scholarship encourages applicants with a minimum 2.5 GPA who have graduated from a high school in Southern Arizona. The initiative reflects a commitment to nurturing future leaders and ensuring access to education for deserving students.
Academic Scholarship Programs

First Nations Seven Generations Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The First Nations Seven Generations Scholarship at Montana State University supports American Indian students pursuing degrees in Education, Health, and Human Development. Established to promote higher education among indigenous communities, the scholarship aims to empower future leaders by offering financial assistance. Applicants must be enrolled members of federally recognized tribes and committed to making a positive impact in their communities through education. This scholarship reflects MSU's dedication to diversity and inclusion in academia.
Education - Higher Education

Fern Erb Conners Memorial Home Economics Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Fern Erb Conners Memorial Home Economics Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Home Economics and related fields. To qualify, applicants must be Montana high school graduates, full-time undergraduate students, and meet specific program criteria. This scholarship aims to promote education in Health and Human Development, contributing to the academic and professional growth of future leaders in the community.
Education - Higher Education

Faye and Lois Landis Nursing Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Faye and Lois Landis Nursing Scholarship at Montana State University supports nursing students. To qualify, applicants must be Montana residents with junior or senior standing in the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship aims to ease the financial burden on students pursuing a career in nursing, ultimately enhancing healthcare in Montana. With limited funds available, it encourages aspiring nurses to apply and further their education.
Education - Higher Education

Treu-Mart Fund Grant

The Cleveland Foundation
Private
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Unspecified amount
The Treu-Mart Fund, a partnership between the Cleveland Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, aims to empower children and youth in Greater Cleveland. By focusing on support and resiliency, the fund seeks to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty in historically disadvantaged communities, ensuring that every young person can reach their full potential.
Youth Services

OREF/Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Research Grant

Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation
Private
United States
US $100,000

OREF/Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Research Grant

Solicits investigator-initiated proposals focusing on research in the science of biologic – reconstruction, bone regeneration, transplantation - allografts, and including stem cells for graft transplantation.

Orthopedics

Farmer Anderson Memorial Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Farmer Anderson Memorial Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing a degree in the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. To be eligible, applicants must be Montana residents, have junior status, and be enrolled full-time. This scholarship aims to assist talented individuals in achieving their educational goals while contributing to the local community. With a focus on management and marketing, it encourages academic excellence and professional development.
Education - Higher Education

Eugene W. Schilling Engineering Memorial Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Eugene W. Schilling Engineering Memorial Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing a degree in engineering. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, maintain full-time status, and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. This scholarship aims to assist sophomores, juniors, and seniors in achieving their educational goals while fostering a strong engineering community at MSU.
Education - Higher Education

Eugene Albert Gruden Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Eugene Albert Gruden Scholarship at Montana State University supports aspiring educators pursuing degrees in various teaching fields. Established to honor academic excellence, this scholarship is available to Montana and Wyoming high school graduates who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8. With a commitment to transforming lives through education, MSU continues to provide vital resources for students dedicated to making a difference in their communities.
Education - Higher Education

Patrick J. Kiley / Houston AGC Scholarship

Greater Houston Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Patrick J. Kiley / Houston AGC Scholarship

Benefiting employees, dependents of employees, and/or interns of AGC Houston member firms OR students involved in AGC Student Chapters.

Award Amounts

Multiple awards are given each year. Scholarship award amounts will vary for each selected scholarship recipient.

Vocational & Trade Education

Pediatric Hidradenitis Suppurativa Challenge Grant

Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance Inc
Private
United States
Up to US $50,000

Pediatric Hidradenitis Suppurativa Challenge Grant

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a devastating chronic inflammatory disease that manifests as recurrent painful nodules under the skin in the intertriginous areas of the body. It is associated with significant impacts on quality of life, psychosocial well-being, and long-term health outcomes of patients as well as consequences for families and caregivers. HS is prevalent, affecting between 1 and 4% of the population beginning in adolescence and persisting into adulthood. Despite the impact of HS, it remains underdiagnosed, undertreated, and understudied particularly in the pediatric and adolescent populations. Contributing to this dynamic are unknowns related to a complex disease etiology, stigma associated with HS symptoms (e.g., sweating, itching, and scarring commonly in the genital region), and limited treatment options to date with even fewer available for children under the age of 12.

