Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The South Arts Southern Prize provides a unique opportunity for individual artists in the Southern region of the U.S. to showcase their scriptwriting talents. With a total of $35,000 in grants available, including a $25,000 Southern Prize and a $10,000 runner-up prize, this program supports artistic excellence and offers a two-week residency at The Hambidge Center. Eligible applicants must be legal residents of the Southern states and adhere to specific requirements. The program celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the American South.

Creating a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all – no exceptions.

The best ideas for dramatically improving the health and wellbeing of the region come from the people who live and work in our local communities. 

Dogwood invests in aligned organizations that advance efforts in our four strategic priorities of housing, education, economic opportunity, and health & wellness. 

From 2025-2030, Dogwood’s grantmaking will focus on: 

• Capacity
• Collaboration
• Connections
• Capital Attraction

Stronger Organizations Grants

Supporting Organizational Operations, Infrastructure and Stability.

This grant opportunity offers flexible support for strategically aligned organizations that play a meaningful role in the region’s ecosystem through work in housing, education, economic opportunity, and health & wellness; and that are positioned to sustain and grow their impact over time. Organizations determine how best to use the funds and grant reporting is simplified. Most often, these grants are in the form of general operating support.

Grants typically range from $50,000 to $350,000 per year for up to two years. For two-year grants, the total award may range up to a maximum of $700,000.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi 

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Claude and Edith Kirkpatrick Memorial Scholarship

The Claude and Edith Kirkpatrick Memorial Scholarship has been set up to recognize an outstanding high school senior in Desoto County who has an affinity for the arts, is active in their church, and has demonstrated a high quality of academic excellence.

The South Arts State Fellowship offers a $5,000 grant to artists reflecting the rich visual arts culture of the Southern U.S. It aims to support individual artists or collaborative teams creating original works. Each state will select one awardee based on artistic excellence. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and provide proof of residency. The application deadline is December 10, 2025, and awardees must attend an awards ceremony in summer 2026.

The Berks County Veterans Treatment Court Fund, managed by the Berks County Community Foundation, provides essential financial support to participants in the Veterans Court. This fund covers expenses not addressed by other resources, ensuring that veterans receive the assistance they need. The program brings together a collaborative team, including judges, attorneys, and treatment providers, to support veterans in their recovery and reintegration into the community.

The NCVMA High 5 Grant offers $25,000 annually to support organizations that enhance community service and welfare for people and animals in North Carolina. This initiative, led by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, aims to promote educational projects with veterinary involvement. Grants of up to $5,000 each are available to qualified applicants, with a preference for those demonstrating fiscal responsibility and past successes. This program reflects NCVMA's commitment to veterinary excellence and community advocacy.

The Dr. D. Walter Cohen Teaching Award, provided by the American Academy of Periodontology, offers a $10,000 grant to support new periodontal educators. This funding aims to facilitate their entry into teaching and research careers in periodontal education. Eligible candidates must be in their third year of an accredited periodontal post-doctoral training program in the U.S. and demonstrate a strong commitment to education and research in this field.

The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) offers grants ranging from $250 to $10,000 to support innovative programs and address urgent needs of nonprofits in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton, Connecticut. Funding may cover virtual programs or capacity-building needs, but cannot be used for past debts or general operating costs. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or have a fiscal sponsor with such status and adhere to a non-discrimination policy.

The AAP Foundation's Educator Scholarships aim to support future periodontal educators by offering financial assistance to students enrolled in U.S. periodontal postdoctoral programs. Each scholarship provides $12,000, disbursed as $4,000 annually over three years, to help cover tuition and living costs. Recipients must commit to teaching full-time at a U.S. periodontal program for each year they receive funding. This initiative fosters the growth of qualified educators in the field.

The PLTW Gateway Program Expansion, in collaboration with Emerson NI, aims to enhance STEM education by providing middle schools in select Texas counties with grants to expand their PLTW Gateway programs. This initiative focuses on hands-on learning experiences that empower students to explore their passions through engineering, computer science, and biomedical science. With a total grant award of $10,000 available for the 2026-2027 academic year, this partnership seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators.

The ODA Foundation Access to Oral Care Grants support nonprofit organizations improving dental care access in Ohio. With over $400,000 awarded, the foundation prioritizes projects demonstrating community need, sustainable outcomes, and capacity to serve underserved populations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, endorsed by an ODA member dentist, and committed to continuing their projects post-grant. This initiative aims to enhance oral health through targeted, impactful programs.

The PLTW Gateway program in partnership with Emerson NI aims to enhance STEM education for middle school students. By providing hands-on learning experiences, this initiative empowers students to discover their passions and explore future career paths in engineering and technology. With a grant of $10,000 available for the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible public and charter schools in select Texas counties can implement PLTW Gateway units, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes diversity in STEM fields.

The CBT Environmental Education Grant Program, funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, offers $290,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 to support environmental literacy initiatives in Maryland. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, and public agencies. The program aims to enhance students' knowledge and motivation to engage in responsible environmental stewardship through projects like Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE) and capacity-building efforts. Grants of up to $40,000 are available for projects lasting up to three years.

The PLTW Computer Science Program Expansion, in partnership with Emerson NI, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grant support to public and charter schools in Texas. With a total award of $10,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year, this initiative encourages schools to expand their existing PLTW Computer Science programs through new courses and teacher training, fostering innovative learning experiences that prepare students for future challenges.

