Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Stone Foundation Grants in Maine offer flexible and trust-based philanthropic support primarily focused on Monmouth County, New Jersey, and Wabanakiq, Maine. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, with first-time applicants typically considered for 1-year grants between $5,000 and $10,000. Eligible organizations include 501c3 nonprofits and community groups with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation encourages projects that address social inequities and foster community impact through innovative solutions.

The Community Health Grant from the Nashoba Valley Health Care Fund aims to enhance the health of residents across twelve communities. This year's focus is on improving access to quality healthcare, including primary and preventive care and behavioral health services. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, with larger requests considered for impactful projects. The fund supports tax-exempt organizations committed to addressing community health challenges.

Kansas Department of Transportation 

KDOT delivers transportation that keeps Kansans moving forward.

We maintain thousands of miles of roadways to keep people and goods moving smoothly across the state. Our dedicated team plans, builds, and maintains highways, bridges, and other infrastructure with a focus on safety and innovation.

By working closely with local communities and stakeholders, KDOT aims to enhance the quality of life for all Kansans, support economic growth, and improve travel experiences. 

FTA Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities: Low or Zero-Emission Program

Purpose

The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program (49 U.S.C. 5339) makes Federal resources available to States and designated recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities including technological changes or innovations to modify low or no emission vehicles or facilities. Funding is provided through formula allocations and competitive grants. 

• Low-No Program funds will be awarded competitively for the purchase or lease of buses that use low- or no-emission propulsion technologies, including related equipment or facilities.
• Any zero-emission project or components of a zero-emission project must use 5 percent of Federal funds for workforce development, unless the applicant certifies less or no funding is needed for this purpose.

Statutory References 49 U.S.C. Section 5339 / FAST Act Section 3017

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities include capital projects to purchase or lease zero-emission or low-emission transit buses; and acquire, construct, rehabilitate, and lease required supporting facilities such as recharging, refueling, and maintenance facilities.

The CFES Workforce Development Grant supports programs aimed at enhancing job training and career advancement, particularly for underrepresented groups such as individuals with disabilities and non-traditional students. With a maximum funding of $7,500, the grant prioritizes collaborative efforts that demonstrate a commitment to quality education and workforce development. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated nonprofits and educational institutions serving Maryland's Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset Counties.

The Charlotte CF Education Fund Grant aims to enrich the lives of school-age children in Charlotte County, Florida, by providing additional educational opportunities and workforce development. Funded by the Charlotte Community Foundation, this grant supports programs like afterschool initiatives, career development, reading programs, and feeding programs. Eligible applicants must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and primary service to Charlotte County residents, ensuring that grant funds effectively benefit the community.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking proposals for organizations to provide Peer Support Services in Todd County. This initiative aims to support individuals recovering from substance use and mental health issues, especially those transitioning from incarceration. The contract is expected to last for 27 months, with potential extensions. By expanding peer support services, the initiative addresses critical recovery needs and helps prevent overdose deaths among vulnerable populations.

The Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia offers the CFNG Grant Program aimed at enhancing housing stability in the region. This includes funding for homelessness prevention, transitional housing, and affordable housing initiatives. The foundation emphasizes the importance of strong partnerships with nonprofits to effectively address community needs and improve overall well-being. Through grants and educational resources, they strive to empower local organizations, ensuring a more resilient and thriving community in Northeast Georgia.

The Eastern Bank Foundation provides Impact Grants aimed at enhancing Economic Inclusion and Mobility for Low to Moderate Income (LMI) individuals and families. With a focus on advancing equity in small businesses, enriching early childhood development, ensuring affordable housing, and promoting workforce development, the foundation invested over $16 million in local organizations last year. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $100,000, supporting critical community needs across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

The Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) in New York State provides funding for projects that enhance water quality and combat climate change through innovative green technologies. Grants cover up to 90% of construction costs, promoting practices such as green stormwater infrastructure and energy efficiency. Projects are evaluated on their potential impact, sustainability, and ability to foster collaboration. This initiative aims to drive environmental innovation while supporting local communities in addressing pressing ecological challenges.

