Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

 Arts Council of Anne Arundel County

Our mission is to provide leadership, funding, and support that promotes artistic excellence and historic preservation and to advocate for resources and education that expand arts opportunities for all, helping to create an enriched and healthy community.

Strategic Impact Grant

This grant opportunity is focused on capacity building. It is designed to fund projects that result in substantive, organizational transformation, taking the organization’s operations or performance to the next level. 

Examples of potentially fundable requests could include, but are not limited to, capital projects, collection acquisitions, software investment, or other capacity-building expenses.

The Regional Public Interest Awards recognize eight outstanding law students annually for their dedication to public interest law. Selected by the Equal Justice Works National Advisory Committee, each recipient demonstrates exceptional commitment through volunteer work, internships, and clinics. Awardees receive a $250 cash prize and a commemorative plaque, celebrating their significant contributions to their communities and the legal profession.

The James R. Gillette Award recognizes two exceptional papers published in Drug Metabolism and Disposition each year, one in Drug Metabolism and the other in Disposition and Pharmacokinetics. The award includes an invitation for the first author to present at the annual meeting, travel support, complimentary registration, and a cash prize of $250. Selections are made based on manuscript reviews, with winners announced in January or February.

The Teacher Grants for Innovation program, funded by the Georgia Department of Education, supports public school teachers in Georgia with innovative projects aimed at enhancing student learning. Grants range from $500 to $2,500 and are awarded on a rolling basis, with applications due by the 15th of each month. This initiative encourages teachers to implement creative ideas that can significantly impact their students' educational experiences.

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. 

Community Grants (restricted)

TCFHR manages a number of funds that make grants ONLY to organizations working primarily in specific fields.

Mary Spitzer Etter Endowed Fund

This permanent fund helps finance projects that benefit the arts in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

The Design-Your-Own Fellowship by Equal Justice Works allows lawyers to create personalized projects addressing critical legal needs in underserved communities. Participants collaborate with preferred organizations to develop innovative solutions while receiving substantial financial support, health benefits, and professional training. This program not only enhances access to justice but also promotes diversity within public interest careers, empowering candidates to make meaningful impacts in their chosen fields.

The Middletown Community Foundation, established in 1976, aims to support local nonprofits through collaborative capital projects that address community needs. With over $41 million in assets, it emphasizes projects that foster youth development and community responsibility. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations located in specified areas. The foundation does not fund individuals or for-profit entities, focusing instead on impactful community initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Middletown and surrounding areas.

About  USA Track & Field Foundation IncThe USA Track & Field Foundation was established in 2002. Our Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track & field programs, with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth and elite athletes.Mission: To support the development of emerging elite athletes, while fostering integration within the broader track & field community. To facilitate the physical, educational, social and character development of youth track & field athletes and to help prepare them to mature and succeed in adult life.About Youth Club GrantThe USATF Foundation considers providing opportunities for youth athletes to compete in track & field a top priority. We encourage youth track clubs and programs from all areas of the United States to apply for financial assistance.Examples of allowable expenses are as follows: equipment, uniforms, meet fees, travel, facility rental, staff and volunteer training and outreach.  

PLTW Launch, in collaboration with Emerson NI, aims to enhance STEM education by providing crucial grant support for elementary schools. This initiative will allow schools to implement PLTW Launch programs in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a total grant of $10,000, this partnership seeks to inspire students through hands-on learning experiences, fostering a design-thinking mindset and preparing them for future challenges in engineering and technology.

The Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two awards of $3,000 each for graduate students of Italian descent. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and reside in specified states. The scholarship supports students pursuing graduate studies in the academic year 2026-2027. UNICO promotes Italian American heritage and community service, making this scholarship a valuable opportunity for deserving students.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship, providing $5,000 to support a U.S. citizen of Italian descent pursuing a medical degree. Eligible candidates must be seniors at accredited colleges or medical schools, with proof of enrollment required. This scholarship not only aids education but also honors the foundation's commitment to community service and heritage, reflecting the core values of the Italian American community.

