Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Engagement Grants aim to facilitate projects that foster communication and engagement with landowners and the community regarding restoration, acquisition, or resource assessment initiatives. These projects must demonstrate a clear connection to specific geographic areas and address ecosystem goals, ensuring measurable outcomes. Education projects are excluded, as eligibility focuses on activities directly linked to habitat protection and restoration, striving to enhance awareness and skills in watershed management.

The Monitoring Grants by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) focus on improving watershed conditions through data collection and analysis. Eligible projects include monitoring trends in watershed health, evaluating restoration efforts, and conducting rapid bio-assessments. Applicants must be legal entities such as local governments or non-profits. This initiative aims to ensure informed decision-making for environmental management and restoration, fostering sustainable practices and habitat improvement.

The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage offers Creative Project Grants to support distinctive and impactful projects by cultural organizations in the Philadelphia region. These grants target performances, exhibitions, and public interpretations that engage diverse audiences. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a minimum annual budget of $150,000, located in the five-county area of Philadelphia. Individual artists are not eligible, and projects should demonstrate artistic excellence and community engagement.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is inviting applications for the Community Engagement for the California Satellite Methane Project. This competitive grant, totaling $4.75 million, seeks third-party administrators to facilitate community understanding of methane pollution and the project's data. The initiative spans three regions: San Joaquin Valley, northern California, and southern California. The goal is to provide technical assistance and engage communities in addressing methane emissions and improving air quality.

The PHSA Community Foundation offers Community and Youth Grants to enhance life in Emmet County. With two application cycles each year, the foundation has distributed over $300,000 per cycle, averaging $7,800 per grant. They welcome requests of all sizes and offer support from various funds. This initiative is designed to meet diverse local needs, ensuring that community projects receive the necessary funding to thrive.

The Family Development Account Tax Credit Program, managed by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, provides essential financing for community organizations to support low-income families in matched savings initiatives. These initiatives empower families to save for education, homeownership, renovations, or small business ventures. Applications for this program are open until April 30, 2025, or until all available tax credits are allocated, ensuring ongoing support for community development.

The Deconstruction Grants Program, established by LB 180 in 2009, aims to support the deconstruction of abandoned buildings in Nebraska. This initiative encourages the recycling and reuse of building materials, helping to minimize waste. Eligible applicants include cities and counties with populations of 5,000 or less. Key requirements include obtaining bids for demolition and deconstruction, providing material inventories, and ensuring compliance with local historic preservation regulations.

The Scrap Tire Management Grant Program in Nebraska provides funding to support various scrap tire projects, including the purchase of tire-derived products and equipment for processing. Eligible applicants include private and non-profit organizations, as well as political subdivisions. The program aims to enhance recycling efforts and reduce waste, ultimately benefiting the environment and local communities. Projects should be designed to improve the management and utilization of scrap tires in practical and innovative ways.

Beverage Container Recycling Grants

The Beverage Container Recycling Grant (BCRG) Program aims to reach and maintain an 80% recycling rate for all California Refund Value (CRV) beverage containers – aluminum, glass, plastic, and bi-metal.This grant program encourages market development and expansion activities for beverage container materials by helping organizations establish convenient recycling and litter abatement projects. 

Eligible costs are limited to the following:

• Personnel costs directly related to the start-up/implementation of the project are capped at 25% of the total grant award, such as:
• Recycling coordinator salaries or wages for those directly involved, students, consultants
• Purchase of equipment or materials related to infrastructure such as:
• Beverage container recycling bins/receptacles
• Cluster bins
• Lids
• Receptacle liner
• In-unit totes (multi-family residential dwellings)
• Pads/enclosures to accommodate centralized roll-off, balers, scales, optical sorters (for municipality operating its own Material Recovery Facility)
• Equipment modifications
• Signage
• Brochures
• Installation costs for equipment
• Service cart for use in collection of materials
• Laptops, computers, etc.

The Coastal Fund (CF) Grant provides vital funding to support projects that preserve and enhance coastal ecosystems at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Aimed at fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship, the grant encourages proposals that align with the Coastal Fund's mission. Eligible applicants include UCSB-affiliated departments and registered nonprofits, with funding typically around $200,000 allocated quarterly. This initiative is essential for advancing ecological research and restoration efforts in the Santa Barbara region.

The Robert and Virginia Stanton Endowment Grant, established in 1994, prioritizes funding for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations serving Monterey County. This grant emphasizes one-time special or capital projects that enhance community benefit, particularly in arts, education, and public infrastructure. Notable priorities include support for the restoration of buildings designed by Robert Stanton and various cultural institutions. In 2025, only invited agencies will be considered, ensuring focused contributions to impactful community initiatives.

The Local Government Waste Tire Enforcement Grant Program, offered by CalRecycle, provides essential funding for California jurisdictions to enforce waste tire laws. Eligible applicants, including cities and counties, can receive grants based on their population size, with amounts ranging from $350,000 to $650,000. This non-competitive funding aims to ensure compliance with regulations related to waste tire permitting, hauling, and storage, fostering a cleaner environment and public safety.

The Deerfield River Enhancement Fund Grant, managed by the Vermont Community Foundation, supports environmental projects within the Deerfield River Basin. With a funding pool of approximately $14,000, eligible applicants include nonprofits and educational institutions in Vermont and Massachusetts. Projects can range from educational workshops to public access improvements, fostering community engagement and sustainability. The next grant cycle opens in November 2026, offering a valuable opportunity for organizations focused on preserving the watershed.

The Emergency/Medical Workers Behavioral Health Fund aims to support emergency workers facing trauma and anxiety due to their roles. Established by the HealthWell Foundation, it provides financial assistance for treatment-related costs, including copayments for prescription drugs, counseling, and transportation. In 2024, the Foundation awarded over $1.2 billion to underinsured patients, ensuring no one is denied essential healthcare due to financial barriers. This initiative helps address the critical mental health needs of those who serve on the front lines.

The Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants support local and regional planning efforts aimed at enhancing active transportation, safe routes to schools, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 2050. With a total funding of $29.5 million, these competitive grants also include subcategories for climate adaptation planning and strategic partnerships. Eligible projects must align with state goals and contribute to comprehensive transportation strategies, with grant amounts ranging from $50,000 to $700,000.

The Sapphire Awards, organized by the Florida Blue Foundation, celebrate exemplary programs, organizations, and individuals who have made significant contributions to community health since 2005. With awards totaling up to $525,000, this program recognizes transformative partnerships, innovative solutions, and measurable impacts on health outcomes. Nominees must be Florida-based and demonstrate a commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting overall well-being, aligning with the Foundation's priorities of improving health, food security, and mental health.

Each year, Pennsylvanians generate an estimated 25,000 tons of household hazardous waste such as pesticides, old paint, drain cleaners and pool chemicals. Household hazardous wastes (HHW) are those wastes produced in households that are hazardous in nature but are not regulated as hazardous waste under federal and state laws. These wastes, when not properly managed, can create environmental and public health hazards.

HHW Collection Programs give Pennsylvanians an opportunity to safely dispose of these wastes. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) encourages HHW collection events by providing financial and technical assistance to collection programs that register with DEP. These programs provide sites for residents or small businesses to drop off their HHW. The materials collected at these sites are then reused, recycled, and, when necessary, disposed of at hazardous waste facilities.

Act 101, Section 901, Household Waste (HHW) Education Grants. Counties are eligible for 80 percent reimbursement for educational programs on household hazardous waste and pollution prevention.

2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG)

OCJS and JAG

The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state, administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also evaluates programs and products, develops training, resources, and best practices for criminal justice professionals and communities. OCJS has been designated by Governor Mike DeWine to administer the FY 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) Grant Program.

Proposed to streamline justice funding and grant administration, the JAG Program allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. JAG blends the previous Byrne Formula and Local Law Enforcement Block Grant programs so that agencies can prioritize their funding needs and choose where to place justice funds.

In 2024, OCJS implemented its strategic plan (PDF). The action items included identifying priority areas for funding and encouraging projects to use evidence-based practices in their funded programs. The “Goals, Priorities and Requirements” section of this document outlines these priorities, and references evidence-based practices for OCJS funding areas. Fiscal year 2026 applicants must continue to follow these most recent guidelines.

Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

Untapped Potential

People with I/DD and their family members will have access to services and resources so they can participate fully in their communities.

Annually, key stakeholders will receive information on the benefits and resources to hire people with disabilities. This will allow employment and self-employment outcomes to improve for people with disabilities.

In Ohio, state policymakers are committed to ensuring individuals with developmental disabilities have greater opportunities for employment and advancement of their careers. Individuals with developmental disabilities can use their strengths and talents to increase their income, have a sense of accomplishment and create their own social identity. Employer engagement is essential to furthering this progress.

Hiring people with disabilities is good for business. However, many employers are not aware of this untapped resource or how to effectively recruit, retain and advance people with disabilities.

Business associations in Ohio promote the growth and prosperity of a specific community, region, sector or function of business, by supporting businesses, attracting new investment, and creating jobs. They offer various services like networking opportunities, advocacy, and resources to help businesses grow and thrive within the community. They act as a voice for the region or community and work to improve the local economy. These can include Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, safety councils, manufacturing associations, Ohio Means Jobs Centers etc.

Business associations could be a valuable resource in reaching employers who are not aware of this untapped resource. The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) will fund a project to reach business associations across Ohio to inform them of the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

ODDC will support activities that build capacity and systemic change through outreach, training, research, technical assistance, supporting and educating communities, interagency collaboration and coordination, demonstration of new approaches, informing policymakers and eliminating barriers, and system design and redesign.

ODDC will provide funding as outlined below for each year of the project. Proposals should address each year of the project. Proposals should address, if necessary: transportation, accessibility, use of technology, replication, sustainability, if the project reaches entire state or a specific region, cross-disability, and cultural diversity.

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

Trauma-Informed Approaches in Health and Public Health- Summer Funding Opportunity

The Ohio Department of Health Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness is investing in trauma-informed approaches for health and public health agencies across Ohio. Funding will support qualified contractors to provide coaching, training, facilitation, and organizational planning to help agencies implement trauma-informed practices. This initiative is intended to improve staff wellness and retention, strengthen resiliency-informed organizational culture, and enhance support for patients and clients impacted by trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

The Athens Federal Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives in East Tennessee, particularly in Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk counties. Established in 2009 with a $1 million stock contribution and $100,000 in cash, the Foundation prioritizes affordable housing, job training, and educational initiatives for the economically disadvantaged. Non-profit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501c(3) are eligible to apply, while political and fraternal organizations are excluded.

The WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program offers funding to eligible entities for developing local solutions to water management issues. This initiative supports watershed group development, restoration planning, and project design, promoting stakeholder cooperation and improving water reliability. It aligns with key priorities from the Trump administration, addressing complex water challenges and enhancing federal grant oversight. By facilitating these efforts, the program aims to stretch limited water resources and foster collaborative solutions among diverse stakeholders.

Dover Grants, offered by Speedway Children's Charities, supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on children's welfare in Delaware and the mid-Atlantic region. The grants prioritize initiatives assisting homeless, foster children, and victims of trafficking. Applicants must complete a two-phase application process, beginning with a Pre-Proposal and followed by a Full Proposal if selected. The organization emphasizes funding for critical, medical, and educational needs to foster a brighter future for children.