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Kansas Arts Commision (KAC)| Arts Everywhere

Enhancing student success, the economy and Kansas communities through the arts

The Arts Everywhere grant program provides funding for cultural projects, programs, exhibitions, series, arts education projects, and other arts programming. This program provides funding for educational institutions, arts organizations, and community service non-profits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, enhance community development, and increase participation in the arts across Kansas. Projects must relate to an arts and culture discipline (music, dance, theatre, creative writing, literature, painting, sculpture, folk arts, photography, crafts, media arts, visual arts, programs of museums, and other such allied, major art forms).

Match Requirements: KAC requires that all grants are matched at a minimum of 1:1 through a combination of cash and in-kind expenses.

Arts Everywhere grants are awarded in four categories:

• Arts in Education;
• Organizational Development: a) Capacity Building; b) Salary Assistance
• Specific Arts and Culture Projects; and
• Visiting Artists

Visiting Artists

This program provides funding for eligible organizations to engage and deepen the impact of arts programming on local and underserved audiences through exposure to and interaction with professional visiting arts. Presenters may book artists in any discipline, not just in performing arts.

The Lynch Foundation Grant supports not-for-profit organizations in the Greater Boston area, focusing on education, health care, religion, and culture. The foundation promotes access to quality education, innovative health programs, and cultural engagement to drive social change. With a commitment to integrity and collaboration, the foundation emphasizes long-term support and sustainability in its grant-making. Organizations are invited to submit concept papers through a rolling application process to align with the foundation's mission of fostering meaningful community impact.

The Thomas C. Ackerman Foundation Grant supports K-12 educational programs in San Diego, focusing on mathematics, sciences, arts, and music. Established in 1991, it aims to assist local non-profits in becoming self-sustaining. Organizations eligible for funding must have operated for over a year without prior funding from the Foundation in the last 24 months. The Foundation seeks to address funding challenges faced by local groups while fostering economic development in the community.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal K–12 education law. ESSA was signed into law in 2015, replacing No Child Left Behind, and reauthorizing the original Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

ESSA requires every state to measure performance in reading, math, and science. Every school must inform parents about their standards and their results. 

ESSA requires every state to provide parents important information on test performance in reading, math, and science. The report cards must also provide data on graduation rates, suspensions, absenteeism, teacher qualifications, and many other areas. Texas provides maximum transparency for parents and publicly shares performance information on TXschools.gov and in data reports on the Performance Reporting pages.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant includes: 1) Title I, Part A Grants; 2) Title I, Part C Grants; 3) Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 Grants; 4) Title I, Part D, Subpart 2 Grants; 5) Title II, Part A Grants; 6) Title III, Part A ELA Grants; 7) Title III, Part A Immigrant Grants; and 8) Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1 Grants.

Title I, Part D, Subpart 2 

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

[ESSA, Section 1421]

The purpose of Title I, Part D, Subpart 2, is to do the following:

• To carry out high-quality education programs to prepare children and youth for secondary school completion, training, employment, or further education;
• Provide children and youth with the services needed to make a successful transition from institutionalization to further education or employment; and
• To operate programs in local schools, including schools operated or funded by the Bureau of Indian Education for children and youth returning from correctional facilities and programs that may serve at-risk children and youth.

Intended beneficiaries are school systems with high numbers or percentages of children and youth residing in locally-operated (including county-operated) correctional facilities for children and youth. 

The NIDDK Disease Research and Translational Core Centers (P30 Clinical Trial Optional) program invites applications to support innovative biomedical research focused on cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. These centers foster collaboration, provide essential resources, and mentor early-stage investigators, enhancing the research landscape. Funding will support pilot programs and access to shared services, ensuring efficient use of resources while promoting a robust scientific community dedicated to advancing health outcomes.

The PCC Foundation offers community grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Parke County. These grants, available to both new and existing charitable organizations, support various initiatives including education, health services, and community development. Applications are accepted year-round, with quick decisions for smaller requests. This funding opportunity encourages projects that address community needs and build capacity, fostering a stronger, more resilient community.

The Goldman Sachs Community Development Grants Program aims to strengthen low- and moderate-income communities through funding for nonprofits. This initiative includes multi-year unrestricted grants and one-time grants for homeownership initiatives. Eligible organizations must focus on community development, particularly in New York City and parts of New Jersey and Utah. The program emphasizes affordable housing, small business development, and neighborhood revitalization, aligning with the urgent community needs identified through extensive partner consultations.