The IAC Mission

The mission of the Interagency Commission on School Construction is to achieve a safe, healthy, and educationally sufficient learning environment for every child attending a public school in Maryland. Our vision is a fiscally sustainable statewide portfolio of Pre-K-12 school facilities that will remain educationally sufficient for current and future generations of students and teachers.

Built to Learn Program

Purpose

Provides for up to $2.2 billion in school construction project funding through Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) issued special revenue bonds and provides for management of the projects by MSA.

Minimum Project Cost: $4,000,000

Funding Allocation Methods

• Calculated allocations based on estimated bond proceeds are set for Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Howard County, and Montgomery County.
• The other 17 LEAs share the remainder of the allocations, capped in proportion to their September 2019 enrollments.
• Maximum State Allocation is established for individual projects.
• Funding allocations must be used within 10 years of award.

State/Local Participation: State/Local cost share % applied

The PLTW Launch Program, in partnership with Emerson NI, aims to expand STEM education by providing grant support to elementary schools in Texas. With a total award of $5,000, the initiative focuses on enhancing hands-on learning through innovative modules. Schools can utilize the funds for program expansion activities, teacher training, and necessary equipment. This partnership seeks to foster creative problem-solving and a design-thinking mindset among students, preparing them for future challenges in engineering and technology.

The Bernard B. Brodie Award in Drug Metabolism and Disposition honors significant contributions in drug metabolism, recognizing outstanding research that impacts future studies. Presented biennially, it includes a $2,000 honorarium, a medal, and an invitation to present at the Annual Meeting. Candidates from all sectors are eligible, and nominations may highlight lifetime achievements or promising mid-career scientists. The award aims to celebrate innovation in this critical field.

San Mateo County Libraries

San Mateo County Libraries have been an integral part of its diverse community for over a century. Originally established by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 1912 as a County Free Public Library, the San Mateo County Library Joint Powers Authority (JPA) was established in 1999. The Library JPA is comprised of the cities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, North Fair Oaks, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Woodside, and the unincorporated areas of the county. The Library JPA is a separate, independent entity with its own Governing Board, consisting of elected officials from each member entity. An Operations Committee composed of City and County representatives from each member entity also provides guidance.

San Mateo County Libraries provide unmatched service to our community members, and we are consistently ranked as one of the best libraries in the nation. Developed through recent strategic planning work, our vision is to ignite growth through transformative experiences, and it is our mission to strengthen our communities by creating an inclusive sense of place and an environment of learning.

RFP for Library Needs Assessment and Facility Planning Services

San Mateo County Libraries (“Library”) seeks proposals from qualified firms or consultants in response to this Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide planning and assessment services for one or more of the following projects:

• Woodside Library Needs Assessment
• North Fair Oaks Library Needs Assessment
• Administration Building Facility Needs Assessment

Through these projects, the Library seeks to evaluate current conditions, identify current and future service and facility needs, and develop recommendations to inform future planning, capital investment, and operational decision-making.

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. 

Trackaday Scholarship (HBCU)

This scholarship supports students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Eligible candidates must have been accepted to an HBCU or be currently attending an HBCU as either an undergraduate student, graduate student, or doctoral candidate, and have graduated from public high schools in Harrisonburg City and Rockingham, Page or Shenandoah County.

The UNICO Foundation's Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship provides two scholarships of $2,500 each to students pursuing a degree. Open to all ethnicities, applicants must be U.S. citizens, attend an accredited college full-time, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. They should continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year and may apply if sponsored by a UNICO chapter from specific states. This initiative underscores UNICO's commitment to supporting educational opportunities for deserving students.

The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Discovery Award, in partnership with the American Federation for Aging Research, aims to fund innovative research that explores the biological mechanisms of normal aging. This award supports projects with a strong potential for groundbreaking discoveries, particularly from researchers new to the aging field. Up to two awards of $525,000 over three years will be granted, promoting scientific collaboration at designated conferences.

