Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The MA Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant Program provides essential funding to public water systems and municipal water departments for acquiring land to protect current and future public drinking water supplies and support groundwater recharge. This reimbursement program offers a maximum award of $350,000 with a reimbursement rate of 60%. It aims to enhance water supply safety and sustainability across Massachusetts.

The Rheumatology Scholarship – Workforce Expansion aims to recruit future rheumatology professionals by supporting students and residents from underserved areas to attend ACR Convergence 2025. Awardees receive $2,000 for travel, registration, and a one-year ACR/ARP Membership. This initiative fosters networking opportunities and educational experiences crucial for enhancing patient care in rheumatology. It is part of a broader campaign to address the growing shortage of rheumatologists and improve patient access to care.

The Proposition 4 grant aims to enhance wildfire resilience and forest restoration while promoting watershed improvement and workforce development for disadvantaged communities. It emphasizes community engagement and multi-benefit projects that improve access to open spaces and natural resources. The California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy oversees this initiative, encouraging collaboration among various stakeholders to address regional needs, including water quality and habitat restoration.

The Oregon Natural Resources Education Fund Grant supports high school organizations in enhancing natural resources education. This funding aims to provide essential tools, equipment, and technology for educational resources related to natural conservation. It is managed by the Oregon Community Foundation and includes specific subfunds for targeted regional support. The grant focuses on fostering forestry education and is contingent on available market funds and the number of proposals received.

The Seeding Wayne County Grant Program, operated by Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, aims to combat poverty by providing funding to grassroots organizations in Wayne County. With a total allocation of $550,000 for the fiscal year 2026, grants range from $1,000 to $7,500. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities serving low-income residents and can apply for funding for direct services in areas such as education, health, and nutrition.

The PTES Worldwide Conservation Insight Grants support scientific research and practical conservation efforts aimed at preserving endangered species. Grants range from £3,000 to £10,000 annually, up to a total of £20,000 over two years. Eligible applicants include researchers and conservationists working on critical conservation questions or local actions. The fund prioritizes projects with clear, sustainable outcomes that benefit endangered species and their habitats, particularly in low-income countries.

The Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund Grant, offered by the Oregon Water Resources Department, provides financial assistance to low- and moderate-income homeowners facing well supply issues. This grant helps cover costs associated with repairing or replacing dry wells or those damaged by wildfire, ensuring access to safe drinking water for essential household needs. Eligible applicants include homeowners and members of federally recognized tribes in Oregon.

The Down Syndrome – Aim High Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, empowers students pursuing careers in special education or therapy for individuals with Down Syndrome. This scholarship supports dedicated individuals committed to improving the lives of others through education and professional development. Since 1968, the foundation has focused on enhancing community well-being, making this scholarship a vital resource for aspiring professionals in the field.

The Student & Resident Research Award, part of the Choose Rheumatology campaign, recognizes outstanding students and residents for significant contributions in rheumatology. Eligible applicants must be authors of abstracts submitted to ACR Convergence 2025 and can receive up to $2,000 in funding for travel and registration. This award promotes engagement in rheumatology through innovative learning experiences at ACR Convergence, enhancing the understanding and care for patients with rheumatic diseases.

The Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Directed Grant Program (2025-2027) supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing sustainable recreation and tourism in the Sierra-Cascade region. Key goals include improving public access to nature, mitigating overuse impacts on resources, and fostering sustainable recreation economies. Projects eligible for funding must focus on climate resilience, equitable access, or landscape-scale assessments, all ensuring multiple benefits for community education and environmental protection.

Housing Opportunities for People Living with HIV/AIDS

This funding opportunity is to support rental assistance and housing-related supportive services for eligible District and Maryland residents living with HIV through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program.

The mission of DC Health is to promote and protect the health, safety, and quality of life of residents, visitors, and those doing business in the District of Columbia. The agency is responsible for identifying health risks; educating the public; preventing and controlling diseases, injuries, and exposure to environmental hazards; promoting effective community collaborations; and optimizing equitable access to community resources.

The mission of HAHSTA is to protect and improve the health of District residents by preventing, diagnosing, treating, and reducing the transmission of HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis, while ensuring access to high-quality, coordinated, and culturally responsive care and support services for individuals and communities most impacted by these conditions.

