Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The US Dept. of Health & Human Services, through the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, is set to announce a funding opportunity focused on HIV research for pediatric and maternal populations. This initiative aims to foster innovative clinical trials addressing critical research areas in HIV, inviting collaborations from experts in various fields. Applications are not currently solicited, but potential applicants are encouraged to prepare for this opportunity.

The Francis Courtney Educational Fund Grant, managed by Housing Pathways, supports individuals under 25 in the London Borough of Ealing with scholarships, bursaries, and one-off grants for educational expenses. Applications are welcomed from individuals and organizations that align with the fund's mission. Priority is given to residents of Southall and Norwood Green, particularly those in financial need. This initiative aims to foster educational opportunities and assist beneficiaries in their professional pursuits.

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation's Family Stability Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of Mecklenburg County. By investing between $10,000-$50,000 in eligible organizations, the grant focuses on family formation, financial security, innovative housing solutions, and parental engagement. The foundation seeks to empower families through education, support, and resources, ultimately breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and fostering community involvement.

Modeling and Monitoring Air Quality and Co-Benefits of Energy Interventions

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund applied research and development projects that inform California's transition to an equitable, zero-carbon energy system that is climate-resilient and meets environmental goals. Applied research supported by this solicitation will improve existing ambient air quality modeling approaches, advance low-cost measurement technologies, and conduct analyses to quantify the air quality implications and related human health impacts of clean energy interventions across energy use sectors. Ultimately, this research will contribute to a foundation for accurate monetization of non-energy impacts of clean energy interventions.

Improvements in air quality and related human health outcomes are important direct benefits of decarbonizing energy sectors that currently rely on fossil fuels. Capturing these impacts is important to motivate investments in decarbonization strategies but is also a challenging task. Robust air quality modeling and field measurements can help to accurately project the air quality-related benefits and ultimately monetize the human health impacts of clean energy interventions such as implementation of Senate Bill (SB) 100 (SB 100, De León, Chapter 312, Statutes of 2018), transportation electrification, and building electrification.

This solicitation addresses public interest research opportunities at the nexus of human health, air quality monitoring and modeling, and California’s decarbonizing electricity system. Existing ambient air quality simulation models require rigorous evaluation for accuracy of estimates, specific tailoring to California’s complex geography and meteorology, and expanded capability to simulate pollutants such as ozone and secondary particulate matter. Additionally, improvements in the spatial resolution and computational efficiency of existing models are critical to illuminate impacts of decarbonization strategies, and applied research is needed related to low-cost air quality sensors for in-situ household pollution measurement. While existing sensors enable collection of abundant data, they can be afflicted by performance issues and associated inaccuracies.

Projects must fall within the following project groups: 

• Group 1: Advancing Ambient Air Quality Modeling Capabilities and Analysis; and
• Group 2: Developing a Low-cost Air Quality Sensor to Assess Household Air Pollution.

The Minnie B. Leonette Family Foundation, established in 1994, focuses on innovative solutions for children and seniors in Northern Nevada. It supports projects that improve quality of life, emphasizing creativity and compassion. The Foundation prioritizes grants for private non-profits and public agencies that address the needs of those who may not qualify for public aid, aiming for sustainable positive change. Grants are typically one year but may be renewed based on satisfactory progress.

New York Department of State

The New York Department of State’s core mission is to provide a better quality of life and expand opportunities for all New Yorkers by fostering community revitalization, catalyzing economic growth through business formation, protecting consumers, helping new Americans, supporting local governments, assisting individuals and families to achieve upward economic mobility, and ensuring safety and integrity through the regulation of licensed occupations and the development of building standards and codes.

Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Grants

The NYS Department of State (Department or DOS), through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act), is soliciting applications from eligible applicants through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) for Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Grants. These grants will enhance community resilience and reduce flood risk through the implementation of the following project types:

• Coastal Rehabilitation and Resilience Projects
• Inland Flooding and Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Implementation Projects 

State assistance awarded and paid shall not exceed 90% of the total eligible project costs set forth in the application and as approved by the Department.

Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction Grant implementation projects may include completion of final design and construction, or construction-only for eligible projects. Projects should prioritize nature-based and natural solutions where feasible and provision of co-benefits. 

