Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Creative Places Arts Facilities (CPAF) - Enhancement Grants

The Creative Places Arts Facilities (CPAF) program assists arts organizations in building, renovating, restoring, or enhancing facilities used for arts activities that benefit Alabamians.

Enhancement grants offer funding for equipment purchases and upgrades that will improve how cultural assets and works of art are presented, produced, exhibited, and/or preserved (lighting, sounds, seating, etc.). Applicants may request up to $50,000. No required match of applicant-funded expense

The ASNT Foundation: Charles Hellier III Scholarship aims to support students pursuing studies in nondestructive testing (NDT). This scholarship honors Charles Hellier III, a pioneering figure in the NDT community, and provides financial assistance to aspiring professionals. The Foundation also engages in research, workforce development, and offers scholarships to enhance education in NDT, ensuring that individuals are well-prepared for careers in this vital field.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides significant funding to urban counties like St. Louis. This grant supports initiatives aimed at benefiting low and moderate-income individuals, addressing urgent community needs, and preventing blight. St. Louis County directs CDBG funds to municipalities and nonprofits to undertake vital community development projects, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and national objectives.

The Indigo Oak Fund is a Colorado-based foundation dedicated to empowering individuals through support for education, the arts, and social justice. Focused on fostering lifelong learning and creative expression, the Fund aids various programs that enhance community engagement. It supports both youth and adult initiatives, including classes and community events in diverse artistic disciplines. By prioritizing equal opportunity and personal potential, the Fund strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and the community.

The Small Town Grants Program, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, aids communities with populations of 10,000 or less by providing grants up to $10,000. This initiative encourages projects that enhance the quality of life and foster community engagement. Eligible projects must be innovative, and a 25% cash match is required. Excluded from funding are for-profit entities and general operating expenses, ensuring that resources directly benefit community growth.

The GaMTSS Cohort 2026 initiative by the Georgia Department of Education aims to enhance educational outcomes for Georgia's 1.7 million public school students. This three-year program provides selected districts with dedicated GaMTSS Program Specialists for targeted coaching and technical assistance. It focuses on implementing a comprehensive tiered system of supports while offering statewide professional development opportunities. The initiative emphasizes student preparedness for life beyond academics, ensuring all schools have the resources necessary for quality education.

Preserving Traditional Arts

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic share a commitment to advancing conservation, research, education, and exploration, and inspiring people to learn about, care for, and protect our world. In support of this commitment, the mission of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic (LEX-NG) Fund is to support projects to understand and protect our world’s oceans, restore critical marine and coastal habitats, and foster environmental stewardship in the regions visited by the fleet, and beyond. The Fund supports inspirational, passionate project leaders who are committed to illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world. National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions are in search of projects that support the work of traditional artists, knowledge holders, and heritage practitioners to preserve cultural heritage for communities around the world.

Opportunity Overview

The preservation of traditional arts such as crafts, music and folklore is crucial for the vibrancy and survival of cultural knowledge and practices worldwide. Cultural heritage, the diverse legacies of past and present societies in their many unique forms, shapes the way we identify and interact with the world. This RFP will fund projects conducting holistic conservation work that centers the role and agency of local and descendant communities. 

This RFP seeks to support projects in Baja California, Egypt, Europe and the Mediterranean, Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, and the South Pacific. For more detailed information on targeted areas within these regions, please refer to the targeted areas document. Potential projects should be led by artisans or practitioners with deep experience in the relevant local culture(s). If you are not such an artisan or practitioner but have an idea for a project that could be a good fit for the RFP, at least one artisan or practitioner should be included on your project team. Projects may include documentation and inventorying of artisan practices, methodologies, or designs; capacity development through structured apprenticeships, workshops, or trainings focused on local or regional stakeholders (including in the use of sustainable or repurposed materials in traditional arts); or knowledge sharing through community exhibits, practitioner-archival collaborations, or other approaches focused on safeguarding local artisan traditions and practices. Projects should include efforts to support sustainable transmission of traditions across generations and describe proposed activities and impacts in detail. Relevant artistic practices and living traditions for this RFP may include but are not limited to craft, music, adornment, dance, and spoken arts. Proposals will be evaluated for feasibility, applicant experience, strength of community engagement, capacity building, and novel contributions. Projects addressing an urgent need pertaining to the sustainable preservation or transmission of a particular art or practice may be prioritized.