To address the needs of children and adolescents living with HS, the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA), HS Connect, and the HS Foundation are offering the 2026 Pediatric HS Challenge Grant to support an early-to-mid career investigator for a one-year project focused on a high-priority, patient-centric research topic.

Focus

Proposals should address one or more of the following high-priority research topics:

  • Predicting treatment effectiveness and risk utilizing real world evidence and/or experience
  • Early disease and factors involved in severe disease development
  • Optimizing surgical and procedural approaches to minimize pain, shorten healing time, and reduce recurrence
  • Improving recruitment of diverse and representative populations for clinical studies, trials and advanced therapeutics

Funding:

  • Up to $50,000 to support one year of research
  • One award anticipated for this funding cycle
Children’s Health & Pediatrics

Southeast Ohio Health and Wellness Foundation Fund community grants

Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
Private
Belmont County, Ohio, Coshocton County, Ohio +6 more
Unspecified amount

Southeast Ohio Health and Wellness Foundation Fund community grants

The Southeast Ohio Health and Wellness Foundation Fund community grants program supports health and wellness activities in the fund’s eight-county service area, which includes Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Monroe, Muskingum, Noble and Tuscarawas counties.

About the fund

Established in 2023, the Southeast Ohio Health and Wellness Foundation Fund awards grants and scholarships that support health and wellness activities in the fund’s eight-county service area.

Wellness & Healthy Living

Bob and Elizabeth Preble Memorial Scholarship

Grays Harbor Community Foundation
Private
Grays Harbor County, Washington
Unspecified amount

Grays Harbor Community Foundation

The Grays Harbor Community Foundation awards scholarships to local students for education after high school. The emphasis is on undergraduate studies at any* two or four year college or university and vocational/technical programs leading to a license or certification.

Bob and Elizabeth Preble Memorial Scholarship

Robert John ‘Bob’ Preble, 96, lifelong Aberdeen resident and local historian, passed away peacefully at his home-away-from-home on Hood Canal.

Bob was born June 13, 1921, in Aberdeen, Wash., to Walter and Mary (Briggs) Preble, the youngest of five children.

He was a 1939 graduate of Weatherwax High School and a 1943 graduate of Stanford University. Entering the U.S. Navy in 1943, he served at sea in anti-submarine warfare and left active duty with the Underwater Demolition Teams in 1946. He retired from the reserves as a Lt. Commander.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and raised in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Liz Preble worked as a travel agent for Durney Travel and was herself a world traveler. With husband Bob she saw all of Europe and most of Latin America. She toured China, the Soviet Union, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia. In Aberdeen, her home for 54 years, she was active in over a dozen community organizations, including St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, the Friends of the Aberdeen Timberland Library, Chapter AK of the PEO Sisterhood, and the Pacific Peaks Girl Scouts Council. As patrons of the arts, Liz and Bob helped lead community efforts to install a George Tsutakawa fountain in front of Aberdeen’s City Hall and the bronze owl by Benny Bufano at the entrance to the Aberdeen Timberland Library.

The Bob and Elizabeth Preble Memorial Scholarship is open to all applicants who satisfy the general eligibility requirements. Each applicant should exhibit outstanding character, a proven work ethic, and the promise of useful citizenship. These more qualitative judgments will be based on the applicant’s personal essay, resume, transcripts and other information provided through the application form.

