Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Thrive Philanthropy's Seed Grant supports innovative, small-scale projects outside the USA that promote just, plant-based food systems and reduce animal consumption. The initiative is designed for organizations or individuals aligned with Thrive's mission to eliminate industrial animal agriculture. It encourages applicants with a positive community reputation and excludes for-profit entities. With a focus on grassroots efforts, this grant is a pivotal resource for those aiming to advance vegan advocacy and sustainable food practices.

The Thrive Grant supports initiatives aimed at establishing equitable, plant-based food systems by decreasing animal consumption and promoting vegan advocacy. Targeting mid-size to larger organizations with proven success, the grant encourages proposals that align with Thrive Philanthropy's mission. Eligible applicants should demonstrate a strong community reputation and are expected to operate outside the U.S. Notably, the grant excludes for-profit entities and projects that exploit animals.

The City of Naperville's Special Events and Community Arts Program provides funding for community-focused events and artistic initiatives through the SECA Fund. Established in 2004, this program supports tax-exempt non-profit organizations to promote local heritage and diversity. Eligible projects must occur in Naperville between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Attendance at a mandatory workshop is required, and applicants must comply with specific funding limitations to ensure resources are utilized effectively.

The City of Naperville's Special Events and Community Arts Program supports individual artists and artistic groups by providing funding for social and artistic events that celebrate the community's diversity and heritage. Since its inception in 2004, the SECA Fund has aimed to enhance cultural experiences for both residents and visitors. Applicants are required to attend a workshop, and funds cannot be used for certain expenses, including travel and food purchases, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated.

The Ocotillo Wind Education Fund, part of the Ocotillo Wind Community Benefits Program, is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities in the Imperial Valley. With an initial commitment of $3 million, this fund prioritizes early childhood development, high school graduation, and student achievement. Grants are awarded through a competitive process, aiming to improve out-of-school programs and develop educational leaders. The fund invites innovative proposals that demonstrate measurable impact and community collaboration, ensuring sustainable educational improvements for future generations.

The Newberry Library offers short-term residential fellowships for individual research, providing scholars with the opportunity to explore its extensive collections. These fellowships, lasting one to two months and offering a stipend of $3,000 per month, are open to researchers at various academic stages, including ABD candidates. The program supports diverse scholars, welcoming applicants from any nationality and those residing in the Chicago area, thereby fostering a rich community of inquiry.

Fath-Greene Animal Welfare Fund

The Fund supports nonprofit organizations with programs and projects that support animal welfare in the immediate vicinity of Coudersport and Potter County, and surrounding areas.

Available to Grant

$31,800

The Erie County Community Foundation's Access to Recreation Fund aims to enhance recreational access for individuals of all abilities in Erie County, Ohio. This fund supports projects that promote collaboration among local organizations, build capacity, and ensure sustainability, yielding significant community benefits. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profits, churches, and schools. The Foundation prioritizes projects that serve the local community and may cover operational costs, but excludes funding for advertising, political activities, or individual grants.

The Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Programs, offered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), provide crucial funding for revitalizing blighted properties. The grant covers up to 50% of redevelopment costs with a local match and supports public land acquisition, demolition, and infrastructure improvements. The Demolition Loan Program aids local governments in removing dangerous structures without immediate redevelopment plans, ensuring safer communities and fostering future development opportunities.

The Five Wings Art Council offers General Operating Support Grants to Minnesota non-profit arts organizations that have held their 501(c)(3) status for at least three years. These grants provide unrestricted funds for administrative and capital expenditures, supporting artistic quality and community access. Organizations in Cass, Crow Wing, Todd, Morrison, and Wadena counties can apply, fostering local arts and enhancing community engagement through diverse artistic initiatives.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

The McKnight Foundation's Arts & Culture Grant Program supports initiatives that empower artists and culture bearers in Minnesota. With a focus on enhancing the visibility of underrepresented groups and fostering community engagement, the program provides both unrestricted and restricted grants. Organizations can apply for funding to develop innovative projects that align with the foundation's commitment to justice and creativity. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, with a three-month review period.

The AWI Implementing Refinement Grant, offered by the Animal Welfare Institute, aims to enhance the welfare of animals in experimentation. Grants up to $8,000 support equipment purchases or staff training for implementing proven refinements. Eligible applicants must be from the U.S. or Canada, and projects should be completed within a year. The grant focuses on improving animal lives beyond basic needs, ensuring no funds are misused for indirect costs or basic care.