Benefits

• Up to $20,000 in funding for Level I grants, up to $40,000 for Level II grants.
• Grant recipients become members of the National Geographic Explorer Community and eligible for a variety of future funding, learning and networking opportunities.
• Potential to be featured on LEX social media channels, and/or in the annual LEX-NG Fund Traveler Impact Report (the latest version of the Impact Report can be found here).
• Potential guest speaking opportunities aboard NG-LEX vessels.
• Opportunities to connect and collaborate with other LEX-NG Fund grantees.

Minnesota Library Foundation (MLF) Scholarship

The Minnesota Library Foundation is excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity for Minnesota library staff!

MLF encourages career development by funding a scholarship for a Minnesota library staff worker to grow professionally through taking college or university courses that would lead to acquiring a degree or certificate in the library field. 

The MLF Governing Board establishes the guidelines for this scholarship and selects the recipients. The scholarship amount awarded is up to $1,000.00 per successful applicant.

The Arts Grant Program, funded by the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, aims to support arts nonprofits and educational organizations in North Carolina's Triangle region. This program offers one-year grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to eligible organizations that have not received funding in the past five years. The initiative emphasizes the importance of arts in community building, cultural preservation, and personal enrichment, fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape.

The Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada (AWFC) is offering grants for innovative projects aimed at enhancing animal welfare. With approximately $60,000 available, this funding supports educational, research, and outreach initiatives that raise awareness and improve policies regarding animal care. Eligible applicants include registered Canadian charities and non-profit organizations. Projects with national impact or those that can be replicated across regions will be prioritized, promoting a culture of respect and care for all animals.

The CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund Grant, established in partnership with the Northern New York Community Foundation, aims to support community programs focused on educational initiatives. Nonprofit organizations can apply once per year for grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Areas of focus include libraries, child care, vocational training, and other projects enhancing educational opportunities in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. The fund reflects CAR-FRESHNER's commitment to its community and quality service.

The Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada (AWFC) offers grants up to $2000 for student animal welfare clubs at Canadian universities. These funds support educational initiatives that promote animal welfare to club members and the wider community. Eligible projects include guest speaker travel, venue rentals for outreach activities, and educational field trips. However, funding cannot be used for individual animal care expenses or completed projects. This initiative aims to maximize the impact of animal welfare education.

Wyoming Energy Authority

The Wyoming Energy Authority coordinates with the entire energy spectrum as advocates, partners, environmental stewards and innovators.

Mission: To advance Wyoming’s energy and natural resources. 

Small Business Energy Audit and Retrofit Grant Program

Small Business Energy Audit and Retrofit grants are available to Wyoming small businesses and nonprofits looking for cost-effective opportunities to lower their energy usage. Grants will be used to complete a comprehensive energy audit and approved energy efficiency retrofits. 10% match required. 

Approved retrofits include: 

• Installation of energy efficient lighting (LED)
• Installation of insulation
• HVAC upgrades
• Weather sealing
• Purchase and installation of ENERGY STAR appliances
• Replacement of windows and doors  

Applicant must be the owner of the building/facility.

The Experimental Physics Investigators Initiative, launched by the Gordon E. and Betty I. Moore Foundation, aims to support mid-career scientists in experimental physics. With a funding of $1,250,000 over five years, this program encourages innovative research and collaboration among scientists. Applicants from U.S. institutions are invited to submit pre-proposals, with about 50% advancing to full proposals. The initiative fosters inclusivity and equity while aiming to make significant impacts in the field of experimental physics.

Dearborn Community Foundation

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) is a community foundation, tax-exempt public charity that enables individuals, families, businesses and organizations to fulfill their charitable wishes. DCF builds and safeguards endowments for the community through contributions large and small. The endowment contributions are permanently invested to produce earnings so that these charitable funds make a difference in our community now and forever.

DCF Grants 

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) has awarded more than $33 million in grants since 1997. The grants support the needs/interests of the community in the fields of Art, Culture and Humanities, Community and Public Benefit, Education, Public Safety, Environment and Animal Protection, Human Services, and Youth Programs.

City of Lawrenceburg Community Grant Program (LCGP) - Phase I

The City of Lawrenceburg has generously provided funds for the Lawrenceburg Community Grant Program. The program is specifically for non-profit, IRS tax exempt organizations that provide a benefit, direct or indirect, to the Lawrenceburg community and Dearborn County.

Grant applications requesting $5,000 or less will be accepted pursuant to the grant application deadlines. Applications will be considered as long as funds are available.

LCGP Specific Guidelines

• grant funds are not granted to sustain ongoing projects/programs;
• grant applications will be considered as long as funds are available;
• organizations may not apply for any property improvements (buildings, fencing etc. …) to land not owned by the organization seeking the grant funds

The AZ Arts Festival Grant, provided by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, supports diverse arts and culture festivals in Arizona. Grants are available for in-person, virtual, or hybrid events that emphasize artistic expression and community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local government entities, and arts agencies. Festivals must span at least two weekends and feature curated programming. Ineligible activities include standalone productions and projects with religious or political purposes.