Inland Flooding and Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Implementation Projects 

Inland Flooding and LWRP Implementation Projects address restoration and flood risk reduction through implementation of a complete or substantially complete LWRP or LWRP Component, including a watershed management plan funded by DOS. New York State’s approach to managing waterfront areas recognizes that municipalities are in the best position to determine their own waterfront objectives and needs in a manner consistent with the goals and requirements of the Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas and Inland Waterways Act.4 Accordingly, the Department encourages waterfront communities to prepare and implement LWRPs. An LWRP is a comprehensive land and water use plan that expresses a vision for a community’s waterfront area, proactively plans for current and future climate hazards, addresses State Coastal Policies to reflect local or regional needs, and outlines the organizational structure, local laws, and waterfront revitalization projects necessary to implement the program.

The Janice Seagraves Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and governmental entities along the Hwy 93 and Hwy 75 Corridor in northern Nevada and Idaho. The Foundation prioritizes funding for projects that promote education, benefit families and children, advance humanitarian principles, and ensure the humane treatment of animals. Grant applications under $10,000 receive prompt consideration, while larger requests may require presentation at bi-annual meetings.

The Superior HealthPlan Community Grant Program offers $10,000 to Texas-based organizations tackling Non-Medical Drivers of Health (NMDOH). Focus areas include housing stability, food security, and healthcare access. Grants are awarded annually, with applications reviewed by the Superior HealthPlan Grant Committee. Nonprofits addressing issues like housing insecurity, food access, and healthcare literacy are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants must serve the Medicaid population and submit required documentation by April 30, 2025.

Texas Health Community Impact

A Department of Community Health Improvement

We invest in community health and well-being through grantmaking and strategic collaborations. From data-driven, home-grown regional strategies to technical assistance, Texas Health Community Impact collaborates with community leaders to offer creative grant opportunities to North Texas organizations with a mutual desire to transform health and well-being in innovative ways.

Texas Health Community Impact Grants (Request for Proposals)

Texas Health Community Impact requests proposals to fund local organizations collaborating on innovative solutions that address barriers to community health and wellbeing. Up to $5 million is available across nine counties for the 2027-2028 grant cycle.

These community health improvement grants are made possible by Texas Health Resources—a faith‑based, nonprofit health system that cares for more patients in North Texas than any other provider.

Key Requirements

Applications must fulfill four key requirements: 1. Propose an innovative approach. 2. Demonstrate a collaborative effort between two or more organizations. 3. Align with strategic priorities. 4. Promote sustainability. Read Grant Key Requirements.

Project Implementation

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to begin implementing activities within four months of the execution of the MOU. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Prior Applicants

Organizations that applied for a previous Texas Health Community Impact grant cycle and were not awarded are eligible to apply. 

Request for Proposals by Region

The Texas Health Community Impact Grant requests proposals by regions: 1) Collin Region; 2) Dallas and Kaufman Region; 3) Denton, Wise and Parker Region; 4) Southern Region; and 5) Tarrant Region.

Texas Health is investing a total of $5 million in grants across its five regions, which spans nine counties. Groups seeking to work collaboratively on innovative upstream approaches to address priorities identified in each region are encouraged to apply for this competitive funding opportunity.

Collin-Specific Content

Problem Statement

Based on extensive community feedback and analysis of data in the 2025 CHNA, as well as input from the Collin Leadership Council, the following non-medical drivers of health (NMODH) have been identified as top concerns in Collin County: Healthcare Access, Navigation & Literacy and Connectedness. Therefore, the Collin Leadership Council will seek innovative proposals to reduce barriers related to NMDOH in Healthcare Access, Literacy & Navigation, as well as Connectedness, through enhanced access to nutrition, chronic disease management, primary care, and social connectedness in 4 high need zip codes: East McKinney (75069), Farmersville (75442), Princeton (75407), and Blue Ridge (75424).

The Evergreen Foundation Grant supports not-for-profit organizations in Western North Carolina that provide essential services for individuals with behavioral health, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Established in 1977, the Foundation allocates funding through a competitive grant process, typically issuing 25 to 30 grants annually. Eligible applicants include agencies serving these populations and those with 501(c)(3) status. Priorities include infrastructure support, education, and advocacy, ensuring vital services reach the communities in need.

The Capacity Building Initiative (CBI) by the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network aims to enhance the organizational capacity of groups working towards community well-being and natural resource management. Funded projects may include strategic planning, staff training, and technology assistance, with funding requests typically capped at $40,000 for nonprofits and $150,000 for local governments. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and local governments operating within the Chesapeake watershed, focusing on water and natural resource goals.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation supports Arizona-based organizations through its Charitable Event Sponsorship Process. Grant opportunities are offered to programs addressing chronic conditions, mental health, health equity, and substance use disorders. Non-profit organizations and academic institutions are eligible for funding, while lobbying and capital expenditures are excluded. Applications are accepted starting in January, with reviews conducted on the 15th of each month, promoting impactful health initiatives across the state.

The Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund Grant, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides funding for projects aimed at restoring and conserving longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood forests. With approximately $30 million available for 2024, grants range from $250,000 to $3,000,000. This initiative, supported by various federal and private entities, emphasizes the importance of ecological preservation and sustainable land management practices.

The New York State Conservation Partnership Grant Program, managed by the Land Trust Alliance and the Department of Environmental Conservation, supports land trusts through competitive grants. With over $34 million awarded, the program aims to boost organizational capacity, enhance stewardship efforts, and catalyze community engagement in conservation projects across New York. Grants are available in five categories, including Capacity & Excellence, Professional Development, and Stewardship & Resource Management, promoting sustainable conservation practices.

This funding opportunity from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute aims to enhance health decision-making through comparative clinical effectiveness research, focusing on critical areas such as cancer, maternal health, and mental health. The initiative encourages robust observational studies that utilize existing data to derive patient-centered insights. Applications must address specific themes approved by PCORI and demonstrate potential benefits to the U.S. healthcare system, thus ensuring relevance and stakeholder engagement in research efforts.

The Jane Deming Fund Grant, managed by the Orange County Community Foundation, focuses on supporting musical activities and education for under-served youth in Orange County. The grant is dedicated to projects that involve stringed instruments, provide tuition for music camps, purchase instruments for promising students, and produce performances that reach new audiences. This fund reflects Jane Deming's commitment to enhancing community engagement through music.

New Jersey Department of Health

The scope of work for the public health system is ever-expanding, and the Department is on the frontlines in leading the response to public health challenges. The Department has three primary branches – Public Health Services, Health Systems, and Integrated Health. All work collaboratively toward improving health by strengthening New Jersey’s health system.

Our Mission: Protect the public’s health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.

Rural Health Transformation Program: Improving Chronic Disease Outcomes in Rural New Jersey

The Division of Health Promotion, through its Community Health and Wellness Unit (CHWU), announces the availability of funding awarded to the State under the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Grant Program. This funding opportunity is designed to support innovative and sustainable strategies that improve chronic disease outcomes, increase access to quality healthcare services, address health disparities, and strengthen healthcare systems in rural communities.

The grant seeks to advance community-driven solutions that promote health equity, improve health outcomes, and enhance care coordination across rural health systems.

Purpose and Goals

The purpose of the Rural Health Transformation Grant is to support projects that transform rural healthcare delivery by addressing systemic challenges and community-identified needs. Grant goals include, but are not limited to:

• Improving access to healthcare services in rural and underserved areas
• Strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure and workforce capacity
• Enhancing care coordination and integration of services
• Addressing SDOH impacting rural populations
• Promoting preventive care, wellness, and chronic disease management

Proposed Grant Activities

• Activity 5.2a: NJ Rural Southern Physical Activity and Nutrition Program (NJ R-SPAN)
• Activity 5.2b: Umbrella Hub Organization
• Activity 5.3b: Enhancing Rural Cancer-Focused Healthcare (ERCH)
• Activity 5.3c: Rural Pharmacy Medication Management Therapy Program
• Activity 5.3d: Rural Health Screening and Education
• Activity 5.4b: Safe Communities: Youth Violence Prevention in Rural Communities

Activity 5.3b: Enhancing Rural Cancer-Focused Healthcare (ERCH)

Program Goals: The Enhancing Rural Cancer Healthcare program aims to implement sustainable policy, systems, and environmental change approaches across the rural areas of 8 Regional Chronic Disease Coalitions to reduce the burden of cancer and other chronic and reproductive diseases. There will also be a focus on supporting/providing cancer survivorship care to residents of rural areas. Residents of the rural areas served by this project will receive culturally specific cancer education, outreach, referrals to appropriate screening services, and survivorship care services. These project efforts may reduce cancer incidence and mortality in rural New Jersey.

• Objective 1.1: Reduce cancer mortality and morbidity in New Jersey rural communities.
• Objective 1.2: Establish PSE change strategies to improve the health and well-being of New Jersey rural communities with relation to cancer primary prevention, early detection, and survivorship.
• Objective 1.3: Increased education, outreach, and screening within rural communities related to various cancer, chronic, and reproductive diseases.

