Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation International Scholarship, established by horticulturist Ed Markham, supports students pursuing careers in floriculture or horticulture. With awards of $4,500, this scholarship promotes international exchange between U.S. and European students. Applicants must be U.S. or Canadian citizens or residents, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This initiative highlights the importance of global learning in horticulture, encouraging students to explore marketing through international experiences.

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 ArtsFund Community Accelerator Grant, funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, provides unrestricted grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to cultural nonprofit organizations in Washington state. In its third year, the program aims to support arts and culture by offering essential capital to organizations meeting eligibility requirements, including a minimum three-year existence and a primary mission centered on arts activities. This investment is crucial for enhancing the capacity of cultural organizations to serve their communities.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Ottawa County Impact Fund

The Ottawa County Impact Fund is an unrestricted community grant fund. The Fund was created by the generosity of individuals who have contributed money to the Foundation for charitable use to address the present and future needs of Ottawa County.

From this endowed fund, the Foundation Board annually determines and designates the amount of available funding in the form of community grants.

The applications are open to a variety of issues and target populations. However, successful applications are those that will help fulfill the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life for Ottawa County.

All non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply as well as groups and individuals working on a charitable community project. For-profit organizations will not be considered unless the request is for a charitable project. Grants will be limited to projects within Ottawa County.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

This funding opportunity supports the establishment of Animal and Biological Material Resource Centers to enhance biomedical research through the provision of specialized laboratory animals and related resources. It seeks to promote scientific rigor and reproducibility by facilitating the development of new methodologies that complement traditional research. Centers must align with multiple NIH Institutes and focus on integrating innovative approaches like cell culture and computational models, fostering collaboration and advancement in human disease modeling.

The BHT Grant Writing Stipends aim to enhance the capacity of community-based organizations in eastern Washington by providing up to $5,000 for grant-writing assistance. With a total funding allocation of $220,000, this initiative focuses on empowering nonprofits that lack dedicated grant writers and fostering partnerships that align with Better Health Together's commitment to health equity and anti-racism. Applications are currently closed but will reopen in the future.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

The Jewell County Community Fund, part of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, aims to enhance community welfare by providing grants for various projects and programs. This unrestricted fund supports initiatives that improve the quality of life in Jewell County, including capacity building, seed money for new projects, and capital improvements. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities, fostering collaboration to address local needs effectively.

The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) is a program of the State of Indiana, established by Indiana Code 6-3.1-9 and administered by IHCDA through approved local non-profit organizations. The purpose of the program is to provide a means for these organizations to fund certain neighborhood-based programs and projects that improve distressed neighborhoods and the lives of the families that live there by encouraging individuals and businesses to make donations in exchange for Indiana State tax credits.

Each year, IHCDA awards up to a total of $2.5 million in Indiana tax credits to qualifying organizations. Each prospective participant organization submits a project application to IHCDA in the spring and, if approved, is awarded an allocation of tax credits. The organization then distributes these tax credits as an incentive to individuals or businesses who donate to the organization.

All donor contributions raised in exchange for NAP credits go toward the program or project described in the organization’s application. Eligible projects include affordable housing, counseling, child-care, educational assistance, emergency assistance, job training, medical care, recreational facilities, downtown rehabilitation, and neighborhood commercial revitalization. All projects must benefit economically disadvantaged areas and/or persons.

The Classified School Employee Summer Assistance Program (CSESAP) aims to support classified school employees in California by providing a dollar-for-dollar match on withheld pay during the 2022-23 school year. This program, funded by the California Department of Education, allows local educational agencies to assist eligible employees with their summer income, ensuring financial support as they prepare for the upcoming school year. A total of $60 million is allocated for this initiative.

The Baker and Taylor YALSA Conference Grant provides two $1,000 awards to librarians working with young adults, enabling them to attend the Annual Conference for the first time. One grant supports a school librarian, while the other is for a public library librarian. Applicants must be current members of ALA/YALSA, with prior membership preferred for at least two years, and must have between one to ten years of experience working with teenagers.

The Officers’ Research Grants on Reducing Inequality support studies aimed at understanding and addressing inequalities affecting youth ages 5-25 in the U.S. This initiative funds descriptive, intervention, and measurement development studies focused on academic, social, behavioral, and economic outcomes. The William T. Grant Foundation encourages research that identifies specific inequalities and explores effective programs or policies to mitigate these disparities while addressing systemic issues such as racism and structural inequality.