The mission of the CBHCP Division is to strengthen the HIV service delivery system by expanding access to stable housing, enhancing organizational and workforce capacity, and fostering strategic community partnerships that improve health outcomes, promote service coordination, and address structural barriers impacting people living with HIV in the District of Columbia.

The mission of the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program is to provide stable, affordable housing and housing-related supportive services for low-income individuals living with HIV and their households, recognizing housing stability as essential to improved health outcomes, sustained engagement in care, and overall well-being

The Recycling Business Development Grants aim to reduce solid waste in North Carolina by encouraging sustainable recovery of materials. This program invites proposals from recycling businesses looking to enhance their operations or start new projects. Funding is primarily for investments in equipment and facilities that improve recycling capacity, helping to divert more materials from landfills into productive use. Eligible projects include collection, processing, and end use of materials in the waste stream.

The T2025 Multifamily Finance Super NOFA for Los Angeles allocates approximately $101 million to support multifamily housing and infrastructure projects in areas affected by wildfires in January 2025. The California Department of Housing and Community Development aims to expedite affordable housing solutions for disaster survivors through two application phases, emphasizing immediate construction and readiness. Eligible programs include Multifamily Housing, Supportive Housing, and Infrastructure Grant initiatives, all focused on enhancing housing stability and community recovery.

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Our mission is to be a diverse and inclusive organization providing programs, services and supports that protect and promote the health and well-being of all Kentuckians and their communities.

Department for Public Health (DPH) - Rural Health Transformation Program Funding Opportunity to Establish or Expand Community Paramedicine Programming

About the Program

This project is 100% funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a total of $212.9 million in budget year 1 with 100% by CMS/HHS. The RHTF grant spans five budget periods aligned with federal fiscal years (FY2026–FY2030). Funding is disbursed annually by CMS based on achievement of performance metrics.

Funding is designed to support early program development and scaling. Community paramedicine programs are not expected to be fully sustainable during initial funding periods. Awards may vary depending on the proposed budget provided by the applicant and additional funding will be provided in subsequent years.

Program Objectives

Funded programs must demonstrate their willingness and ability to:

• Design and deliver community paramedicine services that address low-acuity, preventative, and high-utilization patient needs in Kentucky’s rural communities.
• Reduce unnecessary emergency department utilization and repeat visits after discharge by supporting community members where they are.
• Strengthen partnerships with rural service sites such as Local Health Departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural clinics, and behavioral health partners, including Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs).
• Connect community members to the right care before and after emergencies by repositioning EMS as a front-line connector to care.
• Operate in a cost-effective, sustainable, and compliant manner. Compliance is defined as adherence to KBEMS standards for EMS agencies. 

Career and Technical Education

The goal of the South Dakota Department of Education is for all students to graduate college, career, and life ready. The Division of College, Career and Student Success provides support for students' preparations for postsecondary education and the workforce. Services are connected to approved Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, work-based learning, student organizations and more. In-line with the department's aspiration, DCCSS works to ensure students not only graduate from high school, but that they are prepared to navigate the transitions and life events that come after high school.

Workforce Education Grants

In 2013, the South Dakota Legislature established the Workforce Education Fund through SB 235. Part of that fund was designated to provide grants for Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs in secondary schools.

The Workforce Education Grants provide school districts and private, nonprofit entities who provide specialized training in South Dakota the opportunity to make transformative change in career and technical education programs. High quality CTE programs give students the knowledge, skills and experiences to be well prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce. Partnerships among secondary education, postsecondary education, and business & industry lay the foundation for modern CTE programs.

Grant Purpose & Eligibility

The Workforce Education Grants are designed to support and align secondary school CTE systems with South Dakota's postsecondary education programs and workforce needs, developing the state's talent pipeline for workforce development and economic growth. Projects are meant to serve middle and high school students.

Eligible applicants are Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with projects designed to serve middle and high school students. The LEAs who are awarded grants will serve as fiscal agents through the completion of their projects. All applications must demonstrate commitment by all grant partners to the grant project and its sustainability following the conclusion of the grant.

The MT 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Project Grants, administered by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, aim to reduce nonpoint source pollution through competitive funding for eligible projects. This program supports various initiatives, including technical assistance and restoration efforts, to protect Montana's water quality. By implementing Best Management Practices and fostering community engagement, the program seeks to address diffuse pollution sources effectively. The 2012 Montana Nonpoint Source Management Plan outlines strategic goals to enhance these efforts.

