Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) supports state agencies in utilizing their longitudinal data systems to inform educational policies and program decisions. This grant aims to enhance access to high-quality education and improve academic performance among learners. By empowering local education agencies with data-driven insights, IES fosters evidence-based practices that can lead to significant advancements in educational outcomes. This initiative is essential for shaping effective education strategies across states.

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) offers the Statistical and Research Methodology in Education grant (84.305D) to enhance education research through improved statistical methods and tools. This program invites applications focused on Core Grants for developing new methodologies or Toolkits for compiling existing research into user-friendly resources. The initiative aims to ensure these products are rigorously tested and disseminated widely to support effective education research practices.

The Crossroads Fund's Community Resilience Fund aims to support grassroots organizations in Chicago as they navigate urgent challenges and advocate for justice. Evolving from the Critical Response Fund, it focuses on equipping communities with resources to respond to public policy shifts, host trainings, and strengthen security. Priority is given to organizations demonstrating a commitment to social justice and community leadership, ensuring a swift, strategic response to pressing needs in a tumultuous socio-political landscape.

The Derby Community Foundation offers the Community Enrichment Grant to support innovative projects that enhance the quality of life for residents within the Derby community. Nonprofit organizations and government entities can apply for up to $10,000 in funding through a competitive application process. The grant aims to connect resources with community needs, fostering philanthropy and collaboration. Applications are accepted annually from July 1 to September 30, encouraging impactful initiatives aligned with the Foundation's mission.

The Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet) aims to establish a Data Coordination and Integration Center (DCIC) to enhance data management and accessibility within the NIH Common Fund. This initiative focuses on the submission, harmonization, and dissemination of SenNet-generated data, ensuring high-quality integration and usability. The DCIC will support both Stage 1 and Stage 2 outputs, fostering organizational outreach activities and promoting cross-study comparability through robust data infrastructure and tools.

The William & Helen Doyle/Exchange Club Fund Community Service Award Grant, offered by the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, supports charitable and educational initiatives in the Sturgis area. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life by funding projects in various sectors, including arts, education, and health. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities. One competitive grant cycle is held annually, promoting community development and engagement.

The Ed & Joyce Creske Family Foundation Grants support charitable organizations in central Wisconsin, specifically Lincoln, Marathon, and Portage Counties. The foundation prioritizes causes that positively impact the Mosinee community. However, it does not fund annual campaigns, operating expenses, debt retirement, endowments, direct individual support, lobbying, or sectarian causes. This initiative reflects the Creske family's commitment to giving back to the community that has supported them throughout their lives.

The New Jersey Cultural Trust offers Institutional and Financial Stabilization Grants for History and Humanities Organizations to strengthen the financial and operational capabilities of qualified organizations. This program aims to address challenges that threaten stability while enhancing capacity to fulfill missions. The grants support essential projects and are available to organizations designated as qualified by the Cultural Trust. Applications are reviewed following a Declaration of Intent to Apply by the specified deadlines.

Northern New York Community Foundation

Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.

Micro-Grant Program

The Northern New York Community Foundation's Micro-Grant Program provides support to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for projects that align with the Foundation's mission and demonstrate clear community benefit.

The Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) scheme by The Royal Society aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by placing experienced industrial scientists in UK universities. Over two years, award holders will dedicate 20% of their time to enhance knowledge of industrial science and innovation. This initiative supports university staff and students by providing expert advice, fostering entrepreneurship, and developing bespoke projects that align with cutting-edge research, ultimately contributing to the growth of the scientific community.

MissionOur mission is to connect people and resources to address local challenges and opportunities.

Impact AreasThe Community Foundation will prioritize local, mission-aligned grants in impact areas that:

• Address community challenges and opportunities
• Cultivate/maintain community collaboration
• Advance investment in our public spaces and under-resourced neighborhoods
• Maintain a thriving education system from birth through career
• Create a vibrant arts, culture and storytelling environment
• Strive to make Huntington County a more equitable community of choice for all
• Aid in the development of our current and future leaders
• Other impact areas will also be considered.

RequirementsOperational support refers to general organizational expenses such as staffing, administration, and ongoing program delivery, rather than a specific project. 

Digital Promise

Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner. Working with a wide range of partners and practitioners in the U.S. and around the world, our initiatives have impacted over 4.4 million students and 180,000 teachers across 173 districts and in 27 countries to date.

Digital Promise was authorized by Congress in 2008, signed into law by President George W. Bush, and formally launched by President Barack Obama in September 2011. Startup support came from the U.S. Department of Education, Carnegie Corporation of New York, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Since then, Digital Promise has grown rapidly with support from both original and new funders.