The JMAC Access Grant Program, supported by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and Barr Foundation, offers vital resources to artists and organizations for showcasing their projects at the Jean McDonough Arts Center. This initiative aims to empower BIPOC and underserved artists in Worcester by funding project development and implementation costs. Through a structured application process, selected participants can secure financial assistance to present their work, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape in Central Massachusetts.

The Community Organizing Grants Program by the Peace Development Fund empowers local organizations to drive social justice initiatives. It supports groups that foster grassroots leadership and systemic change while dismantling oppression. Grants are primarily for general support, focusing on projects that align with their mission. Eligible organizations include those in the U.S., Haiti, and Mexico, while excluding completed projects or lobbying activities. This initiative encourages sustainable, community-based solutions and diverse alliances for a just society.

The Bowman-Shannon Cultural Arts Fund, managed by the Shenandoah Community Foundation, aims to promote cultural arts in Shenandoah County, Virginia. This fund supports various artistic expressions, including visual arts, music, dance, and writing, encouraging participation from all nonprofit organizations, not just those focused on arts. It empowers individuals and groups to explore their creativity through diverse mediums, enriching the community's cultural landscape.

The Team 1 Plastics Corporate Donor Advised Fund, managed by the Albion Community Foundation, offers grants up to $1,000 to support educational initiatives benefiting the greater Albion area. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and faith institutions serving the community. The foundation emphasizes community improvement, cultural heritage, and youth development, having awarded over $3.7 million in grants since its inception. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life for local residents.

The SLCAC Project Support Grants offer financial assistance to arts projects in Salt Lake City. With a focus on community engagement, these grants prioritize initiatives like concerts, workshops, and murals that benefit the public. The program allocates approximately $70,000 annually, with grants ranging from $2,000 to $4,000. All projects must be arts-based, open to the community, and occur within specified funding cycles. Applicants may submit one proposal per year, promoting adherence to evaluation criteria for success.

The Global Innovation Grant, sponsored by the American Chemical Society, provides funding up to $5,000 for international collaborative projects and events. This grant aims to support ACS International Chapters, Technical Divisions, and Local Sections in addressing global challenges. Proposals should foster collaboration among these groups, with a focus on innovative solutions. All funded activities must be completed by December 31st of the award year, ensuring timely and impactful contributions to international cooperation.

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) offers General Operating Support for Organizations (GOS-O) to arts and culture nonprofits in Rhode Island. This program provides multi-year unrestricted funding to organizations that significantly engage their communities through arts programming. GOS-O aims to promote equity, support diverse cultural representation, and foster economic vitality across the state. Eligible organizations must have a clear arts mission, be in continuous operation, and demonstrate strong community impact.

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.

Leo P. Kadanoff Prize

This prize recognizes scientists whose theoretical, experimental, or computational achievements have opened new vistas for statistical and or nonlinear physics. The annual prize consists of $10,000, a medal, certificate, travel reimbursement up to $500 for recipients traveling within North America, up to $1,000 from overseas, and a registration waiver to attend the APS March Meeting to give an invited talk and accept the award.

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

The Capacity Building Fall grant by Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc offers cash grants up to $5,000 for nonprofit arts organizations to enhance their capabilities. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to support various projects, including training and strategic planning. Priority is given to projects yielding concrete results and those within Oklahoma. Note that submission of a proposal does not guarantee funding, as resources are limited.

The Capacity Building Spring grant, offered by Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc., supports nonprofit arts organizations in enhancing their capabilities. Grants of up to $5,000 are available without a matching requirement, aimed at projects that yield tangible results. Priority is given to professional development opportunities within Oklahoma and the surrounding region. Organizations with a budget exceeding $500,000 may submit only one request per fiscal year. Funding is limited, and submission does not guarantee support.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Loris and Merle Coe Scholarship Fund

The Loris and Merle Coe Scholarship Fund assists graduating seniors (including home-schooled students) accepted to any two or four-year college or university who are either a Boy Scout or Girl Scout and have earned either an Eagle Scout Award or rank of Life Scout, Gold Award or Silver Award. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500

Renewable:

• Yes

The NCVMA Public and Private Animal Shelter Fund provides a one-time grant of up to $2500 to support public and private animal shelters in North Carolina. This initiative aims to enhance the health and welfare of animals by assisting shelters in making necessary repairs and ensuring compliance with state inspection guidelines. Eligible applicants include animal shelters defined by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, focusing on upgrades that benefit animal welfare.

Town of Buena Vista Community Grants

Focus:

Programs or projects that directly benefit the Buena Vista community

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.

Lars Onsager Prize

To recognize outstanding research in theoretical statistical physics including the quantum fluids. The prize consists of $10,000 as well as a certificate citing the contribution made by the recipient. It was presented annually beginning in 1995.

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