Academic Scholarship Programs

Eric Pedersen Memorial Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Eric Pedersen Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Biological, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering. Applicants must have junior status and a minimum GPA of 3.2, demonstrating financial need. This scholarship aims to empower future engineers by providing financial assistance to those who show promise and commitment to their studies. It's an opportunity for students to excel and contribute to their communities through engineering.
Education - Higher Education

Eric and Boots Asbjornson Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount
The Eric and Boots Asbjornson Scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana residents pursuing a degree, particularly from Fergus or Petroleum County. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, and showcase resilience in overcoming personal challenges. This scholarship may be renewable based on continued eligibility, allowing past recipients to apply each year. With a history of commitment to education, MSU fosters transformative opportunities for students and communities.
Education - Higher Education

King’s Daughters Organization Endowment Fund

Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln
Private
Sangamon County, Illinois
Unspecified amount
The King’s Daughters Organization Fund, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, aims to enhance the quality of life for senior residents in Sangamon County. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 are available to charitable organizations that focus on meeting the unmet needs of older adults. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) organizations, faith-based entities, schools, and government units, all dedicated to supporting the elderly population.
Senior Services

Northwest Florida Grant (Previously Gulf Power Foundation Grants)

Nextera Energy Foundation Inc
Private
Bay County, Florida, Escambia County, Florida +6 more
US $1,000 - US $20,000
The Northwest Florida Grant, previously known as Gulf Power Foundation Grants, is supported by NextEra Energy Foundation. It focuses on enhancing communities in Northwest Florida, promoting sustainability and innovation. Eligible nonprofit organizations must operate within specific counties, be 501(c)(3) certified, and not have received a quarterly grant in the past year. This initiative aims to foster opportunities and safety for diverse communities.
Community Services Community / Public Safety Sustainability

The Service Club Alliance Grant (Midland Noon Rotary Club)

Midland Area Community Foundation
Private
Midland County, Michigan
Up to US $3,000
The Service Club Alliance Grant, facilitated by the Midland Area Community Foundation, promotes collaboration among local service clubs to enhance grantmaking efficiency for community organizations. By using a unified application process, nonprofits can easily access funding for essential projects aimed at serving Midland County residents. Grants, which can reach up to $3,000, address youth-oriented needs and are awarded on a just-in-time basis, ensuring timely support for pressing community issues.
Youth Services

The Service Club Alliance Grant (Midland Rotary Foundation)

Midland Area Community Foundation
Private
Midland County, Michigan
Up to US $5,000

Service Club Alliance

The Service Club Alliance is a collaborative partnership between Midland area service clubs to coordinate efforts and simplify grantmaking for community organizations. The Service Club Alliance streamlines the grant process by using a common application for applicants who provide essential support to Midland County residents.

When an organization submits an application, it is automatically shared with all participating service clubs for review and consideration. This collective approach was established collaboratively by the participating clubs to ensure that community resources are allocated in the most effective and impactful way possible.

The Midland Area Community Foundation is not responsible for the grantmaking decisions made by the organizations below. We serve solely as the convenor of this alliance.

Clubs

Our grants typically range up to $5,000. Successful applicants must provide a project summary, including photos, within 12 months of completion.

There are two annual grant cycles.

Applicants who would like their request to be reviewed by Midland Rotary Foundation must have a Midland Noon Rotary Club member serve as a Sponsor to their request. The Sponsor must read the grant application ahead of submission. There is a field in the grant application form to include the Midland Noon Rotary Club sponsor name.

Youth Services

James T. Alvey Visionary Scorpion Scholarship

Community Foundation of Howard County
Private
United States
US $1,000

James T. Alvey Visionary Scorpion Scholarship

For a senior at Oakland Mills High School, who plans to attend a two- or four-year college or university and seeks to create a brighter future for all.

This scholarship is offered in memory of J.T. Alvey, OMHS Class of 2006. The award seeks to empower innovative thinkers and passionate creators by providing financial support to a student who has demonstrated exceptional creativity in their chosen field, whether it be art, design, writing, technology, or beyond. This scholarship is designed to support students who push the boundaries of creativity in their academic pursuits, artistic endeavors, and/or innovative projects.