The Open Education Resources (OER) Reviewer Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance instructional materials through rigorous review and feedback. This initiative supports school systems, parents, and community members in evaluating OER products, ensuring they adhere to Texas educational standards. The project will focus on diverse materials for various educational levels, including advanced math and integrated learning resources, fostering continuous improvement in the quality of education across Texas.

The Comunidad Grants, offered by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, aim to empower local grassroots nonprofits addressing pressing community issues. Since 1980, CFSA has connected donors with impactful organizations in Pima, Santa Cruz, and neighboring counties, fostering inclusion and dignity. By prioritizing rural organizations and those serving historically marginalized communities, the program ensures that funding is allocated where it is most needed, allowing nonprofits the autonomy to effectively pursue their missions.

L3Harris Technologies is expanding its partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance STEM education for PreK-12 students. This initiative aims to support schools in launching or expanding PLTW Computer Science programs for the 2026-2027 academic year, focusing on diverse and economically challenged communities across multiple states. Eligible schools can receive grants to implement new courses, additional class periods, or teacher training, fostering a strong foundation in technology and engineering.

The SCCF Education Grants Cycle supports projects that enhance education and skill development for all ages in Steuben County. Grants range from $500 to $25,000, aimed at nonprofits with a focus on improving quality of life. Special consideration is given to collaborative initiatives addressing root causes. Eligible applicants include nonprofits serving Steuben County, while individuals and projects primarily funded by government sources are not supported.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Melvin P. 'Mel' & Lyndell Crowder NCW Memorial Horticulture Scholarship

The Melvin P. ‘Mel’ and Lyndell Crowder NCW Memorial Horticulture Scholarship Fund was established in 1993 in memory of Mr. Crowder, by his widow and children. After Mr. Crowder’s distinguished Naval service during World War II, he adn his wife purchased a hillside orchard in Manson. Determined to become the best grower possible, Mr. Crowder sought to learn everything he could about horticulture. Spanning three decades, Mel worked diligently with orchardists from Yakima to the Canadian border to help them grow the very best apples. As a charter member of the Washington Horticulture Association in 1985, Mr. Crowder was recognized as a leader in the apple industry. He remained active in the industry even after his retirement in 1985 from his position as Operations Manager at Trout, Inc. in Chelan. Keeping abreast of new developments and operating Crowder Horticultural Services, a tree and pollen sales and horticultural consulting business, kept him in touch with apples. Mel Crowder passed away on July 22, 1993.

The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant, offered by the Mars Wrigley Foundation, supports projects that explore and share chocolate's rich cultural history. Launched in 2013, this grant aims to educate the public about chocolate's global significance and its impact on heritage. Projects can include research, immersive experiences, and publications. Awardees must present their findings at Heritage Chocolate Society meetings, emphasizing educational impact, equity, and inclusion in their proposals.

The Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Illinois Fellowship, offered by The Newberry Library, supports scholars researching early American or Transatlantic history. This short-term fellowship includes a stipend of $3,000 per month for a duration of one month. It is open to postdoctoral scholars, PhD candidates, and ABD graduate students of any nationality, promoting academic exploration within a historic cultural institution.

The Maryland Robotics Grant FY 2026, administered by the Maryland State Department of Education, aims to enhance robotics education in K-12 schools by funding Local Education Agencies and nonprofit organizations. This initiative promotes student engagement in STEM activities, fostering critical skills like problem-solving and collaboration. By ensuring alignment with Maryland's educational standards, the program supports both new and existing robotics initiatives, thereby preparing students for future careers in technology and engineering.

The Community Improvement Grant by the City of Santa Rosa supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing local neighborhoods and fostering community connections. With grants up to $2,500, this program encourages inclusive, accessible initiatives that are free for participants. Open to nonprofits, community groups, and even informal neighborhood associations, it aims to empower residents to improve their living environment. Applications are reviewed by the Community Advisory Board, which makes the final funding decisions.

The Anne Jacobson Schutte Fellowship at The Newberry Library supports early career scholars focusing on the early modern period (1300-1700). This one-month fellowship offers a stipend of $3,000 per month and emphasizes research related to women’s studies, spirituality, or Venice. Open to postdoctoral scholars and PhD candidates, it encourages applicants from any nationality, while also providing opportunities for Chicago-area scholars. The fellowship honors Schutte’s significant contributions to the field.