The National Garden Scheme offers Community Garden Grants to support local gardening projects across England and Wales. Established in memory of Elspeth Thompson, these grants aim to empower community groups and CICs with funding for site preparations, tools, and plants. Eligible applicants must have a non-personal bank account and provide detailed cost breakdowns. However, local authorities and schools are ineligible, and funding cannot be used for salaries or promotional materials. This initiative fosters community engagement through gardening.

The Escondido Community Foundation Grant Program, an affiliate of The San Diego Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Escondido. By fostering philanthropy, building community endowments, and providing annual funds to various organizations, it addresses essential needs. ECF encourages legacy planning to ensure ongoing benefits for the community. Its vision is to cultivate a culture of giving that strengthens community bonds and supports future generations.

The Stephen J. White Prize, established by the American Philosophical Association, honors the late Dr. Stephen J. White and is awarded biennially to the best published paper by a junior philosopher. It focuses on themes central to Professor White's work, such as moral responsibility and practical reasoning. The winner receives a $1,000 monetary award and a symposium at an APA divisional meeting, recognizing significant contributions in philosophy.

The WRAGs Bursary, managed by the WFGA, offers a unique opportunity for young horticulturists aged 18-35 to receive part-time paid training while working under experienced gardeners. This program focuses on skill development through hands-on experience and access to workshops. Graduates often progress to lead their own gardening businesses or secure positions as head gardeners, making this bursary an excellent stepping stone into the horticultural industry.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is the environmental agency for the state. We have approximately 2,800 employees, located in our central office in Austin and 16 regional offices around Texas. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality strives to protect our state's public health and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development. Our goal is clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste.

All-Electric Program

Grants for repowering or replacing eligible vehicles and equipment with all-electric models, along with supporting infrastructure. A program of the Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program (TxVEMP).

Priority Areas: Dallas-Fort Worth Area; Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Area; San Antonio Area; Austin Area; El Paso County; Bell County; Beaumont-Port Arthur Area

Eligible Project Categories

To be eligible for a grant, an applicant must be replacing or repowering a vehicle or a piece of equipment from one of the categories listed below, and may request additional funding for refueling infrastructure.

• Class 8 Local Freight and Port Drayage Trucks
• Class 4-8 School Bus, Shuttle Bus, & Transit Buses
• Class 4-7 Local Freight Trucks
• Airport Ground Support Equipment
• Forklift and Port Cargo Handling Equipment
• Refueling Infrastructure
• Freight Switchers

The SLCAC General Operating Support Grants provide essential funding to arts nonprofits in Salt Lake City, assisting with operational costs and promoting artistic programming. Eligible organizations, which must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in the city, can apply for grants that support projects within city limits. The program aims to distribute approximately $200,000 annually, fostering artistic vibrancy and community impact. Applicants can only submit one application per year to ensure a fair distribution of funds.

The Peyton Anderson Foundation Grant focuses on community development in Central Georgia, emphasizing projects that enhance local quality of life and economic vitality. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that attract residents and businesses, generate tourism, and foster community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits benefiting Macon and Bibb County, showcasing sustainable and measurable impacts. The foundation seeks collaborations and innovative solutions to community challenges, aiming for lasting change in the region.

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Kansas Arts Commision (KAC)| Arts Everywhere

Enhancing student success, the economy and Kansas communities through the arts

The Arts Everywhere grant program provides funding for cultural projects, programs, exhibitions, series, arts education projects, and other arts programming. This program provides funding for educational institutions, arts organizations, and community service non-profits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, enhance community development, and increase participation in the arts across Kansas. Projects must relate to an arts and culture discipline (music, dance, theatre, creative writing, literature, painting, sculpture, folk arts, photography, crafts, media arts, visual arts, programs of museums, and other such allied, major art forms).

Match Requirements: KAC requires that all grants are matched at a minimum of 1:1 through a combination of cash and in-kind expenses.

Arts Everywhere grants are awarded in four categories:

• Arts in Education;
• Organizational Development: a) Capacity Building; b) Salary Assistance
• Specific Arts and Culture Projects; and
• Visiting Artists

Organizational Development

Only organizations with arts and culture missions are eligible for Organizational Development. Organizational Development Grants are for: Capacity Building and Salary Assistance.