Education - Higher Education

School Grants (MHUSD and Non-Profit Schools)

Morgan Hill Community Foundation
State/Local Government
Santa Clara County, California
Up to US $35,000
The Morgan Hill Community Foundation is providing grants to support local non-profit organizations and public schools within the Morgan Hill Unified School District. A total of $32,000 will be distributed for projects that enhance educational initiatives for students from K-12. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or schools and focus on broad initiatives that promote lifelong learning and community engagement, avoiding funding for individual classes or basic operational costs.
Education - K through 12

Harry W. Clarke Memorial Scholarship Programs – Harry W. Clarke Award

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
Private
Alexander County, North Carolina, Alleghany County, North Carolina +27 more
US $2,000
The Harry W. Clarke Award honors the legacy of Harry Wilson Clarke, a pivotal figure in educational advancement in Western North Carolina. Established in 1987, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from 29 counties, including the Qualla Boundary, who aspire to attend a four-year college in North Carolina. With a commitment to fostering local talent, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina has awarded over $456 million in scholarships, reflecting its dedication to educational opportunities in the region.
Academic Scholarship Programs

Operating Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

Operating grants for nonprofits provide essential funding to support day-to-day operations, staff salaries, and infrastructure. The following grants help organizations build capacity, maintain sustainability, and focus on achieving their mission-driven goals.


Search Instrumentl's Operating Grants Database


Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for operational support, with $3.43B in resources. Instrumentl helps nonprofits secure essential funding by offering grant discovery tools, deadline tracking, and strategic funder analysis to ensure long-term success.

Grant Insights : Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.

8,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

3,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

3,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

1,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

7,000+ Operating grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Food Access & Hunger

3,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Operating grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
29.8%
Q2
23.8%
Q3
23.9%
Q4
22.6%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Operating Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $34,887.

$0 $0 Min.
$34,887 $34.9 K Median
$655,609 $655.6 K Average
$188,250,000 $188.3 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Nonprofits of all types can apply for operating grants, but they are especially useful for organizations needing flexible funding to support the core work of their mission. Operating grants are ideal for nonprofits involved in general population well-being. Specific sectors include healthcare, education, social services, and the arts. Unlike project-based grants that fund specific initiatives, operating grants help with essential costs like staff salaries, rent, and general admin costs. Funders often look for groups with a clear mission who serve a meaningful purpose and have potential for long-term impact.

Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for operating, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 29.8% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.

Operating grants exist to help nonprofits function smoothly and grow effectively. The goal is to give organizations the financial means they need to focus on their mission, serve their communities, and support long-term stability. These grants allow nonprofits to improve everyday operations, invest in staff development, and expand programs. Funders want to see nonprofits thrive, not just survive, and providing operational support is a key element to making that happen.

Funding for operating grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $34,887, while the average grant awarded is $655,609. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.

Operating grants are often funded by private foundations like the popular Ford Foundation. Some government agencies offer grants to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, especially in sectors like health, education, and social services. Corporate giving programs may also support nonprofits that align with their values and create lasting impact.

To improve the chances of getting operating grants, nonprofits should:

  • Showcase past impact – Use data and real-world examples to prove how your organization has already made a difference.
  • Prove how you align with funder priorities – Research what funders care about and explain how your nonprofit’s mission fits within their goals.
  • Prove financial stability – Funders want to support organizations that can manage funds responsibly and have a solid sustainability plan for the long-term.
  • Emphasize lasting growth – Describe how operating funds will help your nonprofit expand its reach, strengthen programs, and increase its overall impact.

For more advice on finding and winning operating grants, check out our step-by-step guide to general operating grants.

Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for operating grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.

Check out how Habitat for Humanity delivered over 200% ROI within just a few weeks.