AIMS EduData Initiative

The Advancing Innovative Math Solutions (AIMS) EduData Initiative, funded by the Gates Foundation, seeks to build sustainable and scalable research infrastructure to advance math learning. AIMS EduData especially encourages applications from graduate students and early career professionals, educators with research roles, such as those working in district research offices, and researchers located at minority serving institutions or Title I school districts. Successful applicants will conduct original research using datasets provided by leading digital learning platforms (DLPs) and participate in a growing community.

RightOn Education and Teachley Math RFP

For education researchers and practitioners

Benefits for successful applicants:

• Opportunity to investigate associations between features of a Digital Learning Platform and mechanisms supporting student learning, engagement, motivation, and instructional practice.
• Opportunity to contribute to the education R&D movement by expanding its capacity and skills, providing feedback to DLPs about the utility of their datasets and insights about their features, and demonstrating the affordances and value of conducting research through DLPs.
• Involvement in a dynamic, supportive community of digital learning providers and researchers
• Two proposals will be funded

This solicitation offers opportunities to run experiments in two DLPs. One enables research with Teachley Math, an intervention that includes interactive digital games and problem-solving modeling tools, lessons and formative assessment data for students in grades K-5. The second enables research with RightOn Education, an online digital learning platform for grades 7-10 that allows teachers to create or select math games, engage students in feedback and reflection on their thinking, and access real-time information about student misconceptions. 

RightOn Education

RightOn Education is particularly interested in research investigating questions related to the following areas (illustrative research questions are provided below):

• Student confidence and math self-efficacy: How do patterns of student confidence differ across correct and incorrect responses, and how do they vary by question or Common Core standard?
• Productive struggle, metacognition, and learning from misconceptions: How do different types of reflection prompts (e.g., self-directed vs. peer-directed explanations) affect the likelihood of optional hint submission and the length of student-generated hints?
• Student motivation and engagement: How do different incentive conditions influence student participation in optional activities, and how are they associated with student correctness and confidence?

The Turner Foundation Grant, established in 2001, aims to improve the quality of life in Springfield and Clark County through community investments. It supports tax-exempt non-profits that serve local residents and have a governing board. However, it does not fund individuals, churches, legislative groups, or annual campaigns. The foundation promotes a spirit of hope and creativity, contributing to a thriving community.

The Stevens Family Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) charities in Caldwell County, North Carolina, focusing on community services and the arts. Applications are accepted primarily via email, with a preference for one request per year. Notably, grants are exclusive to charitable organizations, and must not involve political lobbying or discrimination. This foundation aims to benefit the broader community, ensuring that grants are awarded fairly and without preference for previous applicants.

The G. Martin Kenney Memorial Fund, established in 1995, supports charitable organizations in Ligonier, emphasizing cooperation, volunteer involvement, and innovative solutions to community issues. The fund seeks projects that benefit a broad population, are replicable, and promote independence for underserved individuals. Proposals can address diverse community needs, encouraging cultural awareness and self-sufficiency. This fund represents a commitment to enhancing local community services and fostering collaborative efforts among organizations.

The DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (CSGF) supports U.S. citizens and permanent residents pursuing Ph.D. degrees in high-performance computing fields. Established in 1991, this fellowship offers financial aid, professional development, and practical research experiences. It aims to cultivate a diverse community of scientists who contribute to national workforce needs and encourages students to engage in impactful research at DOE laboratories and institutions. Eligible candidates can focus on computational sciences, applied mathematics, and related disciplines.

The Allied Arts & Humanities Fund Grant – Operating Support aims to enhance cultural organizations in the Bartlesville area by providing funding for arts and humanities programming. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for support to develop new initiatives or continue existing programs that reach underserved audiences. The grant committee prioritizes innovative projects, ensuring that only one grant request is awarded per applicant to maximize impact.

The NCCF: Hagen Family Advised Fund Grant, established by the Rex Hagen Foundation in 1998, supports nonprofit organizations in Noble County. The Community Foundation of Noble County seeks innovative projects that enhance community life. Applications are due on March 2, July 2, and November 2, with awards announced 60 days later. Preference is given to proposals that address unmet needs and have sustainable support. This grant exemplifies a commitment to positive change in the community.

The Sullivan Family Foundation Grant provides support for organizations dedicated to enhancing the lives of people and animals in the community. Grant requests are accepted on a rolling basis, with quarterly determinations made. This opportunity is ideal for initiatives that align with the foundation's mission to foster positive change and community well-being.

