Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are launching a pilot emphasis on advancing scientific instrumentation and enabling technologies to drive innovation and economic growth in the U.S. This initiative supports startups and small businesses developing critical scientific equipment and platforms, with funding opportunities up to $2 million for R&D. By prioritizing next-generation instrumentation, NSF aims to enhance the scientific enterprise and foster breakthroughs essential for the future of AI-driven discoveries and broader scientific advancements.

The Cultural Affairs Operating Grants offered by the City of San José support professionally-managed arts organizations with year-round programs. Eligible applicants must have annual operating expenditures below $750,000 and a history of receiving grants. The two-year application covers FY 2026-2027 and FY 2027-2028. Organizations must demonstrate financial stability by avoiding significant deficits. This initiative aims to enrich cultural opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

The Ashtabula Foundation offers grants of $5,001 and above to support non-profit organizations serving Ashtabula County. The foundation prioritizes funding in the Human Services category to assist those in need within the community. Eligible applicants must have a 501(C)(3) designation and utilize funds exclusively for the benefit of local citizens. The foundation will consider requests based on available funding and the potential impact on recipients.

The Lend A Hand Society offers the Book Mission Grant to assist low-income individuals and families by funding the acquisition of books for educational institutions and libraries. This initiative supports various programs focused on emergency assistance and camperships for children. Non-profit organizations across the United States can apply, with grants aimed at enhancing literacy and education. Grantees must provide reports detailing the use of funds and project progress, ensuring transparency and accountability.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Polymer Physics Prize

To recognize outstanding accomplishment and excellence of contributions in polymer physics research. The prize consists of $10,000, up to $1,500 in travel reimbursement, and a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient. It is presented annually.

Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.

The Sir Jules Thorn Award for Biomedical Research Grants, offered by the Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust, supports innovative biomedical research in the UK. With grants up to £1.7 million for five-year projects, this initiative aims to enhance translational research through a competitive selection process among top medical schools and NHS organizations. Over two decades, the Trust has been pivotal in advancing significant medical discoveries, making a lasting impact on healthcare.

The Take Part Grants, offered by the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs, support community-based arts projects that engage residents in cultural activities. Aimed at non-professional and small professional organizations, these grants foster creativity, cultural participation, and public value in the arts. Eligible projects should enhance community engagement and reflect the diverse cultural heritage of San José. Funding ranges from $2,500 to $25,000, promoting accessible arts experiences for all.

The Delaware Division of the Arts offers the StartUp Program Grants aimed at strengthening the management capacity of emerging arts organizations in Delaware. This program provides modest support for operating expenses and serves as an entry point for these organizations into the Division's General Operating Support grant program. New applicants are encouraged to contact the Division before submitting a Letter of Intent to ensure a smooth application process.

The Large Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture, offered by the New York State Council on the Arts, provide significant funding ranging from $2 million to $10 million for arts and cultural nonprofits. These grants support large-scale capital projects that enhance cultural programming and accessibility, aiming to engage diverse audiences and promote equity. Applicants must commit to initiatives that advance social equity and contribute to the state's economic development goals.

The AAS Northeast Asia Council offers Korean Studies Grants to support research by North American scholars. The program aims to enhance the teaching of Korea in academic settings, encouraging integration into various disciplines. Grants cover travel expenses for research both within and outside North America, with awards ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. Eligibility includes a single application per grant period, and graduate students must submit advisor recommendations. This initiative fosters a deeper understanding of Korean studies.

The Rowland Fellowship Program at Harvard University invites outstanding early-career experimentalists in all scientific and engineering fields to establish an independent research program in Cambridge. With a focus on high-risk, innovative research, the fellowship offers substantial start-up funding, dedicated lab space, and mentoring. It lasts up to five years, allowing flexibility in start dates. Ideal candidates will bridge traditional disciplines and contribute to a vibrant intellectual community.

Project Lead The Way Inc is offering a grant of $14,000 to schools looking to implement the PLTW Computer Science program for the first time. Schools must commit to offering PLTW Computer Science courses over the next three years, ensuring that at least one course is available in the first year. This funding will support program implementation costs, with awards distributed directly to PLTW accounts for eligible schools.

The FedEx Arts Program, administered by ArtsMemphis, provides funding to enhance the Memphis community through the arts. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $30,000, focusing on organizations with a three-year history in quality arts projects. Funding criteria prioritize community engagement, financial stability, and alignment with FedEx's charitable goals, while capital campaigns are not supported. This program is aimed at fostering sustainable partnerships and youth development through creative opportunities.

The Fall Cycle: Bill and Jacquelyn Jordan Anderson Fund for Visual Arts, managed by the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, supports artistic initiatives in Effingham County. This fund aims to foster cultural enrichment and community engagement through various art projects. By providing grants, it empowers local artists and organizations to enhance the visual arts landscape in the region, ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant part of the community's identity and growth.

The Clayton and Carol Paul Fund for Animal Welfare Grant, managed by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, aims to provide financial support to various animal welfare organizations. Eligible recipients include humane societies, shelters, and wildlife rehabilitators operating in Central Georgia. The Fund prioritizes projects that effectively reduce stray animal populations and alleviate suffering, enhancing the quality of life for animals and communities alike.