The Greater Lawrence Community Fund Grant provides essential program support for nonprofit organizations in Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, and North Andover, focusing on hunger, clothing, shelter, and education. The grant favors collaborative projects and evaluates proposals based on documented needs, organizational capacity, and potential impacts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations committed to non-discrimination. Grants are typically for specific programs that can be assessed within a year, supporting small organizations as needed.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers grants of up to $15,000 for marinas to install marine sewage pumpout facilities, enhancing water quality by providing boaters with proper waste disposal options. This program, funded by the Federal Clean Vessel Act and the Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund, also supports reimbursement for pumpout operations and maintenance, ensuring marinas can effectively manage sewage disposal and contribute to cleaner waterways.

The Recycling Assistance Grant Program, funded by a $1.00 fee on solid waste disposal in West Virginia, aims to support counties, municipalities, and other entities in establishing and enhancing recycling initiatives. Grants are available for feasibility studies, educational programs, and market procurement efforts. Public entities can receive up to $150,000, while private entities can secure a maximum of $75,000 to bolster their recycling programs and public awareness campaigns.

The Communities Caring for Canopy grants offer vital seed funding for communities to establish and maintain urban forestry programs in Vermont. With a total of $40,000 available for projects like tree planting, maintenance, and public outreach, individual awards range from $5,000 to $10,000. This initiative encourages collaboration and innovation in managing local tree resources, ensuring community engagement and environmental sustainability.

The Urban Act Grant Program in Connecticut provides financial assistance to municipalities identified as economically distressed or public investment communities. This initiative aims to enhance community conservation, urban development, and improve quality of life for residents. Local officials must submit a letter to the Office of Policy and Management to apply, as there is no formal application process. The funds can support various projects, including economic development, housing, and public safety.

The Women in Health Collaborative Fund, launched by the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, empowers women in healthcare to make impactful grant decisions. Focused on improving health outcomes for women and girls, the initiative invites 501(c)(3) nonprofits with majority female boards to seek funding, prioritizing reproductive health and the mental health of Black girls. Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded based on community-driven voting, fostering innovative and collaborative approaches to pressing health issues.

The LifeCare Health Care Fund Grants, managed by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, aim to support nonprofit organizations in Roseau County with financial assistance for health-related projects and services. These grants focus on initiatives like diabetes care, cancer support, and wellness programs, promoting better health outcomes in the community. Eligible nonprofit applicants can request funding from various specialized endowment funds to address pressing healthcare needs and enhance community well-being.

About Foam Recycling

The process to recycle foam is like that of other recyclables. In the case of foam products, a special compactor – called a “densifier” – may be used in the processing of the material. Foam products are over 90% air, so densifying it allows the material to be transported more cost-effectively. To give you an example, a 48-foot truckload of baled foam polystyrene weighs only around 16,000 pounds, whereas a truckload of densified foam polystyrene weighs 40,000 pounds.

Innovative alternatives are being developed and deployed that are categorized as chemical recycling (vs. mechanical recycling). This will take the plastic resin back to its base state – in the case of foam PS, back to a styrene monomer. With chemical recycling, increased organic contamination will only impact the amount of foam for recovery (yield), but will not impact the recyclability of the plastic.

Foam Recycling Coalition Grant Program

Funding Source: Funding for the grant program comes from contributions from members of the Foam Recycling Coalition, a special interest group of the Foodservice Packaging Institute.

Grant Amounts: Funding amounts will be made on a case-by-case basis and will be dependent on equipment needs. The maximum amount per grant is $50,000.

Cash Match: No cash match is required, but additional costs by the grantee may be incurred for related items such as site preparation, provision of conveying system and electrical infrastructure, freight, and other installation costs.

The J. F. Maddox Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Lea County, New Mexico, by supporting non-profit organizations and projects that align with its strategic plan. Key areas of focus include accessible social services, economic diversification, community aesthetics, education, and promoting a safe and healthy community. The Foundation encourages projects that leverage additional funding and foster collaboration among agencies, ensuring long-term benefits for the residents of Lea County.

The Ray Charles Foundation Scholarship supports diversity in neurosciences by offering scholarships to third- or fourth-year undergraduate and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Up to two students will gain valuable experience at Cedars-Sinai, with funding for housing and relocation. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or older who are passionate about neuroscience and can arrange their accommodations in Los Angeles.