The Grace Bersted Foundation Grant supports quality educational, human services, and health care programs for underserved populations, particularly children and the disabled, in DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties, Illinois. Established in 1986, it prioritizes organizations with local offices and typically funds grants for one year. Applicants are limited to one submission per calendar year to this and similar foundations, ensuring fair distribution of resources.

Apprenticeships on the Move

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announces the availability of approximately $4,000,000 in funding for Apprenticeships on the Move: Advancing Pennsylvania’s Workforce. 

The purpose of this NGA is to support the development of new registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, or the expansion of existing registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships that strengthen Pennsylvania's workforce and advance the Commonwealth's economic development priorities. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed project addresses workforce needs within the industry or occupation served and supports the goals of Governor Shapiro's Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Economic Development and the Pennsylvania WIOA Combined State Plan.

The James A. & Faith Knight Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Jackson and Washtenaw Counties, Michigan. The foundation values sound financial management, governance practices, and a clear mission, with a focus on gender, diversity, and outcomes. Key funding priorities include general operating support, environmental sustainability, and initiatives benefiting women and girls. Organizations are expected to demonstrate their commitment to these values during the application process, which may include site visits.

Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources - Wisconsin Department of Administration

At the Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR), we offer programs that help people with energy costs, housing needs, and community support.

What are CDBG Funds?

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds promote affordable housing, suitable living conditions, and economic opportunity primarily to benefit individuals with low to moderate income (LMI).

CDBG - Public Facilities Program (PF)

Provides grant funds to local governments for community infrastructure and facility projects.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Public Facilities funds help support infrastructure and facility projects for communities. Grants are awarded to units of general local government and are limited to projects that meet a CDBG National Objective, including:

• addressing the needs of and primarily serving individuals with a low- to moderate-income (LMI) status;
• eliminating slum or blighted conditions; or
• addressing an urgent local need.

Examples of eligible projects include construction, expansion, or improvement of:

• streets/roadways
• water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer system improvements
• sidewalks
• community centers
• senior centers
• libraries
• fire stations
• homeless shelters

The Business & Workforce Development Grants aim to bolster California's wood products infrastructure, ensuring the sustainability of forests and supporting the communities reliant on them. Funded through California Climate Investments, this initiative promotes diverse projects that enhance business and workforce development in the forestry sector. Key areas include business development, bioenergy, and forest-related workforce training, all contributing to healthier, resilient forests and a stronger economy, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

The Climate Smart Communities Grant Program in New York provides municipalities with funding to combat climate change through greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and adaptation projects. With at least $22 million available, eligible projects range from GHG reduction initiatives to climate adaptation strategies. The program also supports certification efforts for communities striving to achieve Climate Smart Community status. By fostering innovative local solutions, this grant aims to enhance resilience against climate-related challenges.

The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to preserving American exceptionalism through a commitment to individual liberty, free markets, and civic responsibility. It prioritizes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that promote informed citizenship and strong communities. With ongoing acceptance of Letters of Inquiry, the Foundation seeks to empower initiatives that align with its principles of limited government and the rule of law, fostering a rich community culture.

The 2026 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science will award three $50,000 prizes to exceptional young immigrant scientists in the U.S. This prestigious prize recognizes innovative research contributions in biomedical science. Eligible candidates must be under 38 years old, hold a doctoral degree, and have made significant achievements in their field. The Vilcek Foundation aims to highlight the impact of immigrant scientists on the advancement of biomedical research, fostering diversity and excellence.

The Lintilhac Foundation Grant aims to foster a stronger, healthier Vermont by supporting nonprofit organizations in various core areas such as clean energy, water quality, forest health, and sustainable outdoor recreation. With a legacy of over 50 years, the foundation emphasizes the importance of engaging local communities to address climate change, preserve biodiversity, and secure healthy food systems, while upholding democratic values and environmental science. This holistic approach ensures that both human and natural communities thrive together.

The Richard Reed Foundation Grant supports small, innovative non-profit organizations in Colorado and Northern California that aim to improve community welfare through initiatives in mental health, child development, environmental impact, and animal welfare. The foundation focuses on organizations with a proven track record, clear goals, and sustainable funding. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, and the foundation encourages creativity and collaboration to foster significant community change.

The Norco Community Fund Grant, managed by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for Norco residents through funding programs that focus on children, youth, and older adults. Priority is given to local organizations providing vital services, including mentorship for youth, social services, and support for older adults. This initiative stems from a significant donation to foster community development and well-being.