Salary Assistance

This funding is to be used for full or partial salary support for one or more positions. The positions must be critical to the mission of the organization, and the organization’s Total Operating Income for their most recent completed fiscal year must be $150,000 or less (see Organizational Development – Salary Assistance in the Specific Eligibility Requirements section). Organizations can only receive this grant for up to 3 consecutive years.

The Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOP) aims to enhance digital equity by providing matching funds to organizations in Austin. This initiative focuses on increasing access to technology, improving digital skills, and ensuring that all citizens can participate fully in the digital age. Eligible applicants include incorporated, tax-exempt organizations, and projects must align with GTOP goals. With a mission to foster innovation, this grant supports initiatives that bridge the digital divide in the community.

Community Development Block Grant Planning 

Description/Guidelines

CDBG Planning Grants are available to eligible counties, cities and towns. Local governments may apply on behalf of special purpose districts, such as water or sewer districts; unincorporated areas; public school districts; or nonprofit or for profit organizations, such as a human resource development council, an economic development agency, an area agency on aging, a local domestic violence shelter, a Boys and Girls Club, local food bank, hospital, nursing home, etc. Counties may also apply for Planning grants on behalf of tribal utility authorities or in those cases where tribal members would be assisted like any other county residents.

Local governments may apply for one CDBG Planning Grant per funding cycle. Local governments with an open CDBG Planning Grant from a previous funding cycle are ineligible to apply for an additional Planning Grant until their current planning project is completed and closed out, except in special circumstances, with prior approval of Commerce. 

Consolidated local governments, such as Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge, may apply for two Planning Grants per funding cycle and may have up to two Planning Grants open at any given time. 

The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation supports organizations in Arizona that provide programs focused on spirituality, enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities. Grants are available for operational, capital, and programmatic support, emphasizing strong leadership, effective financial management, and responsiveness to community needs. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, a minimum annual budget of $500,000, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Prior discussions with foundation staff are required before submission.

Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Kansas Arts Commision (KAC)| Arts Everywhere

Enhancing student success, the economy and Kansas communities through the arts

The Arts Everywhere grant program provides funding for cultural projects, programs, exhibitions, series, arts education projects, and other arts programming. This program provides funding for educational institutions, arts organizations, and community service non-profits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, enhance community development, and increase participation in the arts across Kansas. Projects must relate to an arts and culture discipline (music, dance, theatre, creative writing, literature, painting, sculpture, folk arts, photography, crafts, media arts, visual arts, programs of museums, and other such allied, major art forms).

Match Requirements: KAC requires that all grants are matched at a minimum of 1:1 through a combination of cash and in-kind expenses.

Arts Everywhere grants are awarded in four categories:

• Arts in Education;
• Organizational Development: a) Capacity Building; b) Salary Assistance
• Specific Arts and Culture Projects; and
• Visiting Artists

Organizational Development

Only organizations with arts and culture missions are eligible for Organizational Development. Organizational Development Grants are for: Capacity Building and Salary Assistance.

Capacity Building

This funding category provides up to $5,000 for projects that increase administrative or artistic capacity but do not provide public-facing programs. Eligible projects include but are not limited to:

• Staff/volunteer exchange
• Professional development opportunities such as attendance at seminars and workshops
• Planning for development opportunities such as fundraising or marketing
• Equipment/technology needs.

The Brunton Award, sponsored by the Association for Women Geoscientists, encourages female geoscience students in their senior year or early graduate studies. It recognizes those who have excelled in fieldwork, such as internships or field camps, and promotes the importance of field-based studies in geosciences. Recipients receive an engraved Brunton transit and a one-year membership to AWG, supporting their future in the geosciences.

The Peyton Anderson Foundation Grant focuses on improving the human condition in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia. It supports non-profit organizations that provide urgent, measurable services to the less fortunate, including adult and family assistance. The Foundation emphasizes collaboration among local organizations to maximize impact and sustainability. Eligible projects should demonstrate measurable results and long-term effectiveness. However, the Foundation does not fund direct financial relief, event sponsorships, or operations outside of the designated area.

The Alfred P. Sloan Economics Grant Program aims to provide essential public goods through innovative research that enhances U.S. economic progress. With a focus on equity and technological advancement, the program supports projects addressing pressing economic issues, such as competitiveness, regional development, and the economics of caregiving. By fostering rigorous, unbiased research, the foundation seeks to empower communities and inform policy, ultimately improving quality of life across the nation.