The Owen-Carr Townships Community Fund Grants aim to enhance the communities of Owen and Carr Townships and Medora, Indiana. Administered by the Community Foundation of Jackson County, this fund accepts various forms of donations to support local projects. Community members have established a permanent endowment to secure funding for future initiatives. The grant proposals are reviewed quarterly, fostering a collaborative effort to improve local infrastructure and support community-driven projects.

The Camargo X EHESS program fosters collaboration between scholars and artists, encouraging interdisciplinary projects that bridge social sciences and various art forms. This initiative aims to create enriching dialogues that enhance both research and artistic creation. Eligible candidates include EHESS PhD students and researchers, alongside international artists developing new works. The program highlights the value of cross-fertilization between disciplines, contributing to a greater understanding of the interplay between art and social inquiry.

The MAC: Arts and Humanities Grant supports Maine organizations in showcasing the state's rich cultural narratives through projects that blend arts and humanities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts organizations with 501(c)(3) status and public schools applying via their districts. The grant covers project support for new or ongoing arts initiatives, with a required match of 1:1. Ineligible expenses include operational costs, fundraising, and equipment over $5,000.

The M D Anderson Foundation is a Houston-based philanthropic organization that supports medical care, scientific research, and community initiatives. Established to honor Monroe Dunaway Anderson, it provides significant funding to enhance healthcare, biomedical research, and education. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong leadership and long-term impact, focusing on improving health outcomes and community infrastructure in Texas. Its legacy includes the ongoing support of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a leader in cancer treatment and research.

The Capital Projects Grant Program, offered by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, supports organizations that own or rent facilities, intend to own facilities, or seek capital project support for permanent assets in the arts and humanities. It aims to promote stability and growth, preserve infrastructure, ensure access to quality spaces, reduce displacement risk, and foster access for all residents.

Unlikely Collaborators Inc

We exist to help people RESOLVE CONFLICT. What kind of conflict are we talking about? The inside kind.

It's our perspective that most of the EXTERNAL conflict in the world is the result of unconscious, unresolved INTERNAL conflict in each and every one of us.

Unlikely Collaborators is an organization that exists to help people resolve conflict by making them aware of and helping them work with their Perception Box.

RFP To Fund Transformative Projects Rooted in the Perception Box™ Framework

This RFP is designed for organizations creating meaningful shifts in how people interpret their experiences, beliefs, and perspectives.

All requests must be project-specific and aligned with the Perception Box framework.

At Unlikely Collaborators, we support people and organizations who are helping others see something about themselves they couldn’t see before. Our work is grounded in the Perception Box, a framework developed by our founder, Elizabeth R. Koch.

The Perception Box is the internal lens through which each of us experiences the world. It is shaped by our beliefs, our past experiences, our identity, and the stories we carry, often without realizing it.

Most of the time, we don’t see this lens. We experience our perspective as reality. But when people begin to notice it, something shifts. There is often more curiosity, less certainty, and more openness to others and new possibilities.

We are not a fit for projects focused primarily on advocacy, external blame, or telling people what to think. We support work that helps people examine how they think.

What this looks like in practice

We are most interested in projects where participants are actively engaged in noticing and questioning their own assumptions. This might include:

• Structured experiences where people reflect on their beliefs and how those beliefs were formed
• Encounters with perspectives that challenge their existing worldview
• Moments of realization where someone recognizes their interpretation may not be the only one
• Practices that build curiosity, self-awareness, and the ability to stay open in the face of difference

Before you get started on your RFP grant application, here’s what to expect:

• At Unlikely Collaborators, we support people and organizations that create meaningful shifts in how individuals see themselves.
• We are not looking for surface-level awareness. We are looking for work that leads to a real moment of recognition, when someone begins to question their own assumptions, reconsider their perspective, or see others differently.
• We prioritize leaders working from lived experience, not distance—people who understand the challenge from the inside and are translating that insight into something others can directly experience.
• The strongest projects are designed to create these moments of reflection in a tangible way. They bring people together in environments that are thoughtful, human, and often unexpected, where insight is felt, not just discussed.

The Proposal Development Award supports Michigan-based nonprofits by providing funding to hire grant writers for health-related grant applications. This initiative helps organizations apply for funding from various sources, including the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation and local health grants. The award is designed for nonprofits lacking the capacity to develop proposals independently, ensuring they can compete for essential health funding.

The Village of Anna Endowment Fund aims to enhance the quality of life for residents through education and charity. Established for public charitable purposes, the fund supports unique community projects and established organizations, responding to diverse local needs. Grants are awarded based on available funds, allowing for innovative initiatives that benefit citizens and promote community engagement.