The Delta Community Fund (DCF) is a charitable investment account dedicated to enhancing the lives of Delta, Colorado residents. Established in partnership with the Western Colorado Community Foundation, it supports local nonprofits and community projects through an annual grant process. Contributions, regardless of size, are tax-deductible and help address various community needs. By donating, you contribute to a lasting impact, ensuring that the fund continues to support innovative solutions for generations to come.

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

Founded in 1984, we are a 501(c)(3) public charity. Today, we manage more than 1,000 charitable funds, serving as the trusted stewards for more than $390 million in assets.

Our Community Investment team works with local nonprofits, schools and community leaders to identify gaps, assess critical needs and explore opportunities and possibilities.

Our Philanthropy team works with individuals, families, advisors, businesses, and nonprofits, offering deep and broad experience and expertise in philanthropic strategy, charitable and organizational endowments, and legacy planning.

As a Foundation, we connect donors with causes that inspire them. We invest and steward their gifts to amplify their generosity and create an even greater impact.

We’re proud to say that in collaboration with our donors, we've granted more than $350 million to nonprofits and causes throughout our area since our founding.

Lennox Area Community Fund

The Lennox Area Community Fund is a charitable endowment established to enhance the vibrancy of our communities and improve the qualify of life for those who call these special places home. Gifts to the fund grow over time thanks to the benefit of a pooled investment that generates long-term asset growth.

A board of local directors oversees the fund and works hand-in-hand with community members and civic leaders to understand needs and explore opportunities throughout the area. Each year, the board awards grants in support of local nonprofits and community-based projects and ideas.

Grants from the Lennox Area Community Fund support projects and programs aimed at enhancing quality of life and addressing important needs throughout our area.

The Rhode Island Community Foundation offers grants through its Program for Animal Welfare, focusing on organizations dedicated to the humane treatment and welfare of animals. With thirteen special funds, the program supports initiatives such as humane education and low-cost spay/neuter services. Grants are intended for projects that positively impact animal care and welfare across the state, encouraging community involvement and addressing critical challenges related to animal protection.

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission (TBSC) Grant provides financial assistance to event organizers who generate significant hotel visitor room nights in Hillsborough County. Applications must be submitted at least 45 days before the event. TBSC aims to create a social and economic impact in the region by supporting events that align with its mission. Funding is based on the number of hotel room nights generated, promoting the use of local accommodations to enhance community benefits.

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida offers the Art Ventures grant for small to mid-sized arts organizations. This funding aims to enhance organizational capacity and support program development. Eligible applicants must hold 501(c)(3) status or partner with a fiscal sponsor, and demonstrate a commitment to arts and culture in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, or St. Johns counties. Additional support is available for Black-led organizations that meet specific criteria.

MN Public Works - Broadband Infrastructure Grant

Broadband Infrastructure grants assist projects that help households and businesses reach the State of Minnesota broadband speed goal. 

Funding Availability

• Funded at $1,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund.
• The number of grants awarded is variable and dependent upon the amounts awarded to successful
• applicants.
• 1:1 match per project required.
• In-kind materials and/or labor are not eligible towards the project match.
• Consideration will be given to projects that leverage greater amounts of funding for a project from other sources.
• Architectural and engineering fees in excess of 10% of the total project costs are ineligible for reimbursement.
• Applications should be submitted within nine months of the project construction start date.

The PLTW Computer Science grant aims to enhance educational opportunities in Louisiana by expanding existing Project Lead The Way programs. Funded by Chevron, this initiative supports the addition of new courses, training of teachers, and overall program development. Since 2009, Chevron has invested over $17 million nationally, benefiting thousands of students and educators. This grant effort underscores a commitment to improving STEM education and fostering a skilled workforce in the Gulf region.

The PLTW Computer Science grant, funded by Chevron Louisiana, aims to enhance educational opportunities in the region by supporting schools in implementing Project Lead The Way programs. With a commitment of $15,000, the grant encourages public and charter schools to offer multiple PLTW Computer Science courses over two years. This initiative is part of Chevron's broader investment in education, having contributed over $17 million to PLTW programs nationwide since 2009, impacting countless students and teachers.

Chevron is committed to enhancing educational opportunities through the PLTW Computer Science program in Mississippi. This initiative aims to empower K-12 students and teachers by offering access to transformative learning experiences. With over $24 million invested since 2009, Chevron's support has reached more than 411,000 students and 9,500 teachers nationwide. The program encourages schools to implement at least one PLTW Computer Science course, fostering innovation and skills development in future generations.

The PLTW Computer Science program expansion, funded by Chevron, aims to enhance educational opportunities in Mississippi. With over $24 million invested nationally since 2009, this initiative supports schools in expanding their Computer Science offerings, training teachers, and reaching more students. Eligible public and charter schools in specific districts can apply for funding to develop new courses and improve existing programs, contributing to a significant impact on K-12 education in the region.

The San Juan Community Fund (SCCF) is a charitable initiative that supports local nonprofits and community projects in San Juan County. Established in 2018, it has distributed $81,000 in grants, fostering community improvement through a competitive application process. Funded by generous local donors, SCCF aims to create a lasting positive impact, ensuring support for vital projects in the community for generations to come.

The J. Knox Gholston Foundation Grant, administered by Bank of America, focuses on enhancing the lives of underserved communities in Georgia. It prioritizes funding for human services, education, healthcare, arts, and environmental initiatives. The foundation's mission is to support charitable organizations that promote educational opportunities for children in Comer, GA, with a particular interest in capital and instructional projects that foster academic success.