The PLTW Computer Science program, in partnership with Emerson NI, aims to inspire students through hands-on STEM learning experiences. This initiative is designed to support public and charter schools in Texas, providing grant funding for the 2026-2027 academic year. With a total award of $10,000, the program encourages schools to implement PLTW Computer Science courses, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for future engineers and problem solvers.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion, in partnership with Emerson NI, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grant support to schools looking to expand their PLTW Engineering programs starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a total award of $10,000, this initiative focuses on inspiring students through hands-on learning experiences. Schools in specific Texas counties, particularly those with high female and minority enrollment, are encouraged to apply, fostering diversity and innovation in engineering education.

The PLTW Engineering New Program, in partnership with Emerson NI, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grant support of $10,000 to schools implementing PLTW Engineering courses in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative focuses on engaging students through hands-on learning experiences and promoting diversity in engineering. Eligible public and charter schools in select Texas counties are encouraged to apply, especially those with high female and underrepresented minority enrollment.

The Yellow Springs Endowment for Education Grants supports innovative educational initiatives within the Yellow Springs Exempted Village Schools. By funding programs that foster creativity, excellence, and diversity, the grants aim to enhance educational experiences for students. Applications require endorsement from the school superintendent and are open to faculty, staff, and students, promoting collaborative efforts for impactful projects. This initiative reflects the commitment of the Yellow Springs Community Foundation to strengthen local education.

The Ellis W. Rowe Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, supports students from South Hampton Roads pursuing higher education. Established to aid those in financial need, this scholarship has awarded over $20 million since 1950. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, demonstrate financial need, and enroll full-time in a four-year accredited college. Award amounts range from $400 to $6,000, depending on available funds and individual circumstances.

The Waccamaw Community Foundation offers Disaster Relief & Recovery Rapid Grants to support organizations providing disaster services in Horry, Georgetown, and Williamsburg counties. Eligible applicants must be members of their local VOAD or COAD. The foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis, ensuring timely assistance to those in need during critical times.

The Darryl and Susanne Shoff Fund, managed by the Berks County Community Foundation, offers vital veterinary care for animals in life-threatening situations. This fund specifically assists pet owners in Berks County who are unable to afford necessary life-saving treatments for their beloved pets. Through this initiative, the fund aims to alleviate the financial burden on families, ensuring that no animal suffers due to lack of resources.

The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County

At The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County, we make it easy to give back to the community we all love through comprehensive and trusted charitable giving. We partner with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to fund local needs through community endowments and support to charities. By expertly managing these funds in-house or with local financial advisors, we’re able to power the arts, faith-based initiatives, environmental grants, human services, domestic and wildlife animal organizations and educational initiatives that help to strengthen our community and make it a vibrant place to live and work. 

Society of Seniors Foundation Scholarship

The Society of Seniors Foundation Scholarship was created to provide need-based scholarships to children of full-time employees at the various clubs that so generously host the Society of Seniors tournaments each year.

This scholarship is renewable.

The BISA Attendance Improvement Fund, managed by the Berks County Community Foundation, offers grants of up to $1,000 to enhance school attendance in Berks County. This initiative supports programs that encourage regular school attendance, leading to better academic performance and overall student well-being. Schools are invited to apply for funding to implement specific attendance improvement initiatives within designated time frames, fostering collaboration among educational institutions.

The Penny Jar Fund, established by Dorothy Lehman Hoerr, provides essential financial assistance to undergraduate students in Berks County, Pennsylvania, facing unexpected crises. Grants support non-tuition needs such as living expenses, books, and transportation. This initiative honors Earl Lehman, who helped his daughter through college during a challenging time by saving pennies. The fund aims to alleviate financial burdens and ensure students can focus on their education without the stress of unforeseen expenses.

The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Regular Grants, provided by the Barry Community Foundation, aim to fund initiatives that significantly benefit the youth in Barry County, Michigan. Grants up to $3,000 are available, with proposals due on March 15th and October 15th. Additionally, mini grants of up to $300 can be submitted year-round. This program empowers local youth by requiring that grant applications be written by youth members of their organizations, fostering leadership and community engagement.

2026 ASPCA Grants for Shelters and Spay/Neuter Clinics

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) is offering up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics in meeting the needs of vulnerable animals throughout the United States, including addressing the shortfall in available spay/neuter surgeries. We will fund qualified proposals that support:

• Critical shelter infrastructure
• Strengthening shelter essentials
• Increasing the number of spay/neuter surgeries year-over-year 
• Major capital projects that increase spay/neuter capacity
• Special projects that increase spay/neuter capacity

Shelter Grants

Critical Shelter Infrastructure

Only one application per agency/organization will be considered. 

Applicants may choose only one of the five funding categories. Our interest is in meeting your most pressing needs in one of the offered categories; we do not have our own preference for funding one category over another. We will fund the most compelling proposals, regardless of category chosen.

The Annetta Carter Memorial Fund Grants support botanical research on the green plants of Baja California. Open to members of the California Botanical Society, proposals can include studies outside Baja that address relevant issues. The funding may cover research, travel, supplies, and minor equipment, with a budget limit of $1,000. Preference is given to applicants who secure necessary permits, especially foreign scientists collaborating with local experts. There is no fixed deadline for submissions.