The Ella B. Cleveland Trust Grant supports charitable medical research organizations focusing on leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy. Established in memory of Ella B. Cleveland, the trust prioritizes 501(c)(3) entities and has no geographic limitations, though it often funds organizations in Georgia. Applications are accepted year-round, with an average grant size of $5,000, and total annual giving ranging from $10,000 to $15,000.

The Elizabeth Furber Scholarship honors the legacy of Elizabeth Furber by providing financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native female graduate students. This scholarship supports students pursuing full-time degrees in various fields, including fine arts, music, and creative writing. As a need-based award, it requires applicants to demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate. This opportunity empowers eligible students to achieve their academic goals.

The Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance, funded by the Agricultural Marketing Service, aim to support eligible organizations in enhancing cold storage capabilities within the food supply chain. This initiative focuses on providing essential nutrition assistance to low-income individuals through subawards to food banks and nonprofit organizations. By investing in cold storage equipment, the program seeks to improve the management and distribution of food resources, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive adequate support.

The Community Responsive Grants, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust, aim to support organizations addressing critical community needs in south central and southeastern Minnesota. Grants of up to $75,000 will be awarded to eligible nonprofits focusing on areas such as literacy, children's health, and mental health. Applicants must have a 501(c)(3) designation and a proven operational history of at least five years.

Appalachian Regional Commission NOFO

DCA is making available infrastructure funding in Georgia’s Appalachian Regional Commission footprint.  Funding limit per project is $2,000,000 and all applicable match requirements apply.    

The Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on ending hunger and reducing food waste. Since its inception, the foundation has allocated over $59 million to enhance food security through innovative programs and community engagement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing critical needs such as food access, nutrition education, and support for vulnerable populations. This initiative aims to create equitable food systems and ensure that no one goes hungry.

The Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP) by the California Department of Food and Agriculture provides competitive grants to dairy operations in California for implementing digesters that significantly reduce methane emissions. With a budget of $48 million from the 2022 Budget Act, the program supports environmentally sustainable practices. Eligible participants include existing milk producers and dairy digester developers located in California, ensuring that funds are directed to improve local environmental conditions.

401 Suicide Prevention Call Center EnhancementThe Department of Human Services Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery is seeking to fund the capacity expansion of its Suicide and Crisis Lifelines. Entities applying are expected to answer calls that are geo-routed by county and must be able to respond to text and chat interactions that are routed statewide.

This grant is a performance-based grant. Applicants are expected to demonstrate past performance operating a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline center. For applicants without Lifeline call center experience, proposals must demonstrate the ability to meet the expectations outlined in this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).Funding Purpose: The general purpose of this program's funding is to Prioritize equitable, efficient, reliable and timely access across call, chat and text for persons experiencing a behavioral health or other crisis. To expand contact center capacity to response to calls, chats and texts in Illinois.

The Kenneth King Foundation's Job Creation & Entrepreneurship Grant focuses on enhancing Coloradoans' earning potential and quality of life by funding programs that create jobs with living wages and support entrepreneurship. With an average grant size between $5,000 and $20,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a proven track record in job creation and skills development. Ideal applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations based in Colorado, targeting low-income individuals, women, and communities of color.

The Elea Institute's Education Grants Program aims to enhance hospice and palliative care education for healthcare providers, patients, and families in Illinois. With grant sizes ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, this initiative supports 1-3 projects over a period of up to two years. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and focus on the specified Illinois counties, fostering community outreach and educational efforts to improve patient care.

Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grants - Illinois

The Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Grant will utilize grant funds provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist small or disadvantaged communities in the State of Illinois where emerging contaminants have become a problem or appear likely to become a problem in the near term. The Illinois EPA will use the awarded funds to make sub-awards to eligible water systems for projects that will further quantify these problems and help to remediate them. 

The EC-SDC Grant Program will be utilizing $40,249,646 from the EPA EC-SDC Grant Program which congress appropriated from the State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG). The Illinois EPA expects to award a total of $40,249,646 in grant awards with an award ceiling of $15,000,000 per applicant.