The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Postdoctoral Fellowships in Aging Research Grant aims to support postdoctoral fellows in their research on the biology of aging. In partnership with the American Federation for Aging Research, this program offers up to 10 grants of $75,000 each for one year, emphasizing the need for research that translates basic aging biology into clinical applications. Applicants must be postdoctoral fellows in qualified non-profit settings in the U.S. and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

Dr. Lillie Pitman Scholarship Fund

Dr. Lillie Pitman practically grew up in the California periodontal office where her mom worked. She was inspired by a mentor to shoot for the stars and made an impact with her warmth and acts of service along her journey. After an impressive education and living elsewhere, in 2014 Lillie established her home and practice in Fredericksburg, known for providing care along with her husband at Synergy Periodontics and Implants. She was an active member of the Rappahannock Rotary club, the Fredericksburg Full Gospel Fellowship church and served as president of the Virginia Society of Periodontists.

The Dr. Lillie Pitman Scholarship Fund will benefit first generation college students who are looking to pursue careers in healthcare from area schools. 

The Youth Service Improvement Grants (YSIG) program, funded by the William T Grant Foundation Inc, aims to enhance the quality of direct services for youth aged 5 to 25 in New York City. It encourages nonprofit organizations to identify and address service gaps while fostering critical reflection on their practices. In addition to financial support, the program offers technical assistance and peer-learning opportunities, creating a collaborative environment for organizations to strengthen their impact on youth.

The PFund Foundation offers a Sponsorship Fund for events primarily serving LGBTQ+ communities in the upper Midwest. With sponsorship amounts ranging from $500 to $1,000, organizations can apply once per calendar year. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the event and include information on the event's impact and how funds will be used. PFund aims to foster equity and strengthen networks within its focus areas.

Community Foundation of the Ozarks

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) provides philanthropic leadership to build stronger communities. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our region through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration and public leadership.

We help donors achieve their philanthropic goals through professional management and investment of charitable funds. We work with nonprofit organizations to help them fulfill their missions through fund administration, grantmaking and learning opportunities. We award scholarships to deserving students to help them achieve their educational goals.

Community Foundation of West Plains' The Impact Grantmaking Program

The Community Foundation of West Plains Inc. works to improve the quality of life for individuals in the West Plains area through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. The Community Foundation of West Plains Inc. is governed by a Board of Directors, chosen for their knowledge of the area.

As a giving circle dedicated to the West Plains area, The Impact brings like-minded individuals together by pooling their donations, inspiring a collective philanthropic impact. The Impact is excited to award grants to address priority needs in the West Plains area. Grant decisions for this program are made by The Impact group affiliated with the Community Foundation of West Plains.

Grant proposals are accepted according to an announced timetable, and grant recommendations are made as funds are available.

The Spay/Neuter Grants program, funded by Washington State's SPAY ~ NEUTER ~ ADOPT license plates, aims to combat pet overpopulation. Since 2007, it has awarded over $615,000 to animal welfare organizations, facilitating nearly 20,500 spay and neuter surgeries for pets in need. Eligible nonprofit organizations must meet specific criteria, ensuring humane treatment and adherence to regulations. This initiative contributes significantly to creating a healthier, more sustainable pet population across Washington.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The William Tucker Keene Memorial Scholarship, established by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, provides financial support to students who value education as a lifelong asset. Open to high school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school, this scholarship aims to help those pursuing degrees or certificates. Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated over $50 million to enhance the quality of life within the community, underscoring its commitment to philanthropic efforts.

The Gosnold Community Scholarship, established by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, offers tuition assistance to individuals who have actively contributed to the Gosnold Community and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship aims to support high school seniors, college students, and adults returning to education for degree or certificate programs, fostering educational advancement and community engagement. With a commitment to philanthropy, the Foundation has distributed over $50 million to enhance the quality of life in the region since 1995.